Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Description:

• The feel of an African game-reserve lodge immediately surrounds you upon entering the grand stories-high lobby, which features a thatched roof and ornate shield chandeliers. The main resort's kraal design (a semi-circular layout) ensures most rooms overlook the 30-acre savanna, allowing guests an occasional view of the birds, giraffes, and array of other African animals that call the savanna home (rooms without the savanna view will save a few extra dollars; you can get the scenery for free through large picture windows in the lobby and from a nature trail set behind the pool area). Families will appreciate the array of unique activities including storytelling by the fire, sing-alongs, and more. Those in the mood for romance will appreciate the more remote and relaxed setting. Typical rooms are slightly smaller than those at Disney's other "Deluxe" resorts, but the distinctive theme and spectacular surroundings are unparalleled, making a stay here well worth the slightly tighter squeeze. "Mosquito netting" curtains, balconies, and other neat detailing in the decor continue the theme. The 9,000-square-foot pool has a water slide, a wading area for young children, and a good view of the savanna. The lodge is adjacent to Animal Kingdom, but most everything else on WDW property is quite a distance away. Families will appreciate the animals and array of activities for kids, not to mention the fabulous breakfast and dinner buffet at Boma, while the more relaxed and sedate nature of the resort makes it a good spot for couples as well. Note: The fifth and sixth floors of the main lodge (now referred to as Jambo House) have been transformed into Vacation Club Villas for those needing additional room and homey amenities.

  Disney's Kidani Village -- aka the Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom -- As of this writing, Kidani Village, the second and final phase of the Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, began welcoming its very first guests (with half of the village villas opening in May, the remaining villas scheduled to open in Oct 2009). Built adjacent to Jambo House (the existing Animal Kingdom Lodge -- which also houses two floors of Vacation Club villas), the Kidani village, which shares amenities with the Lodge, also features its own full-service restaurant (Sanna -- an artistically-inspired eatery with an intimate atmosphere and a menu of African-inspired cuisine with an Indian twist), its own recreational facilities, a fitness center, and an extensive themed pool and water-play area. For all the details, or to book a room, go online to www.disneyworld.com or call tel. 407/939-6244.

  Facilities: 2 restaurants; cafe; lounge; babysitting; supervised children's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club & limited spa; heated outdoor pool; kids' pool; room service; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010