Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Lake Buena Vista, FL Review

One of my family's favorite Disney hotels is their Animal Kingdom Lodge: located in the Animal Kingdom Resorts area. We have stayed there five times. It is a bit pricey but worth the splurge, even if it is only for one night.

THE HOTEL

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is shaped like a horseshoe, six-stories high and contains over 800,000-square-feet. This is a BIG place!

It is designed to simulate an African wildlife reserve and is divided into four trails:- Kudu Trail, Ostrich Trail, Giraffe Trail, and Zebra Trail. There are also three Savannahs: Uzima, Arusha, and Sunset which house all the African animals and birds.The Savannah's surround the lodge on three sides.

Since your family may have certain animals they just "have" to see, it is important to know which animals are in which Savannah BEFORE you book you room. That way you will have a better chance of catching a view of them.

In Uzima Savannah you will find Antelope, Blesbok. Bongo, Gazelles, Giraffe, Impala, Kudu and Thompsons Gazelles.

Arusha Savannah houses Ankole Cattle, Giraffe, Eland, Geese, Gemsbok, Pelicans, Wildebeest and Zebra.

Sunset Savannah has African Crown Cranes, Ankole Cattle, Blue Cranes, Bongo, Male Giraffe, Ostrich, Impala, Stork, Thompsons Gazelles and Waterbuck.

Add to these more than 200 birds, and you get an idea of all the wildlife surrounding you!
There are limited elevators (with the hotels layout) so you will be doing a lot of walking - not fun after a long day at the parks!

OUR ROOM

All rooms either face the parking lot, the pool or one of the Savannah's. We have always chosen the Savannah view. On our last trip we were on the fifth floor. The room was 381 sq. feet and was decorated in an African theme: complete with mesquite netting and ceiling fans. There was a one queen size bed, a set of bunk beds and a day bed.

Tip: While it is great fun to see all the animals from your patios there are strict rules about feeding them. To make sure that both you and the animals are safe there are cameras located all through the savannas and patios. I mention this as you might want to remember this and close your drapes if you want any privacy.

THE ANIMALS

Ah, one of the main reasons to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge is the animals! When you check-in you are given a wildlife field guide which details the different Savannah's and the various animals that inhabit them. There is a place check off each animal as you spot them - sounds fun until you come to the one nobody can find! It is a tricky way to keep kids calm and occupied - they can try and spot them from the balcony while others are getting ready.

There are also multiple viewing spots inside the lodge and outside n the trails. Inside, there are many excellent viewing spots with both adult and child sized comfy chairs and/or rockers. There is also a supply of binoculars provided to help you see more. Try the big covered verandahs off the 3rd floor lobby.

You can wonder along the trails outside and if you have any questions there are "Safari Guides" at the viewing areas and main Savannah. There are scheduled animal tours and activities for both kids and adults. My favorite time to watch the animals is at night: the Savannas are lit by artificial moonlight so you are still able to catch them roaming. A nice way to end a busy day!

HOTEL FOOD

The restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge are often filled with non-hotel guest. Keep this in mind and make your dinner reservations when you book or call a couple of weeks before you leave.

Boma A family style buffet: Boma has you dining under thatched roofs. Expect a lot of noisy kids which is great if one of them is yours! They serve both South African dishes along with standard buffet regulars. There is a separate area for kids with "regular" kid pleasing foods. Don't miss their wonderful fresh baked breads and desserts! They serve breakfast and dinner.

Jiko

The Jiko is a good choice for a quieter, sit down meal. While they specialize in African food, there is a nice selection of international creations as well. Jiko has two twin wood-burning ovens and an interactive kitchen: which is fun for the kids to watch. Serves only dinner.

Mara

A standard quick service restaurant: Mara lets you grab a bite, from 6:30 AM to midnight. It has the regular fast food choices as well as fresh fruits and salads. You can dine either indoors or if you prefer poolside.


OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

First of the pool - all 11,000 square feet of it! It has zero entry, a small water slide and most importantly: lifeguards. For the toddlers there is also a circular wading pool off to the side. And if you want to get even hotter, there are a couple of hot tubs.

The showers and changing facilities were nice sized and easily accessible. All the pools and hot tubs are open from 8AM to midnight with fresh towels provided near the pool.

To burn off some energy there is the Hakuna Matata Playground. The area is nicely equipped with slides, swings, jungle gyms, teeter totters and nice shaded benches for the tired parents.

Transportation is provided to all the Disney resorts. We never had to wait more than 10 minutes for the buses, and pick up at the Parks were always on time.