3 Reasons to Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge #MonkeyKingdomEvent

Disney World offers many resorts to stay at while visiting the parks. It’s always convenient to stay on property due to special amenities like early park access, complimentary bus services, and much more. While covering a press trip for Disneynature Monkey Kingdom, I had the opportunity to step into one of Disney’s most beautiful resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge. The resort embodies the heart of Africa with a touch of Disney. It is simply stunning!

3 Reasons to Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

1. Experience up-close encounters with more than 200 animals, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. The resort offers 4 lush savannahs where the animals freely roam. Simply step out your hotel balcony to enjoy the scenery. Follow the outside pathway from the lobby for a perfect view of the wildlife, or explore one of the many animal programs offered daily at the lodge.
2. It’s family friendly! Kids ages 3-12 can enjoy an evening at Simba’s Clubhouse for games, snacks, crafts, and more fun. Other fun activities include the Hakuna Matata Playground and campfire activities. Cool off in the 11,000 square-foot tropical oasis pool with a 67-foot water slide! There’s additional pools too.
3. Dine at award-winning restaurants on property. Sanaa offers special dining experiences where you can opt to sit with an animal specialist and pick their brain about the wildlife. This experience does not require you to be a hotel guest! And you will leave with an even greater appreciation for wildlife. Additionally, there’s an evening safari for guests of the hotel, which includes dining on a 5 course meal at Jiko restaurant, and a wine pairing. 

Our blogger group had the opportunity to sit down with Greg Peccie, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Operations Manager.  During our Q&A he shared many details about his job and past experiences as a zoo keeper. With a degree in Biology, Greg came to Disney in 1998 to work with the white rhinos and cheetahs. He now overseas the team of animal specialists at Animal Kingdom Lodge. He has a ton of animal knowledge and a real passion for animals (especially the hoofed kind). He spoke in-depth about the option to dine with an animal specialist at Sanaa Restaurant and the East African-inspired cuisine. Look out for a full review of the Sanaa Restaurant coming soon! Also, don’t forget Monkey Kingdom is in theaters now! This adorable and family friendly film is a wonderfully empowering story. I definitely recommend taking the family! I was invited as media to cover this event. All opinions are mine alone. Thanks to Disney for providing some of the included photos.