Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers dedicated transportation services to Epcot, one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World. As a guest, you benefit from the complimentary bus transportation provided by Disney, which is designed to make your travel to EPCOT both convenient and efficient. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes, with the first bus departing from the resort 45 minutes before the park opening and the last bus leaving EPCOT shortly after park closing.
To utilize the transport services effectively, locate the bus stop situated outside the main building of the Art of Animation Resort. The journey to EPCOT typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. Be mindful that during peak seasons or special events, you may encounter longer wait times, so planning accordingly is advisable.
Disney takes pride in offering a variety of transport options that also include the Disney Skyliner, a gondola system that connects select resorts to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the Art of Animation Resort is not directly served by the Skyliner, a short walk to the nearby Disney’s Pop Century Resort gives you access to this novel aerial transportation, providing a unique travel experience with aerial views of the Disney World property.
Bus Service at Disney World
Disney’s bus service is a transportation system provided at Walt Disney World Resort that allows guests to travel to various theme parks and attractions. You have access to complimentary bus transportation between Disney Resort hotels and places like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additionally, the bus service includes routes to Disney’s water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
For guests staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, bus transportation is a convenient option. Buses regularly travel from the resort to Epcot, which typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on wait times at the bus stop.
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Locate the Bus Stops: At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you’ll find the main bus stop located near the Animation Hall building.
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Operating Hours: Buses usually start running 45 minutes prior to park opening and end approximately an hour after park closing. Verify the schedule which can be found at each bus stop or by using the My Disney Experience app.
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Map and Directions: The My Disney Experience app or paper maps available at your Disney Resort Hotel can assist you in navigating the bus routes.
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Wait Times and Frequency: Disney buses typically arrive every 20 minutes. During peak hours, frequency can increase.
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Pop Century Resort: An additional benefit is that you can also catch a bus from the neighboring Pop Century Resort for added convenience.
Remember, Disney buses are part of a well-managed transport network ensuring you reach your desired destinations within the Walt Disney World Resort efficiently and in comfort.
Water Transportation
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a variety of transportation options to Epcot, but water transportation is not available directly from this resort. However, you can enjoy water transportation options from select other Walt Disney World Resort locations, including EPCOT area resorts.
Ferryboats
Ferryboats operate across several Walt Disney World Resort areas. For instance, from Magic Kingdom, you can take a ferry to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), which is adjacent to the Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort. These iconic boats offer scenic views of resorts and parks, providing a serene transit experience.
- Route: Magic Kingdom to TTC – includes views of Contemporary Resort.
- Scenery: Witness the grandiosity of waterfront resorts.
- Frequency: Regular departures throughout the day.
Water Taxis
Water taxis, often referred to as Friendship Boats, provide service between EPCOT and neighboring resorts including Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. They also connect to the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, placing you conveniently at the entrance of Epcot.
- Accessibility: Boarding docks at Epcot Resorts.
- Travel Time: Efficient transit to EPCOT with picturesque routes.
- Boarding Points: Resorts offer clearly marked boarding areas.
To get to the relevant docks for these water taxis from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, utilize complimentary bus transportation to either EPCOT or Disney Springs, and transfer to a water taxi at one of the associated resort hotels.
Monorail System
The Disney Monorail is an efficient, elevated train system providing transportation within Walt Disney World Resort. Connecting Parks and Resorts, the monorail links EPCOT to the Magic Kingdom, as well as to select Disney resort hotels, including the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. These are often referred to as the Monorail Resorts.
When traveling from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to Epcot, your journey will require a transfer. Start by catching a bus to Magic Kingdom, where the monorail station is located. Follow these steps:
- Board the Disney bus to the Magic Kingdom.
- Transfer to the monorail system at the Magic Kingdom.
Travel times vary, but the monorail is known for being one of the Fastest Ways to get around Disney World. The monorail arrives approximately every 10 minutes, so transfers are quick and efficient. Once aboard the monorail, the ride to EPCOT is typically around 15 minutes.
Keep in mind that the monorail begins running 30 minutes prior to the earliest park opening and ceases operations one hour after the latest park closing. This ensures that you have ample time to navigate between Disney World attractions and accommodations. Moreover, riding the monorail offers unique aerial views of the resort, making your travel to EPCOT enjoyable beyond mere convenience.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola system that links several Disney resorts and parks. If you’re staying at the Art of Animation Resort and wish to visit Epcot, the Skyliner offers a direct route. Your journey will be both scenic and convenient as you glide above the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Boarding: You will board the Skyliner at the shared station with Pop Century Resort, which is a short walk from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The gondolas accommodate up to 10 guests, giving your party ample space to relax.
- Route: From the Art of Animation boarding area, you travel to the Caribbean Beach Resort main hub. Here, you transfer to the EPCOT line, which makes a brief intermediate stop at the Riviera Resort before heading to the International Gateway at Epcot.
- Views: As you travel, enjoy panoramic views of Walt Disney World, including glimpses of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT and the Hollywood Studios park.
- Travel Times: The entire trip from the Art of Animation to EPCOT typically takes around 30 minutes, which includes transfer time at the Caribbean Beach Resort station.
- Hours: Skyliner operating hours vary but generally align with park hours, affording you flexibility to plan your day at Epcot.
Remember to check the latest schedules when planning your visit, as maintenance or weather conditions may affect service hours. The Disney Skyliner provides not only a swift journey to EPCOT but also a moment of unique aerial enchantment during your Disney vacation.
Minnie Van Service
Minnie Van service is a premium, private transportation option available at Walt Disney World Resort that allows guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels to travel to various theme parks, including Epcot. Operated by Disney Cast Members, these distinctive polka-dotted vehicles can be booked through the My Disney Experience app.
