Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’

For 2011 Walt Disney World has announced a variety of changes to package inclusions and cancellation policies, room rates, and seasons; all of which we’ll be sharing over the next weeks.  One of the most interesting modifications is the addition of new room categories at a number of the resorts.  While this will allow guests to reserve guaranteed room locations and views, it means that preferences which previously could be requested will now come at a fixed additional cost.

Of note is the fact that particular views are perceived as having so much importance that in some instances, a standard room with a premium view costs more than a concierge-level room with a less-desirable view.

Here are some of the categories for Standard and Concierge rooms; keep in mind that Deluxe Resorts also offer a variety of Suites and Deluxe Rooms with prices that are determined by category rather than view:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A new Arusha Savannah View is an addition to the previous Savannah View.  This pertains to non-concierge rooms only and includes an option for Arusha View with standard bed configuration and Arusha View Bunk Bed rooms.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Concierge rooms are now available in Standard, Garden, or Lagoon Views.  The Standard View is parking lot or rooftop, while the new Lagoon View guarantees a fifth-floor room with a Crescent Lake vista.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: Regular rooms can have a Standard View of gardens, leisure pool or parking lot, or a Water View which looks out over the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake.  In concierge, all standard rooms will overlook a courtyard, leisure pool, or the Boardwalk.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Standard and Garden Views in the Garden Wing, and the Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom Views for both Standard Tower and Atrium Club Concierge rooms have been retained for 2011.  The 14^th floor Tower Club is still priced according to room or suite type rather than view.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Regular rooms continue to be offered in Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views, while the Standard Royal Palm Concierge rooms in the main building come with or without a guaranteed Theme Park View.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Garden, Lagoon, and Theme Park Views are offered in both Standard and Concierge rooms.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: No changes for 2011; Standard, Woods, and Courtyard views are still available for regular rooms, with hit-or-miss on the concierge floor.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Same options as Disney’s Beach Club although overall, the Yacht Club views tend to be superior.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Room types include Standard View and a Water View that can be either pool or lake, King-bed, Preferred location, and Pirate-themed rooms with either Standard or Water Views.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: This resort also features Standard and Water Views, King-bed and Preferred location rooms, as well as a range of suites.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort: Standard and Water Views and a King-bed room are joined by the new River View category for 2011.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort: In addition to King-bed and Preferred location, Standard View, and Water View which may be of the river or pool, room choices now include a guaranteed River View for an additional charge.  Trundle-bed rooms will always be assigned to parties of five since other room categories only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

Value Resorts: Both Standard and Preferred location categories remain for 2011 as well as the Family Suites at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.

Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with all the different room categories and views at each resort and will help you choose the perfect “room with a view” for your vacation.

#5 A Concierge Stay

Comparable to “club” in other deluxe hotels, and referred to as “concierge” for many years, this represents the elite level of accommodations at Disney resorts.  Having recently installed “concierge” desks in the lobbies of all the resorts to assist hotel guests, Disney is struggling with the nomenclature to set this service apart.  They have given names to all the concierge lounges and are attempting to make the transition from “concierge” to “club,” as in  Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Nonetheless, most guests still think of these rooms as concierge.  In each deluxe resort, most suites and a certain number of single rooms are designated concierge.  They may be located on certain floors, keyed sections of floors, or in specific buildings, and suites may be found throughout the properties, but they all share access to the concierge perks.

Those booking club-level rooms can anticipate certain extras:  food and beverage offerings several times each day in a private lounge area; separate check-in procedures; a dedicated concierge staff to assist with information, reservations, and myriad special requests.  Concierge guests may also take advantage of the pre-trip planning services available from the Itinerary Planning Office. An itinerary questionnaire is generally mailed a month or so before arrival.  They can be contacted by e-mail, phone or fax as soon as you have a confirmed reservation.

Although Disney is renowned for customer service, you can expect that to be taken to another level when you arrive as a concierge guest.  It is pampering, indulgent, and delightful.  All the lounges are extremely child-friendly and feature small furnishings, a separate television, and special food items especially for kids.  A family vacation at Walt Disney World is very demanding, and having the resources of concierge can be priceless.

