Africa's Beauty and Disney's Magic Combined

Discover the allure of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL), the first Disney hotel to be completely and consistently themed to a nearby theme park - in this case, Disney's Animal Kingdom park. This exceptional resort invites you to experience a one-of-a-kind journey that transports you and your family to the heart of Africa's vibrant spirit. Immerse yourself in a journey that blends luxury, wildlife, and cultural exploration through art, architecture, food and African Goodwill Ambassadors. Here you’ll find a unique and very special opportunity to experience the wonder of Africa while also enjoying the incredible delights of Disney World theme parks. It is an unforgettable adventure that marries luxury with cultural discovery.

Disney visited numerous African countries and over 20 African lodges in their quest to create a culturally relevant resort that celebrated the people, wildlife, art, and cultures of the vast African continent. The resort is beautiful and brilliantly themed to resemble a South African Wildlife reserve but also takes inspiration from African kraals, which are compounds with huts and stockades that surround livestock. The resort incorporates different building styles, colors and materials found throughout Africa including things like thatched roofs and mud fireplaces.

Immersive Accommodations in the Heart of Africa

You can choose from two exceptional lodging options at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kidani Village and Jambo House.

In Kidani Village, part of Disney's Vacation Club (DVC), you'll find cozy studio units with kitchenettes and spacious multi-room villas. You don’t have to be a DVC member to stay here; subject to availability, these units are available just as they are at any of the Disney World resort hotels. Meanwhile, at Jambo House, the resort's original heart, you can select from a variety of accommodations, ranging from standard hotel rooms to charming Disney Vacation Club (DVC) studio and condo-style units. Both options ensure your comfort, provide access to a stunning pool, offer delectable dining, and immerse you in African-inspired luxury.

Wildlife and Serene Landscapes

At this resort, four savanna areas – Arusha Rock, Uzima, Pembe, and Sunset Savannas – take center stage. Over 200 African animals spanning more than 30 species grace these landscapes day and night, providing you and your family with an extraordinary wildlife experience. Imagine waking up to the sight of graceful giraffes and majestic zebras from your balcony – a unique and awe-inspiring sight.

Cultural Enrichment Through Art

Prepare to be mesmerized by the extensive collection of African art that adorns the resort. Your experience is a journey through culture and creativity. With over 380 museum-quality pieces in public areas and more than 4000 handcrafted works in guest rooms, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts the largest collection of museum-quality African art outside of the continent itself.

Unveiling Africa's Charms with Cast Members

A unique highlight of your stay is our cast members from Africa, serving as cultural ambassadors. Engage in conversations that unveil Africa's treasures, making your stay both enjoyable and enriching.

Oasis of Relaxation

As your adventures wind down, retreat to inviting pool areas. While Jambo House features a generously sized zero-depth pool for relaxation, the Kidani pool deck offers an extensive wet-play zone for all ages to unwind and have fun.

Top | Pro's & Con's | Amenities | Dining | Shopping | Rooms | Transportation | Book this resort | Newsletter

Exclusive Benefits of Staying at an On-Site Disney Resort

  • Early Theme Park Entry: Get in 30 minutes ahead of the general public every day at all four theme parks.

  • Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Extend the fun at select theme parks on select nights.

  • Complimentary Transportation to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and more.

  • Free Parking at the resort and throughout Walt Disney World.

  • Up to 10-Day Dining Advantage: Make dining reservations for up to 10-days starting on the first day of eligibility, putting you a step ahead of off-site guests.

  • Early Access Individual Lightning Lane reservations: book at 7AM instead of at park opening.

  • Proximity: Everything is easier when your hotel is close to all Disney World has to offer.

  • Simplify planning with Vacation Packages that combine room, tickets, and even dining plans for a truly hassle-free vacation.

Let’s start planning a great vacation! Our quote request form is the easiest way to start planning your trip. Just fill in as much or as little as you know at this time and one of our agents will be in touch soon. There’s never any pressure or obligation.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Pro & Con

Advantages - The animals, art and cultural representatives from Africa make this a very unique and special resort. The standard (non-view) rooms are often some of the lowest priced rooms of any Disney deluxe resort; though I do recommend upgrading to a pool or savanna view, if you can afford it. The resort has very nice pools - in fact, along with the Polynesian Village Resort, the pool area in the Kidani Village section is probably the best pool for young children anywhere on Disney property. The fact that this isn't in a "multi-resort area" and is a bit off the beaten path means that you have less non-resort guests just wandering through the lobby. A stay here is both relaxing and exciting.