To use the Minnie Van service to travel from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to Epcot:
- Open the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone.
- Select the Minnie Van service option from the given choices.
- Follow the prompts to book your ride.
Booking a Minnie Van includes the following benefits:
- Direct, door-to-door service: Enjoy the convenience of being picked up and dropped off right at your desired location.
- Comfort: Minnie Vans are well-maintained and equipped with child safety seats upon request.
- Efficiency: Save time with direct transportation without additional stops.
Minnie Vans are typically Chevrolet Traverse or similar vehicles, ensuring a spacious and comfortable ride. The service operates within the Walt Disney World Resort, including all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and other Disney Resort Hotels. Fees for Minnie Van services are determined by distance traveled and are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account or can be paid directly through the app.
Remember, availability for Minnie Van service can vary, and it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak hours or busy seasons. This personalized transport experience enhances your visit, ensuring you maximize your time at the parks.
Walking Paths
A walking path is a designated trail or route for pedestrians to walk. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a scenic walking path that provides a direct route to EPCOT for resort guests. This path ensures that you can enjoy a leisurely stroll from your hotel to the theme park while taking in picturesque views.
The distance from the Art of Animation Resort to EPCOT is not typically walkable, as they are located several miles apart. Consequently, no official walking paths directly link the two. However, for exercise or enjoyment, you can explore various walking paths within the resort itself. These paths boast vibrant themes and landscapes that encapsulate Disney’s storytelling.
To enhance your walking experience, consider these options:
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Explore the Resort Perimeter: Start with a trek around the Art of Animation Resort. This enjoyable walk lets you admire the themed sections, including the landscapes from “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
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Venture to Hourglass Lake: Connect with nature by walking the path around Hourglass Lake. Situated between Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts, this path offers scenic lake views. The distance around the lake is approximately 1.38 miles, providing a perfect circuit for a morning jog or an evening walk.
If you’re solely interested in traveling to EPCOT or other Disney Resorts, alternative transportation options are available. Disney’s complimentary bus service runs frequently from the Art of Animation Resort to Epcot, allowing for convenient and efficient travel. For an innovative experience, the Disney Skyliner also connects the resort to Epcot, offering aerial views of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Personal Vehicle Use
Personal Vehicle Use refers to the usage of one’s own car rather than relying on public transportation or services. Parking at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is convenient for guests staying at the hotel or visiting for the day. You’ll find ample parking spaces near your resort accommodation. Access the resort by driving along Buena Vista Drive and following the signs to the Art of Animation Resort entrance.
- Drive directly to Epcot, allowing for a personalized travel schedule and potentially shorter travel times compared to the complimentary resort transportation.
- Park your vehicle at Epcot’s guest parking lot; remember that parking fees are required for non-resort guests.
- Ensure your resort room is linked to your parking pass to take advantage of included parking as part of your resort stay privileges.
Utilizing a personal vehicle grants flexibility in travel plans during your vacation. You can embark on excursions beyond the Disney resorts and hotels with ease. As a guest, you’ll receive a parking permit that allows you unrestricted re-entry to your hotel’s parking lot throughout your stay.
Keep in mind the importance of adhering to posted speed limits and traffic signals while driving on resort property. Safety is a key concern in these high-traffic areas, especially considering the presence of pedestrians. Always secure valuables and lock your vehicle when parked, as Disney is not responsible for theft or damage. Personal vehicle use can enhance your vacation experience by providing a sense of autonomy and convenience.
Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are on-demand transportation options that operate through a mobile app. When you stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you can use these services for a quick and efficient trip to Epcot.
- Download the App: First, install the Uber or Lyft app on your smartphone and create an account.
- Request a Ride: Choose your destination as EPCOT and request a ride. A nearby driver will accept your request.
- Meet Your Driver: You’ll be provided with the driver’s details; meet them at the designated pickup location at the resort.
- Enjoy Your Ride: Travel to EPCOT in the comfort of a private vehicle. Ride-sharing can often be the fastest way to reach your destination compared to other Walt Disney World transportation options.
Ride-sharing services provide estimated travel times and fares before you confirm your ride, allowing you to plan accordingly. During your stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you might find that the fastest way to reach Epcot, especially during peak hours or when direct resort transportation is crowded, is with Uber or Lyft.
Remember, costs for ride-sharing vary based on demand and time of day. Early mornings or late evenings might offer lower fares. Additionally, both Uber and Lyft offer various vehicle options to accommodate your party size and luggage needs. Keep an eye on the app for any special promotions or discounts that may apply during your visit to Walt Disney World.
Taxi Services
A taxi is a vehicle licensed for transporting passengers in return for payment of a fare. When staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, you have the option to take a taxi to EPCOT or any other Disney theme parks. Taxis are readily available at the resort’s main entrance.
Availability: Taxis are available 24/7. You can request a taxi at the resort’s front desk or hail one from the taxi stand.
Fare Estimates:
- A typical taxi fare from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to EPCOT is between $15 and $20.
- The fare calculation is based on distance traveled and time taken.
- Remember that prices can vary depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
Steps for Taking a Taxi:
- Approach the taxi stand or inquire at the front desk about calling a taxi.
- Provide your destination, in this case, Epcot, to the taxi driver.
- Confirm the estimated fare before departing.
Traveling by taxi is convenient for direct access to EPCOT without the wait times associated with complimentary Disney transportation options. Additionally, after spending time exploring Disney Springs or other nearby hotels and resorts, a taxi can provide easy transportation back to the Art of Animation Resort.
