Hi Ricki,
Welcome back to planDisney – it’s lovely to see you again!
You happen to be asking a question about my absolute favourite Disney Resorts Collection hotel:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! You see, this Resort is more than just the sum of its (beautiful) rooms overlooking one of its 4 Savannas: Uzima, Arusha, Sunset and Pembe. There are actually several Savanna observation locations all around the hotel, and all Guests can visit them. You’ll find these in both the Resort’s “main” section (called Jambo House) and the other dedicated Disney Vacation Club section,
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. It’s a very short (5-7 minute walk) between the two sections of the Resort.
In fact, Kidani Village is where you’ll find
Sanaa, one of my Top 5 Disney Dining locations. Not only is the food delicious (I dream of their naan bread, regularly!) but you have an amazing view of the Sunset Savanna, including some of its most famous residents: the giraffes! I highly recommend that you book a dining reservation there, preferably before the sun sets to really get the most out of the view. When you check in for your reservation, be sure to request a table near one of the restaurant’s huge dome-shaped windows.
If a meal at Sanaa isn’t really your speed, don’t worry! You can also grab a snack or a drink at
The Mara and enjoy them at any one of Jambo House’s Arusha Savanna viewing areas or grab a frosty drink and some nibbles at
Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village and snag a table near the Pembe Savanna. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled: you never know whether you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the elusive okapi! Don’t forget that you can also ask the
Resort Concierge whether night vision goggles are available for you to get a better look at the animals, after dark.
In short, I really hope that you make time to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during your upcoming visit to Walt Disney World Resort. It really does feel like you’ve been transported to another world, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Theme Parks.
As always, please don’t hesitate to come back and see us if you have any questions!
Have a Magical Day,
Lynne