Relaxing at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Orange Loop. Today we are the best Disney resorts for relaxation.

Relaxing isn’t always associated with a Disney vacation, but there are lots of ways that you can take it easy and relax while you’re there.  Some of the deluxe hotels are the best place to do that, but for me nothing is more relaxing than spending time at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Whether you’re actually staying there or just visiting, there’s lots to keep you occupied but it’s not as “go go go” and exhausting as being in the theme parks all day.

The main attraction at being at Animal Kingdom Lodge is of course the animals!  And unlike Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you’re rushed through the area, you can sit and take as much time as you want to watch and observe them.  If you get a room with a savanna view you can do it right from your own balcony.  I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and would take a leisurely morning or afternoon break to just sit out there, read a book, take photos, and watch the animals interact.  It was amazing.  I saw two zebras wrestling right below my room, and a mom with a baby zebra with her.

Even if you don’t have a savanna view room, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the animals.  There are observation decks with chairs put out, and if you grab an activity guide from the resort you can find specific times when savanna guides are out to tell you about the animals.  There’s also wildlife observation guides located in the rooms, and I imagine these would also be available throughout the resort.

Bread service <3

If some good food and drink is more your idea of relaxing, Animal Kingdom Lodge has plenty to offer in the way of that as well.  My personal favorite is Sanaa – you can have lunch or dinner here, but there’s also a lounge if you just want to grab a drink or snack.  Sanaa is known for their incredible bread service with dipping sauces.  It’s one of my absolute favorite things in all of Disney World.  Sharing the bread service and a couple of drinks sounds like the perfect relaxing afternoon or evening to me.

And Sanaa isn’t the only place to go.  Jiko is an incredible signature meal, and Boma is one of the best buffets around.  You’ll also find Victoria Falls Lounge in Jambo House, where you can grab a drink and chill at the bar.  It’s a great atmosphere.

And of course there’s the pool!  Each section of Animal Kingdom Lodge has its own pool, and they’re both great.  Since it’s a deluxe resort there are also water slides, a kiddie play area, and hot tubs.  So if you want some downtime and it’s a hot day, the pool is the perfect place to do it!

If you find yourself at this resort and want other things to do, make sure you check out the activity guide.  They have tons of interesting things in Animal Kingdom Lodge.  They do a wine tasting at Jiko, they offer the opportunity to Dine with an Animal Specialist, and you they have cultural representatives from different countries to tell you about what their cultures are like.  There are many activities for kids,the opportunity to try night vision goggles, and even some private safari options.

If I went to Disney World and couldn’t go to a theme park, I would find myself spending a lot of time at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  With just the animals I could sit and watch them for ages, but there are so many things going on there!  It’s a great way to take some downtime, relax, hang out on your balcony, and step away from the busy theme parks for a little bit.

What’s your favorite Disney resort to relax at?