Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World Parks

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I have always dreamed of staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World. Where else can you walk outside of your room balcony and see giraffes and other exotic animals roaming right below your feet. It’s truly a beautiful and fun place for both adults and children. This past week during the Monkey Kingdom Event, I had a chance to tour the property, have lunch and sit down with Greg Peccie the Animal Operations Manager at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Photo Credit: Disney

Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World

Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.

This was my first real experience at the lodge, other than seeing pictures. From the moment we pulled up to the front of the lodge I felt excited and overwhelmed with all of the beauty. It’s almost as if you are “magically” transported to Africa.

I didn’t get a chance to see any of the rooms. However I did get the chance to check out the savanna that is surrounding all of the rooms. When they say that animals are right outside your balcony, they mean it. You can literally walk outside and be face to face with some of the world’s most majestic creatures. The are actually over 30 different kinds of species at the lodge. Of course they are not close enough for you to touch or for them to touch you, but it feels that way when your on the savanna.

Photo Credit: As Mom Sees It

During our interview with Greg, he went over all of the exciting things happening at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World. You can tell just by talking with Greg, just how passionate he is about his job. One of the fun things that guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge can participate in is the Wanyama Safari. This experience takes a limited number of Guests aboard a special safari vehicle and out onto the resort’s 46 acres of savanna. During the safari they will get a close up view of the resort’s more than 200 animals. After the safari, chances are you have worked up an appetite. And that’s good news because the second part of the safari takes place at the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko – The Cooking Place. Here you will enjoy a South African feast. I had a taste of this feast at Saana (review coming soon!) and it was unique indeed.

Monkey Kingdom Now Playing

Monkey Kingdom is Disneynature’s newest film and it is one of my favorites. The film follows Maya and her baby Kip as they have one wild adventure. Here is a short clip of the movie below.