Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Eight Disney Parks Resorts Named Silver Badge Winners by U.S. News & World Report

Several of Disney's top resorts have been named Silver Badge Winners by U.S. News & World Report in their annual "best of" series.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel came in at the top of the list of "best of" hotels in the Anaheim/Disneyland area. It ranked #1 out of 315 hotels in that area, and was #142 in Best California Hotels, and #11 in Disney Hotels and Resorts.

Zebras To Be Finale of Safaris at Animal Kingdom

It may seem hard to believe that zebras haven't been a part of Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris for a few years. But that won't be the case much longer as Disney is slowly reintroducing the white-and-black striped animals to the theme park's savanna where they will be featured in the finale for the safari attraction.

A herd of fifteen zebras have called the backstage, behind-the-scenes areas of AK home since February and have been acclimating to the new surroundings since. The zebras, of the Plains variety, are all female and range in age from five to ten years old.

Jiko Planning a Wine Dinner for August 16

It's a guest favorite at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and now it's planning a special wine dinner. We're talking about Jiko and its plans to host a wine dinner August 16.

The folks at Jiko have put together a 6-course feast complete with wine pairings. Those heading out to the dinner can look forward to the following menu:

Butter-poached South African Lobster Tail Lobster Bisque, Imoya, and Saffron Cream
Buffalo Samosas Potato, Sweet Corn, and Fig Atjar
"Chola Tikka"Sambal Spiced Chickpea, Tamarind, with Dhania Chutney
Ken Forrester Petit Rose, South Africa

Walt Disney World Resort Receives New Tennis Lesson Provider

Earlier this month, Orlando Tennis Services, LLC was named as Walt Disney World Resort's new tennis lesson provider.

It looks like any WDW Resort guest will be able to take part in tennis lessons. The cost for lessons is $90 per hour, and guests need not own or bring their own equipment to receive lessons as it's provided. Tennis courts are available for lessons at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Board Walk Resort, Bay Lake Tower, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Disney Vacation Club Members can receive a ten percent discount on lessons.

VIP Safari Weekend Coming To Animal Kingdom In April

The Jane Goodall Institute and Disney have partnered up to offer a special VIP Safari weekend this spring. Planned for April 20-22, 2012, this weekend will allow guests to take in Disney's Animal Kingdom park with the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall.

Room-Only Discounts Announced for Fall and Early 2012

If you're looking into a WDW vacation and want a discounted room at a Disney resort, then consider these recently-released discounts from Disney.

For the fall, Disney is offering discounts on rooms for most nights starting October 30 through December 23 with the exception of the week of Thanksgiving. Here are how the savings break down:

  • 15 percent at All-Star Movies Resort and Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
  • 20 percent at other value and moderate resorts, as well as Fort Wilderness Cabins

Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge Offering "Dine with an Animal Specialist"

Disney's Animal Kindgom Lodge is trialing a new program that will give guests an in-depth look at the animals at the park as well as a taste of African cuisine. "Dine with an Animal Specialist" will let guests spend some time with an expert caretaker of the animals at the Kingdom and also give them lunch at one of WDW's most popular restaurants, Sanaa.

AAA Four-Diamond Status For Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Congratulations go out to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge this week for their recent achievement of the AAA Four-Diamond rating.

This is a pretty lofty status the Animal Kingdom Lodge has garnered as only four percent of AAA-rated hotels are granted the Four-Diamond rating. To date, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the seventh Walt Disney World resort to gain this status.

Walt Disney World Safari VIP Weekend With Jane Goodall

The answer: seeing Disney a whole new way while rubbing elbows with a noted primatologist and helping out a great cause. The question: what could you be doing on February 18-21 of this year? Dr. Jane Goodall is heading up the Walt Disney World Safari VIP Weekend, a fundraising event that will benefit the Jane Goodall Institute.

Arusha Savanna Views at Animal Kingdom Lodge Now $30 Extra

If you're like most visitors to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, you'd probably prefer an Arusha Savanna view. If that describes you, we have good news and bad news for you. While you can now lock in an Arusha Savanna view, you will have to pay a premium to do so.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Fan Site is reporting that in 2011, there will be a premium for the most popular view.

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5 Spectacular Garden Settings At Walt Disney World Year Round

With the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival starting in just a couple of week, I've got Disney gardens on my mind. But the most lovely thing about the gardens of Walt Disney World is that you don't have to wait for the festival to experience them. 365 days a year s Disney's horticulture team works hard to maintain some of the most impressive environments its guests can dream of.

The Top 5 Things to Love about the Walt Disney World Resort

In celebration of Valentine's Day this year it seemed like a good idea to think about the things I love about Walt Disney World Resort. I've been visiting Disney World since 1974 when I was just a wee little one and over the years I've collected a rather extensive list of the things I love about my happy place.

When Size Matters: Tips For Choosing A Disney Resort Hotel Room

Square footage isn't something everyone has to worry about when picking a hotel room, but when you're spending a week living in one room with folks, it probably should be. I often hear "we won't be in our room very much" as a justification for staying at the Value Resorts. If you are traveling as adults alone, or have a single small child, this can work really well. However - as your kids grow, or if you are sharing a room with friends or family, nerves can fray when you don't have enough space.

Romantic Spots To Stop For A Cocktail At Walt Disney World

Looking for some romantic spots for cocktails with your sweetheart at Walt Disney World? We've got five great bars and lounges that are perfect for you and your loved one to wind up your nights with a drink or two and a little relaxation. We picked these perfect spots for their theming, unique drinks, and great seating. So read on and then be sure to add them to your next romantic Disney getaway!

Fabulous Holiday Decorations Deck the Halls at the Walt Disney World Resort

The holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort might be the most magical time of the year. While the resort hotels are always lovely, when the holiday decorations are up, it takes the wonder and magic of Disney to a whole new level. You can't help but oooh and ahh when you see all the decorations.

Favorite Table Service Restaurants for One Credit on the Disney Dining Plan

When you're trying to decide where to make your Advance Dining Reservations for an upcoming trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many restaurants to choose from and everyone seems to have their favorite, must-visit locations.

Top 5 Quick Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

When staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel I tend to consider the dining options when making my final decision. Is there somewhere to grab a quick and delicious breakfast? What type of table service dining " if any " is available? Can I find good coffee quickly in the morning? All important factors when choosing a hotel.

Fun Facts About Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The 500-acre Animal Kingdom is Walt Disney World's newest and largest Theme Park, it opened on Earth Day in April 1998 and has been entertaining guests ever since. The unique Park concept centers around edutainment about our planet, and the creatures that walk it. Not just a theme park Disney's Animal Kingdom puts focus on scientific research and conservation. The research scientists and animal keepers have made ground-breaking discoveries and substantial contributions to animal welfare and repopulation.

A Disney Dining Bucket List: Places to Dine and Menu Items to Eat

As Disney fans, we probably all have a list of things to do, places to eat, menu items we want to eat, and even hotels we must stay in at some point in our travels to the Walt Disney World Resort. It might come as no surprise to anyone that I have a Disney dining bucket list.

Animal Kingdom Lodge's Wanyama Safari

Walt Disney World Resort looking to add a little something special to their vacation experience have a wide range of special tour options that allow a deeper look behind the magic of the vacation kingdom. I am back from my incredible trip to Animal Kingdom lodge and we loved the Wanyama Safari! If you love animals and you are staying at the lodge this tour is a must.