Spend a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

While visiting the Disney Parks is exciting and nonstop fun, there is a lot of exploring and fun to be had at the Disney Resorts!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is no exception. You can spend a whole day at AKL and not spend a single dime.

Arrival at Animal Kingdom Lodge

When you first arrive at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you are going to want to take in your surroundings. Upon entering the lodge, you will stare up in awe at the six story tall Jambo House lobby. You will want to spend a lot of your time in the lobby,?examining?all of the intricate details that only Disney can do.

Underneath a thatched roof, you’ll swear you’re in South Africa as you examine the more than 400 pieces of authentic African artwork throughout the lobby. Your eye will be drawn to the 16 foot tall Igbo Ijele mask. Make sure to take pictures as this is the only mask of its kind to ever leave Nigeria.

Surrounded by the sounds of waterfalls and African music, relax in the hand-carved furniture next to Ogun’s Fire Pit. Take a stroll and gasp as you reach the floor to?ceiling?windows that look out over 30 acres of land and see the roaming animals.

Lions, Tigers and Giraffes, oh my!

Grab a Wildlife Field Guide from the front desk and head out to Arusha Rock, an elevated viewing area to enjoy the animals. Chat with?knowledgeable?guides about the animals that live on the?Savanna.

After exploring the Arusha Rock Savanna, discover the Sunset Savanna and the Uzima Savanna that surround the sides of the lodge. There are great viewing points all around and the savannas?are open 24 hours a day.

Are flamingos more your thing? At the Uzima Flamingo Pool, animal experts will tell you about the feeding habits of flamingos and pelicans. You’ll be able to watch them feed the flamingos also.

Go on a Garden Safari and learn about the interaction between animals and plants.

Artsy Activities

On select days, you can join cast members at the Uzima Springs Pool for African games and crafts. In the lobby, you can create your own piece of African artwork to bring home!?Participate?in the Medallion Rubbing where you can make a rubbing of the floor medallions.

If you’re near the Sunset Lounge, you will enjoy the Music of the Savanna where you can learn to play an African instrument! Stay for the Wildlife Games where you can test your knowledge of the animals.

Zawadi Marketplace and Boma and Jiko Culinary Tour

Make time to explore the Zawadi Marketplace. At 6,000 square feet, this marketplace is one of the largest retails shops at Disney World. The Zawadi Marketplace features authentic and one-of-a-kind merchandise from Africa. You will find everything from Animal Kingdom Lodge t-shirts and picture frames to Zulu Baskets, African masks and more.

If you’re a Disney “foodie” you will love the Boma and Jiko Culinary Tour. Hurry over to Boma and every afternoon there is a short tour that will guide you through the restaurants. You will discover the tastes of Africa as you learn about the detailed decor and sample some treats.

Nighttime at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Every evening you can sit around the Arusha Rock Fire Pit and listen to African Folktales. This is a great family activity. If there is stormy weather, the storytelling will be held inside the lobby around Ogun’s Fire Pit.

After listening to the African Folktales, make your way to the Sunset Savanna Overlook. This was designed specifically for viewing the animals at sunset. Bring you cameras with you and set up the tripods because you will be able to catch glimpse of the animals close-up and active.

End your day by hurrying over to the Uzima Savanna Overlook. Once it is completely dark you will have the chance to use night vision goggles and view the animals out on the savanna.

From the early morning to late at night, there is always something going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Best of all? You didn’t spend anything!