How to get to Art of Animation from Orlando airports
The nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO); from MCO you can reach Disney's Art of Animation Resort by rental car, taxi/rideshare, or an airport-to-resort private/meet‑and‑greet shuttle such as Mears Connect. Orlando Sanford International (SFB) is an alternate airport but is farther and has fewer direct transfer options to the resort.
In this guide
Overview — where the resort sits
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is at 1850 Animation Way, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 inside the Walt Disney World property. It's a value-level, family-oriented resort built around themed areas for Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.
Animation Hall is the resort's central building for check-in, the Landscape of Flavors quick-service food court, the gift shop and the arcade; complimentary Disney bus service and the Disney Skyliner station nearby provide on‑property transit to parks. Photo: 0
From Orlando International Airport (MCO): main options
MCO is the closest major airport to the resort (sources list about 19–22 miles and 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). You should plan your transfer based on luggage, group size and schedule rather than assuming a single fastest option.
Walt Disney World no longer offers a hotel airport shuttle; guests use private airport transfer services, taxis, rideshares, or rental cars to reach Disney resorts.
- Mears Connect (airport shuttle/private transfer) — booth locations at MCO Terminals; runs between the airport and Disney Resort hotels (private or shared shuttles available depending on booking).
- Taxi or app-based rideshare (Uber/Lyft) — direct point-to-point service from MCO to the resort.
- Rental car — follow the airport signs to I‑4/SR‑417 and local Walt Disney World exits; parking is complimentary for registered Disney Resort hotel guests.
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mears Connect / private shuttle | Groups with lots of luggage or who prefer booked transfers | Mears operates at MCO terminals (book in advance); Disney no longer provides direct airport buses. |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Small groups or faster direct pickup | Pickup at rideshare/taxi zones at terminals; fares vary by time/traffic. |
| Rental car | Visitors planning to drive around Orlando or day trips | Free self-parking for registered guests; expect 30–60 minute drive depending on traffic. |
From Orlando Sanford International (SFB)
SFB is an alternate commercial airport serving some carriers; it's farther from Walt Disney World than MCO and typically has fewer direct ground-transfer options. Travelers who fly into SFB commonly arrange private transfers, rental cars, or use long-distance shuttle services booked in advance.
Because SFB is farther away, expect longer transfer times and fewer immediate curbside transfer services compared with MCO. Check flight arrival times against shuttle schedules when booking a shared transfer.
- Private car service or reserved shuttle — book ahead and confirm SFB pickup point.
- Rental car — SFB has multiple rental counters; driving to Art of Animation is straightforward but longer than from MCO.
- Rideshare or taxi — available but can be more expensive over the longer distance.
Using rideshare, taxis, and Disney's Minnie Van
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis provide door-to-door service from airport terminals to the resort; follow terminal signs to the designated pickup areas. Fares depend on surge pricing and traffic, and tip/taxi fees may apply.
Disney's Minnie Van program (when available) is an on-property, app-booked point-to-point service using the Lyft app; it provides convenient local travel inside Walt Disney World for a fee but is not an airport transfer option from MCO or SFB in the dossier facts. Confirm availability through the Lyft app before you book.
- Rideshare/taxi: good for smaller parties and flexible arrival times.
- Minnie Van: useful for on‑property trips (park-to-hotel or resort-to-resort) when the service is operating.
- Confirm pickup locations at the airport terminals — MCO has designated rideshare/taxi areas.
Driving and parking at Art of Animation
If you rent a car, drive to 1850 Animation Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. The resort provides complimentary self-parking for registered Disney Resort hotel guests under current Disney policy.
Animation Hall is where you'll park and check in; the property is also convenient for driving to nearby Disney destinations such as Disney's Hollywood Studios, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Disney Springs.
- Bring your reservation and photo ID for check-in (check-in begins at 3:00 PM; minimum check-in age is 18).
- Self-parking is complimentary for registered guests; the resort's address and lot signage will guide you to guest parking areas.
Transfers, timing and Skyliner notes
The resort shares a Disney Skyliner gondola station with Pop Century Resort for service toward EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios (route requires a transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort). Skyliner is useful for park travel from the resort but is not an airport connection. Travel time to parks via Skyliner can vary and may take up to an hour including wait and transfer time.
When planning arrival from the airport, factor in luggage pickup and traffic. If you need an arranged ground transfer, book Mears Connect or a private car in advance; taxis and rideshares are available at curbside pickup locations at MCO and SFB.
- Skyliner: useful for reaching EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from the resort (not an airport transfer).
- Allow extra time at airports for baggage claim and for shuttle pickup or rideshare queueing.
- If you plan to use a shared shuttle, confirm pickup terminal (Mears Connect has booths at MCO Terminal B and C, Level 1).
Practical tips for arrival day
If your flight arrives early, you can ask about luggage hold and see if your room is ready at check-in; check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Animation Hall provides 24-hour front desk assistance and luggage storage.
Landscape of Flavors in Animation Hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner if you need a quick meal after arrival; mobile ordering via the My Disney Experience app is available for faster pickup.
- Call BookResorts agents (24/7) at +1 (888) 605-1350 if you need help arranging transfers or have questions about arrival logistics.
- Have photo ID and a credit card ready at check-in (these are required).
- If you have a service animal or are traveling with a pet, check the resort pet policy and designated pet areas in advance.
