Hey Travellers,
We just spent 2-nights staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and we have a full review for below!
Resort Name: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Overview: Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.
Resort Type: Deluxe Resort
Room Type: Resort View Room
We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived into our resort view room that we also had a partial Savannah view! Although not guaranteed, there is a possibility your Resort View may include part of the Savannah.
One building or Multiple: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is made up of 2 Sections. It originally started out as just one hotel, what we now refer to as Jambo House, and later Kidani Village was added as a Disney Vacation Club resort with accommodation options ranging from deluxe studios (which are set up similarly to a standard hotel room) all the way to a three-bedroom Grand Villa, which can sleep up to 12 guests. The resorts are side by side and connected by a walkway that is about a 7-minute walk. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle between the 2 buildings that runs every 10-15 minutes.
Quick Service Locations: The Mara – Named for a river flowing through Kenya and Tanzania, this savanna-like space serves classic entrees and grab n’ go favorites. Make sure to try the Zebra Domes for dessert!
Uzima Springs Pool Bar – Invigorate your senses at this “spring of life” with cocktails, frozen drinks and more! Sip on a glass of sangria beneath the thatched hut or pop the top off a bottle of African beer.
Maji Pool Bar – Swahili for “water,” Maji also offers other liquids you can imbibe—including cocktails, wine and draft beer for Guests 21 years of age and older—along with sandwiches, salads and select snacks.
Table Service Dining Location:
Jiko – The Cooking Place – Vibrant spices, crackling wood-burning ovens and boutique South African wines transport you to the heart of Africa.
Boma Flavors of Africa – Resembling a lively African marketplace, this restaurant features all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets at breakfast and dinner.
Sanaa – Experience the art of African cooking with Indian flavors, as exotic animals roam the Sunset Savanna before you. TOP TIP: If you dine here, make sure you order the bread service, it is extremely delicious and you will not regret it!
Transportation Options: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge includes bus transportation to all four theme-parks, both waterparks and Disney Springs. They run around every 10-15 minutes and times can be found on the My Disney Experience App under your Resort Hotel Section.
Pools: There are 2 pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The first one, Uzima Pool is an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, Uzima Pool includes a children’s wading pool and 2 whirlpool spas.
You can also cool off at Samawati Springs Pool, which offers a thrilling waterslide, 2 whirlpool spas and Uwanja Camp—an animal observation site-themed water playground with squirting Venus flytraps, a rope bridge, water cannons and more. Samawati Springs Pool is located just a short walk away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.
Exciting Extras: What is more magical than seeing animals at your resort hotel? In the middle of the resort you’ll find the Savannah (depending on what room type you book, you may also have a view of it from your room) and you’ll be able to see animals such as Zebras and Giraffes right from your resort! Each night, there will also be complimentary marshmellow roasting by the fire pit and on select nights, a movie under the starts (signs will be posted around the resort with times, locations and the movie title). For an additional cost (and subject to availability) guests can also book a nighttime safari around the Savannah – you’ll be provided with night vision goggles to assist you in finding some of your favorite Animals!
Our Takeaways: If Animal Kingdom is your favorite park, there couldn’t be a better place for you to stay. The magic simply never stops at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. You truly feel transported to Africa and fully immersed in the safari experience. The dining options are great quality (especially that Sanaa Bread Service) and the rooms are decorated so beautifully. We cannot wait to return! Don’t forget to stop by the campfire each evening to roast some marshmallows (complimentary) while you’re there!
If you’re interested in a Walt Disney World Vacation, click here to be connected with one of our amazing Academy Travel Agents!
