Our Wild Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Enjoy a trip to Walt Disney World Resort and stay at an exciting destination at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! This deluxe resort celebrates the beauty and wonder of Africa. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a froggy favorite! Where else can you see African animals right from your room's balcony? Our whole family loves to explore and watch the giraffes, zebras and ostriches! We could spend hours just relaxing and enjoying the views of the savanna. Did you know that Undercover Tourist offers an easy way to book your entire vacation at a discount? Plan your perfect Disney World vacation package, which bundles a hotel stay, theme park tickets and an optional dining plan.

Hop To

• Overview
• Rooms
• Transportation
• Dining
• Amenities
• Things to Consider

The resort offers a wide variety of quality dining, including Boma (without a doubt, one of our favorite breakfast buffets), Sanaa (we're all about the bread service) and more. Other amenities include one of the largest pools on property. For families looking for a little more room to roam, the Kidani Village Villas provides spacious suites with separate bedrooms, full kitchens and even your own washer and dryer! In other words, it's your home away from home!

Simply put, staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge also provides you with all of the perks of staying on-site. For example, complimentary transportation, Early Theme Park Entry to every park daily, and early booking of Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass and Premier Pass. Similarly, you'll also enjoy Extended Evening Hours on top of a convenient location that offers full immersion in the Disney magic. Want an on-the-go guide to the resort? Download our full pocket guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge!

With animals right outside your window, a stay at this deluxe resort is a trip that you are sure to remember. Here's everything to know about staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Overview of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Located next to Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique deluxe resort with its own savanna! The grand lobby is a sight to see, and it's worth taking some time to appreciate the architecture.

Fun froggy fact: the designer, Peter Dominick, also helped create Disney's Wilderness Lodge, another beautiful Walt Disney World Resort. Note the detailed and incredible art throughout the hotel. You might even hear the sounds of live African drummers or watch an in-action wood carving in the lobby.

The main building is Jambo House, a U-shaped building looking into the resort's savanna. Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is right next door, offering larger accommodation suites as part of Disney Vacation Club.

Furthermore, the savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge are home to more than 30 species of African wildlife, with over 200 animals living at the lodge's reserve! There are viewing areas throughout the resort, sometimes staffed with cast members who can teach you more about the animals. In each guest room, there's also a Wildlife Field Guide, which we highly recommend! Or better yet, step out onto your balcony and take in the view. Conversely, depending on your room location and time of day, you never know what species you will see!

There are four savannas at the lodge. The Uzima, Arusha and Sunset savannas are near Jambo House, while the Pembe Savanna is at Kidani Village. However, guests at Kidani Village can also see the Sunset Savanna. Animals will rotate at certain times, so if you don't see any animals, you can try looking at the other savanna or come back a little later. Some animals are only found in certain savannas, so keep exploring!

Rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

With vibrant reds, oranges and browns, the rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge offer lots of African inspiration. Choose between a standard view, water view or savanna view. The water and savanna views will cost extra (though we think splurging for the savanna view is worth it!). Be sure to save by purchasing through Undercover Tourist!

Standard rooms are typically 344 square feet. For up to two adults, a room with a king bed is available. Rooms sleeping up to four adults will have two queen beds. For an extra cost, however, the Club Level rooms offer personalized service, complimentary refreshments and an exclusive lounge called the Kilimanjaro Club.

Standard rooms offer a TV (of course, tuned into our favorite resort info channel), small table with two chairs, mini-fridge, coffee maker, closet, in-room safe, hairdryer and iron and ironing board. The table and mini-fridge make it easy to have a light breakfast in the room before heading out on your next adventure (and it saves some money too!). Oh, and of course, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

We loved the little African touches and nods to "The Lion King" in the room. Nothing like a little sunrise over the savanna with your morning coffee. Hakuna Matata!

The bathroom features a double sink and a walk-in shower. A sliding door can close off the sink area, with a separate door for the shower and toilet. This can toadally help if I want Lily to brush her teeth while Tad showers.

At Kidani Village, enjoy spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom villas. Each deluxe villa comes with a full kitchen, two full bathrooms, a living and dining area, separate bedrooms and your own in-room washer and dryer! These homey villas are perfect for larger groups. However, smaller deluxe studios are also available.

Equally important is that nearly every room has a balcony overlooking the savanna! While we had a standard view (which could overlook parking), we still had the back portion of the savanna. We recommend keeping expectations low on the views from your balcony if you're staying in a standard room, so you can be hoppily surprised with what you may find.

Transportation at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

As the name suggests, the resort is next to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, making that park the easiest to hop to. Transportation around Walt Disney World Resort is accessible by bus or car. The remaining theme parks and Disney Springs will be about a 10-15 minute drive from this resort.

If you're bringing a car, overnight self-parking is complimentary. (Did you know that you can bundle your hotel room and save up to 50 percent on a car rental through Undercover Tourist?) Since theme park parking is included with your stay, there's no need to pay twice!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

There is a variety of quick-service, table-service and lounges at Animal Kingdom Lodge, providing lots of dining options for your budget. Some of these Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants are among our favorites in all of Disney World!

Boma – Flavors of Africa

One of our favorite breakfast buffets is Boma – Flavors of Africa. With American and African dishes, there is something for every frog. For breakfast, enjoy steel-cut coconut oatmeal, carved ham, turkey bobotie and more. Plus a variety of flavored cold brew coffees!

For dinner, savor roasted meats, sweet corn pudding and more, all prepared in the onstage kitchen. This popular location is open for breakfast and dinner, and reservations are highly recommended. You may be able to join a Walk-Up list, however, depending on availability. Check your My Disney Experience for availability.

