Hi there Brandy, wishing you a wild welcome to planDisney!
As someone who flies around very often around the world, those red-eye flights can definitely be both handy or tricky depending on where you're headed and probably not something that I would recommend right before heading into full day at a theme park. Luckily it sounds like you're just planning on heading straight to
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and as someone who has stayed there twice recently hosted by planDisney and also
as a Disney Vacation Club Owner, I'm happy to lend my personal tips and experience to make the most of your time while you wait for your room!
Many folks and families opt to use Direct-To-Room Service to check in online, but in my opinion, taking a little extra time to wait for your room to be ready could really make a difference at a Disney Resort Hotel such as this one, where the views and location matter that much more. On our most recent stay the Cast Member at the Front Desk checking us in was able to work her magic if we were willing to take advantage of the amenities in the meantime, and the room we got was well worth the wait!
- We highly recommend spending that time over by the Pools at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which are all accessible to you whether you're staying over at Jambo House or Kidani Village. The Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center over by the Samawati Springs Pool currently has complimentary smaller-sized lockers outside of the restrooms where you can also take a shower after your flight. Its counterpart, the Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center located next to the hot tub by the Uzima Springs Pool also has more showers along with a sauna and steam room to relax your post-flight muscles!
- For a comfortable place to rest with a great view of the wildlife, the comfy lounge just off the lobby at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village tends to be quieter without all of the sounds of hustle and bustle that you'll find echoing across the Jambo House lobby. It's also situated right next to Johari Treasures where you can grab a drink or even some of the famous Zebra Domes to snack on by the fireplace as a way to kick off your stay! If however you don't want to stray too far from Jambo House, the Sunset Overlook Lounge is full of great artwork and artifacts in a slightly more serene space.
I recommend checking out our
planDisney Pocket Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge before your flight, but
come back again to planDisney for any other tips or tricks ahead of your stay!
Here's to flying overnight and doing it right on the day you check in!
Prince