Welcome to planDisney, Eileen!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first Disney Resort hotel I ever stayed at, and to this day I still think it's the best-themed resort on property. From the moment you step into that soaring lobby, it feels like you've been transported somewhere truly special. Even if you're just visiting for dinner, it's absolutely worth slowing down and soaking it all in.
I'm so excited for you to eat at
Boma – Flavors of Africa. It's one of those restaurants I recommend again and again because it's consistently excellent and offers a wide range of foods to meet the preferences of every Guest. You can absolutely arrive early, Eileen. Even as a non-hotel Guest, you're typically allowed to park for a dining reservation up to about 2–3 hours beforehand. Arriving 1–2 hours early is very reasonable and gives you plenty of time to explore the savanna viewing areas at Jambo House before dinner. This is especially smart since it can get quite dark soon after your 5:00 PM reservation. You can also explore the brilliant gift shop at the hotel. It has some very cool "merch" that's exclusive to the resort. I purchased my daughter's favorite plush there—a super cute African Wild Dog.
After your meal, you can end the night on a high note by grabbing a delicious drink at
Victoria Falls Lounge. It has a great atmosphere and lots of tasty beverage options. The perfect watering hole for humans!
One helpful tip: head straight to the Arusha Rock overlook when you arrive, as it's one of the best daytime viewing spots and closest to the lobby. If you have time, chat with a Cast Member there. They're often happy to point out animals you might otherwise miss. And if you happen to have binoculars tucked in the car, bring them along!
Thanks for choosing to be our Guest, Eileen.
Mike