Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort | Room & Pool Guide

Looking for an adventurous Disney Resort? When you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a resort. One of the most unique and exciting options is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

This resort is designed to immerse you in the beauty and majesty of African wildlife, with stunning views of savannas and plenty of opportunities to see exotic animals up close.

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One of the standout features of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is its dining options. You’ll find a range of restaurants and lounges serving up delicious cuisine inspired by African flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Overview of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience during your stay at Disney World Resort, look no further than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This deluxe resort is located in Orlando, Florida and offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Africa.

As soon as you step into the lobby, you’ll be transported to a different world that feels like you’re in the heart of Africa. The decor is inspired by traditional African art and architecture, and the attention to detail is truly impressive. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a real African lodge, complete with thatched roofs and tribal carvings.

One of the highlights of the resort is the savanna view rooms. These rooms offer stunning views of the animals that roam the savanna just outside your window. You might see giraffes, zebras, or even ostriches grazing just a few feet away from you. It’s a truly magical experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

But the resort isn’t just about the animals. There are plenty of amenities and activities to keep you entertained during your stay. You can take a dip in one of the pools, enjoy a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, or even take a guided tour to learn more about the animals.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a one-of-a-kind resort that offers a truly unique experience. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for something different, this deluxe resort is definitely worth considering for your next trip to Disney World.

Room and Resort Views

When it comes to the views at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, there are three main options: Savanna View, Pool View, and Standard View.

Standard Room Features

The standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort are equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. These rooms include a TV, coffee maker, safe, iron, and desk. The rooms also feature large windows that let in plenty of natural light, giving you a sense of the outdoors even when you’re inside.

The Standard View guest rooms are the most affordable option, and it offers a view of the resort’s surroundings. While it may not be as exciting as the other two options, it still provides a pleasant view to enjoy during your stay. However some of the standard rooms offer an obstructed view of the savannah, which we found delightful.

If you don’t have a clear view of the savanna from your room though, there are plenty of viewing areas throughout the resort where you can sit in rocking chairs and enjoy viewing the animals!

Pool View

The Pool View is perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action. You can enjoy watching the guests splashing around in the pool while relaxing on your balcony or in your room.

You’ll be close to the quick service with a pool view room and these are also convenient rooms to get to the lobby and bus transportation.

Savanna View Rooms

If you want to take in the beauty of the savanna, opt for a savanna view room. These rooms offer stunning views of the animals roaming the savanna, and some even come with a balcony so you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your own room.

On a recent visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge, our standard room was 2354 located in the Kudu Trail area. We had a pleasant view of the back of the trail area and enjoyed being able to giraffes, zebras, ostrich, and more from our room in the morning. It was a nice surprise!

Watch our Room Tour on YouTube:

Deluxe Rooms and Suites

For those looking for a little extra space and luxury, Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort offers a range of deluxe rooms and suites. These rooms come with all the standard amenities, as well as additional features like a separate living area, a larger bathroom, and a mini-fridge. The suites also come with a pull-out sofa bed, making them a great option for families or larger groups.

Disney Vacation Club Villas

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, or if you’re looking for a more spacious and luxurious option, the Disney Vacation Club Villas are a great choice. These villas come in a variety of sizes, from one to three bedrooms, and offer all the amenities of a deluxe room or suite, as well as a full kitchen and dining area. The grand villa even comes with a private balcony overlooking the savanna, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas are available to regular guests to book when availability is open. Check the Disney World website to see if one of these Villas is available during the dates you’re looking to visit.

There are Villas located in both the Jambo House main building and Kidani Village section of the resort, which has its own pool and dining. Each type mentions on the website which part of the resort they are located in.

Dining Options

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort offers an extensive range of dining options to satisfy every palate. From fine dining to quick bites, this resort has it all. Here are some of the dining options available at the resort.

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Jiko – The Cooking Place is a signature restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. It offers a unique blend of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has an impressive wine list with over 1,800 bottles of South African wines. The menu changes seasonally, and the dishes are prepared using traditional African cooking techniques.

Boma – Flavors of Africa

Boma – Flavors of Africa is a buffet-style restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. The breakfast buffet features a wide variety of items, including a bread service with sweet and savory spreads, fresh fruit, pastries, and hot breakfast items.

The dinner buffet offers an array of African-inspired dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and grilled meats.

Sanaa

Sanaa is a table-service restaurant that offers a unique blend of African and Indian cuisine. The restaurant is located in Kidani Village, which is home to many of the villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort.

The menu includes dishes such as tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and slow-cooked beef short ribs. Definitely try the bread service when you go, it’s one of the most talked about resort restaurant menu items in all of Walt Disney World Resort!

The Mara

The Mara is a quick-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast menu includes items such as breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and fruit. The lunch and dinner menu features African-inspired dishes such as chicken curry, grilled chicken skewers, and African stew.

Located just by the pool area at Jambo House, this makes a great stop to start your day or grab a bite to eat in the evenings. 

Pool Bars and Lounges

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort has two pool bars, Uzima Springs Pool Bar and Maji Pool Bar. Both bars offer a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine. The bars also serve snacks such as sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort offers a wide range of dining options to cater to every taste bud. From fine dining to quick bites, guests can enjoy a variety of African-inspired dishes.

