News: Disney Announces New Breakfast and Safari Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Cindy E. NykampApril 2, 2016Last Updated: October 8, 2016

Disney has announced an exciting new breakfast and special backstage tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge that will give guests an amazing look at Disney’s animals. Love breakfast? Love animals? This tour is for you!

From Disney, Russ J. Stacey:

Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will soon be able to book Disney’s newest experience, Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This 3.5-hour-long breakfast and tour is designed to immerse guests in the richness, culture and history of this African-inspired resort and give a backstage peek at the care, feeding, well-being and social interactions of the resident animals.

A typical tour begins with a unique twist on breakfast at Boma—Flavors of Africa, followed by encounters with animals such as okapi, giraffe, ostriches and red river hogs. Sense of Africa is a feast for all five senses.

Taste
Start your exploration with a breakfast chockfull of exotic (try the pap, a tangy porridge-like dish from South Africa, or turkey bobotíe) and more familiar fare (Mickey waffles, anyone?). But why not be adventurous? There are so many authentic African dishes, from sweet to savory and beyond.

Hearing
In addition to the snorts, grunts, squeals and bleats you may hear, the animal keeper guides and trainers offer a plethora of information. Did you know that the okapi wasn’t even discovered until 1901? Or that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge houses the largest collection of authentic African art outside the African continent? Not to mention the Zen-like peacefulness of the savannas in the early hours.

Smell
A visit to Boma—Flavors of Africa is a buffet of delicious scents and spices. On the savanna, get a whiff of the hay or browse (leaves, tender shoots and other soft vegetation, which is grown on property) the animals dine on each day.

Touch
Here’s something you don’t always get a chance to do. Select from vegetables, mealworms and other favorites to create enriching treats for a group of young red river hogs. Then watch them playfully discover – and devour – the delights you just hid for them!

Sight
Of course, everywhere you look—from the authentic garb of the cast members from Africa, and the color palette and textures of Jambo House, to the magnificent, intricate fur and feather patterns and expressive eyes of the animals – there are sights to behold to last a lifetime.

Sense of Africa is a real chance to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic. The experience will be offered on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, beginning April 9. Reservations are available starting April 5; call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). The cost is $249, and staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is not required. Experiences may vary.

Photo credit: Disney

10 Reasons You Will Love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

by Jenn S

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe Walt Disney World resort with an African theme. The resort is set on 33 acres of land and offers viewing locations of savanna animals, great dining experiences and so much more. The resort is located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and offers a very unique resort experience unlike any of the other Disney properties. Here are 10 reasons you will love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

10 – Childcare Available at Simba’s Clubhouse

If you are looking for an adults only evening the resort offers a children’s activity center known as Simba’s Clubhouse. The clubhouse is available for children ages 4 to 12 and check in begins at 4:30 pm. The clubhouse closes at midnight. Children will have free play, dinner, snacks and watch a movie while their parents enjoy a night out. Reservations can be made in advance by calling (407) WDW DINE

9 – Zahanati Fitness Center

If you are looking to work out while you are vacationing look no further than the Zahanati Fitness Center open each day from 6 am to 9 pm. There is no additional charge for resort guests and guests ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

8 – Cultural Representatives

Disney has hired several Cultural Representatives to work at the resort. These Cast Members come to the resort for one year to teach guests about their native home and its culture, customs and history. Take the time to speak with some of them to find out their stories and learn about their homelands.

7 – Authentic African Art

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is filled with authentic African art. Plan some time to explore the lobby, hallways and elevators to view all the beautiful artwork.

6 – Cultural, Animal and Culinary Programs

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers many cultural, animal and culinary programs for its guests. Be sure to check the resort recreational schedule to see when they are being offered. Cultural programs take place at various locations around the resort and can include African face painting, Music of the Savanna and Medallion Rubbing. A Cultural Safari is hosted by the Cultural Representatives who will speak about their native homes and answer questions. Culinary programs include a wine tasting at Jiko, the resort’s signature dining location. Many of these activities are geared for both children and adults.

5 – African Folktales at the Fire Pit

Each night one of the resort’s Cultural Representative will tell African folktales around the campfire. This is a great opportunity to relax and learn some of the traditions and history of various countries of Africa.

4 – Amazing Pool

The Uzima Springs pool is one of the largest pools on Disney property (and a member of our Top 5 Best). It features a zero depth entry, meaning there is an entrance without steps and a 67-foot long slide. A spa and kiddy pool area is also available. The pool is a great place to relax and animal viewing locations are located nearby.

3 – Dining at Boma for Breakfast or Dinner

Boma, Flavors of Africa is a buffet style restaurant open daily for breakfast and dinner. The location is themed to an African marketplace and features an onstage kitchen with wood burning grills and rotisserie. Advanced dining reservations are strongly recommended. Breakfast includes traditional favorites such as fruit, omelets, pancakes, pastries, and cereals. African inspired dishes such as turkey bobotie, pap and African pastries are available as well. Don’t forget to ask for “Jungle Juice” a mix of guava juice. Dinner offers over 60 different items in a combination of African inspired dishes and American cuisine. Guests may find rotisserie chicken, strip loin, salmon, assorted soups and salads. A children’s section includes macaroni and cheese, meatballs, chicken and mashed potatoes. Desserts include the popular zebra domes, bread pudding, cookies, cheesecake and brownies.

2 – Signature Dining at Jiko

Jiko- The Cooking Place is one of Disney’s signature dining locations and is open for dinner only. Jiko focuses on lighter African cuisine and features the locations two wood burning ovens as a focal point. Jiko is home to a wide variety of South African Wines, so many in fact, they have the largest collection of South African wines outside of South Africa.

1 – Animal Viewing Locations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to over 200 savanna animals including giraffe, zebras, flamingos and many more. Many rooms offer views of these animals right from your very own balcony, an experience that isn’t replicated anywhere else other than the real African savanna. Guests without a savanna view room can still view animals from public viewing areas throughout the resort. For a special nighttime experience, ask a Cast Member near the Arusha Overlook for a pair of night vision goggles.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is very different from the other deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. It has many great opportunities to learn about the African animals, as well as the culture and customs of the people of Africa. Combined with great dining locations and recreational activities you are sure to love the Animal Kingdom Lodge.