Experience Africa Without Ever Having to Leave the States

By: Missy RyanJuly 27, 2017When you begin to think of your Walt Disney World vacation, you probably first think of theme parks, rides and shows. The questions I am most asked are "Where should we go on our first day?" and "Should we add base tickets or ParkHoppers to our package?"  These are both common and valid questions. However, what I do not often hear is "What activities are offered at the resorts?" Or "Where can we relax for a few days and not worry about running around but still feel as if we are on vacation?" Most people simply feel the resort is just a place to lay your head after a long day of fun at the park. For the most part, that is true. However, I am here to tell you that the resort can be one factor in being a huge part of your overall experience.Your Walt Disney World resort is more than just a room with a bed, it can be your own personal window to an African Savanna Tour. This would be Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The beautiful African-themed resort is uniquely situated amidst 33 lush acres of savanna landscape, with over 200 species of animals that call it home. That’s right, guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge have the opportunity to view and observe a private animal reserve populated with hundreds of African animals directly from their rooms and balconies.

This experience is unparalleled anywhere outside of the African plains themselves. Imagine waking up to the sound of zebras munching breakfast outside your window or giraffes taking their morning stroll as they stop to snack on tree leaves on the path I cannot explain in one blog alone how fulfilled your heart will be from this experience. They are amazing creatures to view as you enjoy your morning coffee or tea. My 5 year old daughter would wake up each morning and grab a chair on the balcony and would wait for the animals to pass her way. She would sing and hum to herself in a peaceful and comforting tone. Just watching her love and appreciation made this resort worth it to me. Along with being able to view these precious animals from your Savanna rooms, there are also several observation areas scattered throughout the resort. These observation areas are equipped with rocking chairs and telescope lenses.I can go on and on about the gorgeous savannas and its inhabitants, but there is more to this resort. Get your taste buds ready for some incredibly delicious cuisine. Boma is just one example of the outstanding dining options that not only offers a breakfast buffet fit for a king, but then turns around with an out-of-this-world with a dinner buffet. (Oh, and don’t forget to try the jungle juice.) South African and Indian cuisine will fill your plate and bellies. For your more picky eaters, don’t worry, there is always a section of mac and cheese, chicken tenders and fruit galore. Sanaa is another dining experience to add to your list. While enjoying the bread special, you are once again watching the amazing animals graze and stroll right at your restaurant window.All in all, The Animal Kingdom Lodge is not just a resort to sleep in, it is an experience in and of itself. I could get lost there for days and never even go to a park. It could stand alone as an attraction and hold you and your family in captivity with its raw beauty and exquisite cuisine. You will not even need a passport to visit. Contact me to book your stay today at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.com or check out my Facebook page for picture and videos on my stay here.