I LOVE visiting Disney during the holiday season. Disney does everything BIG and the holidays are no exception. Decorations, food, music, ride overlays, every detail is just perfect and leaves me feeling merry and bright.
This past December I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I've always been a huge fan of this Disney resort, but I especially enjoyed it over the Christmas season.
Below are 6 reasons this resort is a perfect fit for the holiday season.
1- It's cozy and Christmasy
It's a lodge with a grand entrance which lends itself to a beautiful cozy feel when decorated for the Christmas. There's rustic seating areas and a large fireplace. The huge Christmas tree in the center is a great spot for pictures. If visiting early in the season you can even take your family holiday Christmas card photo in front of the big tree!
2- There's plenty to do during the day and during non-park time.
This is a resort I always like to have a least one resort day at and the holiday season is no exception. In fact, it's the perfect time to do this. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is available select nights during the holiday season. (If you want to learn more about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party read The Do's and Don'ts of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.) You can enjoy lower crowds during this evening party and spend the day at the resort. New this year, there is a second evening holiday party, to check out, Disney's Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios! In addition to a beautiful pool with a beach entrance and a waterslide, Animal Kingdom Lodge has plenty of animals on site to visit. Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers a painting class for guests who want to try their hand at art and leave with a unique souvenir or special holiday gift.
3-There's plenty do here after dark as well.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has an area with night vision goggles where you can view animals during evening hours. There's a Starlight Safari available for booking that allows you to take an after dark safari tour. In addition, you can watch movies under the stars or roast marshmallows!
4-Animal Kingdom Lodge is great for all ages.
It's always nice to travel with extended family, but the holiday season is an even better time to be together. This resort provides everything you need to keep family members of all ages entertained and happy. There's always something to get into and you can also very easily find a quiet spot to relax and take in the beauty of this resort. If you have booked a savanna view room you can view animals right from your balcony. You can also find many nice locations around the resort to sit down and take in the animals and scenery.
5- Ginger-affe and Debra the Zebra are a holiday gingerbread tradition at Animal Kingdom lodge.
Where else will you find a gingerbread giraffe a story tall? These gingerbread animals are really fun. You can even purchase gingerbread cookies make by the pastry chef on site to take home!
6- Dining
I'm a huge fan of dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food here is consistently good. Boma has the best breakfast buffet I've had in all of Disney, I'm really not a fan of buffets in general, but I absolutely love this one. They also have large tables available which is perfect if you are traveling with extended family. Another great spot I like for breakfast is Sanna. Sanna is located in Kidani Village, serves quick service breakfast, and has an amazing view of the savanna.
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