Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Have you ever dreamed of going on an African Safari and seeing all the amazing animals roaming around right in front of you?  If so, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the place for you!

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe resorts.  The South African wildlife theme of the resort is breathtaking, from the large mud fireplace to the thatched ceilings, real African artifacts and the African music playing softly in the background.  And let’s not forget about the animals roaming the grounds- zebras, giraffes, ostrich, flamingos, greater kudu, impalas, white-bearded wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and more!  There are over 200 animals and 30 different species of wildlife that roam four tropical savannas.

You will have an opportunity to see the exotic animals from special alcoves throughout the resort as well as from balconies of the Savanna View rooms!  That’s right… you can wake up in the morning, open your balcony door, and have a cup of coffee while watching giraffes or zebras wandering around right outside your room!  There are Safari Guides at the outside viewing areas to answer questions and share information about the animals.  A special activity offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is night vision goggles to watch the animals roaming the savannas when it is dark out.  The animals truly are amazing and make a stay at this resort a once in a lifetime experience.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is amidst a 43 acre wildlife reserve and is split into two different sections- Jambo House and Kidani Village.  The Kidani Village is a Disney Vacation Club resort.  The accommodations are finished in vibrant colors and the rooms feature hand-carved furnishings.  The theme is carried throughout the architecture, landscape and interior designs of the resort.  When you approach the resort, it appears to be a small safari village.  Upon walking through the front doors, a Cast Member says “Welcome Home”… and what a home it is!  The lobby is astonishing, the grounds are unbelievable and the restaurants are delicious!

There are several different room options at the resort.  One of the unique options is a room with a queen bed and a set of bunk beds.  You will not be disappointed with any of the room options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

The Uzima pool is 11,000 square feet and a 67 foot long slide is designed to look like a watering hole one may find in the middle of an African savanna.  The pool is open 24 hours and offers a zero-depth entry which is great for small children.  There is also a kids’ wading pool, two outdoor hot tubs and a playground.

A special benefit of staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the option to go on the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure (for an extra fee).  It is available on Sundays and Thursdays and begins at 7:30am.  The tour lasts about 45 minutes and takes you along the Kilimanjaro Safari ride path in the Animal Kingdom Park.  It includes multiple stops and a plethora of information about the different animals.  A breakfast buffet is included.

For another unforgettable experience, you can make reservations for the Wanyama Safari. Enjoy up-close encounters with the wildlife at the resort and then conclude with a mouthwatering meal at Jiko – The Cooking Place.

Some other services available are the Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center (at Kidani Village), Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center (at Jambo House), babysitting and child services, concierge assistance, laundry facilities and room service.  The Animal Kingdom Lodge offers many activities for guests to enhance your experience and stay, like cooking lessons, storytelling by the fire, scavenger hunts, and art and craft projects.

There are several dining options available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

*Jiko- The Cooking Place- A table service restaurant where you can relax in the soothing colors of an African sunset and devour the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine and impressive wines.

*Boma – Flavors of Africa- A table service restaurant that offers breakfast and dinner buffets.  Boma offers African food inspired by the culinary culture of more than 50 countries.

*Mara- A quick service dining option that is open morning to night.  You can dine indoors or poolside.  The Mara offers a selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza and burgers.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is closest to Animal Kingdom Park, but the Disney bus transportation system makes getting to any of the parks an efficient and enjoyable experience.  You can expect to spend anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes on the bus to get to one of the four Walt Disney World parks.

When you choose Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge as your home during your Walt Disney World vacation, you are transported into a different world… one full of the attention to detail and the magical experience for which Disney is known.  Stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge – you will be blown away by the Magic.

Contact me to learn more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and all my FREE Disney Vacation Planning  services!

Skye Durrer
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
skye@mickeytravels.com
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