Hi Diana:
I love the
Animal Kingdom Lodge, especially if you reserve a savanna-view room where your family can watch the animals walk by right outside your window. Upon entering the Animal Kingdom Lodge, your family will be mesmerized by the dramatic lobby expertly themed and filled with African artwork, artifacts, a fireplace (at Jambo House), and huge windows. The pools are great at Animal Kingdom Lodge. AKL Jambo House is home to the 11,000 square foot Uzima pool. The pool boasts a 67-foot slide as well as a tyke-friendly wading pool area. Not far away is a kids playground. AKL Kidani Village is home to the wonderful Samawati Springs pool and kids water playground. As you check in, request an activity guide from the front desk for a schedule of organized activities. Although subject to change, we found the following programs, among many others, available during our last stay: ceramics, cookie decorating, face painting, animal tracking, pin trading, African folktale storytelling, and trivia.
Port Orleans Riverside is also a great Resort, and I only would recommend "upgrading" to Animal Kingdom Lodge if, and
only if, your trip is long enough that you can spend the day at Animal Kingdom Lodge to take advantage of the Resort's activities
and it wouldn't be a financial hardship or significant financial sacrifice. If you feel you are not in a position to switch to Animal Kingdom Lodge, do not worry about it. Port Orleans Riverside is a terrific and relaxing Resort and you will have a wonderful Disney vacation. At the end of the day, my young boys are happy at
any Resort with a playground.
Enjoy your vacation.