Resort Amenities and Recreation

When it comes to amenities and recreation, Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort offers a wide array of options to keep you entertained during your stay. From swimming pools to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Pools and Pool Areas

The resort features two main pools, the Uzima Pool and the Samawati Springs Pool. The Uzima Pool is the larger of the two, with a zero-depth entry, water slide, and lots of seating around the pool area.

Nearby the Uzima Pool is also the Hakuna Matata play area for kids.

The Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village is a bit smaller, but still offers plenty of fun with a water slide and a nearby hot tub. Both pools are surrounded by lush savannas, providing a unique and relaxing atmosphere.

Fitness Center and Spa

For those looking to stay active during their stay, the resort’s fitness center offers a variety of equipment and classes. There’s also a full-service spa on site, offering massages, facials, and other treatments to help you unwind.

Animal Programs and Viewing Areas

One of the highlights of Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is the opportunity to view African wildlife up close.

The resort offers a variety of animal programs, including the Sunrise Safari and the Wanyama Safari, as well as a variety of viewing areas throughout the property. You can also take a guided tour of the savannas to learn more about the animals and their habitats.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to its animal offerings, the resort also features a variety of cultural experiences. You can meet with cultural representatives from various African countries, attend a drum circle, or take a tour of the resort’s extensive collection of African art. There are also a variety of dining options featuring African-inspired cuisine.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort offers a unique and immersive experience for those looking to explore African culture and wildlife. With its wide array of amenities and recreation options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Unique Resort Features

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is a unique vacation destination that offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience. Here are some of the unique resort features that make this resort stand out from the rest.

African Art and Theming

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort’s African theming is evident in every aspect of the resort, from the architecture to the decor. The resort is filled with African art and artifacts that are both beautiful and educational.

The lobby is particularly impressive, with its towering thatched roof and hand-carved furnishings. The resort’s theming creates an immersive experience that transports you to another world.

Savannas and Wildlife

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort features several savannas where you can see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes. The savannas are carefully designed to mimic the natural habitat of the animals, and you can observe them from various viewpoints throughout the resort. The resort also offers educational programs and activities that teach guests about the animals and their behavior.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is a unique vacation destination that offers guests an immersive experience. There are guides often located throughout the resort that are knowledgeable and provide interesting information about the animals and their behaviors.

Location and Transportation

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is located in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It is situated near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, making it perfect for those who want to experience the African savanna theme. The resort is located at 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830, USA.

Transportation to and from the resort is by either using a Mears Connect shuttle bus or car service like Uber or Lyft. On our most recent trip, I had to get to an event quickly so our family selected taking an Uber so that we could make multiple stops and get our luggage right to our room at Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Getting to the theme parks is relatively easy using the complimentary bus service at the resort, and buses run regularly between the resort and theme park destinations.

If you prefer to drive, the resort has a parking lot available for guests. The lot is conveniently located near the resort’s main entrance. For resort guests, there are no additional fees for complimentary overnight self-parking at the resort. If you’d like your vehicle parked by the valet service, that service is $39 per night. 

Guest Services and Convenience

When it comes to guest services and convenience, Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort goes above and beyond to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some of the services and amenities that you can expect during your stay:

Check-In and Front Desk

The check-in process at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is quick and efficient. The front desk staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and they will make sure that you have everything you need for your stay.

They will also provide you with a map of the resort and answer any questions you may have. If you have any issues during your stay, the front desk is available 24/7 to assist you.

Concierge and Bell Services

The concierge and bell services at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort are top-notch. The concierge can help you with anything from making dining reservations to booking tours and activities. The bell services team is available to assist with your luggage and can even deliver it directly to your room.

Zawadi Marketplace and Gift Shop

The Zawadi Marketplace and gift shop at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is a great place to pick up souvenirs or any essentials that you may have forgotten. The marketplace offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and other items that you may need during your stay.

The gift shop has a wide selection of Disney merchandise, including clothing, toys, and accessories.

Animal Kingdom Lodge for Families

After spending time at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, you can truly appreciate the unique experience it offers. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are immersed in the African theme with its stunning decor and artifacts. The resort’s location is perfect for those who want to visit the Animal Kingdom park or enjoy the savanna views from their room.

This is one of our favorite resorts to visit as a family. And I think it goes without saying… I would absolutely stay at this resort again!

The rooms themselves are spacious and comfortable, with all the amenities you would expect from a Disney resort. The beds are cozy and the decor perfectly complements the African theme. The highlight of the rooms, however, is the balcony that overlooks the savannah, where you can watch the animals roam freely.

The resort also offers a variety of dining options, from quick service to signature restaurants. The food is delicious and offers a unique blend of African and American cuisine. The Boma restaurant, in particular, is a must-visit for anyone staying at the resort.

The pool area is also a great place to relax and unwind after a long day at the parks. The Uzima pool is beautifully designed and offers a great view of the savannah.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the magic of Disney while also immersing themselves in the African culture. The resort offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Check out our ranking of the Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels to see our favorite Disney Resort Hotels for families.

Want to compare other resorts to this one? Check our rankings of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts for families!

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