An Authentic African Adventure (Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Member Name: Campbell87

Product:	Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge
Date:	11/02/09 (96 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: location, surroundings, atmosphere,

Disadvantages: n/a

Imagine this, you awake in the morning and open your curtains, before you is the vast African Savannah and below your balcony are herds of Giraffes, Gazelles and Zebras. The heart of Africa right outside your window...at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge!

The hotel has several levels of room, but do not think you have to pay over the odds for the 'Savannah rooms', every floor has viewing decks with chairs and binoculars (free to use) where you can look out onto the Savannah and check out its inhabitants. Every night there are 'Night Vision' goggles and talks available where you can see what the critters get up to after dark. There are several talks around the Savannah daily for you to learn more about your new neighbors and Cast Members are always on hand to answer any questions.
If you are booked in on the Concierge level you can take part in your own African Safari and set out across the plains for up close encounters with the animals by booking the Wanyama Safari experience. This 3 and 1/2 hour adventure will cost around $150 pp and include dinner at Jiko.

Your standard hotel room will come with either 2 double beds, or on request, a double bed and a bunk bed. Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the few Disney hotels that offer bunk beds in the rooms but these are limited so make sure you request this on your booking (feel free to get in touch with the hotel a week or so before you depart to double check your requests have been met). You will also find internet access, sink area, shower/bath combined, toilet, fridge, in built closet area, electronic safe, ironing board, suitcase stand. Your in room TV comes complete with multiple channels, along with all your favorite Disney channels and an exclusive resort guest channel where you will find up to the minute information on your resort, park operating hours, show times, special events and emergency information. Every morning you will receive a complimentary USA Today newspaper outside your door. Cots and rollout beds are also available on request, just ask at check in or concierge.

The Uzima pool is a fantastic place to cool down in the middle of the day or to unwind in of an evening. The pool also has a waterslide and kiddie splash fountain area. Located outside of the Arcade you will find the children's pool. All pools are outdoor and heated. The Uzima pool is watched over by a lifeguard and has a poolside bar. You will also find two Jacuzzi areas, the perfect way to relax at the end of the day! You will find one located towards the far left of the pool, and the other the far right, both in semi-seclusive areas. Children are welcome in the Jacuzzis under adult supervision.

The hotel houses three restaurants. The Mara, though small, is a counter-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner of standard American fare, e.g. burgers, pizza, paninnis, hot dogs, children's selection, fresh fruit, cereals and standard breakfast fare. Vegetarian options are available as well as house specials of authentic African cuisine. Its jungle theme is great fun and a television in the far corner plays classic Walt Disney cartoons. You can dine inside or out under canopies of trees. Prices are around $10 - $15.
Boma is the buffet restaurant, located next to the main lobby. Themed around an Africa Marketplace with traditional thatched roofs, this open environment dishes up for breakfast and dinner. When they say 'all you can eat' it really is all you can eat! Sample standard cuisine cooked with an African flare over wood burning grills and rotisseries. Chefs are on hand to meet any requests and vegetarian options are available. Be sure to try the infamous Zebra Domes in the evening! (These can also be purchased at the Mara) Prices are around $15 - $25 pp.
Jiko, one of Walt Disney Worlds all star signature restaurants takes dishes from multiple cultures to create unique and inspiring dishes. Here you will also find a selection of authentic African wines that are not available elsewhere on Disney property. Prices are around $25 - $75 pp.

As with all Disney hotels, as a resort guest you will have unlimited access to Disney's internal transportation. The bus stops are located a short walk to the left of the building, here you will have access to all four parks, 2 water parks and Downtown Disney (Marketplace and Westside). Busses run around every 15 - 20 minutes and you are only 5 minutes away from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Busses run up to an hour before park opening, including extra magic hours and cease once the last guest has left the park of an evening. Downtown Disney busses will run until around 2am.

To work off those extra pounds you can head to the Zahanati Spa and Fitness centre and to wind down there is traditional African story tells round the fire pit every night (subject to weather conditions!).

The Zawadi Marketplace sells souvenirs, snacks, beverages, and a range of frozen items (for those DVC members who wish to cook for themselves), clothing, first aid, authentic African dress, artwork and figurines as well as a small jewelry and watch counter.

Summary: An amazing adenture into the heart of Africa!