Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is located on the property of Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida. With a safari-themed decor that runs throughout the rooms and common areas, it gives the appearance of an African reserve lodge.
This resort hotel features several kinds of rooms and suites, all of which feature a choice of 2 queen beds or 1 king bed, plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access, a flat-panel TV, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a hairdryer, and more. Three different views give guests the option of a standard view, pool view, or Savannah view—the most popular considering it overlooks the animals, such as giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and flamingos. The Savannah view is lovely but obviously more expensive. And considering the animals can be seen from several other locations, guests should consider whether the extra cost is worth it. The pool view is every bit as nice; however, guests that are sensitive to noise and families with early bedtimes for young children might find poolside activities problematic. This includes evening movies. Quiet time does not start until 10:00 pm.
Club Level Service, which comes at a higher price point, offers rooms that accommodate larger groups of guests with 1 or 2-bedroom suites and sleeper sofas, plus additional amenities such as health club access, secured-key access to the club-level lounge, personalized guest services, and concierge service to the Kiliminjaro Club.
Kidani Village offers deluxe 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas and bungalows, all of which feature a full kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, and a washer and dryer. The smaller Deluxe Studio features a kitchenette and sleeper sofa as an option for those who do not need as much space.
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers guests free movie nights, an 11,000-square-foot pool with a zero-depth entry point and a waterslide, award-winning dining, and a savannah filled with over 30 species of African wildlife. A Wildlife Field Guide is found in guest rooms to help identify the animals and learn about their ecosystems.
Additional on-site amenities include complimentary Disney Bus transportation throughout the resort, valet or self-parking for guests at a daily fee (complimentary self-parking for visitors), ATM, designated smoking areas, housekeeping services, 24-hour self-service laundry rooms, dry-cleaning, locker rentals, merchandise delivery and pick-up, and resort concierge services. Guests have access to 2 family-friendly outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs, a playroom, and a 24-hour playground, plus Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade, a basketball court, campfires, complimentary movie screenings at Movies Under the Stars, and tennis courts. Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center hosts sauna and spa treatments like dry brush exfoliation and aromatherapy. Supervision services for children include babysitting, in-room child care, and supervised childcare/activities.
Food and drink options include Boma—Flavors of Africa—for breakfast and dinner buffets with flavors from over 50 African countries. American food choices are also available. Sample South African wines at Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar and pair this experience with African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine at Jiko, The Cooking Place. At the Maji Pool Bar, located in Kidani Village, guests can enjoy an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions, or dine at Sanaa, another African-themed restaurant. The Mara, named after the river flowing through Kenya and Tanzania, offers up classic entrées and quick-service dining, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of the most elegant pool areas of the property features a relaxing oasis at Uzima Springs Pool Bar that serves specialty cocktails and more. Victoria Falls Lounge features an outdoor fire pit and a variety of South African wines and classic American cuisine.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has thought of everything to make vacations memorable and hassle-free with a wide variety of guest services plus the My Disney Experience App that offers even more. And luggage can be left with Bell Services after check-out if guests wish to remain on the Disney grounds for the remainder of the day.
As one of Disney’s Deluxe Resort Hotels, Animal Kingdom Lodge guarantees a magical experience and is just one of the Disney properties in which dreams come true.
PROS: This hotel truly delivers on design and uniqueness. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurants are excellent, with a nice variety of cuisine and top-quality food. Other onsite amenities are handy and well-maintained. The pool is huge and lovely, but despite the size, it’s often crowded and noisy.
CONS: Very expensive considering it’s not a luxury hotel, and the rooms (although clean and comfortable) are fairly basic for the price, not to mention that housekeeping can be hit and miss. The park perks don’t make up for the nightly rate of the standard rooms. The hotel is situated a fair distance from the parks and other attractions, and the shuttle service can be frustrating and unreliable.