food IS a theme park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom wouldn’t be complete without one thing: the ANIMALS, of course!
Giraffes!
And we love, love, LOVE it when a NEW baby animal joins the pack! Recently, we’ve seen a baby babirusa and baby giraffes!
Although this year’s Super Bowl is a little different than in previous years, it’s still a pretty BIG deal!
Gorilla in Animal Kingdom
There may be no Super Bowl parade at Disney World this year, but there are still a few restaurant specials to dive into, as well as a special Sprinkles cupcake!
There’s just something about baby animals, right?
Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom @drmarkatdisney
We’ve been so excited to see some of the recent babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, too, including a baby white rhino, a baby aardvark, and a baby giraffe! And now two baby giraffes have taken their first steps into the savannas of Kilimanjaro Safaris!
Many Disney fans are also animal lovers, and Disney totally understands this — so many of their movies feature cute animals!
Disney Animal Friends Loungefly Bag
That means we get a lot of great Disney merchandise featuring animals, too, including some devoted to Disney cats and Disney dogs. But, we were recently surprised when we spotted some animal friends that aren’t so common on merch at Disney World!
When it comes to favorite things to do in the parks, almost nothing tops being able to come face to face with a variety of animals at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. In fact, even when the parks were closed, we spent a lot of time virtually checking in to see what many of those animals were up to!
Animal Kingdom
We’re WILD about all things Animal Kingdom, and you’ve seen us talk a lot about all the great snacks we’ve found there, as well as all the awesome merch (like this sweet Animal Kingdom Parks Life MagicBand). But in the end, it’s really all about the animals, right?
Disney World isn’t just a bunch of resorts and thrill rides. If you’ve ever visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ve probably made friends with some of their furry and feather inhabitants!
View from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Of course, we’re talkin’ about the animals that roam the savannahs as well as the birds, fish, and reptiles! But with the parks being temporarily closed right now and all the people being gone, you might be wondering who’s looking after these guys?
For many, Walt Disney World dining is a central part of the vacation experience, and you know we’re right there with you! And over many, many (did we mention many?) table service meals, we’ve scoped out some of the finest real estate in Disney World restaurants. These are seats that give you a little somethin’ somethin’ — like a view of something spectacular or proximity to the little details. Fireworks view, anyone?
View of Fireworks from the Contemporary
The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2021 is packed full of tips — like over 700 pages worth! And we’ve got a list of Recommended Table Requests you might want to consider on future visits.
No matter how you vacation at Walt Disney World, the primary goal is always the same: to make memories that you can cherish and share for a lifetime. And with hundreds of attractions, shows, and experiences to try, there’s no shortage of ways to make those memories.
Hello from Disney World!
But one of our favorite ways to make new and lasting memories is by enjoying special dining experiences in the World. So if you’re officially planning your next vacay (or just daydreaming, as you should!), here are five unique and special dining experiences sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Anyone can sit at ground level and enjoy some tasty Fish and Chips or a tray of Chicken Nuggets, but if you want to elevate your dining, you gotta get above the World. And thanks to some thoughtfully placed restaurants, you can do that with ease! [Read more…]
Jambo! Thanks to Vallen Tucker at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge office, we have some great NEW information about the resort’s Dine With An Animal Specialist opportunity!!
As you know, the dining option is offered at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village. Guests can dine with an Animal Specialist, savoring cuisine from Sanaa while learning about the animals grazing outside the window. During the “untamed” lunch, your family will be immersed in African culture while posing questions to the animal expert regarding the animals on the nearby savanna.
The four-course menu will delight your senses during this exclusive experience limited to 12 guests. It is recommended for guests over 8 years old. Special Diets can be accommodated and there is a separate menu for kids
First Course: Indian Style Bread Service
Breads – Naan, Onion Kulcha, Papadum, Paneer Paratha
Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Green Mango Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney
Parts of the First Course Offerings
Second Course: [Read more…]
I’m not sure about you, but a fruity drink in hand, a thatched roof over my head, and a few flamingos frolicking in the background is just about all I need on vacation 😉 If that’s your dream come true, you can have it! Even the flamingos! Just stroll out to the Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House.
View of the Pool Bar Across Uzima Springs Pool
Relaxing at the Pool Bar
Besides the thatched roof and generous umbrella-ed seating, what makes this spot so enticing is the enchanting themeing around the pool. Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney World’s best-themed resort hotels, without a doubt. From the indentations of leaves, brush, and children’s footprints in the red dirt-tinted cement, to the whirlpool spas hidden by foliage, to the numerous savanna ponds scattered around, the Uzima Springs Pool area is a jungle of fascinating imagineering touches.
Even if you’re just there for a drink, it’s impossible not to go peek behind that grove of trees or jagged fence to see what treasures (and you KNOW there are treasures) lie beyond it! The place is a mini-theme park in itself.
Behind Curtain Number One...A Whirlpool Spa!
Behind Curtain Number Two...Hakuna Matata Playground!
Although we’re having fun exploring the pool grounds, let’s head back to the bar! In addition to the ubiquitous Disney Pool Bar standard menu, Uzima Springs Pool Bar also features some wonderful African beers and South African wines. And don’t forget, they’ve still got that rolodex of old recipes back there, too; if there’s something you’re pining for, be sure to ask!
Pool Bar Menu
And once you have your delicious bevvy, head over and find those elusive flamingos!
Ah Yes...the Flamingos.
I told you so!
Thanks to AKLResort.com for contributing photos for this blog post! Also, quick reminder — there’s no pool hopping to Uzima Springs, so although you can visit the pool and get a drink, don’t swim unless you’re an AKL guest.
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