{"id":35241,"date":"2014-11-18T12:16:57","date_gmt":"2014-11-18T17:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=35241"},"modified":"2022-05-04T21:45:23","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T01:45:23","slug":"enjoy-non-park-day-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/enjoy-non-park-day-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy a Non-Park Day at Disney&#8217;s Animal Kingdom Lodge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Animal-Kingdom-Lodge.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35248 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Animal-Kingdom-Lodge-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"Animal Kingdom Lodge\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Animal-Kingdom-Lodge-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Animal-Kingdom-Lodge.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>The Mouse For Less Blog would like to welcome the new members of our team!\u00a0 Our first new blogger (or should I say bloggers) are Scott and Elizabeth!\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n<p>Are you looking to spend a day of your Walt Disney World vacation relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the parks? Most sources will suggest spending your day at Downtown Disney, but personally I get a bit tired of the outdoor mall atmosphere, and all those enticing shops and eateries can get expensive! As an alternative, my recommendation is to spend your non-park day experiencing all that Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Lodge (DAKL) has to offer.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re not staying at DAKL and don\u2019t have your own vehicle, you can get there easily by taking Disney\u2019s transportation from your on-property resort to any theme park (or Downtown Disney), and then catching the bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Once you arrive, stop by the front desk and ask for an Activities Guide; DAKL has numerous complimentary daily activities, and you can spend your entire day soaking in the cultural immersion, culinary exploration, and animal programs they offer without spending a dime!<\/p>\n<p>In my opinion, Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney\u2019s most unique and inspiring resorts. From the moment you step foot into the stunning lobby, with its 6-story ceiling, authentic African artwork, and grand floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the sweeping Savannah, you\u2019ll feel as if you\u2019ve been transported to Africa. Even without participating in any of the scheduled activities, you could easily spend hours wandering the resort and taking in the artwork, architecture, and of course \u2013 the animals!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/AKL-Lobby.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35246 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/AKL-Lobby-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"AKL Lobby\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/AKL-Lobby-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/AKL-Lobby.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Lobby of Jambo House at Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom Lodge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cultural Immersion<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>One of the most unique aspects of Disney&#8217;s Animal Kingdom is its Cast Members. The lodge employs a staff of \u201cCultural Ambassadors\u201d from Africa, who host the daily resort activities and provide an immersive cultural experience. A few examples of the complimentary cultural activities available daily at DAKL include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>African Wonders \u2013 an \u201cinteractive matching game\u201d that allows guests to discover some of Africa\u2019s natural wonders<\/li>\n<li>African Face Painting<\/li>\n<li>African Inspired, Disney Designed \u2013 a tour of Kidani Village, where guests learn the story behind the design of Animal Kingdom Lodg<\/li>\n<li>Music of the Savannah and Drum Caf\u00e9 \u2013 learn to play African drums and other percussion instruments<\/li>\n<li>African Folktales \u2013 relax by the fire and listen to a Cultural Representative share folktales from their home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Culinary Exploration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The resort hotel is home to three unique table-service restaurants \u2013 Boma, Sanaa, and Jiko\u2013 and while I\u2019d definitely recommend making an advance dining reservation (ADR) at any of these delicious eateries, that wouldn\u2019t really fit in with this being a cost saving tip. Instead of making an ADR, plan to attend one (or more) of the complimentary culinary activities offered, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cookie Decorating at Boma \u2013 my family found this to be both fun and delicious! Each guest is provided an animal shaped sugar cookie and the frosting, candies, and sprinkles to decorate it. As fun as decorating your own cookie is \u2013 the best part might just be eating it!<\/li>\n<li>Culinary Tour of Boma and Jiko \u2013 this interesting tour provides a detailed guide to the intricate theming of each restaurant and a menu overview, and even includes a few tasty samples! My daughter loved sampling the \u201cZebra Domes\u201d (Boma\u2019s signature dessert), and my husband especially enjoyed trying the \u201cTaste of Africa\u201d bread service (including African-inspired dips) at Jiko.<\/li>\n<li>Cultural Tour of Sanaa \u2013 this tour gives guests the opportunity to discover the inspiration behind Sanaa, the African and Indian-inspired table service restaurant at DAKL\u2019s Kidani Village.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Cookie-at-Boma.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35247 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Cookie-at-Boma-400x384.jpg\" alt=\"Cookie at Boma\" width=\"400\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Cookie-at-Boma-400x384.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Cookie-at-Boma.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our daughter with her giraffe cookie masterpiece.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Animal Programs and Wildlife Discoveries<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the most singular features of Animal Kingdom Lodge is its sweeping Savannah that is home to numerous species of exotic animals, including giraffes and zebras, which roam freely over 22 hours a day. Even if you aren\u2019t staying in one of the resort\u2019s many \u201cSavannah View\u201d guest rooms, you can still take in the sights of the Savannah on the many public overlooks throughout the lodge. There are also various animal programs held throughout the day that provide fun, yet educational, experiences for \u201ckids\u201d of all ages. A few examples of the complimentary animal programs offered at DAKL include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flamingo Activity \u2013 learn about the feeding strategies of Flamingos and Pelicans through a fun hands-on activity.<\/li>\n<li>Animal Tracking \u2013 use real tracking equipment to play a game of \u201chide and seek\u201d of sorts, and learn about tracking wildlife.<\/li>\n<li>Wildlife Games \u2013 test your animal knowledge while playing \u201cBONGO\u201d (a BINGO-type game).<\/li>\n<li>Have You Heard? \u2013 match the animals to their vocalizations, which is trickier than it sounds!<\/li>\n<li>Night Vision Animal Viewing \u2013 use real night-vision goggles to spot the residents of the Savannah after sunset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Girafe-Drinks.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35245 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Girafe-Drinks-400x266.jpg\" alt=\"Girafe Drinks\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Girafe-Drinks-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Girafe-Drinks.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A resident of the Savannah taking a drink.<\/p>\n<p>When you pick up your Activities Guide, you\u2019ll notice that several of the activities (including many that I mentioned above) are designated as \u201cBead Activities.\u201d Upon completing each of the \u201cBead Activities,\u201d you will receive a colorful, African-inspired bead to build a \u201cString of Memories\u201d \u2013 a unique keepsake to help you remember the exciting day you spent at Animal Kingdom Lodge (and away from the theme parks)!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/String-of-Memories.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-35244 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/String-of-Memories-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"String of Memories\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/String-of-Memories-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/String-of-Memories.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 4\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our completed strings of memories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>These are just a few of the activities that take place at Disney&#8217;s Animal Kingdom Lodge, but please note that the activities described throughout are not always absolute and could be subject to change.<\/p>\n<p><em>Have you ever spent the day at Disney&#8217;s Animal Kingdom Lodge, taking part in these fun activities?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Incoming search terms:<\/h4><ul><li>https:\/\/www themouseforless com\/blog_world\/enjoy-non-park-day-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge\/<\/li><li>why do they play music on the savannah at fisney animal kingdom lodge<\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; The Mouse For Less Blog would like to welcome the new members of our team!\u00a0 Our first new blogger (or should I say bloggers) are Scott and Elizabeth!\u00a0 Are you looking to spend a day of your Walt Disney World vacation relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the parks? Most sources&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":35248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1688,507,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wdw-dining","category-walt-disney-world-resorts","category-walt-disney-world"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35241"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35241\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85114,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35241\/revisions\/85114"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}