Disney's NEW Animal Kingdom Lodge Announcement Is 99% Guaranteed To Make You Happy

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its beautiful design and the stunning views of the savannah right from your room.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Here you can stay in a savannah view room and wake up with animals right outside your window! Even if you do not have a savannah view, you can still see these views from the lobby and several other lookout points throughout the hotel, making this resort truly unique.

Guests can see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, ankole cattle, and over 30 species of African wildlife roaming just steps away from their rooms. It’s like waking up in the middle of a safari without ever leaving Walt Disney World. The resort’s animal care team keeps the savannah thriving, and this week, they had an especially fun reason to celebrate one of its feathered residents.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Niles Crane, the grey crowned crane who has called the Lodge home for years, just turned 25! This elegant bird, with its striking golden “crown” of feathers, is a favorite among guests exploring the resort’s viewing areas. But what really makes his birthday extra special is his name — Niles Crane, just like the beloved character from the TV sitcom Frasier. While the fictional Niles was known for his witty banter and refined taste, Disney’s Niles is just as distinguished in his own right, strutting proudly across the savannah for all to admire.

Well, hello there!

For fans of both Disney and Frasier, the coincidence makes this milestone even more delightful. It’s not every day you get to wish a happy birthday to a crane who shares a name with one of television’s most iconic characters. And for guests staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, spotting Niles on the savannah during his 25th year will feel like being part of a very special Disney story.