Hi there, Kim, and welcome back to planDisney! We're so happy you decided to be our guest once again. Vacation planning questions?
Hakuna Matata--you came to the right place!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas are high on the list of our family's favorite places to stay at
Walt Disney World Resort. There is not much cooler than seeing giraffes, zebras, and all sorts of other wildlife roaming the savannas just outside your room! You can easily walk between the two resorts, or catch a ride on the shuttle that transports Guests between the Lodge and Villas.
Before heading to The Most Magical Place on Earth, I recommend completing
Online Check-In through the
My Disney Experience app. This allows you to proceed directly to your room when it's ready without stopping at the Front Desk. You'll also be able to access the pool and other facilities throughout your entire check-in day, even before your room is ready. It's a nice way to maximize the magic!
I'm happy to report that Bell Services will store your groceries (cold items included!) as long as there is adequate space. I've never experienced a situation where our items couldn't be accommodated, but I recommend scheduling your grocery delivery to coincide with check-in time to ensure that your items can be refrigerated. It's also important to know that if you have any age-restricted items such as alcohol in your grocery order, an adult must be present to accept the order. Bell Services can't handle any age-restricted items on behalf of a Guest.
Kim, if you haven't experienced the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Villas before, you are in for a treat! There are three phenomenal Table-Service restaurants on the property, offering African- and Indian-inspired cuisine, and even some Savanna views!
- Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Villas) is one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. It's known for its legendary bread service, but there's so much more--including some excellent vegetarian options.
- Boma - Flavors of Africa (Animal Kingdom Lodge) offers a hearty buffet for breakfast and dinner. There is a wide range of dishes to suit every palate and it's a great spot for a family meal.
- Jiko - The Cooking Place, also located in Animal Kingdom Lodge, is a fine/signature dining experience offering an exotic dinner menu in a beautifully-themed setting. They have a wonderful selection of South African wines, too!
I hope this information is just what you need for your planning purposes, Kim! Thanks so much for making a return trip to planDisney--if you have any other questions as your June trip approaches, please
reach out anytime.
See Ya Real Soon!
Susan