Incentive planners exploring a jungle of potential destinations have discovered that an African adventure is now just a domestic flight away. Unique among American resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort is a 74-acre tribute to the indigenous art, wildlife, and cuisine of an exotic continent. By uniting the natural majesty of Africa with the creative magic of Disney, the new lodge has opened the doors to one of the nation’s most extraordinary incentive experiences.

With its natural appeal, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge immediately piqued the imagination of incentive planners. Granted access to the splendor of an entire continent, they are able to offer attendees a truly exquisite incentive experience, including luxurious accommodations, exotic dining, leisurely recreational activities. All of it is surrounded by the beauty of an ever-changing panorama of animals roaming across an African veldt.

From the sweeping 33-acre savannah to displays of intricately carved masks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge exemplifies the dedication and efforts of Disney artists and designers. Embarking on a series of safaris which took them to more than 20 African lodges, the travelers returned with a vision that resulted in a grand, 1,293-room lodge symbolizing a compilation of African art and cultures and art.

Arriving at Animal Kingdom Lodge, its magnificence is revealed in stages. Thatched roofs, rocks, and broad timbers suggest a rustic resort, although this perception changes to a sense of awe when entering the grand lobby. Rich woods and golden tones color the six-story entrance hall. Massive wooden tusks span several floors. African art is showcased on walls and displays. Across from an alcove warmed by an oval fireplace is another quiet retreat highlighted by vintage images and equipment from the 1920s

Guest viewing the savannah will see giraffes nibbling on treetops and zebras grazing alongside wildebeests, watusi cattle, gazelles and bongos. Colorful birds such as vulturine guinea fowl, sacred ibis, and the Absynnian ground hornbill roam among the rivers and rocks. The great outdoors is rivaled only by the great indoors, where luxurious rooms reflect the rich tapestry of Africa. In each room and suite are vibrant paintings, animal prints and African gourds. Hand-carved masks, headboards, and mirrors created by Zimbabwe craftsmen accent the queen- and king-size beds which, for traveling families, can be complemented with bunk beds.

The spaciousness of the lodge is countered by an intimacy created through natural elements including fireplaces, waterfalls, rock formations, and primitive chandeliers artfully adorned with Zulu warrior shields.

Disney’s legendary attention to detail is also seen in artistic touches such as hoof prints and leaf imprints set within walkways and

hardwood floors. Of course, observant meeting professionals have come to realize that small wonders such as these add up to the ability to impress their guests.

Delivering all the creativity they could muster, Disney gives incentive groups further rewards with two signature restaurants. Jiko (Swahili for ‘cooking place’) just may be the United Nations of dining. Featuring flavors brought to America from 53 countries, Jiko serves harmoniously combined ingredients such as banana-leaf steamed Chilean sea bass with asparagus puree, mushrooms, and apples; oven-baked garlic chicken tangine with grapefruit, olives and herbs; and a whole-roasted papaya stuffed with spicy minced beef.

For meeting professionals, Jiko’s menu selections are surpassed only by the Cape Town Wine Room, a cozy private area which can be reserved for small gatherings such as a welcome dinner or awards presentation. Neighboring Boma is a family-friendly restaurant featuring a full selection of African entrees and appetizers.

Attendees desiring the luxury of doing absolutely nothing will find these opportunities in abundance.

Cradled between the fully-equipped fitness center and the curving lodge is a themed, free-form pool featuring a gently sloping “zero-depth entry design” which mimics a natural body of water. Nearby, bubbling spas, a children’s play area, and poolside bars provide every convenience necessary to savor a day in the sun.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is centrally located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney-MGM Studios, Epcot and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water adventure park.

Resort guests are provided complimentary Disney transportation to these locations and to the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort.