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Animal Kingdom Lodge Report: Serene or Spooky?

This resort stay report covers our recent experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where we check out the changes, dining, pools, and savanna views as Walt Disney World continues its phased reopening. Additionally, we’ll weigh whether the atmosphere in Jambo House is currently spooky or serene, and how its crowds contrast with Kidani Village.

While this covers both sides of the Animal Kingdom Villas, our stay was in Jambo House. We used Disney Vacation Club points to book a Value Studios mid-week during the fall off-season, which is the ‘cheapest’ DVC room category at its lowest point time of year. We try to be pretty frugal with our limited supply of points, making this one of my favorite uses of points–right up there with the BoardWalk Villas.

Our intent is to find smart uses all of our 2020 and most of our 2021 DVC points during the next few months. That’s for the reasons covered in our Disney Vacation Club Point Pool Problem . We won’t rehash all of that here, but this remains an ongoing issue of which DVC members should be aware. Using your points soon might save you significant headaches next year or in 2022…

While there are currently several Disney Vacation Club resort ‘wings’ that are operating without the hotel side of the property (the Polynesian, BoardWalk, and Beach Club are all examples of that), Animal Kingdom Lodge is the most pronounced example of this.

The maximum number of available Disney Vacation Club rooms in Jambo House is just over 200. By contrast, there are roughly 1,200 hotel rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Also unlike some of the other split resorts, all of these rooms are under the same roof.

That means even when the DVC rooms at Jambo House are booked to capacity (which is not typically happening on weekdays), the entirety of the property is still at under 20% occupancy right now because Walt Disney World is not–at least to my knowledge–using any of the hotel rooms. (This might help explain why Disney was originally reticent to open Jambo House, and wavered on the decision over the summer.)

Then there’s Kidani Village, which is the Disney Vacation Club expansion that’s essentially an adjacent, sister resort to Jambo House. Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is being (more or less) booked to its full capacity, resulting in some sharp contrasts between the two sides of Animal Kingdom Lodge that we’ll discuss in this resort stay report…

Before we get to all of that, let’s start with a wide look at our Value Studio at Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House.

Keeping on the ‘animal’ theme, I used the fisheye lens for this shot.

I really like the rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Some guests think they look dreary or monotone, but that’s merely the rooms being on-theme for the resort.

With that said, I do prefer the Awesome New Rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge on the hotel side. Not only are those fresher, but they have a crispness and much improved mood lighting, which really enhances those rooms over these.

Nothing particularly noteworthy about the bathroom in the Jambo House studios.

This area of the room is definitely starting to show its age. Walt Disney World has definitely done a good job of upgrading the bathroom fixtures, finishing, and lighting during recent room redesigns. By contrast, this is dark and starting to show its age.

The biggest disappointment, in hindsight, was our lack of a view. You can see some foliage in the photo above, but from the balcony itself, the view is of the parking lot.

It wasn’t until a commenter mentioned in another post that there are only two Value Studios with parking lot views that the disappointment set in. It’s always good for someone running a Disney blog to learn new things, but part of me wishes I never read that information.

We normally try to avoid making room requests (unless there’s something we really want to cover), but would have in this scenario. Given our virtually guest-free experience at Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s hard to imagine all of the Value Studios with non-parking lot views were filled.

Speaking of that, here’s something you don’t normally see: a totally empty Jambo House lobby during the middle of the day.

In fairness, Animal Kingdom Lodge is normally pretty relaxed as compared to the more “high energy” resorts. Still, zero people and complete silence is rare.

Same scene but from the lobby level.

This mirrored our experiences back in June at BoardWalk and Riviera Resorts. However, occupancy has picked up at every other resort since then. They’re all still slow as compared a normal year, but not this slow. We went several long stretches sitting down here never seeing another guest.

I’m a total sucker for Walt Disney World’s two lodges when they’re tranquil. I love to stay up late at Wilderness Lodge, sitting in a rocking chair by the fireplace late at night or early in the morning.

Same deal at Animal Kingdom Lodge on this visit…but in the middle of the day. It was serene during the entirety of our visit, which was an absolute delight. I’d be surprised if more than 10% of the total rooms in Jambo House were filled.

Some might find this a bit unsettling or spooky. Front desk Cast Members outnumber guests in the lobby pretty much at all times, and you could go a while without seeing another person while wandering around the resort.

In this summer’s “ Our Vexing Visit to Wilderness Lodge ,” we likened that experience to the Overlook Hotel. Back then, Wilderness Lodge had a mildly eerie vibe in some of the quieter spots, but there were just enough people around to keep it from being downright surreal. There were even fewer guests in Jambo House during this stay.

This did not bother me in the least. I love the peace and quiet, being able to soak up the themed design and background music without distraction.

If you’re the type who wouldn’t have liked visiting Walt Disney World over this summer because a certain crowd level imbues the parks with energy and life, Jambo House is definitely not for you right now.

The strangest aspect of our visit was definitely the dining areas. Boma – Flavors of Africa, Victoria Falls Lounge, Jiko – The Cooking Place, and the Mara are all closed and their seating areas are dark.

Walking down here actually felt a little like we were going where we didn’t belong, but this is how you get to Uzima Springs Pool.

As with the rest of Animal Kingdom Lodge, there were very few guests in the pool whenever we checked it out.

This made taking pool photos slightly less awkward, but since the area was so quiet and lifeguards weren’t preoccupied, I could feel them watching me. (I grumble about taking pool photos a lot, but given how uncomfortable it is to do, you can tolerate the complaints.)

Bouncing over to Kidani Village, where the superior Samawati Springs Pool was always busier on our visits. (I’m not taking a picture of a crowded pool, so you’ll just have to take my word for this.) Even then, this pool’s seating area is so colossal that it could easily absorb all the guests with ample space for physical distancing.

See our Guide to Pools at Walt Disney World: FAQ & Info for current (post-reopening) policies and everything else you need to know about hotel pools.

During our stay, we made several visits to Kidani Village. In large part, this was because none of the restaurants are currently open at Jambo House, leaving Sanaa as our main dining option.

We already covered that in Sanaa Reopening Restaurant Review: Two Magnificent Meals . As the title suggests, Sanaa is as good as ever.

While waiting for one of our meals at Sanaa, we watched these zebra on the savanna.

This is a tender and loving family moment, but you should’ve seen what the adults were doing just moments before. It was also loving, but not so tender.

This photo doesn’t accurately tell the story, but the lobby at Kidani Village was typically much livelier and crowded than Jambo House’s lobby.

This area is maybe 1/8th the size of the atrium at Jambo House and almost always had many more people in it. So, if you’re looking for crowds and “energy” from other guests, Kidani Village is for you!

Also not telling the full story is this Kidani Village bus stop photo.

Earlier in the morning, there were much larger crowds, demonstrating why the “please wait here” markers are necessary winding down into the parking lot.

We walked between Kidani Village and Jambo House several times. There’s also a regular shuttle that we frequently saw parked outside each (or in transit), but we prefer to walk.

For us, this worked out to be the best of both worlds. We were able to enjoyed the serenity of Jambo House, and it felt almost like we had rented out the entire lodge for ourselves. Not having a good balcony view didn’t even end up mattering because the entirety of the resort offered about as much peace and privacy as our room. When we wanted a bit more energy (or food), we headed over the Kidani Village where there were exponentially more guests. The contrast was nice and suitable to our resort-centric stay.

