Getting around: buses, Skyliner, Minnie Vans and on-site walking
You can get around Disney's Art of Animation Resort by complimentary Disney buses that run from the stop outside Animation Hall, the shared Disney Skyliner gondola station (shared with Pop Century) for Epcot and Hollywood Studios, paid Minnie Van rides via the Lyft app, or on foot around Hourglass Lake and to nearby resort-area destinations.
In this guide
Overview: how transportation at Art of Animation works
Animation Hall is the resort's central hub for arrivals, the food court Landscape of Flavors, the gift shop and the bus stop. Complimentary Wi‑Fi in rooms and public areas helps with mobile apps for travel planning and ordering.
Complimentary Disney buses serve the resort for travel to parks and Disney Springs. The property also shares a Disney Skyliner gondola station with Disney's Pop Century Resort and offers Minnie Van point‑to‑point rides for an extra fee via the Lyft app.
- Main transit point: bus stop outside Animation Hall
- A shared Skyliner station connects to the Skyliner network (transfer at Caribbean Beach may be required for some routes)
- Minnie Van rides: app-based, paid service using Lyft
| Service | Cost/Access | Where to catch it |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Bus | Complimentary for resort guests | Stop outside Animation Hall |
| Disney Skyliner | Complimentary for resort guests | Shared station (with Pop Century); access near Animation Hall |
| Minnie Van (Lyft) | Paid; request in Lyft app | Pickup from resort (app arranges driver) |
Disney buses: where they go and what to expect
Buses run from the stop outside Animation Hall to the Walt Disney World parks and Disney Springs. Schedules and routes can vary by day; check posted bus boards at Animation Hall or your My Disney Experience app for current times.
Disney bus service is complimentary for registered resort guests. Disney Springs runs from park opening until about one hour after park close per published info.
- Catch buses at the stop outside Animation Hall (near the front desk and Landscape of Flavors).
- Buses typically serve Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs directly from the resort.
- Allow extra time for peak‑period waits (mornings and evenings).
| Typical Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Direct bus service |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom | Direct bus service |
| Disney Springs | Runs from park open until about one hour after close |
Disney Skyliner: gondola access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Art of Animation shares a Skyliner station with Pop Century Resort. The Skyliner provides a gondola connection to the Skyliner network serving Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, but some Skyliner trips require a transfer at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.
Travel time on the Skyliner varies with wait times and any needed transfers; published notes indicate journeys can take up to about an hour including waits. Check posted Skyliner service notices for temporary closures or refurbishment windows.
- Station is shared with Pop Century Resort—follow on‑site signage to the boarding area.
- Skyliner is complimentary for resort guests.
- Closures for maintenance/refurbishment can be scheduled; check before you travel.
| Feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Serves | Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios (may require transfer at Caribbean Beach) |
| Cost | Complimentary for guests |
| Service notes | Wait and transfer time can make total trip longer than direct bus rides |
Minnie Vans and other paid ride options
Minnie Van is a private point‑to‑point ride service that operates via the Lyft app for an additional fee. The service provides direct rides around Walt Disney World and can be useful when you want a quicker or more private trip than shared Disney transport.
Minnie Van availability and pickup times depend on demand. If traveling with pets, dogs must remain in a carrier and policies differ by service—confirm details in the app or with the operator.
- Request and pay through the Lyft app (service is branded Minnie Van when available).
- Useful for direct trips when bus or Skyliner routes are indirect or include transfers.
- Expect additional cost; travel times include driver pickup and on‑resort navigation.
| Service | How to book |
|---|---|
| Minnie Van | Lyft app (additional fee) |
| Standard Lyft/Taxis | Lyft app or taxi provider (fees apply) |
| Shuttle/Private transfer | Book separately (not provided by resort) |
On-site walking: Hourglass Lake, pools and quick routes
A roughly 1.4‑mile jogging and walking trail loops around Hourglass Lake, providing an on‑property route for walks and runs. The resort's themed sections — Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid — are connected by sidewalks and paths.
Pools, playgrounds (Schoolyard Spray Ground, Righteous Reef Playground) and the Big Blue Pool are within walking distance from most guest buildings. The Big Blue Pool is the resort's main pool and is open year‑round.
- Jogging/walking trail around Hourglass Lake: ~1.4 miles.
- Three outdoor pools (Big Blue Pool, Cozy Cone Pool, Flippin' Fins Pool) and complimentary towels typically provided.
- Paths are the easiest way to move between sections; the Lion King section uses the resort pools but does not have its own separate pool.
| Walk | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Around Hourglass Lake | ~1.4-mile loop for jogging/walking |
| From buildings to Animation Hall | Sidewalks connect themed sections to the central building |
| Between pools and play areas | Short walks; family-friendly paths |
Walking to nearby parks and practical tips
Some destinations are within walking distance when you prefer to avoid transfers: Disney's Hollywood Studios is about 1.6 miles (roughly a 20‑minute walk depending on pace), and the resort is near Hourglass Lake paths that lead toward surrounding resort areas. Epcot is farther and typically reached faster by Skyliner or bus.
For mornings and park‑opening rushes, allow extra time—buses and Skyliner lines can be busy. Use the My Disney Experience app to check bus arrival times and mobile order at Landscape of Flavors to save time before you leave.
- Hollywood Studios: ~1.6 miles (about a 20‑minute walk depending on pace).
- Epcot: usually faster via Skyliner or bus than walking.
- Bring sunscreen and water for outdoor walks in hot months; Orlando weather can be hot and humid in summer.
| Destination | Best transit option from Art of Animation |
|---|---|
| Disney's Hollywood Studios | Skyliner or short walk; check time/transfer needs |
| Epcot | Skyliner (may require transfer); usually faster than walking |
| Disney Springs | Direct Disney bus |
