Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
When Disney decided to expand their park offerings to a wild animal park, it only made sense to include an African-themed lodge in the middle of the 43-acre wildlife preserve thus Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was built. Solidifying the commitment of the park to educating the public about wildlife and the needs of all people the world over, this park and the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge work to showcase the importance of the animals.
You will also find that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the Disney Vacation Club hotels so if you are looking to buy into, you do have access to many sizes of rooms.
One of the best parts of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is that you can see the animals, and even at night, from this hotel. The African style artifacts will make you feel like you are on a real safari in Africa. You have panoramic views of the surrounding savanna and you will be able to look out at the animals any time of day or night from up high or the special glass observatories. You can even make reservations for the Wanyama Safari for an up close and personal experience with the wildlife. The Waynyama Safari is only for guests of the hotel, and you get dinner at Jiko as well as a Safari drive which gives you some time to learn about the animals.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, as with many of the other Disney resorts you have access to the community hall for play time with foosball, pool, video games and various arts and crafts for rainy days. You can hit up the playground, appropriately named Hakuna Matata or enjoy movies under the stars every night, weather permitting. The Samawati Springs is a 4700 square foot pool with a long slide and attached hot tubs for all to enjoy.
The Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Fitness center and jogging trails are a great way to stay on top of your training even when on vacation. Simba’s clubhouse is on the first floor of the pool deck and you can send the kids there for various daily activities. Specifically set up for this hotel are various animal programs so you can get up and close with some of the local wildlife like giraffes. Uwanja camp is a observation themed water playground that gives kids a chance to play with various water guns.
Dining Options
You will find some amazing restaurants located within.. Specific to the African themed Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge you can enjoy Boma-Flavors of Africa. These meals will be interesting and unique, but works as a buffet so you can pick and choose what you eat. The food featured represents many different countries. You can find Boma in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House.
The more expensive option is Jiko, where you can watch the sunset. This is a marriage of African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine and you can even pair it with wine. If you are looking for something fast, hit up the Mara, open from breakfast to dinner you can pick from soups, sandwiches and pizza to then get on your way to the park or whatever other plans you may have. For adult beverages you can check out Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar or Victoria Falls. Sanaa is a sit down tandoor style food restaurant located in the Kidani Village.
Amenities
You can order Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge room service six am to midnight everyday. You can choose from the African inspired food and the regular American fare. If you want to enjoy food on your balcony for sunset, feel free to pre-order. The concierge will help you with tickets for the park or any type of reservations you might need. This includes restaurants on premises or in the surrounding area.
You can also count on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for great babysitting if you want a night out on your own. You will never have to move your car as the shuttle service will take you to any place you’d like to go at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is nice to know you have all the transportation you need.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is truly unique and for the animal lover is probably the best choice. You will enjoy the proximity to the animals as well as the ability to scope out the animals early in the morning and late at night. It gives you a once in a lifetime experience of being close to animals without having to travel all the way to the true African desert.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a nice hotel with some great dining options and an amazing pool. The only problem we have with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the distance to the other parks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a must do for the food.
