For the first page of this review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, click here
MORE ON DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of 8 official Disney owned and operated deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World.
In their recommended order for first time family visitors, they are
(Many of these also offer Disney Vacation Club (“DVC”) studios and villas, all for rent to the general public–see this for more on the Disney Vacation Club resorts. There’s two DVC offerings here: Kidani Village and the Villas at Jambo House.)
You enter the Animal Kingdom Lodge into its spectacular lobby–none of my photos do justice to it.
On the left is the check in and concierge area…
…and on the right the gift shop–which has more themed merchandise than most Disney resorts.
The entry floor is actually the third floor. Below it are most other guests services, reached form the lobby either by an elevator bank near the gift shop, or a stair deck just a bit further in.
The stairs will take you past the Victoria Falls Lounge–one of the best Disney World bars.
Keep going and you’ll find the main dining area, with family-friendly Boma on one side…
…the more sophisticated–and expensive–Jiko on the other…
…and outside and down the walkway, one of Disney World’s best resort counter-service locales, The Mara.
The menus at each of these have interesting, African-based offerings. But there’s also plenty of less exotic options for picky eaters as well!
The Mara is near the Uzima Springs Pool.
This pool is both large and intimate–intimate because many views are blocked by trees, etc. As a result it has it’s own map!
There’s a kids’ pool…
…a playground…
…two hot tubs…
…a bar…
…and an animal viewing area here.
The more I stay here, the more Uzima Springs Pool becomes my personal favorite Disney World pool.
Near the pool is this mysterious space.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is unique among the Disney deluxes in having no access to watersports or a beach, and in having all transport to the theme parks via bus. The bus stop is above.
Basically you’ve traded the waterfront and beaches for animals…but oh, those animals!
THE THEMING OF DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
This review continues here!
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