Fans of the Wilderness Lodge--and there are lots of you--are bound to be equally dazzled by the new Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was created by Peter Dominick, who also designed Wilderness Lodge, and it has that same luxury-in-the-heart-of-nature mood.

The idea is that you're staying in a game lodge in the middle of a wildlife preserve. The lobby has a thatched roof, mud fireplaces, streams, rope bridges--and four-story observation windows.

There's a lot to observe, because the Animal Kingdom Lodge is surrounded by a 33-acre savannah where more than 200 animals roam freely. You'll see everything from giraffes, zebras, and gazelles to 26 species of bird. An elevated rock walkway, called a kopje, extends through the preserve; this means guests can walk out among the animals, sometimes coming as close as 15 feet to them, and enjoy panoramic views of the preserve.

The lodge is built in a semicircle, which allows over 90 percent of the 1,293 guest rooms to look out over the savannah. (Can you imagine the pleasures of sitting out on your balcony after a hard day on safari in the theme parks?) As well as that knockout view, the rooms are decorated in authentic African fashion, with hand-carved furniture and tapestries in rich jewel tones.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a childcare center, health club, playground, themed pool, video arcade, and marketplace. There are also interesting activities for the whole family; a Tour of the Savannah, Pelican Feeding and Evening Storytelling, to name a few. You're right on the doorstep of the Animal Kingdom with a private entrance to the park (there is bus service to the other theme parks).

The Animal Kingdom Lodge has three restaurants: Jiko, the signature restaurant, features two wood-burning fireplaces to simulate the effect of cooking in the open bush. Lush, dark, and romantic, Jiko is definitely the place for a unique parents' night out. Bona, a buffet restaurant, showcases an exhibit kitchen; and with its fast service and variety of cuisines, it should be a favorite of families. And if your pack is on the run, try Mara, the largest quick-service restaurant in all of Walt Disney World. In addition, Victoria Falls, which is located atop a waterfall in the lobby lounge, is a great place to try gourmet coffees, teas, and South African wines.

Room rates vary, depending upon season and room type. For reservations call 407-W-DISNEY.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in January 2001. Updated April 2006.