The Lodge- where the animals roam in front of your rooms
After a long grueling winter in a small apartment with a two year old (vodka anyone?), my husband and I couldn’t stop fantasizing about a warm weather vacation at a sprawling resort with a massive swimming pool and constant access to pina coladas. We assumed that the recession would mean great deals for vacations this year, but after some rather extensive internet searches, we concluded that vacation this year would mean hanging out by my dad’s pool in late August. Not a terrible alternative, but not quite the Caribbean in February. After a particularly stressful couple of weeks, I tried another search on a whim. With spring break season long gone, I was surprised to see that there were some good last minute deals, and before I could say SPF 70, we had booked a long weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. But here’s the thing. We have a two year old who doesn’t have a clue who Mickey Mouse is, nor did we have any interest in spending our time stomping around a crowded (and extraordinarily expensive) theme park. So, would a Disney resort provide enough entertainment on its own if we, gasp, SKIPPED DISNEY WORLD?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of 4 Theme Parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and is situated on a 43 acre wildlife preserve which is home to zebras, giraffes, ostrich, kudu, flamingo, and wildebeests to mention just a few. The resort’s African-inspired architecture feels spacious and airy, and the rooms are comfortable and well designed for families. There’s a place right outside the main lobby called Arusha Rock where you can see glimpses of the animals and a panoramic view of Animal Kingdom. At check-in, we upgraded to a “Savanna view room” and I’m glad we did, as our daughter loved sitting on the balcony watching the zebras and giraffes. After she went to bed, my husband and I ate our room service dinner on the balcony, made cocktails, and happily read novels with our mighty-brite book lights while the shadows of wildebeests darted back and forth in front of us. The 11,000-square-foot zero-depth entry pool that offers a 67-foot-long slide could not be more perfect for kids. My husband and I could actually sit in peace while our daughter happily played in the shallow end. There is also a 24-hour playground, water playground, game room and animal-themed activities throughout the day. Simba’s Clubhouse, a supervised activity center for children ages 4-12 is an option for parents who want a night out. (Additional fee required). There are tons of attractions if you decide you want to visit Animal Kingdom: a petting zoo, a conservation station (where they can learn about being a veterinarian), a huge T-Rex reproduction, thrill rides and safaris and more.
My only criticism was the food. The offerings are extreme. Food court burgers and chicken fingers or $35.00+ entrees. The closest thing to middle ground is a $30.00 per person buffet. Room service is your best bet, especially since all rooms have a balcony which is perfect for a late night supper after the kids have gone to bed.
Wild winds resulted in our flight back to New York being cancelled, so we spent a bonus night at the less expensive Disney Port Orleans, French Quarter, which offers rooms at about half the price of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but with less amenities (no room service). However, this faux French Quarter was not without its charms – i.e. beignets! The free riverboat takes you right to “Downtown Disney” which is basically Las Vegas for kids. My daughter loved the carousel, kid friendly shops and restaurants, and it was the perfect way to spend our last evening in Florida.
Disney resorts are great fun, even without the theme parks. If your kids are little like my daughter, this is a perfect way to spend a long weekend. Great weather, sun, swimming – and no lines or crowds to worry about! As an added bonus, the pools are nearly empty during the day since everyone is off at the parks. But if you’re planning a longer trip, I dare say the offerings would probably grow old after a few days and you would have to add a park to your schedule.
Waterslide at the Lodge
An 80's pic of the Port Orleans, French Quarter
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Paula Balzer is a Brooklyn based literary agent and co-founder of the blog www.adhocmom.com, the blog for freelance and part-time working moms.