Hi Amanda!
This is a great question!!! My daughter is an animal lover too!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is her favorite Resort hotel! You, and your animal loving little one, are going to love it!
In my opinion, you absolutely can plan an entire day's activities and never leave your Resort hotel. It's an amazing vacation within a vacation!
To begin, if you are able to do so, try to book a
room with a savanna view. My daughter has spent hours staring out into the savanna from both our room and other parts of the Resort hotel. It's a magical beginning to any day to see a giraffe or other animal first thing in the morning.
Be sure to make time for a yummy meal at
Boma - Flavors of Africa! It's one of our favorites! During breakfast and dinner, you can enjoy family-friendly buffets under thatched roofs. The all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets offer delicious foods and flavors from over 50 African countries. My kiddos are pretty picky eaters. They typically start their meals with some of their favorite American classics and then add to their selections throughout the meals.
Personally, I can spend hours in the
Zawadi Marketplace! It's one of my favorite merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Resort! You will find amazing African-themed art, clothing and toys, as well as some of your favorite Disney merchandise. It's fabulous!
When you check-in, make sure you get a recreation calendar. There are oodles of cultural and culinary offerings and of course, animal programs! The majority of the activities are complimentary but there are a few that are for purchase, and they are all noted on the calendar. You will find everything from medallion rubbing, to animal tracking, to cookie decorating (the cookie decorating was a favorite of my kiddos). Activities are scheduled throughout the day and you will find plenty of amazing options catered to Guests of all ages.
Outside of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will find plenty to do as well. Your little one might enjoy Hakuna Matata Playground or a dip in one of the
pools!
As your day concludes, be sure to take a final look around the savanna. The transformation from day to night is beautiful. Plus, you will not want to miss the
Jambo House campfire activities or
movies under the stars!
OH! I'm getting excited just thinking about your day at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! It's going to be wild! Enjoy every magical moment!
Kari