Expect the benefits to be emotional rather than fiscal.  After a tiring arrival day, when most guests still face a wait in line to check in, concierge guests are greeted and whisked away to comfortable chairs and cool drinks, or sometimes escorted directly to their rooms, for a relaxed and hassle-free registration.  The push of a button from a room telephone will connect to a member of the concierge staff who will try his best to obtain tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, book a last-minute dining reservation, or give advice about park-closing hours or ordering a floral arrangement for a room.  Grabbing breakfast in the morning rather than spending the time in a restaurant offers the opportunity for the early start that’s so important in the parks.

Interestingly, each resort brings its own unique style to the concierge floor, and there are differences in service, food and beverages, extra amenities, and attitude.  Two resorts, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, have two different club levels and uninformed guests are sometimes disappointed upon arrival.  Your Whimsical World Travel Concierge is familiar with each and every program and can offer guidance in choosing the best one for your party.

Entering the Sunset Overlook, it’s easy to imagine you have stepped back in time and into the home of a fascinating couple; well-traveled and well-read, their captivating study a celebration of the destination they most loved – Africa.

The walls are a pictorial essay of amazing sights and unforgettable friendships; antelope and zebra, Ashanti and Zulu.  There are cabinets filled with mementoes of their journeys, taken at a time when the world seemed larger, travel more challenging, and Africa the unknown and mysterious “Dark Continent.”

Today, the Sunset Overlook continues its safari connection.  It’s the early-morning meeting place for Sunrise Safari participants.  In the evening, it hosts Cultural Safaris which feature representatives from different African countries sharing their stories.  For many guests, these Cultural Representatives are the highlight of a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Just outside, a balcony offers views of the Sunset Savannah where close encounters with ostriches and giraffes are commonplace.

Check the activities schedule for wildlife games and performances of traditional music, or plan a quiet visit during the day to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Colorful, interesting, with unique and one-of-a-kind merchandise, the Zawadi Marketplace may well be the best resort gift shop in all of Walt Disney World.

The African themes of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge open up entirely new possibilities for the Disney merchandisers and shoppers will discover a great deal more here than just the usual plush, pins, and pens found elsewhere.

There are a variety of handmade crafts including carved wooden animals, toys, masks, drums, and baskets.  Brightly-colored pottery incorporates Disney details into traditional designs and artwork celebrates the beauty of  the African continent.  Even the apparel items have a special flair, sporting elements from the savannah – animal prints and safari-inspired design.  Look for interesting textiles, unusual household items and decorative accessories, and plush characters dressed for the bush.

Open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Zawadi Marketplace at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House has a direct outside entrance from the walkway in front of the resort and is also accessible from the lobby.

With the lure and excitement of the theme parks, it’s easy to forget that the Walt Disney World resort hotels are, in and of themselves, vacation destinations.  Guests can step outside their room to view an African savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or lose themselves in the tropics at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; escape to the piney woods at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or frolic on the sandy beaches of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs.  The color and fun of Mardi Gras, the tranquil beauty of the American Southwest, the Caribbean, even Andy’s Room:  with such wide range of styles, settings and décor, there’s something to suit every taste.  Although each has its own ambience, they all include the hallmark of the Disney experience – outstanding service.

Disney resorts fall into four “categories” – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa.  While each property is unique, those sharing the same category will have many similar characteristics.

The Value resorts typically reflect the lowest prices of the four categories.  We say “typically” because sometimes a special offer can result in a normally higher-priced category costing less.  Your travel concierge will always be on the lookout for the best value during your vacation dates.

The standard room at a Value resort has the smallest square-footage with two double beds and exterior corridors.  The resorts themselves are very large and spread out with attractive, albeit basic, landscaping and a nice pool but one without a slide or extensive theming.  All four have amazing oversized structures around the property which highlight elements of the resort’s specific theme.  So, you’ll find giant memorabilia from the different decades at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or enormous characters from the movies at Disney’s All Star Movies Resort.

