There is just so much to explore at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge that you could spend quite a bit of time here and really not even go to the parks. In fact, I would highly recommend this resort as a place to go to get away from it all for a lovely, relaxing weekend – no theme parks required.
So what all will you find at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?
The Theme, Design and Experience
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African lodge-style resort that is set right in the middle of a 43-acre wildlife preserve. Thatched ceilings, large beams, hand-carved golden-tone furnishings, real African artifacts and an enormous mud fireplace in the main lobby leave no doubt when you walk in: you are in Africa! Take the time to explore this area, as there are so many wonderful pieces of art that have come directly from Africa, and they are fascinating. For example, there is a 16-foot mask in the lobby that is the first of its kind ever to leave Nigeria. And if you are lucky enough to go over the Christmas holidays, you will have the added bonus of a huge and magnificent Christmas tree right in the middle of it all, and decorated with more African items.
Most people think “animals” when they think of Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it is true that you can’t – nor would you want to – escape the fact that you are staying in a wildlife refuge. For those of you who are like me and unlikely to ever actually go on a true African safari, this is an amazing experience.
An added bonus for Guests who book a Savannah View room is the opportunity to walk out onto your balcony and find that animals are literally just feet away. I will never forget waking up in the middle of the night to a soft, muffled sound right outside of our balcony……What IS THAT sound?…. only to discover a herd of wildebeests contentedly grazing, just feet from where I was standing. In the middle of the night. Right outside my door. It was a seriously incredible experience.
Even if you can’t stay overnight, there is so much to explore at this resort, that I truly encourage you to take some time to visit. Just outside the main lobby, there is an elevated rock platform—Arusha Rock—where you can animal watch, in addition to getting a magnificent view of the resort. Or explore the many alcoves that overlook various parts of the savannahs, offering more animal views.
But Wait, There’s More
Then there is, of course the food. You can enjoy authentic African cuisine at the resort’s two award-winning restaurants, Jiko – The Cooking Place and Boma – Flavors of Africa. But if these don’t appeal to you or your family, you will also find The Mara, a Quick Service food location, where you will find a selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza and burgers, and where you can enjoy your meal either indoors or poolside.
In addition, you will also find:
- Uzima pool, an 11,000-square-foot zero-depth entry poolthat offers a 67-foot-long slide
- A Wading pool
- 2 Whirlpool spas
- 24 hour high-tech game room
- Playground
- Animal-themed activities and programs, including the chance to watch animals via night vision, watch animal handlers feed, become a junior researcher, listen to African storytelling or go on a “safari”.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth an entire vacation all it’s own. I hope you will plan some time in your next trip to explore and enjoy this amazing resort!
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