Are you ready for a wild time? Zebra, Kudu, and Uzimas – oh my!  Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly three dozen species can be found roaming the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge, 24 hours a day.

So we’ve covered the WILD part of this edition of World Secrets. But what about the FREE part? Well, as gorgeous and unique as the Lodge is during the day – it truly comes to life in the evening with some unusual (and FREE!) nocturnal activities that you just can’t find any where else. Activities that create a perfect way to cap off a (not free!) romantic dinner at Boma, Sanaa, or to unwind with the family after a long day at the parks.

The secrets begin with sunset.

As the sun goes down, you can make your way to the Sunset Savanna Overlook viewing area. It’s secret? THIS savanna is designed specifically for viewing at sunset. Giraffes, zebra, impalas and more will be active at this time of day, increasing your chances of seeing them up close. It’s free to take all the photos you want, and even tripods are welcome.

Next on the list of free night time viewing fun – check out the Arusha and Uzima savannas. Each has its own unique look and feel, and not all savannas have all the animals. For instance, ostrich are unique to the Sunset savanna, zebras to the Arusha savanna, and kudu will only be found spending their wild nights on t the Uzima savanna. Giraffes are the only animal found on all three savannas.

The next World Secret is pretty well-kept! Once you’ve gotten your fill of picture-taking at the Sunset Savanna – nightfall brings the opportunity to view animals with night vision goggles! A cast member will be on hand to teach you how to use the goggles to identify the animals, or you can also pick up a  FREE guide at the front desk. This activity is currently offered at the Uzima Savanna Overlook…the price of this activity? Believe it or not, absolutely FREE.

Giraffe through night vision goggles at AKL

Usually night vision viewing is available  from 9-11 p.m., but be sure to check with a cast member, as times may change through the seasons. At night, all the savannas are illuminated by artificial moonlight as if a full moon were ever present.

How about  some FREE African story-telling while you cozy up to the warmth and crackle of a camp fire? African cast members will regale you with a story each night around the fire pit in the beautiful lobby area, or at the outdoor fire pit under the stars – usually right around 7:30PM each night. Location and times may be subject to change so be sure to double check with a cast member.

Random fact for you – Victoria Falls (or Mosi-oa-Tunya (Tokaleya Tonga:the Smoke that Thunders) is the world’s largest waterfall. You can find it in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambiaand Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls LOUNGE  is a relaxing, oasis perched above Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma restaurant. Here you will enjoy the sounds of a gorgeous indoor trickling waterfall that is 2 stories high. Every now and then you will also hear a duo of African drummers walking down the steps. Relaxing in the beautiful atmosphere in this  quiet lounge will make you feel like you have discovered a wonderful, FREE World Secret. You may just forget you’re at Disney World.

My son found the lounge to be the perfect place to practice his latest card tricks for my nephew!

Maybe your wallet is feeling heavy from saving all that money on these free activities – and you are ready to spend some dough? Here at Victoria Falls Lounge, you can buy yourself a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer or mixed drink. (I highly recommend the Victoria Falls Mist!)

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We hope you’ve enjoyed this Wild and FREE version of World Secrets. What do you love most about Animal Kingdom Lodge in the evenings?

• To read more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Lodge, and Sarfari animals click here.
• Check out my friend Wendy’s blog about her drink at at Victoria Falls.