Since there are no table-service restaurants at the Value resorts, the food courts are particularly expansive with many more options than those found elsewhere.  Bus service is available to all destinations within the Walt Disney World complex.

Moderate resorts, a bit more expensive, feature slightly larger rooms although they do retain the exterior corridors.  There are both “theme” and “quiet” pools, and the lovely grounds are an outstanding feature.  Perhaps because, unlike the Deluxe Resorts, they are not built on the limited land closer to the parks, the Moderate resorts boast extravagant landscaping, arguably more beautiful than any other resort category.  With the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, the Moderate resorts are enormous and very spread out over the spectacular landscapes.  Plantings, design elements, and architecture are all chosen to enhance the sense that guests have truly escaped to the bayou, the desert, the Caribbean, or New Orleans.

Some Moderate resorts feature a table-service restaurant, and two have boat service to Downtown Disney, but otherwise, bus transportation is provided.

At the Deluxe Resorts, expect extensive theming and extraordinary public spaces with imaginative touches at every turn.  There are generally numerous activities and amenities coupled with at least one exceptional dining venue.

The standard rooms are the largest, although they do vary in size from one property to another, generally have two queen-sized beds and often include a daybed, as well.   Interior hallways give these resorts more of a “hotel” atmosphere and large lobbies and seating areas are invitations to linger.  All except Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have multiple transportation options which may include bus, boat, monorail, and pedestrian walkways to other locations.  Bell services and room service are more comprehensive.  The grounds are meticulously groomed and the theme pools are especially elaborate.  Most also feature a lovely “quiet” pool.

Deluxe resorts also offer suites and concierge or club-level accommodations making them the most luxurious of the Disney properties.

Deluxe Villa resort accommodations are rooms allocated to retail sales from the Disney Vacation Club properties.   Room configurations include studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom Grand Villas.  The studio is somewhat comparable to a standard deluxe-property room with the addition of a small kitchenette.  The other units include a full kitchen, washer and dryer, two- or three-room master bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers, and plentiful storage.  The Grand Villas add a dining room for family dinners and are wonderfully spacious.

Several of the Deluxe Villa properties are connected to existing hotels: Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Guests staying in these villas have full access to all the amenities of their sister hotel including the themed pools.  Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa are dedicated villa properties without any standard hotel space connected.

Of course, each Walt Disney World Resort hotel has features that are uniquely theirs!  Your travel concierge will be happy to provide in-depth information about each resort to assist you in making the perfect choice.

Overhead, a “kindness” of kanus wings its way across a sky of deepening blue, curving gently toward the sunset.  Legend has it that fortune smiles on those touched by the shadow of these mythical birds, and lucky indeed are the diners who walk beneath them at Disney’s wonderful restaurant, Jiko.

The room glows with the colors of nightfall and firelight:  cobalt, shimmering bronze, ember, and coal.  Ringed pillars represent the long, elegant necks of tribal women, encircled with necklaces in a cultural display of wealth and beauty.  Towering wood-burning ovens demand attention.  The floor, finished in African woods, is inlaid with the symbols of a bountiful harvest.  Seats at the bar in front of the open kitchen invite interaction with the chefs, while tables along the windows overlook a peaceful stream.

In contrast to its more casual neighbor, Boma, which features a number of authentic African dishes, Jiko offers a fusion menu with a signature blend of perennial favorites and “of the moment” elements; the tastes of Africa – tribal, Mediterranean, and Indian – with a contemporary twist.  Influenced by indigenous ingredients and methods, spiced but not spicy, the food often incorporates the customs and culture of the continent.  For example, goat and sheep cheeses are used almost exclusively, since much of the African population is lactose-intolerant and does not consume cow’s-milk cheese.  Food presentation is considered and attractive without being fussy.

Vegetarians will be tempted by novel and delicious appetizers, salads, and entrees.

Many members of the waitstaff are also capable sommeliers and are happy to suggest wine pairings from Jiko’s amazing cellar, which boasts the largest collection of South African wines in North America.

Arriving guests are welcomed by traditionally-clad cultural representatives; warm towels are offered to refresh and relax; a memorable meal awaits.