However, this is not going to appeal to everyone. For one thing, the lack of food options in the main lobby make Jambo House a poor choice for those who want to grab a quick breakfast before heading to the parks or dinner upon returning home (if you stay at Jambo House now, we highly recommend grocery delivery ). There’s nothing quick about trekking over to Kidani Village to eat. For others, Jambo House might just be too spooky or eerie without many other guests around. I think this is less likely to be true now that the parks are getting busier, as the lodge provides a nice contrast to that. As with so much at Walt Disney World right now, your mileage may vary.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Have you stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House or Kidani Village since they reopened? What do you think of current atmosphere at each? Notice a significant difference in crowds on the two sides of the property? Right now, would you recommend Jambo House or Kidani Village? Experiences with the pools, transportation, or dining? If you’ve stayed here, how would your review differ from mine? Will you be booking a resort reservation for Walt Disney World this fall or in 2021, or are these rules/restrictions/policies going to cause you to postpone? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Serene It has been wonderful.We arrived Jan 1 and depart Feb 1. Club level has been so quiet,not hearing neighbors up here,no running and screaming in the hallways,no loud drums so you can’t hear anything else. We were here Sept/Oct so we knew what to expect with what was closed. I get exercise going for food and drink,but make up for it by looking over the balcony(,we saw the tree taken down) it is peaceful.This trip Welcome Home really felt that way.

I’d never stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, because from my very first visit I’ve never stayed, nor would I consider staying, at any resort but the Polynesian during a WDW vacation. And if the Polynesian were for any reason not an option, I’d stay at another monorail resort, or even an Epcot resort, before I’d ever consider staying at the Animal Kingdom – Animal Kingdom is a one-day park as far as I’m concerned and I’d want to be closer to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, where I spend the majority of my time. However, that doesn’t mean I have anything against AKL itself. I’ve actually not yet visited WDW since before it was built, so I have never had the opportunity to experience it in person – thank you for the beautiful photos! – but it is definitely a place I would want to visit and spend some time at on a resort-hopping basis. And if it weren’t for my strong preference for the Polynesian and the fact that AKL is just too far away from the parks that are most important to me, I’m sure I’d enjoy staying there.

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Ultimate Guide to the Best Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

There’s nothing quite like staying at a Disney World resort ! You get proximity to the parks, impeccable theming, and all kinds of unique amenities.

But with thousands of hotel rooms around the various hotels , there are definitely some that are better than others in terms of view, location, and features. If you’re planning a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge soon, we’ve done the research, and now we’re presenting our guide the BEST rooms at the resort!

Savanna View

When it comes to Disney World hotel rooms with a view, the creme de la creme are the savanna view rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . This is the only resort where you’ll find live safari animals living outside your balcony, and many guests want to take advantage of those spectacular views!

Around the resort, there are four major savanna areas, each with its own name. Pembe Savanna is the smallest of the four on the north side of Kidani Village. It’s the savanna without any giraffes, but you’ll find other animals like impala, waterbuck, red river hogs, ostrich, and okapi there.

The Sunset Savanna is shared space between most of Kidani Village and the left side of Jambo House. It has the largest variety of animals with male giraffes, bongos, impalas, ostriches, African crown cranes, and more. It’s a very large area with a wide selection of rooms on most sides.

Next, we’ve got the Arusha Savanna, which you’ll be familiar with if you’ve ever walked out the back of the Jambo House lobby and out into the viewing area. All the rooms that face this savanna are located in Jambo House, which forms a curve around the area. The location is pretty prime here, and you can see a good selection of animals like pelicans, geese, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and others.

Finally, there’s the Uzima Savanna, which is on the eastern-facing side of Jambo House. It’s smaller, but still has giraffes, impalas, kudus, bongos, and gazelles. Mostly, you’ve got giraffes and a variety of hoofed and/or horned animals on this side.

Keep in mind that no matter which savanna you request, you’ll probably want an upper-level room to get one of the best views of the animals. Also, it’s important to note that the savanna view rooms cost extra, and you’ll need to select that particular room category when booking.

Jambo House

One big thing to keep in mind about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is that there are two main sections — Jambo House and Kidani Village. These two different buildings are close enough to walk between, but they’re large enough that it can be a HIKE if you’re on the further ends. So it’s important to know which building to choose based on your needs!

Jambo House is the main building at the resort, home to both Disney Vacation Club villas and standard guest rooms, it has a massive (STUNNING!) lobby and a variety of amenities. This is where you’ll find Boma , Jiko , The Mara , Zawadi Marketplace, and the Uzima Pool. Parking is located in a lot out in front of the building.

In Jambo House, the lobby is centered between four different hallways (two small ones at the front of the lobby and two large, curved halls on either side of the Arusha Savanna). If you’re hoping to be close to the lobby and the parking in those smaller hallways, you’ll want to stay in the 00s and 100s rooms. (These are the Giraffe Trail and Ostrich Trail guest rooms.)

For those hoping to be close to the pool and the restaurants, the 00s and the 400s are both nearby, but only some of the 400s will have the possibility to be a savanna view if you’re looking for both a good view and proximity to amenities.

Keep in mind that rooms with numbers in the 300s and 500s are the furthest from the lobby, but it might be worth it to stay there if that’s your only availability for a savanna view.

Kidani Village

Finally, we’ve got Kidani Village, the secondary area of the resort. You’ve got all DVC villas and studios over here, so the rooms will likely be a bit more expensive than the basic ones at Jambo House. The lobby is much smaller (though still beautiful), and you have access to a separate pool and gift shop. This part of the resort is home to one major restaurant — Sanaa .

Kidani Village is two long, curved hallways extending from the lobby in the middle, and it’s quite the walk if you’re at the very end. Parking for this resort is located in a garage underground, so you could park relatively close to your room, even if you’re not near the lobby or pool.

For rooms that are closest to the lobby, request a room number that ends in 00-20. Rooms 7613-7641, 7713-7741, 7813-7841, and 7913-7941 are all closest to the pool.

And for those who want to be nearest to Jambo House for the dining options, you’ll want to request rooms 7228-7262, 7328-7362, 7428-7462, or 7528-7562. These are all closest to the path between the resorts.

So there you go — a full guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingodm Lodge! This resort is truly one of a kind, and it’s a favorite of many guests. It’s also a deluxe resort, so it’s a bit more pricey, but you’ll get the Extended Evening Hours perk if you choose to stay here.

For all the news about Disney World hotels and all the advice on where to stay during your next trip, stay tuned to AllEars. We’ve got you covered with tips from the experts! (That’s us!)

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2 Replies to “Ultimate Guide to the Best Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort”

We’ve stayed in a one bedroom 3x’s and we’re just headed down in about 10 days just my husband and myself for a few days! Can’t wait!!

We first stayed at Jamba House in 2011. It was awesome! Have stayed nowhere else since! It is home to us whenever we go to Disney World. The music when you walk into the lobby, the smells, the whole atmosphere. Will never stay anywhere else!

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Our Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Review + Guide

This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is such a unique Disney experience ! I mean, imagine waking up and walking out to your balcony to find a giraffe or a zebra! Here’s our full Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Review + a guide to help you understand the ins-and-outs of this Disney World resort!

Planning a trip to Disney World? Check out our Ultimate Disney World Planning Guide !

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge At-a-Glance

Resort Category: Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Date Opened: April 16, 2001 Rooms Last Renovated: 2020-2021

Number of Buildings: 2 (Jambo House and Kidani Village) Number of Rooms: 1300+ Number of Pools: 2

Disney Transportation: Disney buses

Save Money at Disney World !

• Undercover Tourist — We almost always use Undercover Tourist to buy our Disney tickets.
• David’s Vacation Club Rentals — Want to stay at a Deluxe Disney Resort at a discounted price? We love using David’s Vacation Club Rentals !

Booking Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Deluxe Disney Resort , so booking it will cost you a lot more than a stay at a Value Resort like Pop Century.

