{"id":1111,"date":"2006-08-28T08:00:08","date_gmt":"2006-08-28T12:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_ms_news\/?p=1111"},"modified":"2022-10-16T23:30:53","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T03:30:53","slug":"animal-kingdom-lodge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/animal-kingdom-lodge\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal Kingdom Lodge"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Linda Norton<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

My family and I just returned from a long Disney trip \u2013 11 nights!\u00a0 The objective of this trip was to try new things.\u00a0 It is getting difficult for us to find new things to do after 24 trips in five years, but Disney changes enough so we usually manage to find something new rather than fall into our usual Disney rut.<\/p>\n

Disney is not your typical vacation destination where you sit around and relax at a pool; it is an escape from reality into the world of make-believe.\u00a0 This world of make-believe also extends to the many themed Disney resorts.\u00a0 From the Value resorts which just scream \u201cFUN\u201d, to the quiet elegance of the Grand Floridian, a Disney resort can help you escape the mundane and live in another time or place, if just for a little while.\u00a0 Being frequent Disney visitors, we pretty much know all about the Value and Moderate resorts as we have stayed at all of them at least twice (or three times, or even four).\u00a0 I\u2019ve also stayed at the Contemporary twice, most recently in March of this year.\u00a0 It was time to try something really new at Disney for our long family vacation and spend some money doing it.\u00a0 Going to Disney frequently means using the \u201cFor Less\u201d techniques\u2014and I am a pro at not spending a lot of money at Disney unless I absolutely must do so.\u00a0 Splurging for a deluxe resort meant I would need to plan on actually being<\/em> in the room.\u00a0 Since I was working while at Disney, I figured this would be a good opportunity for Animal Kingdom Lodge in a Savannah View Room.\u00a0 Plus I would be able to cross it off my list of places to stay at Walt Disney World.<\/p>\n

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\nView of the savannah from the lobby.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

We had been to Animal Kingdom Lodge many times to dine at Boma, one of the best buffet restaurants on property. Then again I visited when I went to EarMarked Agent Travel School at Disney in March, we had a detailed resort tour of most of the Disney properties.\u00a0 Part of our tour was seeing rooms, and when I saw the room at Animal Kingdom Lodge, I knew I absolutely had<\/strong> to stay there.\u00a0 I really loved the d\u00e9cor and this place really took me somewhere that I had never been or never would likely go: an African safari lodge, done Disney style.<\/p>\n

Prior to checking in to Animal Kingdom Lodge, my husband and I had spent two nights at Pop Century, and then the kids came over and we were at the Beach Club for two nights.\u00a0 (Yes, we did three resorts in 12 days).\u00a0 Normally I am a pretty low-maintenance Disney guest and am not picky where I stay.\u00a0 I\u2019m the person who likes to be in the back of the resort, away from everything with a longer walk.\u00a0 No pool views or preferred locations for me; I don\u2019t want to hear my neighbors on the other side of the wall.\u00a0 But I had splurged for a Savannah View room and had two kids with me for a long stay.\u00a0 I had some \u201cwants\u201d for this trip:\u00a0 bunk beds in the room and giraffe outside.\u00a0 These items were indicated on my reservation, along with the words \u201cplease\u201d and \u201cthank you.\u201d\u00a0 (When making room requests it always helps to remember manners and be nice to the cast members when discussing the reservation).<\/p>\n

We had Bell Services at the Beach Club Resort pick up our 10 items (four suitcases and six cases of water) and they indicated it would be at Animal Kingdom Lodge no later than 1pm.\u00a0 I no longer can go anywhere without my computer and didn\u2019t want to send it with the luggage. Our first available bus from the Beach Club was heading to the Magic Kingdom so that is where we decided to transfer.\u00a0 After a short wait at the MK we had a bus show up going to Animal Kingdom Lodge.\u00a0 It was a mere 14 minutes.\u00a0 Considering Animal Kingdom Lodge is so far away I thought that was a pretty good time from the Magic Kingdom.<\/p>\n

