Tips for planning a magical vacation at Walt Disney World
Are you ready to experience the tropical serenity of the South Pacific? Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort invites you to celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this tropical oasis, featuring the lush vegetation and the balmy breezes of the south seas. From evenings immersed …
Escape to Paradise: A Review of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Nestled in the lush greenery of the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers guests a taste of tropical paradise with its immersive South Pacific ambiance and world-class amenities. Since 1971, this beloved …
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area and is a haven for sports enthusiasts of all ages. Join us as we dive into the world of competitive sports and discover why this exciting resort is the perfect choice for families looking to score big on fun and affordability.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort offers themed accommodations inspired by basketball, baseball, surfing, football, and tennis, providing guests with an immersive experience in the world of sports. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by oversized and colorful icons depicting various sports throughout the property, setting the stage for an action-packed stay.
Whether you’re a basketball fanatic or a soccer aficionado, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort has something for everyone. The resort’s lively atmosphere and energetic vibe make it the perfect destination for families who love sports. From the moment you step foot onto the property, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a championship game, with the thrill of competition in the air.
Guests can enjoy many different amenities, including the main themed pool, quiet pools, and quick-service dining options. Plus, with convenient bus transportation to the theme parks, you’ll have easy access to all the magic Disney has to offer.
Accommodations at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort include standard and preferred views, with value pricing making it an affordable option for families of all sizes. While the rooms may be smaller compared to other Disney resorts, they offer everything you need for a comfortable stay at a fraction of the cost.
The fabulous feature of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is its theming, which appeals to sports-loving families. The centrally located bus stop makes transportation convenient, and the resort offers a lively atmosphere with organized pool activities and movies under the stars. However, the rooms are smaller compared to other Disney resorts, with a limit of four guests per room. Additionally, guests may encounter large groups, such as school or sports teams, during peak times, and the resort shares a bus route with other All-Star resorts, potentially leading to crowded buses.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is best suited for families with young children or those on a budget. It’s particularly ideal for families who love sports and enjoy a lively, energetic atmosphere. If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on fun, this is the resort for you.
My family and I had a blast staying at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. My son, who loves sports, was thrilled to explore the larger-than-life sports-themed icons scattered throughout the resort. The nightly poolside movies were a hit, providing a perfect end to our fun-filled days in the parks. While the rooms were cozy, they were comfortable enough for our family of four. Overall, the resort’s vibrant atmosphere and affordable pricing made it a fantastic choice for our Disney vacation. We made unforgettable memories, and my son still talks about our sports-filled adventure at Disney!
A Review of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
A Review of Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
A Review of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
A Review of Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Step right into some of your favorite Disney movies at the All-Star Movies Resort! (use code BLOG10 to get 10% off a made-for-you movie guide to help prepare for your Disney Trip at home!) Inspired by the magic of Disney Movies, Disney’s All-Star Movies resort is …
Lights, Camera, Magic: A Review of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Positioned within the enchanting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area lies a dream destination for Disney film enthusiasts: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Read along and we’ll embark on a cinematic journey through this whimsical retreat, celebrating …
Visit the heart of Africa at the majestic Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is inspired by a traditional African kraal. The horseshoe-curved design provides amazing views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home.
Delight in sparkling pool areas, enthralling animal programs, and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Deluxe Disney resort and likely the nearest you can get to a true African journey without having to cross the Atlantic.
With a tantalizing variety of dining options available, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any craving. (use code BLOG10 for 10% off this Dining Reservations Guide!) Here, you’ll find everything from quick service to sensational sit-down style restaurants, as well as snack bars for a little pick me up and a lounge where you can relax and unwind after a long day at the parks.
Jiko (Table Service/ Signature Dining)
Vibrant spices, sizzling wood-burning ovens, and boutique South African wines transport you to the heart of Africa. Uncover a delicious blend of traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Steak, chicken, seafood, vegan, and vegetarian dishes are permeated with a uniquely bold blend of tantalizing flavors and fragrant spices. Changing seasonally, the menu may include appetizers exploding with flavor, like imaginative brick oven-fired flatbreads and mouth-watering entrées such as oak-grilled filet mignon. Twin wood-burning ovens roar as ambient light mimics the warm red, orange, and gold tones of an African sunset.
