To watch the Packing Video for this trip (and get all the links to the things I showed) head here ua-cam.com/video/wZ6yKtZ8tWc/v-deo.html Thanks for watching!
I'm so happy to see these renovations because the last time we stayed it was still super dark in the rooms. (I saved this video to watch on Election Day because I knew I was going to need the peace & joy)
What a wonderful solo travel first day. Well deserved break from the chaos of the remodel, remotely caring for your Mom and general craziness of all the things. Recharge and refresh.
This video reminded me that I needed to go book a wheelchair accessible room for my trip to Montreal with my dad who's in a wheelchair 😂 This resort is on my bucket list for sure!
Great day! I loved Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is too easy to second guess yourself and grab extra things as you head out the door. Happens to us all. Your hair color looks fab as it is growing in.
A lot of places to stay at Disney are so ridiculously overpriced but this one is still a decent value in my opinion. Still crazy expensive but the experience is so amazing that I think it warrants the price.
I LOVED that! I could sit and watch the animals all day! You did a great job covering everything. I agree that there should be a coffee bar. Looking forward to seeing more❣️
I mean, they make speciality coffees in the sit down restaurants so I know they HAVE the machines. I just can't believe they'll charge that much for a room and I can't get a decent cup of coffee in the morning! But no other notes so let these be our problems.😂
Your vlogs just make me smile!! I love the way you enjoy the smallest of things (light fixtures!!). Hope your whole trip was an awesome respite and a really good time.
So funny, but I think I saw you at the Mara when you filmed this. I was just there at the end of October. I totally wanted to say “hi,” but also wanted to respect your trip. 😉 I was traveling solo as well.❤ Looks like a wonderful time!
We often head over to AKL and do the walking area to see the animals- it is especially fun to be there during feeding time. The giraffes were so close. So relaxing . We take the buses and it works out perfectly. If I was doing a heavy park schedule I would stay much closer as it does take a little longer with Disney transportation
I find the animals fascinating! I think it would be cool to stay for even one night at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! I am not a vegetarian, but the food looks wonderful! Then to be so close to the animals is the top of it all! Thanks for your channel and content, Jen! I do so appreciate how you view life! Keep up the good work!
Wow…I would just stay in that room on that balcony…. I’m loving this series… Love the extra bags came with you… Your so right…us women can change there minds…it’s in the rules..lol Love how chilled your becoming on the videos…..👍🇬🇧
I really struggled leaving to get out in the parks! It was completely perfect and the weather couldn't have been nicer (I will mention that approximately 5000 times in the course of the videos;).
The last time I went to Disney I didn't go into the parks. I relaxed at the resort and went to Disney Springs one night. It was hard to be so close and not do the parks - but it was so chill it was exactly what I needed
Love Animal Kingdom Lodge. Boma is my favorite restaurant on Disney property. I love that your phone has a hidden Mickey built in while filming 😂. Disney is my happy place. Oh how I need another solo trip. Took one two years ago and it was the absolute best vacation ever. I found your channel because of the dementia vlogs. I love that you are a Disney girl too. My mom has Alzheimer’s. She is still living on her own but these past couple of weeks I’m starting to see she needs more help. It’s getting harder and harder to manage. Thanks for giving me a Disney break.
Loved this vlog! Gave me 22 minutes of smiles amidst the world mania. When you said “the name of the game is taking time, not rushing…” I started singing “tell your mother, she’s not to worry, ‘cause no one’s rushing, there’s no big hurry!” - and then you arrived at Main Street USA :) Can’t wait for the next one! 🫶🫶
I love AKL! I’ve always said I could easily do a staycation at Kidani and be perfectly happy not even stepping foot in a park. The food is the best, IMO, and the pool is awesome! Plus, the savanna!!! Love love love it there. So glad you got some time away to recharge.
We agree that the private driver from the airport is the way to go. In the other hand, I've have had 100% positive experiences with an early morning scheduled Lyft to the airport for flights which I do at least 8 times a year. Those drivers seem to be more a pleasant experience imo.
