JoJo arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for a staycation, his first of 2023. He plans to rank the hotel based on the lobby, amenities, and food as part of his series to stay at every Disney resort worldwide. He enters the awe inspiring lobby and notices that the Christmas decorations are still up. “I literally just said yesterday how I’m tired of the Christmas decorations, but it is cool seeing some that I have never seen before,” he remarks. He also notices and is captivated by the African artifacts on display, such as “Terracotta Figure” from the Cham people, Nigeria, and the “Beaded crown and panels” from the Yoruba people.
Coaxed outside by the sight of a nearby giraffe, JoJo marvels at viewing a five-year-old reticulated giraffe named Gemma that is closer to him than he’s ever been to a giraffe at Disney. After watching the giraffe for a while, JoJo has an encounter with Goofy, Donald Duck and Pluto dressed in their 50th anniversary outfits. It’s the first time JoJo has seen them wear that at a Disney resort. He spends time with the characters and afterward exclaims, “Oh my gosh, I wasn’t trying to spend so much time outside, but I mean, when the characters are out here, you’re just having fun.”
Back inside, JoJo browses the Zawadi gift shop, “You got shirts, and plushes, and artifacts, and things related to Africa,” JoJo observes. JoJo leaves the store and heads to the Mara quick-service restaurant. There he orders a spiced shrimp bowl for lunch, and comments on the well-marinated shrimp. “That was pretty good. Not the best, but it got the job done,” he remarks.
In his room, number 4028 in Jambo House, JoJo explores the space and shows its two queen beds and pool view with balcony. Jumping on the bed to test it, he concludes, “Hard on approach, but it’s good. I like it. It’s comfy. I’m going to take a nap now.” Later, he walks to Kidani Village and orders the famous Sanaa bread service, declaring it among Disney’s best offerings. JoJo’s girlfriend, Krista, joins him there. The server explains the array of breads and sauces and the two enjoy them very much.
Strolling outside to view the animals, JoJo asks Krista if she likes the giraffe they see. “I love him. I want him,” she proclaims.
They proceed to check out Kidani Village’s pool before roasting marshmallows by the firepit. “Oh my god, listen, free marshmallows and a beer and there’s animals right behind me just squawking – this is a good day. This is a good day,” JoJo says contentedly.
Taking a shuttle back to Jambo House, they change and head to Jambo’s pool area. Disappointed by the hot tub’s tepid warmth, they go to the smaller, hidden hot tub and find it much hotter. After some time there, they return to their room to change for dinner. They go to Boma, where JoJo indulges in its extensive buffet offerings, favoring the oxtail soup and green beans. He admits that he could have eaten more had they not eaten earlier at Sanaa. JoJo gives Boma a 9/10 rating.
The next morning, still wearing the shirt he wore at dinner the night before, JoJo awards the resort an 8 out of 10, refusing to give it a 9 because there are other resorts he likes more.
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