Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
88
EXPENSIVE
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Kids
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, allow-
ing 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
(p. 151), 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 Vil-
las for those needing additional room and homey amenities.
2901 Osceola Pkwy., Bay Lake, FL 32830.
&
407/934-7639
or 407/938-3000. Fax 407/939-4799. www.
disneyworld.com. 1,293 units. $240-$555 double; $735-$2,920 suite; $269-$2,215 lodge villas. Extra
person $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $10;
self-parking free.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; cafe; lounge; babysitting; supervised children's program;
concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club & limited spa; heated outdoor pool; kids' pool; room ser-
vice; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, DVD
(concierge-level), fridge (free, upon request), hair dryer, Internet (fee), microwave (concierge-level).
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Kids
The geyser out back, the mammoth stone
hearth in the lobby, and bunk beds for the kids are just a few reasons this resort is a
favorite of families, though couples will find the surroundings to their liking as well. In
keeping with the spirit of the great American Northwest, the lodge has the feel of a
rustic national park lodge, as it is patterned after one in Yellowstone National Park.
Surrounded by 56 acres of oaks and pines, it offers a woodsy and remote setting. That
geyser mentioned above “spouts off ” periodically throughout the day just to add to the
4
Tips
A Night Out
Several of the higher-priced Disney resorts—including Animal Kingdom Lodge,
Beach Club, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Wilderness Lodge, as well as the
Polynesian Resort—have supervised kid care, usually from 4 or 4:30pm to mid-
night daily ($11.25 per child 4-12, per hour, dinner and activities included;
&
407/939-3463
). Disney also offers in-room sitters through
Kid's Night Out
(
&
407/827-5444
). The Walt Disney World Dolphin, an “official” resort, also offers
a supervised child-care program.
