ESPN has won a company-record breaking 13 Sports Emmy awards at last night’s ceremony, bringing the network’s total to 246 in its 36 years of eligibility. What’s Happening: At the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards ceremony Monday night, ESPN won in 13 categories—setting a company record as the National Academy of Television and Sciences honored the […]
We’re talking about the pre-order for a Little Golden Book that’s all about Figment, which we spotted from retailers like Amazon and Target! But before we dive into the book, do you have Amazon Prime? If you don’t already have it, you can click the link below to sign up for a FREE trial and potentially save some coin in the process.
The Figment Little Golden Book will have you journeying into your imaginations with Figment, the purple dragon from Disney’s EPCOT theme park and mascot of Disney’s Imagination Pavilion.
The book features lyrics from the Disney song “One Little Spark” and is all about creativity and imagination, making it great for you little Disney parks fans. The book is available for pre-order now and will come out next January.
While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
…it can also be one of the most confusing factors at the same time when you’re dealing with such a wide array of options. To that end, we’re hoping to help you out by doing a little of the comparison work for you. Today, we’re talking about TWO Deluxe Resorts: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodgeversus Disney’s Beach Club Resort!
We’re going to tackle this topic with help from a few chosen categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food, and Transportation. Let’s go!
Common Ground
So, what do Animal Kingdom Lodge and Beach Club Resort share in common? For starters, they both fall into the highest category of Disney Resort hotels. Categories are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, and both of these are Deluxe Resorts, so room sizes and guest perks are fairly comparable. (For instance, both are eligible for Extended Evening Hours held on select theme parks on select nights, as this perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests.)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Additionally, both offer Deluxe Villa accommodations. The Disney Vacation Club Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests.
Both offer close proximity to at least one of Disney World’s four theme parks: Beach Club Resort is closest to EPCOT, but also boasts a walking path to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom Lodge is closest to… wait for it… Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Prices for both of these Resorts are in a similar range; however, you’ll find that Animal Kingdom Lodge is the slightly less costly option overall:
For the Beach Club, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,763 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)
For the Animal Kingdom Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $469 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,792 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)
Theme/Rooms
Beach Club Resort
If you believe “Life is better at the beach,” then you may want to explore Disney’s Beach Club Resort! Seaside New England serves as the inspiration for this EPCOT-area Resort.
Disney’s Beach Club
The Beach Club is the sister to Disney’s Yacht Club. However, the Beach Club distinguishes itself with its more laid-back and breezy beach vibe.
Beach Club
That light and airy feel extends, of course, to the guest rooms throughout the hotel.
Beds at Beach Club
Disney’s Beach Club features standard guest rooms with either 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, as well as Club Level Rooms (up to a Presidential Suite which sleeps up to 7 adults). For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Resort View, a Water View, or a Deluxe Room.
Beach Club Villas
Beach Club Villas have villa-type accommodations with studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to eight) layouts. (Be aware, though, that Villas are currently being refreshed with a planned completion estimated for late 2023.)
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s gorgeous Animal Kingdom Lodge is unlike any other in Walt Disney World — or anywhere else, for that matter. What truly sets this Resort apart are the over 200 animals and birds that call the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge “home!”
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
As Disney shares, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge invites you into the “heart of Africa,” with four savannas housing over 200 hoofed animals from over 30 species and birds offering a truly stunning and unique feature of the Resort.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Many activities offered at the Resort are entirely unique to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests have several opportunities to interact with Cultural Representatives and Animal Specialists in fun, family-friendly programming.
Wildlife Spotting Guide
While the savannas alone offer plenty of reasons to enjoy the Resort’s outdoor settings, the Resort also presents “one of the largest collections of African art in the United States,” according to Disney.
Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features standard guest rooms and Villas in the main building, Jambo House, along with options for rooms featuring Savanna views, as well as rooms with Club Level Concierge services. Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers Disney Vacation Club accommodations at Kidani Village, with villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room villas overlooking their own animal savanna.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna
I REPEAT:“OVERLOOKING THEIR OWN ANIMAL SAVANNA.” Though not all rooms offer savanna views, many guests are thrilled to book this unique option, enjoying their morning coffee while watching giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more!
Results
It’s true — we just dedicated much more time to exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge because it is so unique and entirely immersive when it comes to theming, so it does tend to edge out most of the other Disney Resorts on property — Beach Club included. However, there are several other factors we still need to consider…
Pools
Beach Club Resort
Oh, boy… pools are a GREAT topic when it comes to the Beach Club, thanks to Stormalong Bay! This 3-acre water recreation area is available exclusively to both Yacht and Beach Club guests.
Stormalong Bay
Seriously, Stormalong Bay is a destination all its own. This pool complex is practically its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom, a lazy river, 3 whirlpool spas, and a tanning deck!