Jen, do not disregard “Hey Mickey”. I asked it to play music while we were getting ready one morning and discovered a my new favorite station! It automatically plays I heart radio’s Disney Resort Radio channel. I immediately downloaded the free app and we listen to the station at home now. I never would have discovered it without playing around with that Alexa/Mickey! So, don’t rule it out!!!:-)
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! I’ve never stayed on the resort and wondered if you could really see the animals. What a treat! Btw, your eyes looked especially pretty with your green top! Looking forward to seeing more 😊
Yes you can absolutely see the animals! Different savanna’s have different ones but a savanna view room is going to have some animals at least part of every day. And thank you!!!!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I'm glad you had a trip you didn't vlog. I love seeing your disney vlogs, but you deserve not to have to work every time you go to disney.
You may of been there when we were just there visiting from the UK! We just got back 2 days ago. I would of been so in awe if I had of seen you! We go to magic kingdom on the event nights as the days tend to be quieter. Xx
Hi Jen, as always many thanks for your time and content. Wondering how much you tip your driver at transportation by Mike? Heading to Orlando with my daughter first week of December her first time in Disney over 21 and we are both excited. I am thinking of trying transportation by Mike for the first time and unsure how to tip. We will be arriving between 7 and 8 PM. Many thanks!
I have been in the Atlanta airport 5 times in the last 2.5 weeks so I feel like I live there now. After seeing security at Atlanta, I now know why precheck is important. Also there is a Tumi store in the Salt Lake City airport, kinda regret now going in. But was too tired to walk over there and didn’t have any money to spend.
Going to wdw to relax doesn't sound crazy at all to me. I have done it when I needed to get away. Also have used Orlando transportation by Mike, had Stella she is wonderful. This video is just what I needed today, so thanks!
We went to Disney for five days last month. Usually we go to the parks every day, but this time we spent two days at the yacht club. It was lovely. Next time I go to Disney, I think I could go to the resort and stay at the resort the entire time.
OMG! Me & my family will be staying at Kidani 11/10-11/16 to visit my daughter who’s currently DCP!! We are so excited and will be taking my son’s girlfriend who’s never been to WDW!! I am above excited especially to stay at this wonderful resort
OK so I loved Jambo House but Kidani is still very near and dear to my heart! Make sure you go to the bar at Sanaa (you can usually get in without a reservation) and get the bread service and a glass of African wine for me!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge we actually stayed Kidani our first trip in 2011, the kids were 8 & 6. Sanaa was great then & hoping we can get a bite there our arrival night
@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Hello! I stayed there with my family once and it was amazing! I actually have a question about becoming a pilot and thought I'd drop it in your most recent video. Ive been thinking about becoming a pilot a lot lately, but i already have a wife and 4 kids and im not totally sure if im willing to move, especially if i dont get much choice in where i move to. I live near an international airport (Gerald R. Ford in Grand Rapids MI) but its a relatively small airport compared to the big hubs like Chicago. My questions is, would i realistically have to move somewhere else, to one of the bigger hubs? Or could i work out of Gerald R. Ford? Also, is there a specific site where i can find all pilot openings across the USA? Thanks for your time and enjoy the stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Hoping to book a trip with Stella when we arrive late one evening in November - I can’t see a price guide on their website but hoping to find out the average cost of a trip from MCO to disney springs.
Hi Jen! Since you’re back home I’m guessing it would be safe to share now. Can you let us know what dates you were down in Orlando? I’m trying to find the September/October sweet spot for trips so I’ve been grilling people that visit this time of year and rave about the weather so I can play around with timing in future years 🤣
The week before I was there was packed because multiple places in the country had fall break? I’ve had good luck with the third week of October a couple of times just check for any Monday holidays or fall breaks
Hello Jen, Interested in booking ‘transport by Mike’ as you and Adam P speak so highly of the company. What’s the charge from Orlando airport to Disney world approx? Thanks, we’re really excited for our first visit to WDW in December!
If you have booked at Jambo House you'll go there and if you are at Kidani Village, you'll go there. It will say on your reservation, Have a great trip!
