Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort offering an immersive African safari experience. Surrounded by lush savannahs with over 200 animals, the resort features rich African-inspired architecture, world-class dining, and unique experiences. If your dream is to wake up and see giraffes wandering outside your room, then this is the resort for you!
Split into 2 sides, which offer different experiences, and a stones throw from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, it really is a resort for everyone!
Rooms
Animal Kingdom Lodge is split into Jambo House (main building with hotel rooms plus some DVC rooms) and Kidani Village (all DVC rooms). Most of, but not all, the amenities are at Jambo House, but are shared between the two, and there is bus service between, or it is a 5-10 minute walk!
• Standard Rooms (Sleeps 4-5): Available with savannah, pool, or standard views.
• Deluxe DVC Studios (Sleeps 4-5): Includes a kitchenette and extra space.
• One-Bedroom Villas (Sleeps 5): Full kitchen, living area, and washer/dryer.
• Two-Bedroom Villas (Sleeps 8-9): Ideal for larger families.
• Three-Bedroom Grand Villas (Sleeps 12): Ultimate luxury with stunning savannah views.
Club Level rooms are also available, giving access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge with complimentary food and drink throughout your stay.
Dining
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers some stunning dining options, including one of our favourite breakfasts at Boma, a quick service with a huge range of healthier options, plus the famous bread service that can be found at Sanaa!
Jiko – The Cooking Place (Signature Dining)
Upscale African-inspired cuisine with a fine wine selection.
Famous for oak-fired meats and unique flavours.
Boma – Flavors of Africa (Buffet)
Delicious breakfast and dinner buffet with African and American dishes.
Bread Pudding (breakfast) and Zebra Domes (dinner) are desserts you must-try!
Sanaa (Table Service, Kidani Village)
Indian and African fusion cuisine.
Bread Service with multiple dips is a fan favourite (so good!!)
Overlooks the savannah with views of the animals while dining.
The Mara (Quick Service)
Serves grab-and-go meals and quick bites.
Features African-inspired options and classics like burgers and salads.
Victoria Falls Lounge & Uzima Springs Pool Bar (Bars & Lounges)
Cocktails, wines, and light snacks.
A Banana Cabana or Pina Colava is a must!
Pools and Recreation
The Uzima Springs pool located at Jambo House is a huge 11,000 square feet, making it the second largest on Walt Disney World property. The pool area is a tropical oasis, and also features a 128-foot slide, and a zero-depth entry. The diary of fun games and activities around the pool here is always full, including regular t-shirt tie dye slots (chargeable), and Disney bingo! Just behind the pool is a kids playground too which is super popular with our kiddies.
Kidani Village also houses a pretty spectacular pool - Samawati Springs. As well as another huge waterslide, you can also find the best splash pad on property here (in our opinion) - Uwanja Camp. It is perfect for kids of all ages.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best for extra cultural activities including storytelling, animal programs, and African drum lessons. The lobby is always home to cast members educating, creating and sharing the love for their wonderful continent.
Finally, Simba’s Clubhouse is a great staffed kids activity centre with crafts and games.
Starlight Safari
For an extra special experience, “set out on an immersive safari adventure reminiscent of a nighttime drive through an African game reserve!” This costs $75–$89 per Person (tax not included) and guests must be aged 8 and over.
Transportation
Animal Kingdom Lodge gets unfair criticism as being the furthest resort from the parks with the poorest transport links, but this isn’t true! Every park is still super accessible on the complimentary buses, the furthest being Magic Kingdom at about 15 minutes away, and the closest being Animal Kingdom at 5 minutes.
It is also really accessible to the rest of Orlando, being situated right on the edge of Walt Disney World.
Kidani Village is home to the only underground car park on property, perfect for in the hot summer months.
Is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge the one for you?
✔ Incredible wildlife views from your balcony.
✔ Immersive theming that feels like a safari adventure
✔ Top-rated dining experiences
✔ Spacious room options at Kidani Village
Who Should Stay Here?
Families looking to experience a unique Disney experience
Guests looking for close access to Animal Kingdom
Adventures x Paradise Review
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind escape where you can wake up to giraffes outside your window while enjoying Disney’s luxury hospitality. Many of the standard view rooms still have a partial view of the Savannah due to the resort being surrounded by it. I always say I don’t think you can experience anything like Animal Kingdom Lodge anywhere else in the world apart from Africa, and that really is something special! Due to it being on the edge of WDW it is also one of the most affordable deluxe resorts you can choose! It’s like nowhere else, and we love it!
TOP TIP - You don’t have to be dining in at Sanaa to experience the bread service as it’s available on mobile order too!