Hi, Heather! Welcome to WDW! You are coming in with a huge group, how fun! To make the most of your Deluxe Dining Plan, plus with a group this size, make sure to have Advance Dining Reservations set-up. You can do this at (407)WDW-DINE.
From the Animal Kingdom Lodge, your only transportation option to leave your resort will be to use the Disney buses. Buses for each destination will come by approximately every 20 minutes. Each bus will be clearly marked with its destination.
Since you plan on a lot of table service dining, just want to remind you that resort buses do not go to other resorts. So, for example, if you need to get to 'Ohana at the Polynesian for dinner, from your resort you would need to take the bus to the Magic Kingdom then hop on the resort monorail to the Polynesian. If you need some guidance, check out
www.ourlaughingplace.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the Transportation Wizard. Select Point A and Point B and the Wizard will calculate your transportation route options and approximate travel time. Once you are at Disney, ask any cast member for assistance and they will guide you to your destination.
If you find you are in a hurry or do not want to wait for buses, you can ask your resort concierge for help getting a taxi, but this will be an additional cost.
Enjoy your first trip to Walt Disney World!