This resort is a Roaring good time. Located in the Animal Kingdom area this resort is perfect for animal lovers. Let's find out why you should stay here during your next Walt Disney World vacation.
Welcome to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is categorized as a Deluxe resort. At the Animal Kingdom Lodge you will feel like you are in the heart of Africa. This resort provides spectacular views of 4 savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the U.S. as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.
First Impressions
As you walk into the resort you can't help but to be taken away by all of the details. The high ceiling, intricate light displays, the African art displayed in every direction, and the floor to ceiling windows that look out to one of the savannas. When I stepped into this resort I felt like I was transported to an African adventure far away. It feels like Disney with the magical touches but is very much its own unique resort and I appreciate it so much for that. As you walk in further you will see the resort's store on your right, and cast members ready to assist you on your left. Follow the bright light from the windows straight ahead and you can find doors that lead to a few overlook areas with gorgeous rocking chairs inviting you to sit, relax, and look
for your favorite animal. You can even find animal guides here to help you figure out what animals you are seeing!
The Rooms
Let's start by talking about the different types of rooms you can find at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Standard view
Savanna View
Pool View
1 bedroom suites with club level services
2 bedroom suites with club level services
Two things to keep in mind:
Club services come with access to the club that has food, drinks, and alcohol. You will also have concierge services, and health club access. The food and drinks are a big seller for me.
If you are looking for more space/longer stay you might want to consider a Villa which offers more room, a full kitchen, and washer/dryer.
I have only stayed in this Savannah View room. This room includes two queen sized beds with a balcony overlooking the savanna. This room did not disappoint. The rooms are newly remodeled and have a subtle Lion King theme. There was plenty of room for storage between hall space and closets. I love that most resorts have a separated bathroom space. This allows someone to be showering while another is getting ready with the mirror. On top of it there are double
sinks making it so convenient for multiple people. There was a small coffee area with a mini fridge under. Being Disney though this mini fridge is hiding behind a closet door because they always stay on theme.
Now this view is one of my favorite parts of this resort. Nothing made me happier than waking up in the morning, having a cup of coffee, and watching the sunrise. You will find cast members setting food around the perimeter of the resort to encourage the animals to come up close and personal. I saw giraffes, zebras, and many more exciting animals. Don't worry though if your room doesn't have a savanna view there are PLENTY of other ways to enjoy the animals.
Eating & drinking
Alright let's dive in.
There are many options at this resort. From sit down dining, to quick service, there is something here that works for everyone.
Let's name the dining options at Animal Kingdom Lodge:
Jiko - The Cooking Place offers many delicious African meals for dinner
Boma offers breakfast and dinner options. During breakfast you can find a buffet featuring waffles, cinnamon rolls, omelets, turkey bobotie, and much more. During dinner don't miss their buffet featuring African spiced beef, sweet corn
pudding, yassa-styled salmon, and much more.
The Mara- this is where you will find great quick service options. Here you will see your classic grab and go items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast don't miss the Mickey waffles or the French toast bread pudding. During lunch and dinner you can expect to have burgers, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and more. Don't miss the Zebra domes for desert! These yummy treats are Chocolate Mousse
baked with Amarula Cream Liquor-coated White Chocolate drizzled with Chocolate Stripes and Chocolate Shavings.
Sanaa- This is my personal favorite and you can't beat the view you have of the savanna. If having a savanna view is important to you make sure you tell the hostess! Open for all three meals Sanaa is a great option. Don't skip the bread service during lunch or dinner. The Indian style bread service comes with 5 different types of bread and 8 different dipping and topping options. It is so fun to try them all and pick your favorites. Here you will find the art of African cooking with Indian flavors.
On top of the dining options you will find great places to grab a drink like
Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
Victoria Falls Lounge
Sanaa Lounge
and the various pool bars
Recreation
There is SO much to do at this resort. Between animal watching, roasting s'mores, to soaking up the sun at the pool, there is plenty to keep you occupied at the resort alone.
Uzima Springs Pool
Samawati Springs Pool
Uwanja Camp which is a water playground with 3 areas that is sure please kids of all ages
Camp Fires between 6-7 PM
Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade
Movies Under the Stars
Off the Path tour- a free tour with an animal educator for a wider view of the Pemble Savanna.
Transportation
This resort is SO close to Animal Kingdom but a little further to the other parks. This isn't a problem though because you have Disney's free transportation to save the day. From Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge you will be able to take the shuttle buses to/from all four parks as well as Disney Springs. Don't forget to use your My Disney Experience app to look up bus times. This will give you a heads up about when to expect the buses to be arriving at the resort. This will help you plan when to get down to the bus stop.
Are you interested in staying here during your next Walt Disney World vacation? I sure hope so! My goal is that you leave here feeling like you know this resort better. As always if you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out and email me at nikki@ropedroptravel.com
xoxo,
Rope Drop Nikki
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