Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at an unforgettable glance

Often when speaking of Disney, it is the kids who get all excited about where to go and what to see. But when it comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it is my husband who can’t stop daydreaming. The conversations about taking a trip to this specific resort on our next family vacation is one we have had many times over.

What excites him about this resort are the live animals one can see freely roaming the 43-acre wildlife preserve. I won’t deny that I was a bit curious about the resort as well, but I had no idea how incredibly cool it was to actually see this up close and personal.

The African decor is consistent throughout the hotel. From the lobby to the room to the in-house dining experience at Jiko, one of their restaurants featuring African cuisine. Boma-Flavors of Africa, has a wonderful breakfast buffet, with special African dishes as well as the usual American flair. I loved watching the chefs prepare the morning’s dishes and enjoyed tasting them all even more!

I stayed in a standard room with a queen-size bed, bunk beds, and a savanna view. which starts at $345.00 a night. When staying at the rooms with a savanna view, the measures of precaution are heightened to protect the animals. From the moment you check-in you receive instructions about things to be mindful of, from signs about taking care to not drop anything off the balcony (that the animals could eat) to being aware of cameras on-site (so close your drapes). Balloons are not allowed on site, and they offer concierge service should you come to the hotel with one.

The resort offers a wonderful list of recreational activities for the whole family, including a kids club as well as pool, fitness center, game room, and community hall. But my absolute favorite activity while there was looking for the “Hidden Mickeys” found not only on this resort, but all throughout the Disney grounds. With the help of some friends I was able to find some on the wall, shower curtains, carpets, and even in one of the overhead lamps in the main lobby.

The truth is that once you make it a goal to find the Hidden Mickeys you are bound to become quite obsessed over it. That’s why it might be a good idea to head on over to your nearest Disney gift shop and pick up a copy of Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys Guide (or download a copy to your  smart phone)!

But whether or not finding Mickeys is your thing, you and the family will have plenty to do. I happen to consider Animal Kingdom Park to be my favorite place to visit of all the Disney parks and think it’s wonderful that it is so easily accessible from all the resorts, but from Animal Kingdom Lodge especially. Even getting to the resorts from the airport is a breeze, as guests have shuttles the will pick them up and drop them off at their desired destination. The check process for this is simple and stress-free.

Sadly, when I got to stay at the resort, it was for work, so my husband and kids stayed behind.  I am glad that I got to check it out though, because now I know that it will be all my husband expects and more. As mentioned in my post on Touring the Disney Resorts, there are lots resort options offered by Disney, many developed to accommodate any family budget.

But Animal Kingdom is on my list as the place to visit next on a planned family vacation because of all it has to offer, because of its proximity to my favorite Disney park, and most especially, because there is nothing cooler then waking up in the morning, looking out your balcony, and seeing a zebra right in front of you.

For reservations to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge please visit Disney.go.com or call (407) 939-6244.

Disclosure:  Travel and accommodations were provided courtesy of Disney Media for the purpose of this review. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. For more information please refer to the disclosure page.

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Posted in Cool Finds, Hotels/Camp Sites/Resorts | 2 Comments »