The accessible rooms have all different accommodations and many people who have partial mobility prefer a tub? When they book they stipulate what type of accommodation they require
471 for a hotel room is highway robbery! How can the normal person afford this! Sad really. Only people with means can enjoy. As a cross comparison, I stayed in a suite in Chania Crete this time last year for five days. The total cost was $335. The US has gone mad!
We were recently in Greece and a luxury hotel there costs about the same - we stayed on the island of Paros and had a beautiful time. It is a lot of money but high hotel costs aren't just limited to the US:). Take care!
To watch the Packing Video for this trip (and get all the links to the things I showed) head here ua-cam.com/video/wZ6yKtZ8tWc/v-deo.html Thanks for watching!
I didn’t even realize how much I missed your Disney videos until watching this!
LOVE this Resort. My husband and I were just there this pass weekend to celebrate our Anniversary. Dinner at BOMA's (his favorite restaurant)
I'm so happy to see these renovations because the last time we stayed it was still super dark in the rooms. (I saved this video to watch on Election Day because I knew I was going to need the peace & joy)
Yes the rooms are quite bright and airy now! And I’m honored to be able to keep you company on this anxious day.
You picked the perfect resort to unwind and to give yourself the respite you need. I hope it was all that and more.
Thank you, Dean, It was exactly what I needed, Thank you.
What a wonderful solo travel first day. Well deserved break from the chaos of the remodel, remotely caring for your Mom and general craziness of all the things. Recharge and refresh.
Thank you so much, Allison. I'm so glad friends and family encouraged me to take the trip! It was much needed.
AKL is such a perfect place for a change of pace, tranquil, Disney trip!
Seriously. It was perfection!
This video reminded me that I needed to go book a wheelchair accessible room for my trip to Montreal with my dad who's in a wheelchair 😂 This resort is on my bucket list for sure!
Can't wait for the next video! I miss your WDW vlogs! You looked so happy walking up to Magic Kingdom :)
Awww…. I love this video and this kind of content. Thank you!
Sandra! So good to hear from you!
Thank you so much for mentioning the thermostat! My family and I do not sleep well when it’s warm. ❄️☃️❄️
Interestingly, the AC at the villas wasn’t nearly as good. But the regular hotel rooms have new AC and it was VERRY good!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Thank you so much for the tip! We will keep that in mind. A good AC is a deal breaker for us.
Loved this and just love how security welcome you into Magic Kingdom, makes my heart happy 💖
Everyone was so welcoming and happy! More than even normal and I think it was the amazing weather.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge yes I bet it helps when you don’t have to stand in 100 degree heat 😂 it was the same when I was there in February
Loved this Vlog. I would pick Disney for a relaxing trip too!
I mean truly if you do it right, the BEST for that!
Great day! I loved Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is too easy to second guess yourself and grab extra things as you head out the door. Happens to us all. Your hair color looks fab as it is growing in.
Thank you for this. Thinking of staying there next December.
A lot of places to stay at Disney are so ridiculously overpriced but this one is still a decent value in my opinion. Still crazy expensive but the experience is so amazing that I think it warrants the price.
This is soooo amazing!!!! Jen; I’m so happy you got to experience this!!!!
So excited to take a break and watch this. Your vids are always so relaxing and entertaining! 💛
Oh thank you so much, Alexis!!!
Everyone wake up Jen posted a Disney video!!!!!
🤣🤣🤣your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated!
I LOVED that! I could sit and watch the animals all day! You did a great job covering everything. I agree that there should be a coffee bar. Looking forward to seeing more❣️
I mean, they make speciality coffees in the sit down restaurants so I know they HAVE the machines. I just can't believe they'll charge that much for a room and I can't get a decent cup of coffee in the morning! But no other notes so let these be our problems.😂
Loving the relaxed vibe ❤❤
Editing it made me want to go back!
Absolutely love your vlogs Jen, you give such positive vibes ❤️, Thankyou, sounds like you were so ready for this break x
Oh I SOOOO was. Thank you, Denise!
