There was a time when you had to go to the zoo to see wild animals. Today, Disney World Tours offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with these creatures by being a guest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Disney World Safari is an exclusive luxury resort built around a private game reserve. In an area that spans 33 acres, there are three separate savannahs that are now home to more than 200 mammals and birds.
The resort lodge has 1,293 rooms. Each features handcrafted furniture and art from Zimbabwe. Some rooms have “butterfly” mask designs on the header. Those who stay in the suite can’t help but notice the dome, a living room-like cabin that has its own dining room, office, kitchen, and porches that offer great views of the savannah.
There is a standard room, a concierge level room, and one and two-bedroom suites. Some rooms can hold 4 people, while others can hold up to eight. Depending on the size of the room you get, you can sleep in a bunk bed, queen, or king.
Just before sunset, three nights a week, guests are invited to board an open-top vehicle to see what a typical North African safari is like. Some of the animals that can be seen along the trip are African spoonbills, bongo, greater kudu, zebra, wildebeest, spiral-horned impala antelope and pink-backed pelicans.
But you don’t have to take a walk to see some of these animals because some of them will roam near your balcony.
Aside from the animals, the food served at this resort is unique. You can go to Jiko, the kitchen place that is considered fine dining and enjoy some of South Africa’s dishes. Each dish served is paired with some of South Africa’s best wines along with some sweet desserts. You can also go to Boma: Flavors of Africa which is buffet style, Mara a food court and Victoria Falls which is a lounge.
Other things you can do here include a dip in the pool that has a 67-foot water slide, an in-room massage, and even a facial. There’s also a children’s play area and nightly campfire narrations by cast members.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is 5 miles from Orlando International Airport. Nightly rates at this location start at $225 per night.