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
Kiddos (and adults) can take on the 230-footlong ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while Shipwreck pool with its own mini waterslide is available just for the little ones.
Stormalong Bay Shipwreck Waterslide
Oh, and guests who prefer a little more quiet can take advantage of any of the 3 additional leisure pools.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Guests can enjoy the spacious Uzima Pool (complete with a waterslide) at the Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. Each are accompanied by two whirlpool spas.
Uzima Pool
Uzima Springs is lovely, and, even though it is obviously a popular spot as the Resort’s main pool, it still somehow manages to feel like a relaxing oasis, perhaps due to the lush greenery surrounding the area. It’s also incredibly roomy at 11,000 square feet.
Samawati Springs Pool also offers a fun waterslide. But the big boast here is Uwanja Camp, which is an “animal observation site-themed water playground” featuring three zones complete with a rope bridge and water cannons!
Samawati Springs Pool
And guess what? Disney shares that this camp is made for “kids of all ages” (though do note that select areas are designated for specific ages)!
Results
Though I truly do love the escape provided by the pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge, this round is simply OWNED by Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club, considered by many to be the best Resort pool in Disney World!
Food
Beach Club Dining
Guests at The Beach Club have an array of dining options to enjoy, from Disney Character Dining to Quick Service restaurants to a relaxing lounge, and beyond!
Donald Duck at Cape May Cafe!
Cape May Cafe features an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with Disney pals!Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks.
Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast
Though Disney characters are not present during Dinner, the evening buffet meal serves up something unique, too, as all-you-can-eat surf-and-turf gets the spotlight with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy!
Cape May Cafe plate from the buffet
Ah, Beaches and Cream… THIS is the place to go for classic diner eats and GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes in Walt Disney World!
The Famous KITCHEN SINK at Beaches and Cream!
Tucked between the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox. And it’s possibly best known for being home to the famous Kitchen Sink: an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house!
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Beach Club Marketplace has a limited menu of hot meals along with some stellar grab-and-go and pastry options.
Martha’s Vineyard is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours.
Martha’s Vineyard
Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. The cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings.
Thankfully a few substantial entrees (like burgers and chicken nuggets) are on the menu along with the drinks, because you won’t want to leave this amazing pool area!
And remember, all of the restaurants at the Yacht Club Resort are easily accessible to Beach Club guests! These include:
Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge also have a wide array of dining choices, too, from fine dining to quick service to relaxing lounges, and beyond! In fact, with all-you-care-to-eat dining options and fine signature dining, Animal Kingdom offers several of our favorite Table Service (sit-down) restaurants in all of Walt Disney World!
Boma
Bomagives visitors the opportunity to sample a wide variety African dishes while also dining on American favorites during breakfast or dinner.
Boma Buffet
Jiko — The Cooking Place, the Lodge’s Signature Restaurant, comes highly recommended if you enjoy excellent gourmet food in a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.
Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko
Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant serving a fusion of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. (You’ll find Sanaa in Kidani Village.)
Sanaa Bread Service
Named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa, The Mara is a quick service restaurant that’s sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Mara
Victoria Falls is a relaxing oasis perched above Animal Kingdom Lodge’sBoma restaurant. Enjoy a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer or mixed drink.
Victoria Falls Lounge
Or just stop in on your way out for the evening to grab a quick bite from the unique appetizer menu including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.
Tucked into the entrance of the Table Service restaurant, Sanaa, the exotic ambiance of the Sanaa Lounge is the perfect setting before or after visiting the savanna overlooks at the Kidani Village.
Sanaa Lounge
With dim lighting and cozy banquettes, this is an intimate watering hole with specialty beverages, wine flights, and signature appetizers. (You can order Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service here, too.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several lovely respites, and among them is Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar located en route to the main dining room at the Resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko — The Cooking Place.
Cape Town Lounge
This wine bar serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more.
The Uzima Springs Pool Bar is a relaxing oasis at the pool at Jambo House, complete with a thatched roof and surrounded by lush foliage.
Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Did you know that Maji is Swahili for “water”?
Maji Pool Bar
Luckily, the Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge serves other liquids as well: cocktails (served frozen and on the rocks), wine, and draft beer, including Safari Amber.
Eeesh… this one is TOUGH. If we were strictly comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge to JUST the Beach Club, then this would be an easier call for the Lodge, thanks to gems like Boma and Sanaa, and a great mix of classic options and unique dishes that you won’t find elsewhere on property (even though Beach Club boasts its own Character Meal and longtime favorite Beaches & Cream).