I definitely have a few tips to help with booking though:

• Considering booking through a travel agent. They sometimes have room discounts to offer.
• Rent DVC points through David’s Vacation Club Rentals . You can use them to stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort for a fraction of the price. (But do know that these reservations on non-refundable so I definitely recommend also getting travel insurance.)

Savanna View rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge are the most in-demand rooms, but they are also the priciest. Booking a Savanna View room can easily cost you hundreds more a night.

However, there are a few tricks to up your chances of getting a Savanna View even if you book a standard room. There are several rooms in each building that face the savanna but are technically classified as Standard Rooms because there is some kind of obstruction that prevents Disney from classifying them as Savanna.

For instance, during our stay, we had a Standard View room that looked out over the savanna but had a large corral in front of it. (Fun fact: these are actually evacuation corrals for people in case they need to evacuate in an emergency!) And it didn’t bother us one bit.

To find these standard rooms, you can use Touring Plans room finder . You can then put in a room request. My recommendation is to request a standard room in the Kudu Trail building, since pretty much all of these rooms face a savanna in some way.

Remember, requesting a room is NOT a guarantee that you will get the room you want ! But also remember that if a room becomes available during your stay, you can switch rooms. When we arrived for our stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, our room faced the parking lot. The next day though, we were able to move to a room in the Kudu Trail.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby & Check-In

The lobby of Jambo House in Animal Kingdom Lodge is absolutely GORGEOUS. The theming is beautiful and there’s a huge window overlooking the savanna and seating area. Definitely spend some time here.

Outside there is a large savanna overlook where you can enjoy watching the animals.

The check-in desk is to the left when you enter the lobby. However, if you check into the resort using the My Disney Experience app, you won’t need to visit the check-in desk unless you need to change something about your reservation or make a request.

You’ll also find bell services near the check-in desk, where you can store your luggage if needed, or pick up strollers or wheelchairs you may have rented from third-party companies.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Location & Layout

Animal Kingdom Lodge is comprised to two HUGE buildings: Jambo House and Kidani Village. There are savannas surrounding both buildings.

Depending on where in each building you are staying, you may have to walk A LOT to get from the lobby to your room.

Jambo House vs. Kidani Village

So what’s the difference between Jambo House and Kidani Village?

Jambo House is mostly made up of standard resort rooms , while Kidani Village is mostly made of DVC rooms and villas (including villas with 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms).

Jambo House is also the main lobby you will see pictures of and has more dining and shopping options. Kidani Village has one main Table Service restaurant and a much smaller (but still beautiful) lobby.

You can visit both parts of the resort no matter which one you are staying in. There is a small bus at the front of each lobby that will take you back and forth from Jambo House to Kidani Village. (Although, it didn’t seem particularly Disney themed, which I thought was odd. But it works!)

Animal Kingdom Lodge Theming

I love a good resort theme, and the theming at Animal Kingdom Lodge is just incredible. Because it’s styled after a safari lodge , it’s full of African patterns, warm woods, and reds and browns and yellows meant to invoke the savanna.

Be sure to look at all the details when you visit, from the light fixtures to the flooring. Everything has been so perfectly thought out.

And be sure to take a look at the artwork around the lobby and displays throughout the hallways , which gives context and history for various regions of Africa and traditions of certain African tribes. They really have embraced being both beautiful and educational at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms

The rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge are so spacious and clean. They were redone during 2020 and 2021, getting rid of the carpet and some of the more dated looks, adding wooden headboards instead of mosquito nets, and updating the furniture.

The rooms now are so clean and beautiful and I absolutely loved our stay here. The beds were comfortable and rooms had plenty of space. Standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodges are 344 square feet (this is about 80 more square feet than some of the Value Resorts!).

There’s plenty of storage in the room, with both a dresser under the TV and a closet near the front door. There’s also a counter with a coffee maker and drink fridge . The coffee station is Lion King themed, but I think it’s done in a really nice and classy way with just a landscape picture of the sunrise. (But you know it’s from The Lion King.)

The bathroom is also clean and beautiful. And it had deluxe touches like double sinks and thoughtful lighting . And of course, you get those favorite Disney H2O shower and bath products.

As I’m typing up this review, I really am trying to think of something less-than-stellar to point out, because I always like to go through the pros and cons. But I really had no complaints about this room!

Everything felt deluxe, even down to the room’s lighting. I loved our whole stay here!

Savanna Rooms vs. Standard View Rooms

We’ve already talked about this earlier when discussing booking this resort. But if you are planning a stay here, it’s is absolutely 100% worth it to get a room with a Savanna View. At least if it’s your first time here!

There is nothing like waking up and sitting on your balcony to see what animals are out. And I will never forgot getting back from the park one night and walking outside to see a giraffe hanging out under a full moon outside our window.

(One thing to note: Some people think that animals can come close to their rooms. They cannot! There are barriers set up to prevent them from getting too close to the buildings.)

While you can take a chance like we did and book a Standard Room and request a partial Savanna View, there are no guarantees that it will work out for you. And you should count it more as a lucky break than as something you expect. If you book a Standard View, you could also end up with a view of the parking lot.

(Again, one great way to get that Savanna Room with a lower price is through David’s Vacation Club Rentals! )

Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining & Restaurants

Animal Kingdom Lodge has some absolutely fantastic dining options. We’ve got a whole breakdown of the Animal Kingdom Lodge dining here. But here’s a short and sweet summary.

Table Service Restaurants

There restaurants are truly fantastic experiences. We ate at all of them during our stay and loved our meals at every single one.

• Boma — Flavors of Africa . Buffet restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is more traditional American while dinner has more African dishes.
• Jiko — The Cooking Place . Fine dining with African, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes. Jiko is only open for dinner, and be aware that they do have a dress code.
• Sanaa — The Table Service restaurant located at Kidani Village. This is an Indian restaurant and DO NOT miss their bread service. They’re open for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast they are open as a Quick Service restaurant (which is helpful for the people staying at Kidani Village since they don’t have another Quick Service spot).

Quick Service Restaurants

The Quick Service options at Animal Kingdom Lodge are somewhat limited. But remember that if you are staying Kidani Village, Sanaa operates as Quick Service for breakfast.

• The Mara — Counter Service restaurant located near the Uzima Springs pool in Jambo House. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bars and Lounges

Since this is a Deluxe Resort, there are several bars and lounges where you can get drinks and some food options.

• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar — Small bar at the front of Jiko.
• Victoria Falls Lounge — The main bar in Jambo House. It’s located above Boma, but because of it’s open design it can get pretty noisy in here at certain times of the day.
• Uzima Springs Pool Bar — The poolside bar at the Uzima Springs pool at Jambo House.
• Sanaa Lounge — The bar at Sanaa in Kidani Village. You can get the bread service here without having to have a full meal and reservation at the restaurant!
• Maji Pool Bar — The poolside bar at the Samawati Springs pool at Kidani Village.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Pools & Amenities

Since AKL is a Deluxe Resort, you’re going to find more deluxe amenities here, including a spa and fitness center. Plus the pools have waterslides! (Only Deluxe and Moderate Resorts at Disney World have water slides…Value Resorts to not.)

Pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are two pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge. One is located at each building.

You’ll find the Uzima Springs Pool at Jambo House . It’s located downstairs from the lobby, and it features a waterslide and a zero-entry point. There’s also a small wading pool and a spa pool in the area. And there is an observation area nearby where you can watch the animals on the savanna.

At Kidani Village you’ll find the Samawati Springs pool . This pool is smaller than the Uzima Springs pool, but it has a larger water slide and a splash pad area for younger kids called Uwanja Camp . There are also two spa pools and a savanna overlook.

Hakuna Matata Playground

Near the Uzima Springs pool at Jambo House, you’ll find the Hakuna Matata Playground . It’s a small playground with slides and areas to climb and is for children ages 2-5 .