With its low lighting, well-spaced seating areas, relative quiet, and knowledgeable, attentive service, Jiko is an excellent choice for a special-occasion dinner.  The Cape Town Wine Room is available for private parties and open to diners during busy times.

Review: I find myself returning to Jiko again and again, for the beauty of the space and the pleasure of the food.  I’m still trying to figure out how to get my own flock of birds, the most beautiful lighting installation in all of Walt Disney World, for a high-ceilinged room in my house. A tradition of imaginative cuisine and award-winning excellence has earned this restaurant the AAA Four Diamond rating and I always look forward to dining here.

Although the entrees are simply wonderful, a selection of several of the phenomenal appetizers can stand alone as a delightful meal.  If last-minute reservations are not available, arrive early and snag seats at the bar where you’ll enjoy an up-close view of all the activity and the possibility of “samples” from the chefs.

Dinner at Jiko is part of the Wanyama Safari, a special experience available to guests of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and gives diners the opportunity to savor a great variety of dishes from the menu.

For those staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with a hankering for the oak-grilled filet but a plan to stay in and enjoy the animals from their balcony, most items on the Jiko menu can be ordered through room service.

Menus

Dinner
Dessert
Teas

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

You can spot them in every park – multicolored extravaganzas moving through the darkness.  Lights pulse and spin; long and thin, round and steady, small and twirly; mesmerizing; drawing children like magnets.

Periodically, bits of color will break off and move away, flashing and bobbing into the night as parents succumb to the pleas of their offspring for bouncing pink headbands, rainbow necklaces, light sabers, luminous characters, and glimmering gadgets.  The light carts; holding the promise of glow-in-the-dark fun long after the vacation is over.

Art is one of the recurring themes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidana Village.  From the moment guests enter, they are surrounded by the beauty of African handwork.  The lobby, restaurant, and public rooms all serve as showcases for art pieces. There are lighted niches displaying sculpture, statuary, and jewelry; paintings glow from the walls.

African cultures elevated the items of daily living to art forms and the resort’s collections of pottery and currencies reflect the people’s pleasure and pride in everyday objects.   A water vessel was part of a family’s wealth; a well-crafted tool might be bartered for a bride.  These pieces, lovingly made and cherished as valued possessions, become part of the special ambiance of Kidana Village.

The Library…even its name is welcoming.  Cushy sofas with high, carved backs invite conversation or quiet repose.  There’s a warm terra cotta hearth with sculpted niches showcasing native artworks in a flickering light, and joyful figures dance before the flames.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is a world apart, beyond the bustle of Jambo House, and this quiet location infuses the property with a sense of seclusion and peace.  The calm atmosphere permeates the lobby and lingers in the corridors, settling comfortably in the warm tones and cozy corners of The Library.

Walls of glass look out over an expansive verandah and the savannah beyond.  The Kidani butterfly, found throughout the property, flutters across the walls here too, leaving its trace – words of wisdom and kindness.

It’s the perfect location for Story Time, nightly at 7:30 p.m., and offers a variety of other activities throughout the day, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the many beautiful examples of African art that grace this serene room.

Adjacent to Jiko sits a place of exploration, the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar.  Warm and intimate, this small lounge celebrates the exceptional collection of South African wines that Jiko is famous for.

It’s a wonderful place to begin a tour of South Africa before continuing on to a memorable meal at Jiko.  Request to see the dinner menu, decide on an appetizer, then get some advice about pairings for it.  Guests may choose to order the wine in the Cape Town Lounge and bring it with them into the restaurant to enjoy with that first course, or have their appetizer in the Lounge before going into dinner.

The savory aromas from Jiko may prove too much for the patrons who had only planned to stop for a drink.  Diners will be invited to move to an available table in the restaurant, but if it’s busy,  food can be ordered from the menu for service in the Lounge.

For those choosing to eat in the Lounge, we recommend ordering appetizers only.  The wonderful food at Jiko deserves attention.  While the full menu is available at the bar, the stools there are second only to those in the main restaurant in the race for most uncomfortable,  so last-minute diners should consider patience, or a reservation on another night!

Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.