Sanaa

Located at Kidani Village, enjoy vibrant flavors and a view of the savanna at Sanaa. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, Sanaa operates as a quick-service restaurant with no reservations required. Enjoy sausage, bacon, eggs and Spice Route Home Fries. Or, indulge in the sweet banana bread French toast!

For lunch and dinner, enjoy African cooking with Indian flavors. Start off with an Indian-style bread service with nine sauces. Then select from a variety of East African-inspired dishes, with some kid-friendly options for picky eaters. Reservations are highly recommended for lunch and dinner, and you can also order your meal to-go via mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. If you just want a quick drink or appetizer, Sanaa Lounge is also available for walk-ups.

Jiko - The Cooking Place 

This high-end table service offers a blend of African, Indian and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy steak, chicken, seafood, vegan and vegetarian dishes, with menus changing seasonally. This signature dining experience does have a minimum dress code requirement. Advance reservations are highly recommended; same-day bookings are not accepted at this location.

The Mara

Located near the Uzima Springs pool, this quick-service restaurant offers American cuisine with some African flair. There are also many grab-and-go options for the snacking frog. On our last visit, I enjoyed the Harissa-spiced Beef Bowl, featuring Pilau rice, braised beef stew, and an avocado tahini sauce. This is also where you can find those famous zebra domes — baked chocolate mousse coated with an Amarula cream liquor-white chocolate drizzle! These are truly one of the best snacks at the resort!

The Mara is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining. Mobile ordering is also available for your convenience.

Victoria Falls Lounge

Overlooking the Boma restaurant, Victoria Falls Lounge offers some appetizers and a wide variety of specialty cocktails, beers, wines and mocktails. The lounge is typically only open in the evenings.

The lounge fare menu rotates, so be sure to check in with your server for what's available. Light bites are available between 5 p.m and 10 p.m.

Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar

Located near the Jiko restaurant, enjoy an eclectic variety of alcoholic beverages, including draft beers, white wines, and scotch. The full Jiko liquor menu is available at the bar. Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar is open daily from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Sip on alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages right next to the Uzima Springs pool! Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, they serve smoothies, beer, and cocktails on the rocks.

Maji Pool Bar

Enjoy a variety of sandwiches, snacks and small desserts at Maji Pool Bar near the Samawati Springs pool, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The gourmet grilled cheese is out of this world! Featuring goat cheese, smoked gouda, tamarind onion jam and fresh tomatoes, it's the perfect savory poolside treat on a relaxing day!

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Relax after long park days with a trip to the pool! The Uzima Springs pool at Jambo House is one of the largest pools on property at 11,000 square feet. Tadpoles and tadpoles at heart can zip down a 67-foot-long waterslide.

Over at Kidani Village, the Samawati Springs pool floats in at 4,700 square feet and features a 128-foot-long winding waterslide. The pool area also features Uwanja Camp, a water playground for guests of all ages. This splash zone has fun sprinklers, a shallow pool and a climbing area. Note that the Observation Station is only available to tadpoles aged four and under. Likewise, the Departure Zone is for tadpoles between five and seven, and Base Camp for kiddos eight and up.

While most people will just go to whichever pool is closest, it's fun to try out both. Uzima Springs doesn't have as much extra flair, but the sheer size of the pool allows plenty of room for our swimming frogs. If you're looking for more engaging interactive water play areas, you'll want to head over to Samawati Springs. Both pools may offer activities near the pool, such as hula-hooping or chalk drawing. Towels are provided at both pools.

Located near The Mara quick-service restaurant, Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade provides classic arcade and video games, as does the Safari So Good Arcade at Kidani Village. To play, you may be required to purchase a reloadable game card. Other free activities include playgrounds, campfire activities and Movies Under the Stars. Kidani Village is also home to pool tables, a community hall, and tennis, basketball and pickleball courts.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge also provides the following amenities:

• ATM and banking service
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Mail services
• Complimentary self-parking
• "Hey Disney!" voice assistant
• Disney Signature Services (for those staying in Club-level rooms)
• Spa and Fitness Center at Kidani Village

Once again, we can't help but mention the animals! This is a really unique benefit and really adds value to the deluxe resort. For instance, some of the unique animals at this resort include:

• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Ostriches
• Gazelles
• Waterbucks
• Wildebeest

What to Consider Before Staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

The African theming and savanna are the major draws of Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the quality continues with its rooms, dining and amenities. With plenty of viewing areas, allow enough time to relax and enjoy the incredible animals.

While the resort is right next door to Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you will find everywhere else to be a bit further out, especially Magic Kingdom. Depending on where your room is located, allow more walking time. For example, on our last stay, we were at nearly the end of the "U" shape, which meant extra walking.

Consider upgrading to a savanna view, especially for those who have a non-park day in their plans. In particular, it really allows a chance to see the animals in the daylight at a relaxing pace. Since animals can be viewed elsewhere, those who are going from park opening to park closing may only have a few chances to see them. Either way, there are plenty of animals to see, either from your room or one of the many viewing decks.

Exiting the back of the lobby leads you to a middle viewing area that juts out into the savanna, allowing for closer views. It is similar to the walking paths found in Animal Kingdom, so you can get pretty close to the animals. Additionally, there is another outlook near the Uzima pool. Other viewing areas around the resort include large balconies with seating that overlook the savanna.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our favorite deluxe resorts and is just fun for all ages. With incredible theming, savanna views and quality dining, the frogs give Animal Kingdom Lodge a big thumbs up!

Have you ever stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge? What was your favorite part of your stay? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Adventure Is Out There with the Wilderness Explorers at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Related: All of the Benefits of Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel

Hoppy planning!