Your vlogs just make me smile!! I love the way you enjoy the smallest of things (light fixtures!!). Hope your whole trip was an awesome respite and a really good time.
I mean except for it was truly beautiful 🤩 🤣🥰🥰🤣
Jen, I have not seen you for a long time. Grad you visited my favorite resort.
I stayed at that Resort before and it was wonderful; thanks for sharing
Truly just lovely! I will definitely be back!
Disney can be a great place to rest and restore. Just being physically away from the everyday can do the trick.
So funny, but I think I saw you at the Mara when you filmed this. I was just there at the end of October. I totally wanted to say “hi,” but also wanted to respect your trip. 😉 I was traveling solo as well.❤ Looks like a wonderful time!
Yay! Starting a magical trip with Jen! Animal Kingdom Lodge is such a vibe!
Like a TOTAL departure from reality which is exactly what I needed, Sarah!🥰
Yay!!! That was quick, I just saw your reel and got excited for the Disney vlog. Love it. ❤️😘
I'm so glad!! Thanks, Major!
We often head over to AKL and do the walking area to see the animals- it is especially fun to be there during feeding time. The giraffes were so close. So relaxing . We take the buses and it works out perfectly. If I was doing a heavy park schedule I would stay much closer as it does take a little longer with Disney transportation
So so good to catch up with you and help you relax and luxuriate at the Most Relaxing Place on Earth©️! You deserved every moment of this trip!
You're the best and it was so great to see you BOTH!
Jen…..
A solo trip for easing one’s uneasiness is something I need to do! What a wonderful idea. Looking forward to this series❤❤
Rina, it was JUST what I needed!
I find the animals fascinating! I think it would be cool to stay for even one night at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! I am not a vegetarian, but the food looks wonderful! Then to be so close to the animals is the top of it all! Thanks for your channel and content, Jen! I do so appreciate how you view life! Keep up the good work!
YES I had a very hard time dragging myself off that balcony!
Wow…I would just stay in that room on that balcony….
I’m loving this series…
Love the extra bags came with you…
Your so right…us women can change there minds…it’s in the rules..lol
Love how chilled your becoming on the videos…..👍🇬🇧
I really struggled leaving to get out in the parks! It was completely perfect and the weather couldn't have been nicer (I will mention that approximately 5000 times in the course of the videos;).
Your eyes really popped in the green shirt with the sun coming into the room. Beautiful!
Oh thank you!!
The last time I went to Disney I didn't go into the parks. I relaxed at the resort and went to Disney Springs one night. It was hard to be so close and not do the parks - but it was so chill it was exactly what I needed
Love Animal Kingdom Lodge. Boma is my favorite restaurant on Disney property. I love that your phone has a hidden Mickey built in while filming 😂. Disney is my happy place. Oh how I need another solo trip. Took one two years ago and it was the absolute best vacation ever. I found your channel because of the dementia vlogs. I love that you are a Disney girl too. My mom has Alzheimer’s. She is still living on her own but these past couple of weeks I’m starting to see she needs more help. It’s getting harder and harder to manage. Thanks for giving me a Disney break.
Oh, Melissa, hang in there. It's such a hard road. Glad you found me!
Loved this vlog! Gave me 22 minutes of smiles amidst the world mania. When you said “the name of the game is taking time, not rushing…” I started singing “tell your mother, she’s not to worry, ‘cause no one’s rushing, there’s no big hurry!” - and then you arrived at Main Street USA :) Can’t wait for the next one! 🫶🫶
Oh I'm so glad you loved it, Andrew! thank you!
Absolutely love Stella whom I found through you; she is a must for my visits to Orlando. Thanks for the introduction!
Of course!! She’s the best!
Really enjoyed this, thank you! Loooove that hotel. Stayed there in 2014 and it's still my favourite hotel in the world.
It’s perfect!
I love AKL! I’ve always said I could easily do a staycation at Kidani and be perfectly happy not even stepping foot in a park. The food is the best, IMO, and the pool is awesome! Plus, the savanna!!! Love love love it there. So glad you got some time away to recharge.
Truly when we initially bought DVC I knew that for my solo trips this would be where you could mostly find me. It's so magical in its own way!