It’s also right next to the savanna overlook, which is pretty cool!

Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade

Also near the Uzima Springs pool and right next door to The Mara is Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade . Here you’ll find video arcade games, air hockey, pinball, and other similar games.

You will have to purchase game card to be able to play. But these game cards work at ANY Disney World Resort arcade, so hang on to them if you have money left on them.

Recreation and Activities at Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are always TONS of activities going on at Animal Kingdom Lodge! Besides the normal Campfires and Movies Under the Stars that are offered at most Disney resorts, you’ll also find activities specific to the theme of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

There are often art classes offered around the resort, from painting to tie-dye to African-themed crafts.

Animal Kingdom also has a special program called String of Memories . For this, you can visit African Cultural Representatives around the resort and collect beads. There are different talks offered on different days, ranging on topics like Animal Tracking to African Wonders to Animal Enrichment. You’ll find the times posted on the recreation activity signs in the lobbies of the resort.

Both Jambo House and Kidani Village have family activity centers too, where you’ll find games and crafts. At Jambo House, this is Simba’s Activity Center and at Kidani Village it’s called Community Hall .

Animal Kingdom Lodge Shopping

Both Jambo House and Kidani Village have their own gift shops.

Zawadi Marketplace is the main store for the resort. It’s located in Jambo House, and it’s significantly bigger than the shop at Kidani Village.

At Zawadi Marketplace you’ll find merchandise for both Disney Parks and Animal Kingdom Lodge, plus a small selection of grab-and-go groceries or park necessities you may have forgotten (like sunscreen).

The shop at Kidani Village is called Johari Treasures . It is significantly smaller than Zawadi Marketplace, but it still has a selection of souvenirs, merchandise, and grocery necessities.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation

One of the biggest drawbacks of Animal Kingdom Lodge is the transportation. The only way to get to any of the theme parks and Disney Springs is by bus.

And because Animal Kingdom Lodge is pretty far away from all the parks except Animal Kingdom, the bus rides can be kind of lengthy. Between waiting for the bus to arrive and actually riding it to the parks, I would give yourself at least 30-45 minutes.

The good news is that because buses are the only mode of transportation at Animal Kingdom Lodge, they run pretty frequently. I’m not sure we ever waited more than 5 minutes for a bus to arrive in the mornings when we were staying there.

Also, there is another smaller bus just outside the lobbies of each building that will take you back and forth between Jambo House and Kidani Village.

Pros & Cons of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

To be honest, it’s really hard to find cons for Animal Kingdom Lodge. But here’s a break down of what I think the pros and cons are.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Pros

• BEAUTIFUL resort with spacious rooms and amazing theming elements.
• Views of animals on the savanna—a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
• Fantastic Table Service dining options.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Cons

• As a Deluxe Resort, it can be pricey, especially for a Savanna View room.
• Far away from most of the theme parks relative to other resorts.
• Only has buses for transportation.

Our Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

So, would we stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge again? ABSOLUTELY!

We loved our stay here. It felt luxurious and relaxed. And there is truly nothing like walking outside on your balcony to see the savanna animals.

However, it can be pricey , and unless we were purposefully taking a “splurge” trip, this probably won’t be first on our list. (Honestly, especially because there are also so many other resorts we want to try on Disney property!)

I do think that next time we want to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge I’ll keep an eye on the David’s Vacation Club “Confirmed Reservations for Rent” page to see if any good AKL deals pop up. (I love this feature because it shows your bookings that are already made instead of you having to request a stay and cross your fingers it will get fulfilled.)

Animal Kingdom Lodge FAQs

What restaurants at animal kingdom lodge can you see animals from.

Sanaa at Kidani Village is the restaurant where you can see animals while you eat. Note that not every table will have a great view though. The best views will be the tables by the windows.

Are the animals always out at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes, the animal are out day and night, but they may not always be in your section of the resort. The cast members do try to put incentives (i.e. food) out in strategic places for the best viewing though.

What animals can you see at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

While you won’t find lions or elephants at Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are tons of other animals! Here are some of the most popular that we saw during our stay:

• Ankole Cattle

Is there a spa at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

While there is a spa at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center) it is not currently open. The only place where you can get spa services at Disney currently is at The Grand Floridian.

More Disney Planning Resources

Planning a trip to Disney World? Here are some more resources to help you!

• The Ultimate Disney World Planning Guide
• Disney World 101: Tips for Beginners
• Guide to Magic Kingdom
• Guide to Epcot
• Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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15 Amazing Reasons We Love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

by David Mumpower · December 22, 2020

Disney provides guests with plenty of terrific reasons to stay at its hotels.

You’ll always feel like you got your money’s worth no matter where you stay.

That’s because of the wonderful amenities available at all official Disney resorts. Today, I want to highlight one of my favorites.

Here are 15 reasons we love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Photo: Popsugar

Regrettably, DisneyQuest closed at Disney Springs in 2017. However, Disney didn’t leave families without options for entertaining their kids.

Several resorts operate arcades onsite, and Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts one of the best.

In this huge room, you’ll find all sorts of interactive games, including classics like pinball and Space Invaders, along with modern stuff like interactive snowboarding.

On a rainy day when you aren’t in the mood for the parks, this arcade will entertain your children…and probably you, too.

Photo: Piccolo Explorer

Before Boma, I had no idea what bobotie was. Now that I’m aware of this meat pie recipe, I want nothing else.

That’s the beauty of Boma . The international cuisine here highlights exotic African flavors, many of which will make your palate dance with glee.

Animal Kingdom Lodge overflows with quality restaurants, as many people believe it serves the best food at Disney.

Out of all the options I can list while praising the hotel, Boma is easily my favorite.

The Concierge Floor

Surprisingly, only a few Disney resorts offer a concierge floor. Sure, you’ll find concierge service at most of them, but a full floor is rare.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge , staying on the concierge floor comes with a secondary benefit.

Sure, you feel important when you get to access the elevator floor that nobody else can, but that gets old fast.

What I love about the concierge floor is the food that’s always available in the lounge.

The snacks and meals provided in this lounge fill me up so much that I eat light the rest of the day.

Oh, who am I kidding? At this resort, I’m always eating.

The Doubles

Did you know that Animal Kingdom Lodge is a twofer? Disney runs two standalone hotels at the same general location.

Well, they’re not standalone in a technical sense, but they easily could be. Each one features distinct amenities.

So, you can stay at this resort twice and enjoy entirely different experiences.

The two options are Jambo House and Kidani Village. I prefer the former, but I have friends who swear by the latter.

Your preference will likely come down to whether you like a larger space or a more intimate setting.

Image Credit: Disney

Kidani’s the smaller building while Jambo House is quite spacious.

Jiko – The Cooking Place

At Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll find a pair of sublime Table Service restaurants and an extremely popular Quick Service eatery.

However, the place that foodies treasure the most is the Signature Dining experience available at Jiko .

Anyone who loves wine will discover that Jiko’s their happy place, as it features a deep list of exceptional vintages.

Many folks have made Jiko their celebratory meal of choice, spending birthdays and anniversaries here. It’s that good.

Jungle Juice

Disney fanatics know all the inside-outs of the parks and resorts. So, when something develops a buzz, you know it’s special.

Photo: MealTrip.com

For years now, people have raved about the POG Juice that’s only available at two or three places on the Walt Disney World campus.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is blessedly one of these places, and I can assure you that you’ll want to try it while you’re visiting here.

Source: Jungle Juice

This Jungle Juice possesses a life-altering flavor. Devoted fans even try to make it at home:

I’m referencing Jambo House here, as it’s the one with massive lobby space.

When I take a seat in this serene room, it’s like 70-30 that I’ll doze off. It’s my go-to nap spot at Walt Disney World.

