Walt Disney World Resorts, Featuring: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Where is it and what is it?

When you pull into Animal Kingdom, there is a fork in the road. If you go to the right, you will drive to the park. However, if you go to the left, you will arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! This Disney Deluxe Resort is one of my favorites! Why? The giraffes, as well as the other animals, but especially the giraffes!

What does it have to offer that is special?

Well, for one thing, it is a beautifully ornate lodge with a decidedly African flair. Everything from the Cast Members costumes to the gift shop to the lobby décor to the dining is unique to this location! Yes, you can still buy a mickey T-shirt or some ears, but they will have some items for purchase there that you will not see anywhere else!

Do I have to purchase a Savannah View room to see the animals?

No, you do not! There are viewing areas throughout the resort that will allow you to see the animals. Some of these locations even have rocking chairs and telescopes to make your experience more pleasurable. However, if you want to have maximum viewing time, I recommend the Savannah View Rooms. The video above was taken from the balcony of our room, which also had chairs for us to sit while we enjoyed visiting them. I was able to see animals morning, noon, and night! If however, you only plan to take quick peaks at them, you might want to get a less expensive room and use the viewing areas for all guests.

Are there any Table Service or Signature Dining locations here?

All Disney Resorts have a Quick Service dining location and Animal Kingdom Lodge is no exception. But, in addition to this, Animal Kingdom Lodge also has 3 Dining experiences: Boma: Flavors of Africa; Jiko: The Cooking Place; and Sanaa. All of these locations accept reservations and often they are booked solid.

Sanaa is a Table Service Restaurant located at Kidani Village, which is the Disney Vacation Club portion of the resort. If you are staying at Jambo House, or the main building, you can take a bus to Kidani Village to eat at Sanaa. What's on the menu? This location serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. it is noted for it's Zanzibari Vegetable Curry that comes either alone or with chicken or shrimp. And don't forget the African Triple Chocolate Mousse for desert!

Boma is most famous for it's breakfast buffet, but also offers a delectable dinner seating with crowd favorite notables, such as Tunisian Couscous and Shrimp Salad, Sweet Corn Pudding, Oak Roast Pork Ribs and more!

Jiko is a Signature Dining Experience! Serving dinner only, they offer Cocoa-crusted Venison Loiin, Sorghum Chicken, Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib and more!

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What else is special here? Animal Kingdom Lodge has rooms to fit from 2-12 people, depending on the lodging you select. They have Savannah, Pool, and Standard Views. Club Level accomodations are also available if selected at the time of booking.

Recreation includes Jambo House Campfire Activities, Movies Under the Stars, Hakuna Matata Playground, and Pumba's Fun and Games Arcade. Also available are the Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center, as well as Wild About Painting, all of which require an extra fee.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is like no other Disney Resort! I love it! If it doesn't sound like your cup of tea, click here for other Deluxe Resorts.

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