But, when it comes to dining at Beach Club, you have to also consider the incredibly easy access to all of the dining options at the attached Yacht Club and along Disney’s BoardWalk. It’s really a THREE-fer. I would say that if you think your traveling group would be more pleased with LOTS of options, this round goes to the Beach Club. But if you’re bigger desire is having access to truly memorable and unique dining, Animal Kingdom Lodge is your best bet.
A very rare perk is that, from the Beach Club, guests have a very short walk to get to EPCOT’s International Gateway (between the park’s United Kingdom and France pavilions). Folks can also walk to the connected Yacht Club Resort, to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and to all of the dining and shopping along Disney’s BoardWalk.
Yacht and Beach Club signage
Beach Club guests can also walk along Crescent Lake to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; however, due to the longer distance to Hollywood Studios, other forms of transportation to Hollywood Studios are provided. For instance, you can take a Friendship Boat down Crescent Lake toDisney’s Hollywood Studios!
Friendship Boat
The Friendship Boat also makes stops at EPCOT, BoardWalk Inn, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
And, of course, there is complimentary access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and Disney Springs.
Aaaaand… that’s it. Though it is nice to know that the ride is very quick to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to aim for that first ride on Avatar — Flight of Passage (and since Animal Kingdom typically opens — though alas, also closes — earlier than the other parks, that sure doesn’t hurt in the morning)! The flip side of that coin, however, is that Animal Kingdom Lodge is also that much farther away from the other three theme parks.
Results
We don’t even have to say it, do we? Beach Club is the clear winner when it comes to park proximity and transportation.
The Winner!
“Aaaand the winner is”... whichever Resort YOU think it is for your group’s needs and desires. Since Beach Club vibes are very different from Animal Kingdom Lodge’s atmosphere, you may have one that already jumps right out at you. If not, you might find it most helpful to consider your group’s park touring M.O. above other factors. If you plan on making the theme parks the focus of your vacation, Beach Club Resort might be your best bet due to better transportation. If you’re planning on soaking up the setting at your Resort, you honestly can’t go wrong with either choice… but Animal Kingdom Lodge offers the more unique experience.
Still have a Resort decision to make? If you’d like to check out some more Resort comparisons, feel free to click on any of the links below:
Summer is just around the corner! Dozens of new additions are debuting at Disney World. Summer is coming! Disney World dining locations are no stranger to seasonal menus. For example, at the International Flower and Garden Festival one booth has a rotation of menus throughout the festival. Jaleo’s in Disney Springs also recently offered some […]
Proko, an online resource for artists to get fun and informative art instruction videos, announced the launch of Marvel’s The Art of Storytelling in collaboration with Marvel Comics. What’s Happening: Launching July 12th, the upcoming course will provide aspiring comic book creators with the opportunity to learn the art of crafting captivating comics from top Marvel […]
It sounds like the god of mischief is stirring up trouble at RSVLTS (The Roosevelts), and if our intel is correct, the fashion brand has had to call in reinforcements! A new collection of shirts just dropped showcasing Loki in various stages of his storied history including the fan favorite Alligator Loki. (Please note this […]
Space 220 Restaurant, the out-of-this-world dining experience at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, has just added some stellar new dishes to its dinner menu for Summer 2023. The New Dishes Space 220 offers a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner featuring Lift-Offs (appetizers), Star Course (entrées), and Supernova Sweets (dessert), for $79 per adult (+ tax/gratuity).… Read More »Space 220 at EPCOT Adds New Dishes to Menu For Summer 2023
Walt Disney World Resort has released a list of new seasonal summer dishes.
If you’ve been to Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT recently, you may have noticed some new additions. This location has added several dishes to its menu over the past month. The new appetizers include the Green Onion & Garlic Canadian Cove Mussels featuring P.E.I Mussels with ramp pistou cream, and broiled ciabatta. The Mushroom Bisque combines morel mushrooms, potatoes, and crème fraiche into a warm bowl of deliciousness. Lastly, the Jumbo Chilled Shrimp is paired with a tasty cocktail sauce and Espelette pepper cream.
For those interested in plant-based options, there are two dishes for you to try. The Fried Cauliflower appetizer is masterfully combined with Tahini espuma, pine nut brittle, and radishes. For a heartier option, the Canadian Tourtière is a chickpea and mushroom pie with braised endive, snap peas, stone fruit ketchup, and a plant-based demi-glace. I don’t know about you, but both of these eats sound delicious to me.
But wait, there’s more! Two new entrées have made their way to Le Cellier – the Prime Steak Tartare “Kibbeh Nayeh” with Bulgar wheat, radish, mint, and a garlic aïoli, and the Grilled Scallops with caviar, zucchini fritter, patty pan squash, sweety drop pepper, and a creamy piquillo sauce – wow! As you can see, this updated menu has a little something for everyone to enjoy.
