Like this post? Please share!
Today’s #BayouTravel recap is from my recent visit to Walt Disney World in Florida. Although Animal Kingdom Lodge is considered a Deluxe Resort, I find that the lodge is a good value for the experience it offers. Where else would over 200 animals and birds call home? Animal Kingdom Lodge gives guest the opportunity to experience the African experience with lush savannas and one of the largest, pristine collection of African art in the united States.
The horseshoe-curved design layout gives guests the visual experience they are truly paying for. Animals including gazelles, zebras, giraffes, flamingos and over 30 species of African wildlife are waiting for guests to discover them. Guests can also take part in the Wanyama Safari and Dinner which provides a 3 course dinner and hands on, up close animal experience.
My friend and I popped into the Children’s Activity Center where younger guests, ages 3-12 can be entertained in a secure location. There are plenty of activities that can keep the little ones entertained. We definitely wanted to hang out and we traveled with no children! From arts & crafts, video games and more your child is bound to be entertained for hours at a time.
While we were waiting for our dinner reservations, we strolled to the pool area, Uwanja Camp, which features cargo crates, unscramble animal images suitable for ages 4 and under where tiny tots can and play with the bubbling geyser and shallow cistern pool while their parents sit nearby. We also roasted marshmallows, yes without kids!
The location is perfect for those that want to enjoy their evenings in peace and avoid the hustle and bustle of visiting Disney Parks during the day. The peacefulness that the animals exude is a huge contrast compared to long lines, cranky children and exhausted parents.
Aside from the activity schedule located in your room, guests can also enjoy amenities like Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade, Jogging Trails, an 11,000-square-foot pool and award-winning dining. When I visit again, I hope to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Sunrise Safari which allows guests an early morning safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park followed by a hearty breakfast afterward.
Don’t forget about dinner! My resort roomie & I met 2 of her friends at Sanaa. Sanaa takes art of African cooking and infuses it with Indian flavors. The results are out of this world! Between the slow-cooked meats (beef short ribs are divine) in gravy, Indian-style bread service (get the sampler) and the dessert trio which includes Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse, Banana Cheesecake, and Seasonal Kulfi you will feel like a Rhino when you leave Sanaa.
Sanna is a great way to encourage children to eat “outside the box’ and leave their palettes bursting with flavor.
Whether you are staying at a Disney Resort or not, you can experience the splendor of Animal kingdom Lodge using Disney Transportation at any of the Disney Parks. Visiting the resort before booking helps perspective guests get a feel for the resort and the amenities that are offered offer. You can also take part in some of the resort’s activities for the day as well.
Have you stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge? What was the highlight of your experience?
What an amazing time! Looks like you had a blast.
I love the Animal Kingdom but didn’t know the resort was there. We are planning a trip and this is definitey going to be at the top of our list of places to stay!
I have ALWAYS wanted to stay there, but when I’ve looked into it I have been nervous about the cost. You totally talk me into when. When we start planning this trip I’ll just budget for this hotel. It looks amazing!
We’ve been to DW three times, but never stayed there. We really need to try it.
I haven’t been to animal kingdom in years but your pictures is making me want to take the boychild back. He would love it!
I saw a brief tour once on tv, but I’ve never stayed there. It really has a neat, relaxing vibe to it!
You know, we’ve been to Animal Kingdom a few times, but never stayed at the Lodge. I just love how you can watch the animals from your room & common areas. And that picture of the giraffe is amazing! You were so close!
Glad you had a good time!
I stayed at animal kingdom lodge two weeks ago. I loved this resort the animals were outside in the savana.I will definitely be staying here again!