In case you didn’t know, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts a quarterly “Celebrate Africa!” event, to honor and celebrate what makes the continent of Africa so special.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
This past weekend, we decided to check out this quarter’s event for ourselves and we can’t wait to tell you all about it!
“Celebrate Africa!”
During the event, there were four stations set up for guests to visit and learn about their culture, languages, flags, foods, crops, colors and what they represent in their fashion, landmarks, and so much more! Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Cultural Representatives were available to answer questions throughout the event as well.
“Celebrate Africa!”
The presentation kicked off with the Cast Members coming up the stairs to the main lobby while singing, dancing, and waving flags. It was so fun and festive! A few of them danced, one read a poem, and then they explained how the event would work and where you could visit to learn more about Africa.
“Celebrate Africa!”
Two stations were very popular with the kids – one station had face painting and bracelet-making.
Face Painting
Beaded Jewelry Station
At the jewelry station, they had a sign explaining the symbolism behind each color.
Color Symbolism
The Wonders of Africa station revolved around African landmarks.
Wonders of Africa Station
There was a map of Africa and pictures of places like Victoria Falls and the Egyptian Pyramids. Kids could guess where these were located and the map was magnetic so the little pictures would stay.
Wonders of Africa Map
Adults thoroughly enjoyed the Flavors of Africa station, which provided free Zebra Domes and had a wine display.
Free Zebra Domes!
Flavors of Africa
Flavors of Africa
They didn’t serve any wine but were very knowledgeable and explained that these wines were served in Jiko and Boma downstairs.
Wine Display at “Celebrate Africa!” Event
We personally really liked the Flags and Symbols table. The Cast Member was so nice and excited to tell stories, legends, and histories of Africa. He was genuinely interested in each guest and where they were from in the USA. He asked just as many questions of us as we did of him. The Flags and Symbols table was very enjoyable thanks to this wonderful Cast Member!
Flags and Symbols Table
Flags and Symbols Table
The “Celebrate Africa” event was only one hour long, but it was so enjoyable in a very informative and fun way for guests of all ages. We highly recommend checking out this event in the future!
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This looks great! How do you know when it’s happening? Any word on when the next one is?
When is celebrate Africa? We’d love to go!
Carol, Celebrate Africa is a quarterly event at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it’s not widely publicized. In fact, our on-site reporter had to ask at the front desk for the time, and that cast member had to check in the back for the time. We’ll have someone back at the Resort again today, and she’s going to see if they have set dates. When she reports back, I’ll update you!
We stay at Jambo once if not twice a year and haven’t ever heard of this event- would love to know more! Thank you for sharing!
Carol, we checked on site today, and there are no dates set far in advance. Celebrate Africa is organized around the “graduations” of the cultural representatives that come and go at Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you know you’re going to be at AKL or WDW at some point, you could try calling to find out if one is may be happening during your visit.