Dine with views of giraffes & other animals at this safari-themed hotel

Mateys, we know just how much you love animals. Why not combine a family-fun holiday in the USA that includes a safari at your hotel? Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge lets you wake up to a scene straight out of The Lion King!

Read on to learn more about this fabulous hotel that's been on our bucket list for some time. Plus, we've found summer rates from under £1,000 per person that are currently 38% off!

Details

Welcome to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a magical safari resort that will have you wondering whether you’re in Florida or Kenya.

Located in Orlando, Florida, the hotel has a rating of 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Plus, TUI has rated this hotel a 5-star hotel, which means you know you will be getting your moneys worth.

The hotel was inspired by the traditional African kraal, and is located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Area on a 43-acre savannah that is home to over 200 birds and animals like gazelles, giraffes, and zebras. You can admire the animals from your balcony or various viewing platforms around the hotel.

It's important to note that the animals are free to wander, so you'll never know which animals you might see and when. As well as the giraffes and zebras, there are African flamingos, white-bearded wildebeest and impala.

The hotel features two swimming pools that are modelled after waterholes that you'd find on the African plains. Except here they come with water slides and poolside bars!

The hotel is family-friendly and features a splash play area and kids’ club.

Pirate tip 🏴‍☠️: If you’re looking for an adult-only holiday, we recommend travelling to Orlando sometime from mid-November to mid-May. During these months, you have pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, which is a plus when visiting the parks because it means lower waiting times.

When the sun sets, you can make friends around an old-fashioned campfire. Afterwards, we suggest going for dinner or a drink. On-site you have a few different restaurants catering to couples and families alike.

Dining options include a place with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the savannah, and various restaurants that mix African and American flavours.

For drinks, be sure to visit the Victoria Falls Lounge, which is set over a waterfall like its namesake, or the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar.

Try elk loin at Jiko – The Cooking Place, the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant or go for an African-inspired lamb stew, curried seafood broth and Durban-style roast chicken at In The Mara. There's plenty of kid-friendly food for the young, picky eaters.

You'll have a variety of rooms to choose from at the hotel. All the rooms are decorated with African-style and sleep 1-4 people comfortably.

Select a room with a savannah view if you'd like to be able to see the wildlife roaming around from your room! They come with two queen-size beds, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a coffee maker, safe, iron and board, a mini-fridge and a hairdryer.

Plus, staying at a Disney Resort has extra perks, including a free shuttle bus between parks and early park access. That's right, you'll be granted 30 minute early access to the theme park of your choice. That might not sound like much, but it could save you a lot of queuing time on the most popular rides. Early access is available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, you’ll just need valid admission, a park reservation and your Resort ID.

Of course, when you'e not at one of the Disney parks, there is plenty to occupy yourselves at the hotel. Besides spotting and watching the wildlife or swimming at the pool, the hotel also features a games arcade and a playground.

Pirate tip 🏴‍☠️: We recommend visiting this hotel with a package from TUI, which includes direct flights, luggage and transfers. Plus, booking a package holiday with TUI will allow you to breathe easy during these uncertain travel times, as they come with ATOL protection, flexible changes, and package refund guarantee.

We've found one-week packages for 2 adults and 1 child leaving this August, starting at £984 per person, which is currently 38% off. Or set off in 2023, where you'll also have the option of buying a parks pass with dining credit. And because Disney holidays can get expensive, you'll have the option of spreading out the cost of a 2023 holiday with direct debit. You'll just have to pay the deposit at the time of booking.

To the Offer

Additional Information

While you won’t need a visa to enter the USA, you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before your holiday. You can register through the ESTA website.

For entry into the USA, you also currently need to be fully vaccinated or show a negative test that was taken no longer than 24 hours prior to your flight. As rules are continually changing, it’s best to check the entry rules and regulations before your holiday.