Continuing our DVC History series, today we are headed to the savanna to explore Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. Arguably one of the most popular Disney Vacation Club properties, Animal Kingdom Lodge was an ambitious effort by Walt Disney Imagineering to bring guests closer to the magic and fully immerse them into a world, or in this case, the African Savanna. Not only did the design team want to provide a truly authentic experience, but they also wanted to add an element with which they had little control… Animals.
DIS Contributor Chuck Mirarchi also explored the history of this property in a three part series last year. Starting at the resorts beginnings as a hotel and following all the way to the addition of Disney Vacation Club, Chuck looks at what it took to bring this resort to life.
A Trek Through the History of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Part One
A Trek Through the History of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Part Two
A Trek Through the History of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Part Three
In reading through this history I was very fascinated by the extensive efforts made to make Animal Kingdom Lodge seem very intimate, when it is in fact quite massive. I also always wondered how they were able to create such an authentic looking thatched roof that would hold up against the elements in Florida.
Share in the comments what you learned and found interesting about Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. Be sure to take an extra few minutes to admire the architecture and hard work that went into creating this amazing property the next time you are there!