I feel entirely at peace as I admire the remarkable theming and detail. It’s like the deluxe version of the lobby at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

By the way, the Kidani Village lobby is magnificent, too. It’s just not as grand in size and scope.

The Location

For obvious reasons, you cannot walk from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

That’d be the quickest way for a hotel guest to wind up in a literal lion’s den.

Still, the resort’s location ensures that you’re only a five-minute bus ride away from Animal Kingdom .

Photo: Disney

These logistics allow you to hop back and forth between the park and resort whenever you want.

This hotel is the place to stay for anyone who intends to spend a lot of time at Pandora – The World of Avatar .

Whenever I poll people on their favorite Quick Service restaurants at Disney resorts, The Mara receives plenty of votes.

While it wouldn’t make my top three, I admire the combination menu that blurs the line between American and African cuisine.

This place doubles as a grocer, as it offers plenty of grab-and-go foods, too.

The best part is that you can sit outside and eat if you like. It’s such a relaxing spot.

The Playground

Hakuna Matata! No, I’m not randomly breaking into song. That’s the name of the playground area at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

This secluded area includes a couple of play buildings plus several slides.

Kids will happily spend half an hour burning energy here, while parents gladly sit down on the nearby benches and relax for a while.

The Residents

I love every reason I list here, but if I could only name a top three, I’d cheat and group the restaurants together in third place.

First place would come down to the hotel lobby vs. the residents at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I’m talking about the animals that live in the savannas.

The moment you exit the lobby, you’re overlooking the area where these creatures happily live and play each day.

Giraffes, zebras, and other animals interact in the communal areas. It’s remarkable to watch, but that’s not even the best part.

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a room type that provides a view of the animal habitats!

Yes, you can sit in your hotel room and gaze on the action occurring beneath you.

So, I have an obvious pro tip for you. Always book Savanna View!

If you’re not sure how, speak to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at MickeyTravels.

One of these agents will book the hotel room of your dreams, and their services are free!

The other restaurant of note at Animal Kingdom Lodge resides at Kidani Village. And it offers something that the other eateries don’t.

While dining at Sanaa , you should ask for a seat by the window. There, you can watch the animals who live at the Sunset Savanna.

Children will delight in this opportunity to study the cute critters from a safe distance.

Meanwhile, parents will lose their minds over the famous bread service at Sanaa. It’s another favorite of Disney foodies.

Samawati Springs

I mentioned that Kidani Village and Jambo House are standalone hotels on the same campus. Well, each one gets its own pool!

At Kidani Village, you can hole up at Samawati Springs, which is smaller but also features an extremely popular waterslide.

That’s sort of the running theme at Kidani Village. Everything is done on a smaller scale, but Disney added unique touches to make it stand out.

Uzima Springs

Meanwhile, Jambo House operates one of the largest pools on Disney property.

Photo: Trip Advisor

Uzima Springs features a zero-entry pool, a couple of hot tubs, a pool bar, and arguably the best waterslide this side of Stormalong Bay.

You can’t go wrong with either pool, although you should know that Pool Hopping isn’t allowed here.

The pools reside too close to animal habitats. So, Disney forbids guests from other resorts to swim here.

Zebra Domes

I’m not saying that Zebra Domes are the best dessert at Walt Disney World. That’s not a fight I’m ready to start right now.

What I will say is that any list of the top 10 desserts at Walt Disney World will feel incomplete without Zebra Domes.

These sweet treats marry cake, mousse, and white chocolate in a single bite. Your mouth should water at the mere thought of Zebra Domes. I know mine does.

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on  your next Disney vacation , please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!

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17+ Fun Things to Do at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World offers so many fun activities for guests to enjoy. It’s one of my family’s favorite hotels at WDW because it features spectacular theming and exciting daily activities. If you’re wondering what to do at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’re in luck!

This unique resort features plenty of fun things for kids and adults alike, with many activities even being free. From pools, playgrounds, and arcades to arts, crafts, and campfires, the activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will keep you coming back for more.

For many people, a vacation to Disney World is all about theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot. However, there are other options for your family that will provide just as much of an experience, including spending time at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

There’s so much to do that you could really spend an entire vacation at this special resort without even leaving the property. So, continue reading below for our tips on all the fun things to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Free Things to Do at Animal Kingdom Lodge

As mentioned above, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is such a unique place to stay. Visitors love the feeling of staying so close to safari animals. Our family loves spending the mornings on our hotel balcony just looking for various animals to wander by.

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several free activities for guests to enjoy. These are some of our favorite FREE things to do while visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Watch the Animals. View animals from your room balcony. If you don’t reserve a room with a view of the savanna, you can still enjoy seeing the animals from various spots throughout the resort.
• Roast marshmallows at the evening campfire. Each evening, Animal Kingdom Lodge allows guests to roast complimentary marshmallows by their campfire. If you’re in the mood for an additional sweet treat, you can purchase S’mores kits for an additional price.
• Collect beads. Look for the monthly recreation schedule to find a list of activities to complete to earn beads.
• Take an art tour. You can attend a tour of the Jambo House lobby to learn all about the impressive art on display.
• Play on Hakuna Matata Playground. My kids love the playground area at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It features multiple slides and climbing features.

• Watch evening movies under the stars. Animal Kingdom Lodge plays family friendly movies outside in the evenings. Note that the Lodge and Kidani Village rotate the hosting duties, so you may need to walk or bus down to the sister resort if the Lodge isn’t showing the movie on a particular night.
• Trade pins. During select days and times, you can take part in pin trading at the resort. Information about this activity will be available on the recreation schedule.
• Swim in the Uzima Springs Pool. The Uzima Springs Pool is a great place to cool off on your vacation. This elaborate swimming pool features a zero-entry section that’s perfect for little ones. Plus, kids (and adults) love the waterslide at this pool.

• Explore the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. In addition to the Uzima Springs Pool, guests can walk or ride the shuttle down to the sister resort, Kidani Village. Here, you’ll find another huge swimming pool, a big waterslide, and a small waterslide.
• Splash around at Uwanja Camp water playground at Kidani Village. Kidani Village features a splash zone known as Uwanja Camp. This is a great area for kids to run around and play.
• Take part in poolside activities. Each afternoon, the pool hosts really fun activities for guests to enjoy. You’ll find activities like hula hoop competitions, “fishing” for animals, limbo, etc.
• Workout in the fitness center. Animal Kingdom Lodge features a really great fitness center with cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. This gym is free for resort guests to use. It’s one of my husband’s favorite fitness centers in all of Walt Disney World!

More Activities at Animal Kingdom Lodge

In addition to the free things to do at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can also find activities that require a fee. These are some of our family’s favorite Animal Kingdom Lodge activities to experience while staying at the resort:

• Take a Safari Tour – Board a safari vehicle to take a one hour nighttime tour of the savanna to see animals up close. This activity is for guests ages 8 and older.
• Watch Chefs at Work – Dine at Jiko to watch chefs in the open kitchen.
• Dine with Animals – Enjoy a meal at Sanaa while watching animals roam around the African savanna.
• Play Games – Play in Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade where you’ll find lots of video games to enjoy for a small fee.
• Make a Craft – Pick up a recreation schedule to take part in daily arts, crafts, and entertainment for a fee.

In addition to the activities and themed surroundings, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is also home to some unique dining opportunities. The Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants feature amazing cuisine at quick service, buffet, and table service locations.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Prices

The Animal Kingdom Lodge tends to be the most budget friendly deluxe hotel at Disney World . We typically find that the room prices aren’t that much higher than at the moderate hotels. If you really want to score a great deal on a room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, try renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points.

Renting DVC points is by far the easiest and best way to stay in a deluxe resort at Disney for a fraction of the cost. We like to use David’s Vacation Club Rentals when purchasing a hotel stay on points. This company is super reliable and offers some of the greatest rates on point rentals. You can check out their price calculator to see just how much you can save on a room at one of the Disney deluxe resort hotels.

Final Thoughts on Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort and it shows. It offers the best of what you would expect from Disney World but with many additional features that make this hotel stand out as something special for families. From an elaborate pool with an amazing water slide to animal viewing, there are many fun things for kids to do at this resort.

Parents may be interested in the other amenities that they will find on-site. For example, you can keep up your workout routine at the fitness center on-site or enjoy a nice glass of wine at one of the many lounges.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is truly an amazing place to stay with so much to offer guests of all ages. If you are looking for something different on your next Disney World vacation, consider this resort as your home base. You won’t be disappointed!

Also, if you’re looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family! What are your favorite things to do at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Comment below to share them with us!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: It’s Pretty Magical

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: December 29, 2021  - Last updated: August 23, 2023

We’ve gotten to stay at Walt Disney World several times and have really fallen in love with a few of the resorts, particularly Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. What a beautiful and unique place! My review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is nearly all good. Walt Disney World has done an excellent job at creating another world full of art, culture, nature and fun.

We get to do a lot of work with Disney visiting Walt Disney World and trying out the many properties. Be sure to check out our other reviews including Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground . We love the variety of experiences all around WDW and will keep sharing our favorites as we spend more and more time there.

Book Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge here!

Planning a Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge

I’ll start by saying that if you want to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge you need to plan it FAR in advance. While there is always the chance of a cancellation for the dates you’re looking at, booking at stay at the AK Lodge with less than three months lead time is highly unlikely. It’s a unique sort of property and people plan trips to Disney World often based on the dates they can secure their preferred resort hotel.

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, there are options at Animal Kingdom Lodge too, so you won’t have to rely on standard availability… but again, you’ll need to go through DVC as far in advance as you can to secure your accommodations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Kidani Village portion of the Lodge has villas, so if you have a more than four people and have DVC points, that could be a great option!

What Are the Accommodation Options at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort?

Unlike Disney’s Contemporary Resort or the Art of Animation Resort , rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge don’t have daybeds, so nearly all of them only sleep up to four people. In general, you can book either a two queen or a king room, but sleeping more than four requires booking one of the few suites.

For the best stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL), book your stay as far out as you can, be flexible with your dates, and don’t overstuff your room. If you are a bigger family, either wait out and budget for a suite or adjoining rooms, or pick a different resort. I wish I had a different solution, but that’s how you make it work if staying at the AKL is important to your Disney World vacation.

Guests booking at AKL will mostly be placed into Jambo House, the main portion of the resort, but depending on availability and room type, as well as current DVC booking, might be placed in the villas in the Kidani Village area.

Check in / Check Out at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

I really love the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and have spent a fair amount of time just sitting and enjoying it. There are plenty of cast members available to help with any questions or to get you oriented with the resort, but for check-in, you actually don’t even have to stop at the front desk.

Like all the other Walt Disney World Resort hotels, you can actually check in via the My Disney Experience (MDE) app and you never even have to stop by the front desk. The room locks are set up with RFID sensors to allow you to unlock your room with your smartphone, and this is great if you’re visiting Disney World during COVID . If you like though, you can also check in at the front desk and get the full scope of information for staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and get tangible room keys.

Download MDE App here: Android / iOS

I still always stop by the front desk when we’re at Disney World because things are always changing, especially if you’re visiting Disney World during COVID, so it’s nice to get specific information and recommendations from cast members.

Top Pick: Savannah View Room

When you go to book your stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll see that you can book a variety of rooms based on their location. The pool or standard view room will have the same décor and sleeping arrangements as our top pick, the Savannah View room, but having a room overlooking the African Savannah is awesome. At all hours there are giraffes, zebras, ostrich and more wander the savannah below you. It’s remarkable.

Each morning, I loved waking up, stepping out on the balcony and seeing animals wandering about, foraging for their breakfast and relaxing in the shade. Really, it’s the most magical room I’ve ever had the privilege of staying it. It is such an unforgettable experience.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Amenities

There are a few elements that make Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge really special. Of course, the nice rooms and breathtaking lobby are both a big part of the draw to stay here, but there’s much more to the AKL than these spaces.

The Savannah Surrounding the Lodge

I mean, looking out from the lobby or your private balcony and seeing giraffes and zebras wandering past… that’s pretty amazing, but there’s more! Head out of Jambo House to the outdoor areas, past the large fire pit and you’ll overlooks and viewing areas to watch the animals from. Watch for giraffes, zebras, ostrich, pelicans, gazelles, kudu, crowned cranes, marabou storks… It’s incredible! Outside of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruise r, I haven’t seen such wonderful theming and incorporated story into a Disney property.

If you go out at night, you can watch the animal keepers reset and stock the feeding stations, which usually draws a bit of an animal crowd. It’s a very special experience to end each day of Disney Parks by quietly watching the animals wander and relax under the stars.

Pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are two pool areas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The first is the main pool at Jambo House, called the Uzima Springs Pool. It’s quite large with lots of space for playing or relaxation, it’s got a slide and there is a hot tub just on the other side of the rock mounds. There is a second hot tub nearby, just past the flamingos and the Hakuna Matata playground.

There is also a large pool for the Kidani Village section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Samawati Springs pool is open to all guests and also has a hot tub. If you’re staying in the Jambo House area, the Samawati Springs pool is a ways away, but if you have the time to ride the shuttle or walk there, it’s a nice change.

Stores at the AK Lodge

Both Jambo House and Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have unique gift shops. At Zawadi Marketplace (in Jambo House) and at Johari Treasures (Kidani Village) you’ll find special Disney merchandise, sundries you might need while staying at AKL, and the best part, beautiful African imports. These shops are unlike any others I’ve seen at Walt Disney World.

Bonus: from time to time, artisans will be set up outside of the shops carving or working on other handicrafts. It’s really interesting watching them create art and trinkets by hand. It just adds to the experience of staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

There is some great dining to be had at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Blending American cuisine and international elements, the restaurants at AKL are unique and delicious. Also, there are options for whatever mood you’re in, from grab-n-go to fine dining.

Note : I haven’t gotten to dine at either Jiko or Sanaa at AKL, but the setting of each, and the menu, look wonderful. They’re both on our list of Walt Disney World Resort restaurants to try…

Boma: Top Pick at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma was a wonderful dining experience. Very reminiscent of Tusker House Restaurant in Animal Kingdom Pa rk, but without the characters roaming around, Boma is a buffet style restaurant with African and a bit of Middle-Eastern tastes. Lofty dining spaces and ample, very attentive cast members make this a fun and relaxing place to eat at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Boma is available for breakfast or dinner and due to the nature of the buffet style dining, has a flat rate per person. Alcoholic beverages are additional. Boma has a whole wine list of South African wines, so if you’re looking to add that to your dinner experience, this is the spot.

Easy Meals at the Mara Quick Service Restaurant

I like Mara a lot, both for its selection of healthy meal options and its convenience. It’s set up similarly to Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Mobile Order being the main focus for service, but you can also order in person and talk to the restaurant staff for service.

If you have food allergies, quick services restaurants like Mara have options to accommodate dietary needs, but you may need to ask for an allergy menu or to talk with one of the chefs. Disney does a great job at making allergy-friendly menus available, but some dining establishments are more limited. Nothing a quick chat with the chef can’t fix though.

Tip : you’ve got to try the Zebra Domes at the Mara. They are the most delicate and delicious chocolate mousse treats, and they’re gluten free!

