In the shadows of the moonlight, a lone bongo glides past three Ankole cattle with gigantic horns, which are settling in for the night beneath the savannah grasses. Spotted giraffes wander across the plain in search of food among the towering trees.
But wait! This isn't Kenya--this is Disney's new Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Situated within easy reach of all Disney park attractions, the beautiful lodge is surrounded by a savannah in which over 200 types of native African mammals and colorful birds roam.
Outside on the Reserve
"Mommy, who put that there?" a young girl asks her mother, pointing at the kopje, or rocky animal-viewing area outside of the lodge. "That's from Africa," replies her smiling mother. With its new resort, Disney has taken a responsible approach to the conservation of and education about African wildlife. A dozen species of hoofed mammals, from striped zebras to racing gazelles, share the 33-acre reserve with a vast array of colorful birds, like the greater pink flamingo and east African crowned crane.
All lodge animals are carefully introduced to their new environment, and kept at a safe viewing distance from patrons, for the safety of both guests and animals. No lids, straws, or balloons are allowed on the property, and guests are repeatedly discouraged from feeding the animals or dropping anything from room balconies. At the gift shop, guests have the opportunity to add a dollar to their purchases. Disney matches each extra dollar, and the fund supports non-profit organizations conducting field research in Africa.
The Lodge Interior
The authentic African artwork and furnishings in the lodge are as intriguing as the exotic animals. From first step into the open, comfortable lobby, built from earthy materials, decorated with colorful fabrics, and lit with soft glowing orange lighting, guests feel right at home. The guestrooms, the public rooms, and the elaborate lobby house hundreds of pieces of art and photographs, showcasing Africa's past and present cultures. Guests walk over metallic circle floor carvings, touch the Nigerian wall carving for good luck, and admire wooden statues of the fertility god & goddess of the Lobi people. Chandeliers made from African shields, each representing a different African tribe, hang from the grand lobby's thatched roof.
At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the meals are as rich as the art. Disney recreated a blend of African culinary delights with spicy appeal in the lodge's dining. Designed after an open African marketplace, the sounds and aromas of the restaurant Boma resonate throughout the lobby. For breakfast and dinner, diners choose from a wide range of entrees such as fresh fish, meats, and vegetables; the adventurous dare to add African spices and curries to their plates. Jiko, open for upscale dinner dining, tantalizes guests with a fusion of global recipies and incredible South African wines.
From the meals to the artwork to the flamingos, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stimulating and enlightening Disney experience. The only thing better than a stay there would be a visit to Africa itself.•
