Animal Kingdom Lodge
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The sun rises above the savannah and the earth starts to move. In the
distance, giraffe begin to browse the tall trees in search of a morning
meal. As a sacred ibis stretches its wings to welcome the day, Thomson's
gazelles kick up their heels in a playful daily ritual. Not far away
atop a rustic balcony, a family sips morning coffee and has a front row
seat on this quiet rite of nature.
Until now, the only place this could happen was a wildlife reserve in
Africa. Now, guests at Walt Disney World Resort can recreate this experience
every day at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The 1,293-room deluxe resort, which opened April 2001, showcases the
wonder and romance of Africa, from the hand-carved furnishings and the
gourmet cuisine served in its three restaurants to the splendor of a
33-acre savannah around the resort where animals roam freely.
Namukelekile! (Zulu - n mu ke' le ke le):
Welcome All of You!
The entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, featuring lush foliage,
leads to the thatched-roofed main lobby. The lodge's shape -- resembling
a horseshoe -- is based on the traditional kraal (pronounced "crawl"),
or corral, a design used in African villages to keep homes and livestock
safe from harm.
Designed by Peter Dominick (who also designed Disney's Wilderness Lodge
at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland
Resort), the six-story resort features towering thatched roofs complemented
by rich woods and golden tones. The grand lobby features a large, mud
fireplace, natural lighting and giant dormer windows that provide spectacular
views of sunrises and sunsets over the animal-filled savannah.
At night, incandescent lighting twinkles, resembling fireflies and soft-glowing
campfires. Just outside the lobby, an elevated kopje, or rock outcropping,
puts guests within 15 feet of the animals, and gives an extraordinary,
near-panoramic view of the animal reserve.
Magical Kingdoms recommend Small World Vacations to book your stay at this Resort.
