Jambo! Our 15 Days to 15 Years countdown to the 15 Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to tick ahead. Today, my co-host Beth (@disneymom2jhe of Pursuing the Magic and The Magical Blogorail founder) and I ask Jennifer @DisneyBabiesBlg to lead the herd to 2009.
2009 was by no means a banner year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Inside the park, the loss of McDonalds as a sponsorship around the resort left DinoLand, U.S.A. sponsor free.
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The giraffe known as “Big Girl” gave birth to her calf, “Bolo“.
Though the park didn’t see many changes in 2009, the most exciting Animal Kingdom news was the opening of Animal Kingdom’s Disney Vacation Club home, Kidani Village. While I’ve never stayed at either, I love visiting…. For a meal! Kidani Village has one of my favorite restaurants – Sanaa. A delicious Indian inspired African restaurant, it’s the perfect combo of great food and an amazing savannah view!
My favorite attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Safari. Watching the animals roam in their controlled freedom is a unique experience that I love to witness every time – and the Kidani House offers much of the same experience. I love meandering the lobby and watching the animals from the back patio.
To me, both Jambo House (the original Animal Kingdom Lodge) and Kidani Village are an extension of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Here’s to you, Animal Kingdom!
Asante sana to Jennifer @DisneyBabiesBlg! We agree- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village are “sanaa” (Swahili for “a work of art”). The Disney Babies Blog has been featured in 40 Days to 40 Years, and 30 Days to 30 Years, and is a Disney force on Facebook and Pinterest!
2010, up next!
Awww..I love looking back at what was. I forgot about McDonalds..lol Remember the fries station at Hollywood Studios? lol
Boy, do I remember this well Jenn! Our ASD son lived on McDonald's fries until he was 12; I mean LIVED ON. No other fry or food would do. Losing this sponsor hit us hard- thank goodness he was older and more of a versatile eater by 2009. We still can't pass the old Frontierland Fries stand without him pining away… Thanks for the memories!!