Africa Recreated

I had written earlier about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge here. This resort is probably Disney's best 'deluxe' resort and also one of its newer ones. I had booked a Savannah facing room and we would occasionally see giraffes, zebra, pelicans, deer and other African animals right from our balcony.

Everything here is designed to contribute to the 'being in Africa' feeling: the staff from African countries (or cast members as Disney prefers to call them) , real African artifacts, the low lighting in the rooms and corridors, the furniture, the African drum-beats heard in the corridors, the greenish colored swimming pool, the thatched roofs on the hotel, and of course the large Savannah that surrounds the property.

The main hall is awe-inspiring (click picture to view a larger sized one) and appears to be constructed of logs held together by ropes and with a thatched roof. This feeling is reinforced by the detailing that includes chandeliers made of tribal shields and spears. A massive fireplace is placed in one corner, with large windows looking out into the Savannah. There are multiple activities conducted by the rangers for kids during the day at the Arusha Rock viewing area, the flamingo pond, and at the Sunset Lounge.

But what did I like the best? As you can guess, it was the food! The African Kingdom has three dining options: The Jiko serves contemporary African food and stocks over 70 African wines, the Boma serves buffet in a market-place setting, and Mara for quick-service options. Both Jiko and Boma have won recent awards; Zagat Survey recently rated them among the top five restaurants in the city.

Both breakfast and dinner buffets at the Boma were a treat for the senses. The ambience, the presentation, and the quality of food and drinks served are excellent. There were about 60 items in the dinner buffet and I can remember Marakkesh Cous Cous, Fufu, Pap & Sheeba, Sharaak, exotic salads made of orange with raddish and watermelon rind. Dessert choices that included peach crumble, zebra domes, fruit tartlets, chai flavored kheer, etc.

For breakfast I usually had their jungle juice, made-to-order omelettes (mine usually had ham, cheese, mushroom, and onion), french toast, banana nut muffin, sausages, bacan, baked potatoes, and fresh fruit. Oh yes! I was having fun. I can also say that Boma makes some of the best omelettes I have ever eaten. BTW, why can't they make muffins in India? I miss my banana-nut and blueberry muffins!

Other Posts From This Vacation: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Magic of Disney, Downtown Disney