Blog Posts Tagged Animal

The Rider Switch Pass at Walt Disney World

1/29/2021 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Ever wonder if you’ll miss out on riding an attraction at Disney World because you’re traveling with someone either not tall enough or who does not want to ride? No worries! Disney offers a Rider Switch pass for guests in this situation. WHAT IS RIDER SWITCH? Rider Switch (also known as child swap or rider swap) allows an adult who has waited off the attraction with a child or guest unable to ride, the ability to enjoy the ride after the remainder of his/her party returns from the line. REASONS FOR NOT RIDING *Height restrictions *Guests with disabilities *Child chooses not to ride HOW DOES IT WORK? 1. The entire party goes to the front of the line of the attraction they wish to ride (either the standby line or FastPass line, if they have one). 2. Let the Cast Member at the front of the line know you need […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Day Activities

1/26/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Are you looking for a new way to experience Walt Disney World on your next vacation? I’d like to recommend spending a day at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is a destination unto itself with most activities are available to all guests and activities are available from morning until after sunset. You can view the animals on the savanna throughout the day and into the evening hours. There are multiple overlooks of the savannas at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. Guides will teach you about wildlife and the African culture. After sunset, night vision goggles will allow you to see the animals from a new perspective. The String of Memories is a favorite activity of children {and parents} that teaches them about African culture and wildlife conservation in a fun and memorable way. You will receive a unique bead as your reward for completing each activity. If you choose to […]

Meeting a Disney Legend at the Grand Floridian!

6/29/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • What makes Disney so magical? The Cast Members! While Disney would still be an amazing place to visit, it’s the cast members who spread the magic to all the millions of guests who visit the parks every year. For our family, we enjoy meeting cast members and getting to know a little about them and where they come from. These special encounters happen spontaneously throughout the parks and at the resorts and often start with a simple “hello.” My most favorite cast member of all is Mr. Richard who greets guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I’d seen lots of posts on Facebook of photos with guests, so when I pulled up to the Grand Floridian and saw him standing there, I had to meet him. He is quite literally a Disney celebrity or legend! We had a wonderful conversation about his life and where he’s been. Here […]

Disney Resort with the Best View!

5/9/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • During my time as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World, I had a role that allowed me to work in a different resort or park each day. It was great for many reasons, but I especially enjoyed my days at the resorts. I was able to become incredibly familiar with each resort and talk to the guests that visited and stayed at them. I can truly say I think they all have great features in their own way. However, there is one resort that I can say is my favorite: Animal Kingdom Lodge! The resort has many features that I absolutely love, but today, I will tell you three things that I separate it from any other resort on property. Here is why Animal Kingdom Lodge is the top of my list.   Location  Some people will say it’s far away from the other parks, and I respond to that with […]

Resort Spotlight: All-Star Music

4/17/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you are a family dreaming of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort but have a limited budget, Disney’s All-Star Music resort is a value level resort you should consider for your next magical vacation. With a red carpet and backdrop to pose for pictures, your check-in experience at the All-Star Music resort turns into your debut as the newest music sensation. Walk outside and the fun starts for all. Pose for pictures in the Calypso section with the giant xylophone or bongos. Stop by the Jazz section to see the biggest drum set of your life. Are you more into country music? The banjo or harmonica might be calling your name. There isn’t anywhere you can turn outside without being reminded of the powerful influence music has on all our lives. All-Star Music features 2 different styles of rooms. The standard style room features 2 […]

Resort Spotlight: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

2/21/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a one-of-kind destination at Walt Disney World.  Its views of exotic animals grazing on nearby savannas, guests will feel as if they have escaped on an authentic Safari adventure! This deluxe resort property is located near Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.  The African-inspired resort gives guests the opportunity to view grazing exotic wildlife outside their rooms and public areas within the resort. This leaves guests feeling as if they are staying on the African savanna. The rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus one child under age 3. They are available with either a king-size bed, two queen-size beds, or one queen-size bed and bunk beds. Amenities include room service, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, coffee makers and refrigerators.  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge also has guest suites and Concierge Level accommodations. This offer access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge, robes, turndown service and the opportunity to participate in two unique […]

Dinner at Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

11/23/2016 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Boma is located inside the Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  This restaurant has a wonderful décor and African drummers provide a lively authentic atmosphere at the entrance.  Dinner is served buffet style with a wide variety of food choices and included is a soft-drink selection with refills.  Drink orders are taken by a waitress.  You may want to enjoy premium drink options with an African flair for an additional cost.  Disney characters do not make appearances here, but the restaurant provides character and charm. Boma is paradise for food lovers.  You will need a big table to provide plenty of room to try all of the unique dishes along with the classics.  The food has an African flair and provides a unique dining experience.  A variety of favorite American classics are offered as well.  The food has amazing flavor without being overwhelming.  It is one of my top […]

Nighttime Awakenings at Animal Kingdom

11/4/2016 • Walt Disney World • Experience all of the Magic of the Tree of Life One of the first things that people see when they walk into Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life. It is one of the few artificial plants in Animal Kingdom that stands at 145 ft. tall. The tree can withstand the severe weather of Central Florida.  The branches and leaves were built to not move. However, they look as if they are real. Most people look upon the tree as the symbol of Animal Kingdom but as they draw closer, they notice the intricate details of the truck and tree branches which make this feature a piece of art.  As you begin to look in detail at the branches and leaves, you begin to notice how tree branches evolve into animals or how the shape of one animal then transforms into another.  The tree itself does not have any moving mechanical parts but […]

Sanaa – A Unique Dining Experience

10/27/2016 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • With all the wonderful kid-friendly dining options at Disney World, why should your family choose to eat at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Resort? The answer is, for the unique cultural dining experience, of course. You won’t find Disney character dining here, but you will have a dining experience with “character.”  From the moment you arrive at the Kidani Village lobby at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, you will understand what I mean.  As you enter, take a moment to take in all Animal Kingdom Lodge has to offer, you will be in awe of the grand lobby with an African safari-theme.  It has an inviting, comfortable, casual, warm, and cozy feel the moment you enter.  It tends to be a little quieter than some of the resorts and is the perfect place to unwind. Sanaa serves lunch and dinner offering unique themed dining.  African cuisine with an Indian flavor is served.  Don’t […]

Adventures in Africa – Dining at the Tusker House

10/4/2016 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you headed to the far-east corners of Asia or have plans to explore the savannas of Africa, you will want to stop in Harambe for a delicious meal with your favorite Disney friends at the Tusker House Restaurant as you explore Disney's Animal Kingdom park.  It's Perfect for the Entire Family! This character meal is one of our family's "must-dos" every time we visit Animal Kingdom park.  The meal is hosted by Safari Donald Duck and you will find more Disney friends, typically Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy, all dressed up in their Safari outfits there too.  We have always found the character interaction at this restaurant to be fantastic and not rushed.  The buffet is 1 table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan and advance dining reservations are highly recommended.   The Tusker House is a fantastic choice for any family! Their dishes include family favorites, as well as specialty […]