We agree that the private driver from the airport is the way to go. In the other hand, I've have had 100% positive experiences with an early morning scheduled Lyft to the airport for flights which I do at least 8 times a year. Those drivers seem to be more a pleasant experience imo.
Stayed at WDW last week and did the Starlight Safari at AKL which was so fun and amazing.
I need to sign up for that! It looked amazing from my balcony.
Jen, do not disregard “Hey Mickey”. I asked it to play music while we were getting ready one morning and discovered a my new favorite station! It automatically plays I heart radio’s Disney Resort Radio channel. I immediately downloaded the free app and we listen to the station at home now. I never would have discovered it without playing around with that Alexa/Mickey! So, don’t rule it out!!!:-)
No I hate it.🤣But I’m glad you love it!
Love your disney video's, 😍Loving it!!! Thanks
I'm so glad! Thank you!
You make me want to go to Disney by myself and Luxuriate!!
Luxuriate is such a great word
Thanks for sharing.
Hello Glitter! That is the name my then toddler named the giraffe that she saw at AKL. Love the peaceful balcony there
The hush of AKL truly is the magic ❤
Seriously what is that? Absolutely divine.
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! I’ve never stayed on the resort and wondered if you could really see the animals. What a treat! Btw, your eyes looked especially pretty with your green top! Looking forward to seeing more 😊
Yes you can absolutely see the animals! Different savanna’s have different ones but a savanna view room is going to have some animals at least part of every day. And thank you!!!!
I'm catching up!
Hurray!! 🤣🥰🥰🥰
😮did I miss the review on this Tumi personal item bag?! It’s so pretty, I hope you do an unpacking video if there isn’t already one
I think I showed it on Instagram on my maybe? I’ll do a quick review in my next weekly vlog. But I love it!!
We were able to stay here earlier this year and we were so surprised by how much we lived this resort! ♥️
Honestly I cannot wait to go back!
So fun. Feels like it's been a minute since you were at disney. Hope you had a lovely trip.
It has been! I was there last April but didn't vlog the trip.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I'm glad you had a trip you didn't vlog. I love seeing your disney vlogs, but you deserve not to have to work every time you go to disney.
@@CarissaHelmer88 honestly I needed to start doing that more! Thank you!
I would ❤ to stay @ AK, but the cost is soooooo crazy. On my bucket list 😊 Thank you for sharing ❤
You may of been there when we were just there visiting from the UK!
We just got back 2 days ago. I would of been so in awe if I had of seen you!
We go to magic kingdom on the event nights as the days tend to be quieter. Xx
Stella was my driver when I was there two weeks ago. She is great!
She really is!
Love your glasses!
Oh thank you! Its the Romy frame from Eye Buy Direct
Hi Jen, as always many thanks for your time and content. Wondering how much you tip your driver at transportation by Mike? Heading to Orlando with my daughter first week of December her first time in Disney over 21 and we are both excited. I am thinking of trying transportation by Mike for the first time and unsure how to tip. We will be arriving between 7 and 8 PM. Many thanks!
I think 20% is a good rule of thumb!
I have been in the Atlanta airport 5 times in the last 2.5 weeks so I feel like I live there now. After seeing security at Atlanta, I now know why precheck is important. Also there is a Tumi store in the Salt Lake City airport, kinda regret now going in. But was too tired to walk over there and didn’t have any money to spend.
YES TSA precheck is a must have at ATL!
Going to wdw to relax doesn't sound crazy at all to me. I have done it when I needed to get away. Also have used Orlando transportation by Mike, had Stella she is wonderful. This video is just what I needed today, so thanks!
Yes you get it!!!
We went to Disney for five days last month. Usually we go to the parks every day, but this time we spent two days at the yacht club. It was lovely. Next time I go to Disney, I think I could go to the resort and stay at the resort the entire time.
Truly, these resorts are so gorgeous its a shame to pay all that money and not enjoy them!
Love the Disney vlogs!!!!! Can you tell me what is the brand of sneakers you are wearing. I know you tell us, but I don’t catch the name??
