Our Magical Christmas at Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney depression has hit hard since our return from the Walt Disney World Resort two weeks ago, so I thought I would share the first part of our wonderful three week stay. We arrived December 23rd and stayed during Christmas, New Year and into January. It truly felt like we were there a lifetime during most magical holiday season but never wanted it to end!

As we arrived at Animal Kingdom Lodge to check in, I cried with happiness at returning to the resort so close to our little family’s heart. The tree looked even prettier than I had remembered from last year and with a choir performing, the Jambo House Lobby fell still and was pure magical. Quinn turned to me with the biggest smile and suddenly all that mattered was that he was back in his happy place and I couldn’t wait to see what adventures lay in store for both him and us.

Much to my Little Peter Pan’s delight, our room was in the perfect location overlooking the Uzima Springs Pool in the Giraffe Trail. The weather was beyond lovely during our stay, so luckily for Quinn he got to explore the pool quite a few times. Watching the sunrise and set is one of my favourite things to see at each Disney resort and the view from this room did not disappoint. I love the layout of the DVC rooms at Animal Kingdom Villas and as I’ve said before, the only thing missing for me is the pull down bed that provides just that little bit of extra space.

We weren’t on any Disney Dining Plan this trip, but we couldn’t resist getting our hands on the Christmas themed resort refillable mugs which we use quite frequently during our Walt Disney World stays. As we were out at the parks for the most part of the day, we enjoyed ordering dinner from The Mara and bringing it back up to our room most evenings. We ate breakfast at Boma – Flavors of Africa which all three of us love for the great selection of foods available. As its such a large restaurant, last minute breakfast reservations can often be picked up at Boma from the My Disney Experience app.

Santa paid a visit during our stay of course and left some gifts for Quinn. The smile on his face says it all! On New Years Eve we arrived back to the lobby just in time for the countdown to midnight. It was such a wonderful experience for us to ring in the New Year at a different home resort, as last year we spent it over at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. We said our heartfelt goodbyes the next morning as we continued our wonderful travels on to Bay Lake Tower at Disneys Contemporary Resort , but we will soon return in October for another magical stay.

Alannah x