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Kilimanjaro Safaris; Animal Kingdom; AA
  • On May 3, 2010
    Kristen Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi Moms! We are planning on visiting Disney in Sept. to take advantage of their free meal plan. Our son will be 9 months old and we are interested in staying at Animal Kingdom. Is this a good choice? How much of a hassle is it to visit the parks? Any tips

    Hey, Kristen! Good planning on your part! September is probably my favorite time of year to visit WDW, and Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House or Kidani Village) is an excellent resort choice.  However, for a family with a nine-month-old son, I would recommend taking the same amount of money budgeted for your resort and spend it on a resort closer to the Magic Kingdom. AKL is a phenomenal place to stay, but the main reason you would want to stay there is for you all to enjoy the animals right outside your room. Although I'm sure that your son would get some pleasure out of seeing them, it would get old to him much sooner than when he is older.

    Therefore, make things easier on yourself. Choose a deluxe resort on the monorail. My favorite is The Contemporary which is only a walk to the Magic Kingdom, and the first monorail stop on the way back when you're the most tired. It also houses Chef Mickey's on the concourse level which is a yummy buffet breakfast or dinner and a sensory delight for a little one such as yours. Also, there is world-class cuisine available at The California Grill atop the resort which would be a great time together as a couple while you hire a sitter to come to your room.  (I always like to be in the same building as my kids when someone else is watching them.)

    Although we enjoyed AKL immensely and highly recommend it for the accommodations as well as the recreation and dining options, it would not be my first choice if I still had a baby in tow -- simply for the fact that it is the least convenient deluxe resort to the parks. Let me know if I can be of more help. Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation!
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Meet the Panelist: Andi, Alabama

Anchors aweigh! Time to set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line, and I'm just the mom to help you navigate the waters of planning. From stem to stern to ports of call, I'll show you the ropes of pixie-dusted vessels filled with magic and adventure. Learn More About Andi

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