Five Reasons Why I Love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

With our original date for flying to Walt Disney World being this week, its fair to say I have been feeling a little sad and homesick. That being said, I am positive we made the right decision to switch our October trip to December. Luckily we were able to add an extra week on to our trip, and I still can’t believe that we get to spend three weeks at the Walt Disney World Resort! We will be spending Christmas at our original Home resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and I wanted to share five reasons why I love this resort, just like I did with Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort a while back. Animal Kingdom Lodge is where we bought our very first Disney Vacation Club points and it truly has become like a home to us. It’s an amazing resort and although we have stayed there many times, it’s a new experience each stay.

1 Kilimanjaro Club Level

Located on the sixth floor of Jambo House and overlooking the Main Lobby, the Kilimanjaro Club Concierge is like a little world all on its own. The lounge itself is small and cosy and provides spectacular unique food experiences from 6.30am Sunrise Offerings, to 8pm Evening Indulgences. Our little family love spending time here watching Disney Movies on the large TV and chatting to the lovely Cast Members. They are always so friendly, attentive and I love how they get to know you and your family.

2 Main Lobby

The Jambo House lobby is huge and truly breathtaking. I could sit for hours with my jungle juice in the unique surroundings listening to the sounds, exploring the art displays around the lobby and of course visiting the gift store! Some of the resorts activities take place here, where your little ones can learn about African culture. Quinn has enjoyed marching around to traditional African music, learnt to play a drum and made animal wax rubbings. The lobby over at Kidani Village is much more intimate, but just as beautiful and bustling.

3 Rooms

The rooms are beautifully themed and I love how much brighter they feel now. The only thing thats missing for our family is a pull down bed which works perfect for us at our other home resorts! Savannah view rooms are incredible, and Quinn loves sitting out on our balcony on the lookout for the thirty different species of African wildlife using the guide available within the room. We always prefer to stay at Jambo House, as the DVC rooms are situated right at the front of the resort.

4 Recreation and Amenities

Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts amazing animal observation areas, where you can learn facts from knowledgeable Cast Members. The fire pit is the perfect place to relax on a wooden rocking chair and who could say no to toasted marshmallows? Not me! There is a zero depth entry pool at Jambo House and over sat Kidani, the Samawati Springs pool has a fun waterslide and a huge water playground. Quinn loves to run around having the time of his life, soaking his dad with the water canons!

5 Dining

Boma – Flavors of Africa is our favourite restaurant at the resort and in my opinion possibly the best breakfast on property. The Zebra Domes and pastry selections are to die for! Jiko – The Cooking Place brings signature dining to Jambo House and Victoria Falls Lounge is a perfect place to relax after a day at the parks. We love The Mara as it’s so convenient and has something for everyone, from African inspired food to burgers and flatbreads. Uzima Springs Pool Bar serve drinks and light snacks, and over at Kidani Village Maji Pool Bar serves sandwiches, salads and various snacks. Sanaa isn’t a big hit with Quinn and I, but the bread selection is a must and worth a trip to the restaurant alone.