Disadvantages - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only deluxe resort that offers only bus transportation to the Disney World theme parks. You are closest to the Animal Kingdom theme park but this deluxe resort is the farthest Disney hotel from the Magic Kingdom. This is a "stand-alone" resort, meaning that it isn't in a cluster of resorts; while this definitely makes the public areas less congested by non-resort guests, it also limits your nearby dining options. There are three sit-down restaurants and a food court on AKL property.

Our Opinion - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is where we go to hang out when we have spare time because we love this hotel! The resort's details are nothing short of amazing, the animal viewing areas are a treat and you definitely get a deluxe resort experience at this wonderful and unique hotel. Animal Kingdom Lodge is sophisticated enough to appeal to honeymooners and guests traveling without children while the educational opportunities, pools and on-site amenities also make it a perfect location for families. We've had so many wonderful cross-cultural experiences and conversations with the cast members here. While it hasn't been as popular as the Magic Kingdom area hotels on the monorail loop, this hotel really is some of Disney's finest work with so much to offer in the way of a unique and memorable vacation experience.

Note: For the safety on the animals, no balloons are allowed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - something you'll want to remember before purchasing any balloons in the Disney theme parks.

Let's Begin Your Journey!

If you're looking for more details about the lodge, they await you below. However, if you're already set on staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, we can jump right into planning your adventure. Fill out our quote request form and set the wheels in motion for an unforgettable journey. Whether you have a wealth of information or just a few details, our travel advisors are here to assist. No pressure, no obligations – just the promise of a remarkable experience on the horizon. Our dedicated team is ready to help make your African adventure a reality at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Amenities

  • Jambo House & Kidani Village have outdoor movies

  • Jambo House's Uzima Pool has a 67-foot water slide and is a large zero entry pool covering 11,000 square feet and filled with 234,980 gallons of water. It also has a small wading pool for the kids and a secluded and landscaped whirlpool spa area.

  • Kidani Village's Samawati Springs pool area features a 4700-square foot, zero-depth entry pool with a 128-foot slide. The Uvanja Camp water playground has 3 zones for children of all ages. The Observation Station (age 4 and younger) has climbing areas, cargo crate tunnels, a geyser and shallow wading pool. The Departure Zone (ages 5 - 7) features a leaky tower and spraying flowers. The Base Camp (age 8 and older) has a slide, waterfall wet play area, and water cannons.

  • Four (4) Savanna African wildlife viewing areas.

  • Staff includes goodwill ambassadors from African countries, available to answer questions.

  • Wide variety of dining options.

  • Fire pits with nightly storytelling experience

  • Daily fun activities for children, including things like rhythm instrument times and chalk rubbings of the resort's medallion.

  • Adult activities like a lobby art tour, fitness center, Wild About Painting (extra fee) ,and more.

  • Outdoor Sports Courts and Picnic Tables

  • Hakuna Matata Playground (Jambo House)

  • Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade(Jambo House) Safari so Good Arcade (Kidani Village)

  • Simba's Clubhouse - onsite childcare (extra fee)

  • Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center (Jambo House) Survival of the Fittest (Kidani Village)

  • Cribs & high chairs available

  • Daily Maid Service

  • High Speed Internet Access

  • Concierge desk services

  • Luggage Service (runs on an hourly drop-off system)Valet Service Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service

  • Coin Laundry available

  • ATM machine

  • Express Check-Out

  • Free transportation to the Disney Parks and Disney Springs

  • Free Self-parking / valet parking (extra nightly fee)

  • Villas and Studio units have microwave ovens; available on request for regular hotel rooms.

  • 1-to-3 Bedroom Villas have full kitchens.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Options

  • Standard View overlooks the parking lot and rooftops. These are some of the least expensive rooms at a Disneyworld deluxe resort.

  • Pool View - Overlooks the pool area.

  • Savanna View - These rooms overlook one the Wildlife viewing / Savannah areas.

