We recently stayed at the Animal Kingdom lodge with our 4 year old daughter, and couldn't have had a better time. When we arrived it was only noon, and check-in was suppose to be at 4 pm. Luckily, they were very accommodating and got us a room within 5 minutes of walking through the front door.

After we dropped out things off at the room, we headed for their amazing pool. The slide was a lot of fun for both the kids and the adults. The entire pool was never deeper than 4 feet, so it made walking in the water very easy and kid friendly.

We ate dinner at their feature restaurant, Boma. At first it seemed a little strange being buffet style, but the food was amazing. The fact that it was a buffet allowed for you to chose and try so many different options.

We happened to have booked a Savanah room, so we were able to see the animal walking right by our window. However, if you don't get the upgraded room, there are so many places around the lodge to see the animals, spending the extra money really isn't even needed.

I was also pleased with the fact that they had several activities all over the lodge for the kids to participate in. Our daughter enjoyed painting and creating her very own animal shirt.

We did go to the theme parks while we were out there, but honestly, if you live in the area, a day or two at the lodge would be more enjoyable then standing in those long lines at Disney.

This resort was absolutely wonderful! From the time my family and I stepped through the carved wooden doors to the time we packed up the car and drove home, we were treated like African royalty. We stayed in a deluxe room with bunk beds, a queen bed, and a pullout sofa with almost twice as much space as an average hotel room! From our deck on the third floor, we had an amazing view of a beautiful savannah with antelope, giraffe, zebra, and at least 100 different types of birds! This resort is an amazing experience for anyone looking for a magical stay in the Orlando area.

First off, for my third-floor savannah-view room, the rate was $260/night with tax, off season, using my AAA 15% discount. Ordinarily, the rate ranges from $275 - $410 a night depending on what time of year.

So, what were they like? The rooms were top-notch accommodations. Clean and wonderful decor, with beds hard as rocks. The African theme is throughout and I just loved the wallpaper. The real treat that made the room more than worth the money was the view - the view of beautiful creatures walking the savannah. It was beyond amazing to see them in the morning. Quiet, calm, living their lives in harmony with the world around them.

I think if I hadn't already been spoiled by timeshare living, I'd try and find the money to stay there every time we visit. Amazing as the animals were, though, I was happy to get to our very roomy timeshare with the kitchen, laundry, and slightly more comfortable beds.

The lodge itself is not to be missed, regardless. It is a beautiful creation and well worth visiting even if you don't stay there. In addition, there are paths you can walk to get a view of the animals that I had the privilege of seeing off my balcony each morning.

This resort is a definite *must* do, if only for a couple of nights (we stayed four).

Disney really knows how to put on a show, even in their hotels. With the price you pay for the rooms, you expect a lot and all your expectations are met. The lobby is simply amazing, w/ the back four-story high picture window at the back the lobby amazingly accented w/ tree branches to form it's frame. You get your choice of rooms - two queen beds, a queen and two bunk beds, etc. The outdoor heated pool is one big oasis, created to blend in with the surroundings. There is a poolside Savannah viewing area, too. They also have a kiddie pool and jacuzzi spa. The best part of this particular hotel is that animals roam freely on the grounds. The hotel is situated on the back side of the Animal Kingdom theme park property. When you check in, you'll get a information guide with all the animals that you may see in the park. It includes gazelles, giraffes, and about twenty other varieties of species indigenous to Africa. The Savannah rooms are worth the extra few dollars, especially if you're going to spend that much anyway. These rooms offer a balcony view of the grounds where the animals roam. They have the standard amenities of a luxury hotel - spa and fitness center that offer massages, facials, etc. I love the attention to detail Disney puts in their resorts. Notice the pattern of the carpet - are those Mickey ears? The wrought iron furniture on the balconies of the Savannah room feature animals like Zebras and such. For families, the resort offers plenty of kids' programs like storytime and such. Take a walk along the Savannah and stop on different viewpoints to learn more about the roaming animals. I really had a great time here and recommend it to all to try at least once!!!