Amazing Things About Animal Kingdom Resorts at Walt Disney World Resorts

Today, we are talking about one of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World Resorts. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our personal favorites; this is also one of the Luxury Resort Properties and when we stayed there in 2009, we had paid this off in almost a year. Remember you can put a $200 deposit down, that is all you need to do, and do payments if you like up until 45 days prior to arrival.

In November 2011, I stayed with my daughter, Dina, for a Mother-Daughter trip, and we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, a Moderate Property, and in 2016; Nelson and I will be staying at the Port Orleans - Riverside Resort, this is also a Moderate Resort. Over the next few days, we will be letting you know why we loved these resorts and when we are at Port Orleans, we will try and do a live video on Facebook, so you can ask us some questions. Stay tuned for that. 

We currently don't have the videos from the 2009 trip, we have pictures and will be posting this here but to see all of them visit us on our Facebook page and I will put the link to those pictures at the bottom of this page you don't need to be a facebook user to view these photos.

But here is a little video from the Disney Parks to see and hear about Animal Kingdom Lodge.

When Nelson, Dina and I stayed here back in August 2009, we went for my daughter's birthday at that time she was 19 years old. First of all, unless you love living on the Sun and love humidity DON'T GO DURING AUGUST. If you are used to living in the Southern United States and other hot states no worries then you will be fine. Me I was not used to it, remember I had a kidney transplant in 2005, and my medications made me look like a balloon from the anti-rejection drugs, but we had a great time anyway.

The first thing when you arrive at this resort, is the WOW Factor, we took the Magical Express Bus option from Orlando International Airport, which is free with any Walt Disney Resorts Vacation Package, why drive. Just don't fly into Sanford Airport this option is not available out of Sanford, only Orlando International.  When your bus pulls up onto the Disney property from the highway you have the signs welcoming you to Walt Disney World, and then you have the signs to which exit for which property there are a total of 25 property resorts all together (Value, Moderate, Luxury, Luxury Villas, and Camp Grounds); parks (remember Disney World has 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water Parks, Disney Springs (Formerly Downtown Disney) 4 PGA Golf Courses, Camp Groups (Disney Wilderness Area), ESPN Wide World of Sports and so much more!  

You notice how clean it is!

When you arrive at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it makes you feel like you arrived in Africa in the Savannah, because you not only see this magnificent Jambo House, but you hear the animals in the background that are close by and the music that get you in the mood for your experiences.

Photo from the Pool Area of Animal Kingdom Looking back at our Savannah Room
Which are Balcony Rooms over looking the Savannah (dah! LOL!) and you see animals.
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More photos of our trip from 2009 here. 

Since we were there in 2009 there have been renovations. Always there is something new at the properties, so if you haven't been here in awhile you will notice the difference. 

This is a thatched roof resort with hand-carved columns. So when you come through the front doors you enter into a 4 story lobby. This is actually on the 3rd floor.  Just from the designs of the quality of the hand carved chairs and furniture that were actually made by the craftsman of Africa, and several times a day you hear African drum music played live. There is a museum of antiquities, and local artists, which changes often. The children of the families that are staying there are also being entertained by activities (like cooking classes, clay art, or other activities and stories by cast members (employees) of Disney that are from different areas of the continent. 

Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. Not everyone is at the parks. Amazing Right! 

But, people do take breaks and come back to their room to relax, use the pools to cool off, and take a nap. Nice to stay at the resorts here, because you don't have to jump back in the car, head off property for about 10-15 minute drives, go in the pool or take a nap, and then get dressed and drive back or take a hotel shuttle not from the Disney Resorts Parks, back to the parking gate, and walk which is pretty long to get on a bus, boat or monorail back to that park you are going to. 

You can stay in various rooms, from a standard 2 double bed room to a Savannah Balcony View Room. This is the room we stayed in. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has three separate savannas (approximately 10 acres each) that are open 24 hours a day.  From left to right the savannas are named: Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima.

Each savanna has its own unique look and feel. Not all savannas have all the animals. For instance, ostriches can only be found on the Sunset savanna, zebras are only located on the Arusha savanna, kudu are only found on the Uzima savanna. Giraffes are the only animal found on all three savannas.

Each room has an animal viewing guide. You can also pick one up at the front desk.

At night, the savannas are illuminated by artificial moonlight as if a full moon were ever present.

"Safari Guides" are at the outside viewing areas and can answer your questions about the animals and birds.

Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly three dozen species populate the 33-acre area. The savannas surround the lodge on three sides. You can view the birds and animals from resort balconies or from several viewing points -- including a landscaped rock outcropping called the Arusha Rock kopje -- 24 hours a day.

Dining, we mostly ate throughout the parks and other resorts on property, we mostly ate breakfast at Boma - Flavors of Africa, which is a buffet restaurant. Also beautifully designed with wooden carved furniture and views of the Savanna. You can either have breakfast or dinner here.

You have regular american food that you will recognize. You also have various foods from Africa and the continent and we suggest you try, you would never know what came from Africa that we eat ever day. 

At night, you have campfires and lovely entertainment for everyone to enjoy!

Remember to contact Echevarria Travel for your Romantic Getaway, Family Vacations, Honeymoons, Mother-Daughter Trips, Group Events, and so much more!

Call us at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com