Ok, in those cases where you have to interact with an object:
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the object should define where the player needs to be.
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the interaction from the player will move the actor where it is required to be by the object.
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the relevant animation will start to play after the alignment has occurred.
You can use all sorts of ways to align a character.
For far distances I suggest removing all user input, maybe even switching to an AI controller and having it moveto to the location you need.
For short distances where “gliding” won’t be noticed, set up a basic animation that loops. Play it as a montage.
Align the character over a timeline with a lerp.
At the end of the lerp toggle out of the loop by playing the animation montage you need.
For “evolved” situations where you want to take a step, rotate, etc. You need to study up on Predictive Animation to set up something which will work in your specific case…