More Fun than a Pack of Hyenas
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This week, we visit Disney's Animal Kingdom, which is another first for us (last week we visited the Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa -- our first spa loo review -- if you haven't yet read that review, be sure to hit it up after finishing this one).
Our target loo this week is located waaay out in the western edge of Africa. In fact, it's as far west as one can go without being a cast member. Our journey takes us beyond the westernmost bridge over Discovery River. As we cross the bridge, we make a left (don't forget to first stop and smell all the exotic spices wafting towards us from Tusker House -- ed), and make our way around the bend, heading for Festival of the Lion King.
Here's a view of our trek, with Festival of the Lion King ahead and to the right. Our destination sits far in this distance, barely discernable from here:
Glancing quickly to our left, we see this warning, which is duly noted (if only Captain Hook had been gifted a similar heads-up, he might still have both hands -- and a different name -- ed):
Our awareness of predatory crocodiles now heightened, we move onward towards our destination loo. This one sits well-past Festival of the Lion King, and, from the festival entrance, appears to be a squat building situated to the south, abutting the river. From here, we can see the authentically-African, world famous Avatarland Crane, busy at work. As a side note, I find the level of theming at this park overwhelming (in a good way, of course) at times. Joe Rohde and his team of Imagineers truly left no stone unturned in the development of Animal Kingdom. Look at the authentic posters plastered on the utility pole of on the below photo's left margin, the rebar fence stretching out ahead of us -- phenomenal!
As we draw more near .... Again, great theming: look at the bicycle, the haphazardly organized wires, posters ... EVERYTHING!
Aaaand, we've arrived. Love the sign, purposefully designed to look weather-worn, aged. Why thank you sign, we will enjoy your beautiful restrooms ....
... but not until we peek around the corner of the building's west side: WOW!
Here's the entryway to the men's restroom. A yellowed archway adorned with numerous faux-cracks and other signs of aging leads to a crimson-colored alcove. There's a similar appearing archway leading to the women's restroom adjacent to this one.
Our privacy is further protected (and the loo is further climate-controlled) by a doorway located inside of this alcove. Enough lingering outside, though .... Let's head on in!
Nice, right? The theming of this loo extends from its exterior to the inside. Square-shaped, roughened stone tiles line the floor. The walls are a wind-pocked cream, carrying the appearance of worn, sun-bleached bricks. Accent tiles (seen near the loo's rear in this photo) are found throughout the restroom. Though linear and more narrow than some loos we've reviewed, this one is quite long and holds numerous urinals and stalls to handle heavy traffic from exiting Festival of the Lion King attendees: four urinals and three stalls to be exact.
Here's a close of up of the accent tile strip running vertically in certain areas of the loo: love the sunset red accent adding a splash of color here.
Here's a look at this tile in action, running adjacent to not one, but two huge mirrors for those of us fellas who like to preen. Check out the variation on the main accent tile on the outside of each mirror. Someone really put some thought into this loo's decor, folks.
Directly across the room from the mirrors sits the sink station. As is fitting for a restroom of this size, this sink station is a big one, easily accommodating a busy crowd. There's even a sink for the pint-sized visitors to Africa. Is that a Dyson Airblade I see? Those are so cool -- we're seeing more and more of these devices in Disney Parks and Resorts restrooms.
And ... wait a minute ... what's that to the left? Ah, a baby changing station! This one is, thankfully, not of the stainless steel variety. Babies who have soiled themselves while watching Lion King rejoice!
And here's a close up of the baby-changing station sign -- even this is themed according to the loo's location!
Once again, we have to give props to the custodial staff on-property. This restroom was absolutely spotless -- no small feat considering the traffic it sees when the Festival lets out! Nice work, everyone!
And folks, that wraps up our first visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here's the restroom recap:
WDW Loo Review Recap of Loo in Senses at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa:
Capacity: Large (4 urinals, 3 stalls -- one ADA compliant)
Cleanliness: Absolutely Spotless
Theming: Fantastic
Traffic: Heavy (though only intermittently so)
Changing Station: Yes
Companion Restroom: Yes
Access: Medium (it's a bit out of the way, though is quite easy to access -- just a bit of a stroll to get there)
OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5 urinal wafers
Summary: Wow! This was a prime example of a well-themed loo that is exceptionally maintained by custodial and maintenance staff. It's certainly well-worth taking the time to visit if getting ready to watch (of just wrapping-up) Festival of the Lion King.
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Have a magical week, everyone!
Loo Review Matt