Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge details

Is it Florida? Or is it Kenya? That’s the question you’ll be asking yourself when you stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s a hotel with some very special residents...

Gazelles leaping, giraffes galumphing, zebras grazing – it’s like a scene straight out of The Lion King. Only this is actually the view you can get from your window when you stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The hotel is built around a 43-acre savannah where animals roam freely, so you can sit on your balcony and feel like you’re on safari.

The African theme doesn’t stop at the animals. Walk into the three-storey lobby and you’re met with dark-wood floors, elaborately-carved furniture and spectacular tribal art. Just beyond the lobby is a fire pit, where you can gather at night to hear African folklore stories.

The hotel excels when it comes to dining, too. There are two main venues to choose from. Boma, the buffet restaurant, has been designed to resemble an African marketplace. Options include roasted meats, seafood, salads and vegetarian dishes. Jiko is the fine dining restaurant. Food is prepared in an open kitchen featuring twin wood-burning stoves. In terms of the cuisine, it’s African-style with European and Asian influences. You’ll also find here one of the largest selections of African wines in the United States.

As for rooms, African touches include hand-carved headboards and tribal-print bedspreads. As well as the standard hotel extras, like air-conditioning and TVs, you get an animal guide in your room – handy if you’ve booked a room overlooking the savannah.

One other thing - this place is big on animal conservation. It’s been involved in projects aimed at wildlife protection and education.

And remember, stay here and you get free transport to all the Disney Parks.