Cocktails at Victoria Falls Lounge

Located below the main lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and just above the Boma dining room, the Victoria Falls Lounge is the perfect place for an afternoon beverage. Quiet seating areas or bar seating are plentiful, and the menu is interesting.

The cocktail menu is quite delightful too. Top shelf spirits and creative recipes but fun, African adventure themed twists on cocktail standards . The Mt. Kilimarita is a great choice, taking the standard margarita and adding tangerine liqueur and cranberry. Totally a winner.

Pool Bars at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Both pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have bar areas where you can order drinks and snacks. There is the Uzuma Springs Pool Bar at the main pool at Jambo House and then the Maji Pool Bar at the Samawati Springs pool in the Kidani Village area (mostly DVC accommodations ).

While Disney cast members are great about not over-serving guests, always be extra safe when around swimming pools and don’t forget to manage yourself appropriately.

Where is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

As you probably guessed, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is very close to the Animal Kingdom Park… but it’s not directly adjacent to it. AKL is located in the southwestern corner of the overall Walt Disney World Resort. The closest Disney attraction besides Animal Kingdom Park is Blizzard Beach waterpark. The farthest Disney site is the Disney Springs entertainment area.

Luckily, despite being rather far from a lot of the main Walt Disney World attractions, it’s super easy to get between all the areas. Here’s how it all works…

Transportation To and From the Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are buses to that run between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and each of the theme parks, as well as the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). If you are planning on dining or having some sort of pre-planned experience at another Disney World resort hotel, you can either get there via an Uber/Lyft/Minnie Van from Animal Kingdom Lodge, or just ride the corresponding bus from one of the parks or the TTC.

It’s much easier when you’re there than it sounds when you just read how to get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to other parts of Walt Disney World; trust me!

Can I Walk from Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Theme Park?

I wish it were possible to walk from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Animal Kingdom Park , but it’s not. The AKL is quite close to the park as the crow flies, but there’s not a walking path between the two. Because it’s 1.5 miles from the lodge to the park, you’d have to walk on main roads, specifically the Osceola Parkway which has many lanes of traffic and no sidewalks.

As of 2021 there is no pedestrian walkway that connects guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to any of the other resorts or theme parks. Maybe in the future…

Parking Details at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

There is plenty of guest parking at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Before you’re arrival, you’ll know if you are staying in Jambo House or Kidani Village, and then if you don’t know which you’re in, you can check in at the entry gate for instructions. There is either self-parking or valet available.

Parking at Animal Kingdom Lodge is an additional fee to your room rate ($25/day for self parking, as of 2021), but if you’re paying for parking, it’s actually transferrable between resort locations, meaning that if you want to drive yourself to the theme parks each day instead of using resort transportation, you can do so.

Note : Disney Vacation Club (DVC) guests are not charged for parking when staying in a DVC villa. It’s one of the perks of DVC usage.

So, are you ready to plan a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge? I really loved our time there and highly recommend it if it’s within your Walt Disney World budge and if they have the availability.

Like always, if you have any questions about staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge or about any of the other Walt Disney World resort hotels, we’re always happy to help. Leave a comment or send us a note and we’ll follow up ASAP. Happy traveling!

Caroline Eubanks

Wednesday 29th of December 2021

My one wish for Disney is more walking paths and less transferring at Disney Springs!

Thursday 30th of December 2021

I totally hear you. I like that there is the Skyliner connecting some of the Value level properties to the parks, but more walking paths, as long of a walk as they may be, would be great. Imagine being able to go for an awesome run from resort to resort...

Disney Deciphered

A podcast helping you and your family save money, time, and stress as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation

Episode 24 – Animal Kingdom Lodge 101: Tips & Impressions

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Animal Kingdom Lodge Basics

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Walt Disney World deluxe resort that opened in 2001. The resort is located the vicinity of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park – close but not close enough to walk.

Related: Deluxe, Moderate or Value – An Overview of Disney World Hotel Types

The lodge is made up of two sections/buildings: Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House is the main building where all the hotel rooms are located. Kidani Village is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) building.

What Makes Animal Kingdom Lodge Special

Animal Kingdom Lodge’s big draw is its unique theming. The resort could function as a standalone destination – more than probably any other Disney hotel property. Guests who stay here are going to want to make more time than usual to experience the property itself.

The plentiful on-site activities reflect its African theming. Look for cast members all over the lobby with a variety of offerings. We spotted wildlife skulls on display where kids could learn and have fun guessing the animal. There was also African music and wood carving demonstrations, in addition to all the other amenities one might expect from a Disney deluxe resort.

Guests of all ages will especially love the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s back yard, which opens up onto the savannah with giraffes and other animals in view.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Location & Transportation

Because of its location, transportation for guests at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is an important factor to consider before deciding to stay at this resort. The Animal Kingdom area is a bit removed from the rest of the Walt Disney World parks. This remote location can be both a pro and a con.

Bus service tends to be a bit more challenging than at many of the other resorts, especially among other deluxe resorts where transit often shines. In the summer season, with guests perhaps moving around more to escape the heat and summer thunderstorms, the waits could be long. The extra transit time due to the resort’s distance can make the transportation time that much worse.

Of course, if you are planning to spend more of your time at Animal Kingdom park, then the location could be ideal. If you have your own car or are okay budgeting for a Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft on occasion when you are in a hurry, then it could work too. For guests with younger kids who may need to return daily from the parks for a mid-afternoon nap, however, this hotel might not work for you.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms

Rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge, although nice, feel a bit smaller than at many other Disney deluxe resorts. They are not as tight as the rooms at value resorts by any means, but families might not find them spacious.

Standard rooms usually have two queens, but Animal Kingdom Lodge also has a number of rooms with one queen and a bunk bed which work well for families. Allowing each sibling to have his or her own bed can prevent burnout from too much family togetherness!

Note, however, that unlike some other Disney deluxe resorts that can sleep 5 to a room, standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge only sleep 4.

Many of the rooms at Animal Kingdom lodge are “savannah view” which will overlook the animals from the room’s balcony. Some of the rooms classified as having standard views, however, may have a partial view of the savannah. So it’s possible to luck out without the extra upcharge. Or, make your own luck by using TouringPlans.com’s Room Finder to request one of these secret rooms ( learn how from TheDealMommy ).

One final note for families: the vanity/sink area of Animal Kingdom Lodge is open to the rest of the room. Only the shower and toilet are behind a door. This layout may be disruptive if you have younger kids trying to sleep while other family members need to use the bathroom area.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

A big draw of AKL for many Disney guests is the restaurants. Jiko, Sanaa, and Boma are some of the more highly rated dining experiences at Disney. Food choices are a bit more exotic than the usual Disney fare, with African and Indian spices and unique vegetarian choices.

The breakfast buffet at Boma is a good option for parents looking to expose their kids to a few more exotic foods while still having plenty of favorites to fall back on.

The quick service restaurant, the Mara, is an easier choice for a speedier breakfast on-the-go or lunch by the pool.

Episode Description

Leslie and Joe give their impressions of Animal Kingdom Lodge. Is it a hotel worth staying in? What makes it unique? Plus information on the best rooms, restaurants, and more. As we will with all hotels, we discuss reasons TO stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and reasons NOT to stay there and end with another edition of Disney dos and don’ts!

If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Also, we’d appreciate if you subscribed on  iTunes ,  Stitcher ,  Spotify , TuneIn , PlayerFM , or  Google Play  (please leave a positive review if you’re enjoying the show), liked our  Facebook page , or followed us on  Twitter !

You can also e-mail us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Connect with Leslie @TripswithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

Episode Notes

2:04 – Where is Animal Kingdom Lodge + AKL transportation

4:47 – What sets AKL apart, room locations, etc.