  • Club Level / Pool View or Savannah View - These rooms are the size of the deluxe rooms but offer extra amenities. Kilimanjaro Club level guests receive personalized front desk and Concierge service, evening turn down service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge serving light refreshments from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily; complimentary Health Club access, and complimentary fax assistance.

  • Club Level / 1 Bedroom Suite - Pool View or Savannah View - These rooms have one bedroom with 2 queen sized beds; the parlor area also has a queen sized sofa sleeper - this suite can sleep six. Kilimanjaro Club level guests receive personalized front desk and Concierge service, evening turn down service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge which serves light refreshments from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily; complimentary Health Club access, and complimentary fax assistance.
    Club Level / 2 Bedroom Suite - Savannah View - These rooms have two bedrooms - the first bedroom has a king bed; the second bedroom has 2 queen sized beds; and the parlor area also has a queen sized sofa sleeper - this suite can sleep eight (8) people. Kilimanjaro Club level guests receive personalized front desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge which serves light refreshments from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily; complimentary Health Club access, and complimentary fax assistance.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Features

  • Most standard hotel-type rooms have 2 queen beds and are 344 square feet. Some king-bedded rooms available. The king bed rooms also have a day bed.

  • All of the rooms have balconies

  • Table & 2 Chairs

  • 2 sink(s) in the vanity area.

  • Most rooms have a bathtub with shower.

  • Accessibility rooms are available.

  • Pack 'n Play style crib or bed rails available by request

  • Flat Screen Cable TV with Disney Programming

  • Alarm Clock

  • Telephone

  • In-Room Wall Safe

  • Wi-Fi availability

  • Hairdryer

  • Iron and Iron Board

  • Mini-Refrigerator (beverage chiller)

Accessibility Accommodations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge includes accessibility rooms, including wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and rooms designed for the hearing impaired. Guests who require wheelchairs are encouraged to bring their own equipment or talk to your travel planner about rentals from Orlando-area vendor authorized to deliver to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.  Sharps containers are available upon request at no extra charge for guests who need to dispose of needles.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining

  • The Mara (Jambo House) - Food court area open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Boma (Jambo House) - wonderful buffet offering breakfast and dinner

  • Jiko (Jambo House) - Inspired by "The Lion King", Jiko means "The Cooking Place" and has two wood-burning ovens. The restaurant offers delicious African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. Specialty dining offering dinner only. This location takes two Disney Dining Plan table service credits per person.

  • Sanaa (Kidani Village) - wonderful sit-down restaurant in the Kidani Village (DVC) area. Request a table near the windows and you'll be able to see the animals in the savanna.

  • Room Service Menu for In-Room Dining

  • Victoria Falls Lounge (Jambo House) - a mezzanine lounge overlooking the Boma restaurant.

  • Sanaa Lounge (Kidani Village)

  • Cape Town Lounge & Wine Bar (Jambo House)

  • Uzima Springs Poolside Bar (Jambo House)

  • Maji Pool Bar (Kidani Village)

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Shopping

  • Zawadi Marketplace (Jambo House) - This might be Disney World's most unique gift shop with authentic African crafts, wood carvings, Zulu baskets, hand-painted dishes, handmade jewelry as well as Disney's Animal Kingdom lodge logo items.

  • Johari Treasures (Kidani Village) - This shop has gift items, resort logo items, a small selection of sundry and grocery items, as well as a beverage station for use with the resort refillable mugs.

  • Bus transportation provided to Disney Springs - a shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

  • You can save time and money by having more extensive grocery needs, snacks, and bottled water delivered directly to the resort by Garden Grocer - Click HERE for more information. Regular hotels rooms do have mini-refrigerators but do not have full kitchens. Studio-style units have mini-refrigerators and microwaves. One-bedroom or larger villas come equipped with a full kitchen.

Zawadi Marketplace (Jambo House) and Johari Treasures (Kidani Village) are unique gift shops that are worth the visit.
 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation

Disney buses are available to take resort guests to the Walt Disney World theme parks, Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach Water Parks, Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Complimentary transportation to the Disney World golf courses is arranged through the resort concierge desk. Guests must have a tee time reservation with confirmation number and transportation should be arranged the day prior to your tee time.

Let’s get started making great memories at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

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