The Disney Resort Hotels are joining in on the summer season celebrations with some new additions to be tasted. At the food courts in Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into the Korean-style IMPOSSIBLE Burger. This delicious new item features an IMPOSSIBLE patty made from plants topped with a Korean-style barbecue sauce and pickled vegetable slaw. These locations will also be featuring a sweet treat – the Seas the Plant-based Summer, a plant-based chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles, starting on June 1.
But that isn’t the only new burger joining the foodie scene at the resorts. Over at Everything POP Shopping & Dining in Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the Cuban Burger is made up of ham, pickled pepper relish, provolone, and dijonnaise on a toasted brioche bun – yum! The End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is also serving up a new burger starting June 21 – the Bases Loaded Burger. This dish brings together bacon jam, an onion ring, and beer-cheese sauce on a toasted brioche bun to form a mouthwatering bite.
Also at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, and at both Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort in the food courts, the Sweet Summertime Favorites will be joining the offerings starting on June 1. Designed to replicate a summertime classic, a hot dog and french fries, this new plate with chocolate sugar cookies, and raspberry dipping sauce. Does it get more adorable than this? I don’t think so.
If you’re looking for a little sweetness, head on over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where starting tomorrow, May 24, the Centertown Market will be offering two new sundaes themed after some of your favorite Disney friends. The Mickey Sundae is made up of vanilla-chocolate swirl soft-serve topped with mini brownies, Mickey ears, and chocolate décor. The vanilla soft-serve Minnie Sundae includes strawberry sauce, Minnie ears, a bow, and chocolate décor.
For those venturing over to Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into the Strawberry Shortcake Croissant Roll at the BoardWalk Deli. This delicious new bite featuring croissant dough with strawberry filling will be available on the weekends only starting, May 29.
Do you love shortcake? Well, the Summer Berry Shortcake will make a fan out of you with a moist vanilla sponge cake, blueberry compote, strawberries, and Chantilly. This new, sweet slice will be launching on June 1 at Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
For those over 21 and looking for an adult beverage, there are a couple options for you, too! Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is bringing seasonal flavors to your glass – or should I say glasses – because they’ve got a new summer Margarita Flight featuring black cherry, spicy pineapple, raspberry, and cucumber melon margaritas starting on June 1!
Nestled at the top of Coronado Springs Resort, you’ll find Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, which will be home to the Smoked Passion Fruit made with Agustín Blázquez Felipe II Solera Reserva Brandy, demerara syrup, passion fruit, smoked cinnamon, and a house-made frozen orange juice cube.
Next, we’re taking a trip over to the Walt Disney World Dolphin, where the new Rosa Mexicano recently opened its doors, satisfying its hungry patrons with delicious, Mexican cuisine. This fine-dining restaurant features a menu filled with flavors and dishes from all across Mexico, as well as award-winning margaritas! The food combines the traditional with modern techniques in a captivating environment that will transport you with each bite!
It’s time to get wild with flavor because next up we’re heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Over at Tamu Tamu, a new sundae is on the scene and may just become your new favorite. The Pineapple Crisp Sundae deliciously combines a pineapple crisp cake with vanilla ice cream and is topped with pineapple caramel and crispy streusel topping. My mouth is watering just thinking about this one.
Recently, there have been several new eats joining the foodie adventures. Guess what’s coming back to Restaurantosaurus on June 1? The Fried Chicken Sandwich! This bite tops a warm brioche bun with crispy fried chicken breast, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a roasted garlic aïoli. Did I mention it comes with fries?
And that’s not the only thing to return. Last month, Flame Tree Barbecue welcomed back a fan-favorite – the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler! What could be better than not just one, but three of your favorites to chow down on?
What’s sweeter than ice cream? Ice cream sandwiched in between cookies! The recently added Dino Dig Ice Cream Sandwich is the perfect treat to keep you satisfied, sweet, and cool, with vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two house-made sugar cookies with chocolate sprinkles, cookie crumbs, sugar bones, and an adorable white chocolate dinosaur.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Over in Disney Springs (Disney World’s shopping and dining district), you’ll find tons of dining options from snack carts to Quick Service spots to Table Service restaurants. One restaurant in particular is currently offering a deal that you’ll want to see! Terralina Crafted Italian is a casual Table Service location in Disney Springs where you can find Italian-inspired dishes and wood-fired pizza.
Terralina Crafted Italian
Starting earlier this month, Terralina began to offer guests a Sweet Summertime Savings deal. If guests buy a $100 gift card, they’ll get an additional $25 bonus gift card for free!
Via Terralina Crafted Italian’s Instagram
This deal runs from May 1st until June 30th with the gift card being valid through September 30th, 2023. If you’re planning on eating Terralina any time soon, this deal would be great for you. (Grab yourself an extra appetizer if you’re feeling fancy.)
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!