Jiko boasts one of the finest collections of South African wines in the U.S.! Most Wednesday afternoons, Disney invites you to take a journey through the wine regions of South Africa and sample three delicious vintages paired with the perfect cheeses and fruits.
Boma (Table Service)
Enjoy Boma-Flavors of Africa Buffet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests will bask in the warmth of this extensive and appetizing family buffet reminiscent of an African marketplace. Watch as the creative culinary team prepares salads, vegetarian dishes, grilled seafood, and roasted meats — inspired by the varied flavors of over 50 different African countries from the coast of the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. Bask in the magic of the alluring tastes and textures that make up the flavors of Africa at Boma Buffet.
Sanaa (Table Service)
Experience the art of African cooking with Indian flavors as exotic animals roam the Sunset Savanna before you while you dine at Sanaa.
We love to make dining reservations for just before sunset. I don’t know what my family loves more, the animals or the bread service!
The Mara (Quick Service)
Named for the infamous Mara River flowing through Kenya and Tanzania, this savanna-inspired space serves African stew, half-chicken dinners, and more. American favorites like burgers and flatbreads are also available, as is breakfast until 11:00 AM.
Victoria Falls (Lounge)
At Victoria Falls Lounge, sample cold brews from South Africa, with or without dinner, inside this intimate bar overlooking Boma restaurant. Victoria Falls Lounge also features a variety of South African wines, all of which can be enjoyed in the twinkling ambiance of the fire pit outside.
Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
Sample delicious South African wines at this intimate watering hole near Jiko. Enjoy an appetizer and wine pairing prior to your meal at Jiko, or order from the full Jiko menu and dine at the bar. A full bar is also available.
Uzima Springs Pool Bar
Delight your senses at this “spring of life.” Uzima Springs Pool Bar offers cocktails, frozen drinks, salad, snacks, and more!
Maji Pool Bar
Swahili for “water,” the secluded poolside Maji Pool Bar offers many pleasant libations, in addition to sandwiches, salads, fruit, and other snacks. Private dining is also available.
Unique Dining Experiences
In-Room Dining
Whether you’re hungry for a late dinner or you just want some breakfast when you wake up, private dining is the ticket. With Disney Resorts Private Dining, you can choose from a variety of American favorites—along with some specialty items particular to your Disney Resort hotel!
Pools: The Main Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge is the Uzima Pool featuring zero-depth entry and a 67 ft long water slide, a child pool, two whirlpool spas, and the Hakuna Matata Playground. Kidani Village also has a feature pool featuring zero-depth entry and a 128 ft long water slide, and two whirlpool spas.
Family Fun: Children will enjoy Pumbaa’s Fun & Games Arcade while adults can relax at Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center. AKL has some of the most incredible resort activities with animal programs and private night vision safaris for resort guests only.
Movies: Animal Kingdom Lodge also hosts Movies Under the Stars in two locations.
Although the activities vary by day, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find.
Look for an activities board near the pool or food court, or check your tv for the schedule during your stay.
Animal Kingdom Lodge features multiple laundry rooms on-site. Two can be found at Jambo House, one on the Kudu Trail, and a DVC only one on the Zebra Trail. The final laundry room is located at Kidani Village at the Samawati Springs Pool.
Each cycle at the self-service laundry facilities has reasonable costs per wash; the dryers run on 30 minute increments. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all laundry locations for washers, dryers, and soap vending at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, all laundry rooms have the ability to request a text message when a laundry cycle is complete!
Please note: While some locations still contain a limited number of coin-operated washers (with a change machine made available), other locations accept credit and debit cards only.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels also offer dry cleaning and valet laundry services. Select “Housekeeping” on your in-room phone to schedule a pick-up.
At Zawadi Marketplace at Jambo House, you’ll find items ranging from the every day to the exotic: African art, African-themed clothing, toys, Disney wares, sundries, snacks, and more.
Zawadi Marketplace offers signature Disney character apparel and Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas logo merchandise. In addition, there is a large variety of African treasures that are unexpected and fun to explore.
Johari Treasures at Kidani Village offers authentic African-themed merchandise, including Zulu baskets, hand-loomed clothing and hand-carved masks, snack food, and breakfast options. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Johari Treasures also sells Disney-branded items like apparel, toys, and Disney Character plush.
You have one Disney transportation option at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
These travel times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of the average travel time from the resort to the park.
Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort, or theme park transportation stops.
Grow Your Own Magic: Creating a Disney-Inspired Fairy Garden
Exploring Disney’s Botanical Magic: A Biology Adventure for Kids!
There is something special about a Disney trip, a magic that isn’t explainable. The minute I walk into one of the theme parks, it washes over me, and suddenly, there’s a little extra pep in my step. The good news is you can recreate the …
You’re going to Disney! You’re going to Disney!!! #eeekkk It doesn’t matter if you are still in the planning stages or already have most of the details for your trip planned out – your Disney trip can start right here, right now. If you are …
There is nothing better than a Disney Family Movie Night! (Use code BLOG10 for 10% off a made-for-you Movie Guide!) Combining quality family time with a chance to make core memories AND build excitement and anticipation for the trip? Yes please!
Many of the park rides and attractions are based on fairytales, books, and movies. Reading those books and watching these movies is a fun way to bring the magic home (or build excitement for an upcoming Disney trip that will make your visit more enjoyable) when the stories come to life!
One of my favorite things to do is to create a menu and plan a craft, game, or activity centered on the movie of choice. You can choose from your family’s favorites or watch classics your children may have never seen before, but to help you decide, I’ve included an extensive list below!
In fact, this is one of the very best ways to get the most out of your Disney+ subscription! You can find nearly all of the most popular Disney movies there just waiting to be streamed into your living room. I recommend starting there as you plan your Disney Family Movie nights.
Here is how to plan your very own Disney Movie Night.
Now with Disney+ you have access to almost every movie in their archives, from classics like Peter Pan to modern favorites like Frozen, hidden gems like Emperor’s New Groove to even live-action musicals you may not have even heard of, like The Happiest Millionaire.
I like to select our movies based on things we have planned during our trip. If we are staying at the Grand Floridian movies set during the Victorian/Edwardian period that inspired the resort like Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Summer Magic will all make the list. If we are staying at Port Orleans, you bet we will be watching Princess and the Frog.
If this is your first time visiting Walt Disney World and are unsure of where to start, check out my resort showcase series.
Next, decide on your menu. If you are pressed for time, you can choose the movie based on what you can get quickly. I love pizza for a Toy Story movie night or takeout Indian for the Jungle Book. Whenever possible I like to choose food items that are eaten or mentioned during the movie like spaghetti for Lady and the Tramp, sandwiches, soup, roast and ice cream for Frozen, and of course, ratatouille for Ratatouille.
If the menu items aren’t that obvious one of the things I like to do is look at the origins of the fairytale or book that the movie is based on. For a Snow White movie night, I look up some German delicacies and may do a pork dish with apples of course, and a black forest cake. Cinderella’s French origins inspired a menu of pumpkin soup, cassoulet, and pear tartine.
Keep it simple or get as elaborate as you feel comfortable with.
This is where Pinterest comes in handy. I have a board there filled with all sorts of fun Disney crafts and activities, if something doesn’t jump out of you from there, simply type in the name of the movie and craft or activity and I am positive you will find something.
Some of my favorite activities from past movie nights are playing croquet for Alice in Wonderland, bowling for buzzards for The Lion King, and hula dancing for Lilo and Stitch.
If you are planning on decorating for your movie night, do some crafts with your kids in the days leading up to the movie night.
A themed movie night means my living room is going to transform into a scene from a movie. I have a large collection of party and event supplies from when my family owned a boutique gift shop so I can often pull items from there to set the scene, but I realize that is probably not the case for you. You can often find fun, inexpensive items at the Target Dollar Spot, Dollar Store, or Oriental Trading.
I also have a huge collection of china and serving dishes. An easy way to set the scene for your movie night would be to include tableware with characters from your favorite party supply shop on it. Or search for tableware that feels like it would have come out of the movie. Like circus tent-shaped plates for Dumbo, the London skyline for 101 Dalmations, or sea creatures for Finding Nemo.
To extend the excitement of the movie night you can do crafts with your kids in the days leading up to movie night that serve as decorations. You could make some paper plate jellyfish for the Little Mermaid, paper lanterns for Tangled, or papel picado for Coco.
Your Next Disney Trip Starts At HOME
10 Things Your Kids Can Learn On Your Disney Vacation (without realizing it!)
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