As one arrives at Animal Kingdom Lodge, there is a distinctive feeling that this resort is like no other at Disney.\u00a0 The theming, architecture, landscape and interior recreates a South African wildlife reserve lodge.\u00a0 The resort follows the kraal African village design, which is a semi-circle giving the majority of the guest rooms a balcony view of hoofed animals and birds on one of the property\u2019s three private savannahs.\u00a0\u00a0 (Note:\u00a0 the architect for Animal Kingdom Lodge was Peter Dominick, the same individual who designed Wilderness Lodge.)\u00a0 The roof is authentic thatching, done by African craftsmen.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n This is the Igbo Ijele (pronounced e-bo e-gelay), an African ceremonial mask. Although 16 feet high, it is worn by just one of the Igbo people of Nigeria during important events. This is the only known mask of its kind outside of Africa.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>Upon entering the resort lobby on the 3rd floor, you can\u2019t help but notice the unique African artifacts on display.\u00a0 A massive authentic mud fireplace is on your right, while the check-in lines are on the left.\u00a0 Straight ahead is a massive window allowing plenty of natural light in the lobby. Down to the 2nd floor is Arusha Rock, a savannah viewing area staffed by knowledgeable cast members.\u00a0 (At night ask about the night vision goggles to see the animals).<\/p>\n

Our first plan was to check in:\u00a0 it was 9:30 a.m. and we had been moving around for about 60 minutes.\u00a0 Wait time in line was rather short, and I was quickly greeted by a wonderful cast member named Michael.\u00a0 Fortunately, we got our bunk beds and giraffe (I later learn that there are giraffe on all of the savannahs) and our room was ready.\u00a0 Yippee!\u00a0 I could get rid of the computer for a while.\u00a0 We head down the Kudu Trail to the 4th floor.\u00a0 Our room was midway down the hall, just past the elevators to the left of Arusha Rock.<\/p>\n

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\nBunk beds with future inhabitants.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Upon opening the door we are thrilled with our accommodations.\u00a0 The bunk beds sure make the room feel larger, and the large expanse of sliding door brings in a lot of daylight.\u00a0 We head outside and see cast members on clean up duty; this is a savannah after all, and animal waste is attended to promptly.\u00a0 (Note:\u00a0 it was in the mid 90s in Orlando in August, and very humid).\u00a0 We live in the country with plenty of livestock surrounding us\u2014Animal Kingdom Lodge did not smell.<\/p>\n

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\nCarved furniture<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The furniture in the guest rooms is hand carved and very heavy; you don\u2019t want to run into it while barefoot!\u00a0 Bunk beds are quite sturdy\u2014nothing flimsy about this place.\u00a0 Typical to Disney is a small fridge in a cabinet, and a television in an armoire.\u00a0 There are double sinks with a marble vanity (and enough light to apply makeup\u2014but I\u2019m not wearing makeup when its 96 degrees outside).\u00a0 The commode and shower area is quite spacious but a bit on the dim side; no 100 watt light bulbs here.\u00a0 We are surprised that there is no privacy curtain in the vanity area.\u00a0 Guess that\u2019s just for the Moderate resorts as there was not one at the Beach Club either. (Note to Disney:\u00a0 Privacy curtains are a great idea and should be in all of the guest rooms).<\/p>\n

We turned on the television and found that our resort TV station had photos of the animals.\u00a0 This was very helpful to us when determining what sort of birds were making noise on the savannah at 1 a.m. (they were peacocks).\u00a0 There is subtle fencing on the savannah, mainly there to keep the animals away from the building.\u00a0 The birds are free to move about as they like, but large animals don\u2019t come near.\u00a0 Feeding stations are scattered throughout the savannahs, offering both paying guests and visitors a view of something.\u00a0 As resort guests, we are reminded constantly that there is no feeding of the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge.\u00a0 Straws, drink lids and balloons are not permitted in the resort.\u00a0 There are security cameras all over the savannah and warnings on the doors that we are being filmed, and guests who attempt to harm animals will be asked to leave the premises immediately.<\/p>\n

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\nEach room is equiped with a complimentary refriderator and coffee maker.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Each balcony has two chairs and a small low table.\u00a0 Our savannah, Arusha, was home to three giraffe, four zebra, four wildebeast, Ankole cattle, and a diverse assortment of birds including pink backed pelican.\u00a0 We enjoyed waking up in the morning and looking to see what was outside.\u00a0 Animal caretakers place food at various feeding stations for the animals that get free reign of the savannah.\u00a0 We noticed the most animal activity in the late afternoon (after 3 p.m.).\u00a0 One afternoon my son was on the balcony playing his GameBoy.\u00a0 He had the music on (which is why he was outside).\u00a0 Within minutes there were wildebeest lined up looking at him, followed by zebra and giraffe.\u00a0 We thought it amusing that these animals just stood and looked at him for about 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nWho is watching whom?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The sole mode of Disney transportation at Animal Kingdom Lodge is via bus.\u00a0 Bus service to theme parks was quite good, and we rarely waited very long for anything.\u00a0 When looking at a map our room it seemed to be \u201cout there a ways\u201d, but it took less than five minutes to get to the bus stop in the morning.\u00a0 I always put a stopwatch on our walks from the room to the busses no matter where we stay at Disney.\u00a0 Getting back to the room took a tad bit longer, probably because we were tired.\u00a0 The bus stop at Animal Kingdom Lodge is covered and shady with bench seats.\u00a0 Sure beat standing in the hot summer sun at Pop Century.<\/p>\n

Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Lodge has two table service restaurants.Jiko – The Cooking Place<\/a> is a casual restaurant that features modern African cuisine and an exclusive South African wine list.\u00a0 It is among Disney\u2019s \u201cSignature Dining\u201d restaurants offering more upscale cuisine.\u00a0Boma – Flavors of Africa<\/a> is a family style buffet restaurant serving both breakfast and dinner\u2026 but it is not like a typical buffet.\u00a0 Boma has an open kitchen, woodburning grill and a rotisserie, all under traditional thatched roofs.\u00a0\u00a0 There are interesting soups and salads at Boma and menu items do rotate based upon the day of the week. The Mara<\/a> is the food court, and it offers some of the wonderful items found in the table service locations, such as Zebra Domes and Chocolate Mousse.\u00a0 Like all Disney resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a merchandise location, called Zawadi Marketplace.\u00a0 What is different about this shop is the unique African items which can be purchased.\u00a0 You can buy carved animals and hand painted dishes.\u00a0 I really wanted some of the dishes but they would not match with my 1918 midwest farmhouse.<\/p>\n

There are many activities at Animal Kingdom Lodge that do not require a ticket to a theme park.\u00a0 One can build an African Bead Necklace by participating in activities at the resort.\u00a0 There are arts and crafts activities for the children, ceramics class at Simba\u2019s Cubhouse, cookie decorating at Boma, African games and crafts, and even a culinary tour of Africa at Jiko.\u00a0\u00a0 Some activities have a fee and others are no charge.\u00a0 There are also storytellers of African folktales at the Arusha Rock firepit in the evening.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t stop to see if the fire was going in August.<\/p>\n

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\nUzima Springs pool <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Animal Kingdom Lodge is the largest Deluxe resort, with 1,293 guest rooms.\u00a0 But it pales in comparison to Caribbean Beach (2112 rooms) and Pop Century (2,880 rooms).\u00a0 Rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge offer views of the savannahs, the pool, or the grounds and will accommodate a party of four (plus an infant in a port a crib).\u00a0 Other deluxe resorts have standard rooms that will accommodate five people; there is no sofa bed in a standard room at Animal Kingdom Lodge.\u00a0 Parties of five heading to Animal Kingdom Lodge need to select a Deluxe Savannah View Room to accomodate a 5th person.\u00a0 Standard Savannah View, starting at $285 (plus tax) per night in Value Season can be a pricey budget-buster.\u00a0\u00a0 A standard view room starts at $205 (plus tax) but no giraffe out past the balcony.\u00a0 Laundry facilities at Animal Kingdom Lodge are not as good as in the Value resorts:\u00a0 there were only five washing machines but lots more dryers in each of the two laundry rooms.\u00a0 (We did laundry twice with soap brought from home).\u00a0 Cost was $2 to wash and another $2 to dry.\u00a0 The pool, Uzima Springs, is reported to be the largest pool on Disney property\u2014even larger than Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club.\u00a0 Uzima Springs is not as exciting for my children as the pool at Coronado Springs, and the water slide at Animal Kingdom Lodge is rather tame.\u00a0 Off the pool area is the Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center and the Hakuna Matata playground for children.\u00a0 To get to the pool requires some planning in order to not schlep across the lobby in a swimsuit.\u00a0 The quickest way was not through the main lobby, but over to the elevators on the Zebra Trail and then down to the first floor.\u00a0 You can also chose this path to get to The Mara (foodcourt).<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPlayground<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

So is a Savannah View room worth the money?\u00a0 For me it was worth every penny mainly because I was actually in<\/em> the room to enjoy the view.\u00a0 I like my Disney resorts to play pretend, and Animal Kingdom Lodge does this incredibly well.\u00a0 A Disney resort is like a candy bar.\u00a0 You might like one kind and I like the other:\u00a0 both are good.\u00a0 Animal Kingdom Lodge is now my favorite resort and I\u2019m looking forward to planning my next trip there.\u00a0 Until my next trip which, if we\u2019re going down the alphabet, is the BoardWalk Inn.\u00a0 We\u2019ll probably do a split stay though at Animal Kingdom Lodge.\u00a0 Got to see those giraffe.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For more photos, visit TheMouseForLess photo gallery.<\/p>\n

Magically Speaking Featured Article
\nLibrary of Congress ISSN:1556-3863<\/p>\n

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