Hi Lauren,
You are going to adore your stay at
Animal Kingdom Lodge! My family was there about two weeks ago and, as always, we loved the atmosphere and waking each morning to see giraffes, zebras, kudu and other animals on the savannah just outside our room.
Official check-in time is 3 p.m. However, where possible, your room can be made available earlier. On our recent trip, I indicated on my
online check-in that we would be there around 9:30 a.m. We were running a little late, but I got a text at about 9:45 a.m. saying our room was ready and providing the room number. We didn't have to stop at the desk at all, but headed straight to our room to drop our luggage as soon as we arrived.
It doesn't always work out that well, but often it does. If your room isn't ready, you still can drop your luggage at bell service and head to the parks. They can text or email you as soon as your room is ready.
Besides the atmosphere, my family loves all the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I highly recommend lunch or dinner at
Sanaa, where on our most recent trip we watched zebras frolic and a giraffe eat its lunch while we ate ours. The buffet at
Boma is among our favorite at Walt Disney World, both for dinner and breakfast. And you can't beat the signature dining at
Jiku.
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Lauren. Please let us know if you have any other last-minute questions. Enjoy!
Wilma