Best way to get to AoA from off-site? (Potty training success!)

[liamthompson]

I told my 3yo if he pooped on the potty, he could meet Lightening McQueen. Lo and behold, he decided to go for it during Christmas break. We are booked for a stay at Universal in February anyway so now I'm trying to figure out how to take him over to art of animation to meet his favorites and have some lunch.

Are these my options for getting to AoA?

1 - free parking at Disney springs, bus to AoA?

2 - $30 parking at Hollywood studios, skyliner to AoA?

Any other options I'm overlooking? Are there any other Cars things that we can visit?

 

[BostonEd]

If you still have your MDE app, do a mobile order at the food court at AoA. Then drive up and show the security guard you're having lunch.

 

[Dave006]

Are these my options for getting to AoA?

What time of day would you be wanting to visit AoA? I would suggest you just drive to the AoA gate and tell the Guard exactly what you are planning. There is a good change that you will be allowed in if it not around Park opening times at Epcot or HS due people trying to use the Sklyliner.

As an alternative if you are turned away I would suggest driving to Disney Springs, parking and taking an Uber / Lyft to AoA to save about 1 additional hour vs take a bus from DS to AoA and back.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

If you still have your MDE app, do a mobile order at the food court at AoA. Then drive up and show the security guard you're having lunch.

Does AoA Landscape of Flavors (Food Court) have a Geo distance fence for Mobile orders?

Dave

 

[Mle8308]

Does AoA Landscape of Flavors (Food Court) have a Geo distance fence for Mobile orders?

Dave

Yeah, I agree, I don't think the mobile order option will work. We went to Sebastian's for dinner one night when staying at the WL so we drove over and were allowed to park because of the ADR. Friends, who work for Disney, were going to join us after at Banana Cabana for drinks, they were going to pick up a quick dinner at the food court first. The guard wouldn't let them in, had them cancel their mobile order! They texted us so they ended up meeting us at Geyser Point instead, had no issues getting into the WL! I think the Skyliner resorts are strict, like the monorail resorts. I would not count on the mobile order trick to get in. Either be honest and hope for the best, or park at DS and bus over.

 

[liamthompson]

What time of day would you be wanting to visit AoA? I would suggest you just drive to the AoA gate and tell the Guard exactly what you are planning. There is a good change that you will be allowed in if it not around Park opening times at Epcot or HS due people trying to use the Sklyliner.

Planning on heading in around 10am so after park open but maybe not late enough to not look suspicious ha. We really just want to see the big cars statues, no funny business, but I can see why guards might turn us away.

 

[liamthompson]

Yeah, I agree, I don't think the mobile order option will work. We went to Sebastian's for dinner one night when staying at the WL so we drove over and were allowed to park because of the ADR. Friends, who work for Disney, were going to join us after at Banana Cabana for drinks, they were going to pick up a quick dinner at the food court first. The guard wouldn't let them in, had them cancel their mobile order! They texted us so they ended up meeting us at Geyser Point instead, had no issues getting into the WL! I think the Skyliner resorts are strict, like the monorail resorts. I would not count on the mobile order trick to get in. Either be honest and hope for the best, or park at DS and bus over.

Thanks for sharing this...sounds like it is very strict. I figure we'll try our luck with AoA guard first and then try Disney springs as a backup.

 

[Mle8308]

Thanks for sharing this...sounds like it is very strict. I figure we'll try our luck with AoA guard first and then try Disney springs as a backup.

They can be, it all depends on the guard. And I think if you are honest, and don't plan on riding the Skyliner, they would let you park. Fingers crossed, can't hurt to ask!

 

[Dug720]

And I think if you are honest, and don't plan on riding the Skyliner, they would let you park.

But how would they know you are "honest"? They aren't hooking people up to lie detectors. Anyone could say they were just going to look at the Cars section (or any other section) or "just eat at the food court", park, go through the lobby and keep right on going to the Skyliner.

 

[liamthompson]

They aren't hooking people up to lie detectors.

Hahaha I am just imagining what this would look like!

 

[jimmymc]

Disney Springs would be the safest bet.

 

[BostonEd]

Yeah, I agree, I don't think the mobile order option will work.

I just realized that AoA is now a Skyliner resort. I went there for lunch with my kids several years ago and had no problem getting in... but that was before the Skyliner!

 

[Dave006]

I just realized that AoA is now a Skyliner resort. I went there for lunch with my kids several years ago and had no problem getting in... but that was before the Skyliner!

Correct that's the key issue as to why the resort is quite strict on visitors driving and parking. There are so many guests wanting to use the Skyliner and park for free (non WDW Guests) and even WDW guests from other resorts wanting to use the Skyliner to Epcot and HS.

Dave

 

[Skippyboo]

Coming from Universal, you are going hit the exit for DS springs first. Maybe go check out the big World of Disney store. Then you can get the bus to AoA.

 

[liamthompson]

Coming from Universal, you are going hit the exit for DS springs first. Maybe go check out the big World of Disney store. Then you can get the bus to AoA.

Are my best bets to park in the orange or lime garage?

 

[WEDWDW]

If you go the Disney Springs route and time isn't an issue, I suggest taking a bus to Beach Club and fly on Disney Skyliner to AoA.

Or CBR for the short flight.

Flying in to meet Lightning would really add to the adventure IMO.

 

[liamthompson]

If you go the Disney Springs route and time isn't an issue, I suggest taking a bus to Beach Club and fly on Disney Skyliner to AoA.

Or CBR for the short flight.

Flying in to meet Lightning would really add to the adventure IMO.

Ohhh...this is such a fun idea!

 

[CarolynFH]

Are my best bets to park in the orange or lime garage?

The resort bus station is between the two, but the actual entrance to the individual resort bus stops is closer to the Orange garage pedestrian entrance to DS, so I’d park in Orange.