Despite earlier closing times than other Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Disney theme park that never sleeps! After the sun sets and the lights go out, the animals really come out to play. Rob Carlson, Night Zoological Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, introduced the idea of a night vision experience years ago- and had no idea that it would be so popular! After dark, guests can don night vision goggles and look out over the savannas just outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Giraffes will be vividly visible, as well as the greater kudu, wildebeest, impala, bongo, African spoonbills, Eastern white pelicans, and many other animals. One of the more unique ones is the blue crane, the no longer endangered national bird of South Africa.
The viewing is a nightly event and free to guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe hotel resort at Walt Disney World. It has been a popular location since its opening on April 16, 2001. At the lodge, wild animals graze just outside the rooms and in a few public areas, connecting guests to their Disney’s Animal Kingdom experience. The lodge offers dining- Jiko: The Cooking Place, which features South African vintage wines, as well as African style cooking with some influences from the Mediterranean coast, Europe, and India. The sit-down restaurant’s design is decorated in earthy tones, emulating an African lodge. The lodge also offers Boma: Flavors of Africa buffet, and The Mara counter service dining.