PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

The feel of an African game-reserve lodge immediately surrounds you upon entering the grand stories-high lobby, which features a thatched roof and ornate shield chandeliers. The resort's kraal design (a semi-circular layout) ensures most rooms overlook the 30-acre savanna, allowing guests an occasional view of the birds, giraffes, and array of other African animals that call the savanna home (rooms without the savanna view will save a few extra dollars; you can get the scenery for free through large picture windows in the lobby and from a nature trail set behind the pool area). Families will appreciate the array of unique activities including storytelling by the fire, singalongs, and more. Those in the mood for romance will appreciate the more remote and relaxed setting. Typical rooms are slightly smaller than those at Disney's other "Deluxe" resorts, but the distinctive theme and spectacular surroundings are unparalleled, making a stay here well worth the slightly tighter squeeze. "Mosquito netting" curtains, balconies, and other neat detailing in the decor continue the theme. The 9,000-square-foot pool has a water slide, a wading area for young children, and a good view of the savanna. The lodge is adjacent to Animal Kingdom, but most everything else on WDW property is quite a distance away. Families will appreciate the animals and array of activities for kids, not to mention the fabulous breakfast and dinner buffet at Boma, while the more relaxed and sedate nature of the resort makes it a good spot for couples as well. Note: At press time the transformation of the fifth and sixth floors into Vacation Club Villas was complete. Additional villas (in a villagelike setting that includes a new full-service restaurant, a 4,700-square-foot pool and play area, as well as additional recreational facilities and amenities), adjacent to the existing Lodge, are currently under construction and scheduled for completion sometime in 2009. Facilities: 2 restaurants; lounge; heated outdoor pool; kids' pool; health club; children's center; arcade; concierge; WDW Transportation System; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee; shopping arcade; limited room service; babysitting; guest laundry; concierge-level rooms

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»