It’s a brand called Cariumas! I linked them in the description of the packing video 🥰
OMG! Me & my family will be staying at Kidani 11/10-11/16 to visit my daughter who’s currently DCP!! We are so excited and will be taking my son’s girlfriend who’s never been to WDW!! I am above excited especially to stay at this wonderful resort
OK so I loved Jambo House but Kidani is still very near and dear to my heart! Make sure you go to the bar at Sanaa (you can usually get in without a reservation) and get the bread service and a glass of African wine for me!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge we actually stayed Kidani our first trip in 2011, the kids were 8 & 6. Sanaa was great then & hoping we can get a bite there our arrival night
@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
Hello! I stayed there with my family once and it was amazing!
I actually have a question about becoming a pilot and thought I'd drop it in your most recent video. Ive been thinking about becoming a pilot a lot lately, but i already have a wife and 4 kids and im not totally sure if im willing to move, especially if i dont get much choice in where i move to. I live near an international airport (Gerald R. Ford in Grand Rapids MI) but its a relatively small airport compared to the big hubs like Chicago. My questions is, would i realistically have to move somewhere else, to one of the bigger hubs? Or could i work out of Gerald R. Ford? Also, is there a specific site where i can find all pilot openings across the USA? Thanks for your time and enjoy the stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Love AK. Just back from Boulder Ridge as of yesterday…I feel great and am longing to get back.
I need to get back to Wilderness Lodge area one of these days! Its been years!
We were at AKL Jambo during hurricane Melton. (1BR is the best)
We've only ever stayed in the 1 bdrm at Kidani (the extra bathroom with 3 kids was always a huge bonus) but I would love to try the 1 bed at Jambo!
Hoping to book a trip with Stella when we arrive late one evening in November - I can’t see a price guide on their website but hoping to find out the average cost of a trip from MCO to disney springs.
You'll need to call or email them to get a quote!
Hi Jen! Since you’re back home I’m guessing it would be safe to share now. Can you let us know what dates you were down in Orlando? I’m trying to find the September/October sweet spot for trips so I’ve been grilling people that visit this time of year and rave about the weather so I can play around with timing in future years 🤣
The week before I was there was packed because multiple places in the country had fall break? I’ve had good luck with the third week of October a couple of times just check for any Monday holidays or fall breaks
Hello Jen,
Interested in booking ‘transport by Mike’ as you and Adam P speak so highly of the company. What’s the charge from Orlando airport to Disney world approx? Thanks, we’re really excited for our first visit to WDW in December!
You'd need to email or call them to get a quote as rates vary by season and location. And that's amazing! How fun! Happy planning!
We are now back to summer temps.
Well it was nice while it lasted!
do you remember what Savanna view this is or room number for reference? Sunset Savanna ?
I’m sorry I don’t know / I just put near lobby in my room request
I got a water view so I requested a patio instead of a balcony
When you check in what building do I go to
If you have booked at Jambo House you'll go there and if you are at Kidani Village, you'll go there. It will say on your reservation, Have a great trip!
I am surprised it’s not a roll in shower given the other wheelchair accommodations, is there a reason that maybe I am overlooking?
The accessible rooms have all different accommodations and many people who have partial mobility prefer a tub? When they book they stipulate what type of accommodation they require
For some reason I didn’t realize you were friends with Kayla and Mark Alan!
I love them! Been friends for years.
Did you say $471 for the night in the lodge? 🤯 No way could I afford that! Disney is pricing itself out of the middle class income types!
And that was with a substantial annual pass holder discount! I know and I agree
Totally agree with the price. We've always stayed moderate but that's too high prices. We've become a value family.
471 for a hotel room is highway robbery! How can the normal person afford this! Sad really. Only people with means can enjoy. As a cross comparison, I stayed in a suite in Chania Crete this time last year for five days. The total cost was $335. The US has gone mad!
We were recently in Greece and a luxury hotel there costs about the same - we stayed on the island of Paros and had a beautiful time. It is a lot of money but high hotel costs aren't just limited to the US:). Take care!