Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge

Do you want somewhere completely unique to stay on your Disney World vacation? Well you must certainly consider a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This spectacular African themed Disney World deluxe hotel is set in a 33 acre savanna where over 200 animals including giraffes and zebras roam freely. If you have a savanna view room you really will wake up to a view which makes you feel as though you are on safari.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort but is usually priced at one of the lowest of all of the Disney luxury category resorts. Standard rooms start at around $240 a night. But I think that to get the true benefit of staying in the Animal Kingdom resort you really do need to pay the extra money and splurge on a savanna view room. The best ones are located in the Zebra and Kudo Trail buildings with an interior view of the savannas.

There really is nothing to compare with the excitement that all the family will have over viewing a giraffe from the balcony! I stayed there will my family this year and it was truly one of the best hotel experiences that we have ever had. I will never forget the excitement of my 7 year old son as he was the first to spot a zebra walking into our view.

Concierge level is also one of the very best of the Disney World hotels. Not only do you get access to the exclusive concierge lounge and services but also the chance to book the Sunset and Sunrise Safari tours. These very special experiences most report as being the highlight of their trip.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge also has some of my favorite Disney World restaurants. My favorite buffet restaurant is Boma which has very high quality food with a unique African twist. I know on hearing this many of you will think this is not a great thing! But give it a try and I am sure you will enjoy it. There really is plenty for all of the family to enjoy and if you have picky eaters there is always the kids buffet! Jiko restaurant is also a unique experience – a fine dining restaurant which really is kid friendly! Excellent food and wonderful service combine at one of my very favorite Disney restaurants.

I often visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge as it is so close to my vacation homes. I enjoy the restaurants, watching the animals from the many observation points and just soaking in the atmosphere people watching in the lobby. Be sure to make a visit on your next Disney World vacation and prepare to enter an African themed paradise.

Want to make sure to get all the information that you need about the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Want to know where the best rooms are and just what makes the resort so special. Be sure to check out my free and comprehensive Guide To Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where you will find all you need to know.

Photos used under Creative Commons from afagen

Tags: animal kingdom lodge, disney animal kingdom, disney world deluxe hotels, disney's animal kingdom lodge

The most luxurious Disney World hotel

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury at a Disney resort then you will find it at the Disney Grand Floridian Resort. Be transported back to the Victorian age where service is exceptional, the architecture is stunning and the location is the best in Disney World. The Grand Floridian is located just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom and can be reached by monorail, boat or even a gentle stroll.

This quality does come at a price though. Room rates for 2009 for the Grand Floridian start at $399 and can go a lot higher depending on the type of room and the season you are visiting Disney World. There are many different types of rooms available ranging from the standard room, concierge level rooms right up to the amazing Disney Suite. I think I may have to save up for that one though as prices are upwards of $2000 a night.

But if you want the very best in luxury then the Grand Floridian will deliver. But let’s not forget that this is a Disney resort. You are surrounded with elegance and luxury but will still feel at home in those Mickey Mouse ears and Disney shirt. This is not a place to stand on ceremony!

Have you met your Prince Charming or your perfect Princess? You may want to get married in the Grand Floridian Wedding Pavilion. This dream wedding chapel overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Mickey can’t be a guest at your wedding but he will come to the reception – for an hourly rate of course. You can arrive in style in Cinderella’s Coach pulled by six white ponies driven by a footman. This is the stuff of which dreams are made!

Unfortunately not everyone’s budget stretches to actually staying at the Grand Floridian resort. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy some of the fabulous atmosphere and eat in the restaurants. The Floridian is home to one of the very best restaurants that Disney has to offer – Victoria and Albert’s. This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Expect to pay around $500 for a dinner for 2 with wine pairings though. If you want something a little less formal and lighter on the wallet ( but not the waistline) then try out 1900 Park Fare. This is one of my favorite Disney character dining restaurants. Have dinner with Cinderella or breakfast with Mary Poppins. The food is excellent for a buffet – expect a high energy and fun dining experience.

Or you can simply people watch in the Floridian. It is a perfect short distance from Magic Kingdom on the monorail or by boat. As soon as you enter the lobby your eyes will look upwards to the amazing 5 story atrium. Walk around to the grand staircase and find my children’s favorite spot – miniature chairs and tables in front of a TV screen showing Disney classic movies. We have spent many a happy hour relaxing there and recovering from walking around the parks.

Christmas time at the Grand Floridian is a particular treat. The huge Christmas tree in the lobby has to be seen to be believed and the edible Ginger Bread House is a favorite.

Whether you stay as a guest at Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel or simply step in for a while to look around you are sure to want to return to beautiful resort.

Photos used under Creative Commons from Kathika

Tags: disney grand floridian, disney hotels, disney resorts