lodging

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

A Disney Deluxe Resort, this African-themed lodge is one of the most spectacular and unique themes at Disney World. A savanna-view upgrade is absolutely worth consideration for easy viewing of the animals onsite; our room had a balcony with a view of the zebras and giraffes - my tween was totally overwhelmed with happiness watching the animals from the room.. Although not particularly close to the Magic Kingdom, dinner onsite at Jambo was an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant, and while there were no characters here (unlike at many similar Disney restaurants), it simply didn’t need them. The food and surroundings stood alone quite nicely. In short, this not "The Lion King" at every turn, rather it is a breathtakingly detailed property that is a joy to inhabit for a few days. The amount of real African art, the emphasis on knowledgable cultural guides and local experts, and the way that they engage guests in learning about a place many have never seen is impressive. For my tips on booking with points and a more comprehensive recommendation, check me out at thepointsguy.com