Experiencing the Magic: A Family Stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Welcome to the wild side of Walt Disney World Resort! Nestled amidst lush landscapes and African-inspired architecture lies Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, a captivating retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature while enjoying the magic of Disney. From thrilling safari adventures to luxurious accommodations, this unique resort offers an unforgettable experience for families seeking adventure and relaxation alike. Here is what our experience was like and everything you need to know before staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

We recently stayed as a family of four at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. My son is 8, and my daughter is 6. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law stayed down the hall from us. Last year, we stayed at All Stars Movies resort and had a blast. I scooped up one week at Animal Kingdom Lodge over Thanksgiving weekend for 25% off for rooms early in 2024. I secured an amazing deal of $397 per night for February 3rd-10th for a standard resort view room (the most basic room). For reference, if I look up rates today, I see $502 per night in June ($706 for a Savannah view), $486 per night in mid-August ($649 for a Savannah view), and $527 per night in October ($752 for Savannah view).

Upon check in, the delightful cast member asked if we had any requests for our room. I knew it was now or never for my request - I said that I paid for a resort view and if there as anyway to land a partial savannah view, that would be amazing. Well folks, she made it happen! That was a huge upgrade for us and we are very grateful for the room with a view of all the animals. I’m talking giraffes, zebras, ostriches, all types of elk and buffalo type animals. Having that view made our stay extra special. Is the savannah view worth it? Oh yes. But it’s even sweeter when it comes as a free upgrade.

Amenities Fit for Royalty:

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts an array of amenities designed to delight guests of all ages. Upon arrival, families are greeted by the grandeur of the lodge's towering thatched roofs and intricate wood carvings, setting the stage for an extraordinary stay. The resort offers a variety of room options, including spacious suites and villas, each adorned with authentic African decor and modern comforts to ensure a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.

The hotel is technically a museum - it’s filled with art. Be sure to pay close attention to the details. The hotel is absolutely gorgeous.

If you look down on the floors of the main entrance, you will see gold embossments on the floor. Keep an eye out for staff members who bring out paper and crayons to create frottage. Frottage involves rubbing a crayon over the embossment to produce texture on the paper you are shading onto. Essentially, when you run a pencil over paper with an object underneath, it creates unique shapes and texture on your paper. The embossments reflect the African-inspired ambiance.

Safari-Inspired Activities for Kids:

Young explorers will be thrilled by the array of activities available at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. From educational programs led by knowledgeable guides to exciting arts and crafts sessions, there's never a dull moment for children staying at this enchanting resort. Kids can embark on simulated safari adventures, where they'll encounter exotic animals such as giraffes, zebras, and flamingos roaming freely on the savannah just outside their windows.

At the time of our visit, you received a bead for each educational session we sat in on. When we learned about instruments, you received a drum bead. When you learned about Flamingos (do not skip this!), you received a flamingo feather bead. The guides string them onto a necklace for you to collect during your stay.

Dining Delights from Around the World:

For families with discerning palates, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a tantalizing array of dining options sure to satisfy every craving. From savory African-inspired cuisine at Jiko - The Cooking Place to family-friendly buffets at Boma - Flavors of Africa, there's something to please every palate. Guests can also enjoy casual dining at The Mara or indulge in sweet treats from the resort's various snack bars and lounges.

The Mara offers online mobile ordering. We did this while at the pool - so easy to do. The butter chicken is delightful - be sure to try new flavors while staying on property. The Mara is open until 11 pm, which is great for late night ordering. We ordered pizzas (flatbreads) on two of the evenings after returning from the parks. They were made to order and were delicious.

The bar at Boma is also open until 11 pm. Last call is 10:45 pm in case a night cap is in order. The drinks here are delicious and the staff was lovely to interact with.

Poolside Paradise:

After a day of exploration, families can unwind and cool off in one of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge's refreshing swimming pools. The resort features multiple pool areas, including the Uzima Pool, complete with a thrilling waterslide and children's splash zone. Parents can relax in the sun while the little ones splash and play to their heart's content, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Note that there are two pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge. One is located at Jambo House. Jambo House is the main lodging area with the big pool. The other part of the hotel is mostly Disney’s Vacation Club owners and is called Kidani Village. We highly recommend you check out their pool if you have kids. It is a bit smaller in size, but has a bigger water slide. It also has an amazing heated splash pad area that our kids loved.

Spectacular Savanna Views:

One of the most unique features of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is its stunning savanna views. Guests staying in select rooms and suites can enjoy unparalleled vistas of the African-inspired landscape, where they'll spot majestic animals grazing and roaming freely just outside their balconies. Imagine waking up to the sight of a towering giraffe or a graceful gazelle right outside your window – it's a truly magical experience that brings the beauty of the savannah right to your doorstep.

Convenient On-Site Transportation:

Navigating Walt Disney World Resort is a breeze thanks to Disney's complimentary transportation services, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is no exception. Guests can hop aboard complimentary buses, boats, or the iconic monorail to explore all that the resort has to offer, from the thrilling attractions of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park to the enchanting wonders of Magic Kingdom Park and beyond. Animal Kingdom Lodge only has bus transportation, but you can connect to the other park transportation options as well.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is next to Animal Kingdom park. You cannot walk to Animal Kingdom park from the hotel, you must take the bus. It’s a short 5 minute ride. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are each a 15-20 minute bus ride away.

Additional Need-to-Know Hotel Information:

This Disney property has it all. A few other ammenities we used were the laundry rooms and the delivery room. On our first day, I ordered Wal-Mart grocery delivery. For a small $6 charge, the hotel received our groceries and held them until we could pick them up. I highly recommend delivery in lieu of you doing your own shopping as it saves time and is not a disruption to your trip.

We needed to do two loads of laundry while at the resort. They had a very convenient laundry area that we very much appreciated. It was great to have freshly washed park blankets and sweatshirts while on our trip.

Unforgettable Memories Await:

Whether you're embarking on a thrilling safari adventure, indulging in delectable dining experiences, or simply relaxing poolside while taking in the breathtaking views of the savannah, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a vacation experience unlike any other. From the moment you arrive, you'll be swept away by the magic of this extraordinary resort, where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa – the wild awaits at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

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