Our last two days in Orlando were spent at my favorite magical place, Walt Disney World. This is the perfect day to write about this visit as it was partly my birthday present. We opted for a shorter Disney stay so we could try out the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Since our package included two park days and one night at the resort, we had to check into the Lodge before heading to the park. It was not easy, but we got up early and drove in (that wonderful back way!) and up to the Animal Kingdom Lodge to check in.
This resort is grand, but our mistake with the girls was spending a day at the Wilderness Lodge, which has a bit more of a grand entrance crazy to say. I was immediately impressed, where my two children were quick to note it was "smaller" than the other place. While smaller, it certainly held more surprises for them than just ducks in a wading pool.
After checking in, we drove over to the Animal Kingdom for the day. The great thing about Disney in winter is that the Animal Kingdom stays open almost as long as the other parks, so it doesn't seem like you are missing out on much. There is still no evening show, but that's OK, especially when you are spending the night with the animals!
We began our Animal Kingdom morning with a trip on the Kilimanjaro Safari. I am always telling friends to do this. Bypass all the hoopla in the park, head straight for the back of the park and get on one of the first rides on this safari - you will NOT be disappointed. The ride was the longest I've ever taken, as we were held up by giraffe's crossing the road, wandering about. It was almost like they were asking to have their photos taken!! What a super fun morning ride that was.
When we got off, we made a grave error. Being the Type A, neurotic sort of person that I am, I took all our Disney passes and went out to get Fast Passes so that we might enjoy that ride again later with our friends who were planning to join us, K & M. I sent T and the girls along the Palagoni Trail to check out the gorillas. I then waited at the exit. And waited, and waited... I should have followed them and joined them, but I waited. They finally came out - with AK Disney Dream Fastpasses! But only three of them!! I have a big beef about this, but really, who can complain when you have just won something? They refused to give them a fourth fastpass, which in essence split up our family. Three fastpasses is a little weird, as most rides are for two people. But whatever!! As it turns out, T doesn't really go on rides and Em was too little for half of the fastpass rides. All in all, it was a stroke of wonderful luck and we apologize for assaulting the gift giver several times in hopes of obtaining a fourth to complete our family. (Oops!)
What a super fun day with our fast passes. We hit as many rides as possible, including the Twirl roller coaster, Dinosaur, Expedition Everest (a wonderful ride!) as well as catching the new Finding Nemo show. That was spectacular!! We had hoped to use our fastpasses to see the Bug's Life show, but it was closed due to technical difficulties. Maybe next time, if my family ever allows me to drag them there again! We left the park ready to give the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool a try, although it was a bit nippy by this time.
When we returned to the Lodge, we got our first glimpse at a Savannah view room. We had a wonderful location on the third floor, which is actually the level upon which you enter. Just outside our door was the elevator that took us down two levels to the pool. It took us about 2 minutes exactly to get to the pool, so we couldn't ask for a better location! The pool was fun, water was warm, especially when submerged. By this time, the sun was setting on the opposite side of the hotel so the pool was in the shade, a cold breeze was blowing and once I was in, I stayed in! The girls went down the pool water slide over and over and I finally ditched the pool for the dinky hot tub. Seriously, at a deluxe resort a hot tub that is only big enough for 8-10 people is just not adequate in my opinion. Fortunately, in the middle of the winter, only that many were even willing to give it a try!
That evening, T made reservations for us at Boma, the African buffet restaurant. The food was outstanding, very close to what T had experienced in Africa only much spicier. I was surprised at the number of food options and that Kt tried many of the foods and like them. Fortunately for Em, they still served some macaroni and cheese for the kids. Even K was happy they had some ketchup!
After dinner, we explored the lodge a bit before completely collapsing in our room. We were all so tired at this point. The room was not at all what I had expected for a deluxe Disney resort. We have stayed before at the Old Key West moderate resort, the Beach Club Villas deluxe resort and way back when at the Disney Institute. In each of these resorts, we had extremely spacious rooms and bathrooms. Even at the Disneyland Hotel we had two very large rooms, with a kitchen, living room and large bathroom.
In contrast, the AKL room was tiny. I've stayed at Super 8 motels with larger rooms! We had a queen bed and twin bunk beds. There was enough room to walk on either side of the beds and a chair next to the queen bed. An armoire with a TV was set in the middle of the two. The girls had a difficult time watching anything from their bunk beds, but just the thrill of sleeping in them for the first time made them happily peer over the side of the top bunk for their limited TV viewing. The bed was comfortable, but not the Disney size I remember, where their queens are typically king size and the California kings are king kong size! The bathroom? Well, let's just say lion's den size and lighted! I felt like I was in a cave. The door to the bathroom barely missed the toilet and tub. Not impressed.
Of course, if you choose to stay in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, your focus is surely drawn outside, where breathtaking views of the savannah in all it's glory are the real centerpiece of your stay. We had enough foresight to bring along our binoculars, and I'm so glad we did. We saw plenty of giraffe and zebra, watched them play, eat, run and frolic. Our funniest sight was the bunny - I'm not sure if they are native to the African savannah, but it wouldn't be Disney without a rabbit sighting!
All in all, the programs for children and adults, food and atmosphere at the Animal Kingdom Lodge make it a must visit. I am glad we stayed for a night and that we decided on the savannah view room. If we ever stayed at Disney for an entire week, I think I would lean for a different resort though. I would definitely return to the AKL for food and fun, but I love the oversized Disney rooms of the other resorts far better. I'm a little overpampered I guess!
After collapsing from pure exhaustion, we slept in a bit before heading out to the Magic Kingdom on our last Disney day... more about that later! (Pictures just do not do the AKL justice!)
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