9:24 – AKL rooms

11:33 – AKL resort amenities: lobby activities, pools, & more

13:12 – Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants

15:41 – Why you should consider / should not consider AKL

18:55 – Disney dos and don’ts

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Much more than the Lion King: Review of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

When staying at Walt Disney World, you have the luxury of choice when it comes to lodging options. On Disney World property, you can pick from a couple of dozen resorts , not to mention the array of off-site options . Each of the Disney World resorts has its own theme, and one of the most spectacular and unique themes can be found at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

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This African-themed lodge is nearest to the Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, but you don't have to leave the hotel's grounds to enjoy the animals roaming the safari. They are viewable from the lobby, the hallways and even many of the rooms. Paying extra for a better view (especially considering how much a trip to Disney World can cost ), is rarely worth it in the realm of family travel, but at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a savanna-view upgrade is absolutely worth consideration.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge opened in 2001 but was expanded a few years later to include a few hundred Disney Vacation Club villas, giving the resort a variety of accommodation types to meet the needs of families of different shapes and sizes. Now, the rooms have undergone a recent renovation, to the extent that an update to this review (originally completed in late 2018), was in order after a March 2020 stay.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is considered a Disney Deluxe Resort (along with iconic properties such as Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort). This means that your stay probably won't be inexpensive, but the investment in a 24/7 magical Disney Resort experience is worth it. Thankfully, there are also some ways to save big on your stay.

FOR NO COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

You can book Walt Disney World Resort hotels using some types of points (such Citi ThankYou points ). For our late-2018 stay, we paid cash by booking directly with Disney via targeted bounce-back offers that allow you to save up to 35% or so by booking a return trip -- sometimes while you are still on a current trip.

Rack rates for entry-level rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge usually range from about $300 to $500 per night, but Disney sales and discounts can drop that price to under $300 per night certain times of the year.

A great way save money at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is to rent Disney Vacation Club points . Not only does this spare you from the daily parking fee, but, as outlined here , you can pretty easily save 50% on the retail price of the stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge by renting points. There are trade-offs (such as the lack of daily housekeeping), but turning a $2,000 multi-night stay into a $1,000 stay may be worth making your own bed.

We put our stay on my Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3x points for the travel charge, but we primarily used discounted Disney gift cards to cover the majority of the charges while at the resort.

The main reason you might want to avoid a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge is its location. On our stay, we found it to be the most remote of all of the Walt Disney World Resorts, and it could have easily taken us 45 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom from the lodge door to door. None of the Disney World parks were within walking distance of this resort, and only the Animal Kingdom was relatively nearby.

I mean, we were still on Disney property, so nothing was terribly far away. However, unlike when staying on the monorail at the Contemporary , nothing was especially close, either. If you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom, expect to rely heavily on the Disney bus system, your own rental car or the (magical but pricey) Disney Minnie Vans .

Related: Best credit cards for a trip to Disney

Disney World didn't have an elite status program or anything that got us guaranteed early check-in (or late checkout), so I always assumed that the room wouldn't be ready until the stated time. In this case, it often means 3 p.m. check-in for the traditional hotel rooms in the lodge and 4 p.m. for the deluxe villa-style accommodations you would probably be renting with Disney Vacation Club points.

We arrived at the lodge a little before 1 p.m. and fully expected to wait a few hours for a room, but it was ready for us upon arrival.

On other Disney trips, we have loved the added convenience of a Disney Club-level room for ready-to-eat breakfast, upgraded service and included simple dinners and evening snacks, but none were available for booking on our dates online, since we booked pretty close to our travel dates. So I inquired at check-in if a Club Level upgrade was possible. The good news was that it was available, but at a staggering charge of $400 additional per day. We politely (and quickly) passed on that option. Had the upgrade been $150 per day or less, our family would have likely said yes.

At check-in, we were also given an itinerary of the on-site entertainment and cultural activities, of which there were many — more than I've seen at any other Disney Resort.

There were two separate villages at Animal Kingdom Lodge: the original Jambo House and the Kidani Village that was added later and made up of DVC villas. We spent the entirety of this stay in the Jambo House and were assigned a savanna-view room on the second level, about as far down the hallway away from the lobby and pool as possible.

The lobby was on the third level, which meant taking an elevator down to the second level. This resort is massive, with well over 1,000 rooms and villas, so expect to do some walking. We brought the stroller into the resort simply because the walk to the room in the evenings with a tired 3-year-old was very far.

Our room was around 350 square feet with two queen beds, a small table, TV and, most importantly, a balcony with a view of the zebras and giraffes and more.

The view of the animals was the star of the room and the primary reason to stay at this resort. My tween was totally overwhelmed with happiness watching the animals from the room.

If you love the idea of waking up to drink coffee and view animals on the savanna from your private balcony, then book the room with a view. We watched the animals for hours. These were real animals, not animatronics, so they roamed different parts of the savanna at different times of the day and weren't always visible from our room.

Other than the view, the room was totally fine for a Disney property, but not over-the-top spectacular. We appreciated the two queen beds ( instead of the doubles found in some Disney rooms ) and the African theme was carried throughout, though in 2020 the carpeting, mock-mosquito netting and some of the older decor have been thankfully retired.

The bathroom has a double vanity separate from the shower area. We did have issues with both the toilet and phone during our 2018 stay, as both required maintenance. At the time, this made calling down for our $33-per-day car valet impossible, but service was very efficient even without the call-ahead option. These issues did not repeat on the 2020 stay.

Related: How to use points for a trip to Disney World

Food and beverage

Animal Kingdom Lodge had some of the best dining available at Disney World . Many of the restaurants have an African theme, which I personally consider great news, but your experience traveling with more narrow eaters may vary.

Boma — Flavors of Africa is the breakfast and dinner restaurant located in Jambo.

It's an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant, and while there were no characters here (unlike at many similar Disney restaurants), it simply doesn't need them. The food and surroundings stood alone quite nicely.

For breakfast, there were both African and traditional American favorites: corned-beef hash, sweet plantains, goat-cheese scrambled eggs, bread pudding, bacon and even Simba waffles.

The house juice, coffee and service were also well above average at this pricey but delicious restaurant. Breakfast for two adults and two kids rang in around $100, so expect dinner to be more than that.

For a less expensive on-site dining option, there was Mara, just out back off the Jambo lobby. Mara had hot items such as fried eggs, ham-and-cheese sandwiches and Mickey waffles, cheeseburgers and flatbread, as well as grab-and-go drinks, snacks and muffins.

On a longer stay, or if you just really like tea, coffee or soda, you may want to spend $19.99 for the refillable mug that you could fill up in this grab-and-go restaurant. You could also pick up a bottle of wine for some animal watching on your patio.

For a nice dinner, there's Jiko — The Cooking Place and Sanaa. While I've still yet to try Sanaa, I had appetizers and a wine tasting at Jiko on my most recent visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was able to walk in to an open seat at the bar shortly after the restaurant opened for the evening and from the service to the food itself, the experience was fantastic.

The $19 'Tour of Africa' appetizer recommended by the server included sausage, honeyed goat cheese, pimento spread, house-made hummus, Egyptian fatir bread and more. It was -- worth it.

The wine tasting, consisting of three South African wines, was also quite a lot of fun. Jiko has a couple of different wine tastings you can choose from, depending on what you'd like to try.

I've also tried out room service at Animal Kingdom Lodge, ordering two kid meals for the littles and two glasses of wine for the bigs. After a long day in the parks, it was fantastic to have dinner and drinks appear at our room.

The animals are king of the jungle at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but the resort had much more going on than "just" a savanna.

First, let's talk about the African drumming that was going on when we walked in for our 2018 stay. It set the tone, and the women who were drumming were excellent at getting the kids involved in making music. We encountered the drumming around the resort multiple times per day on our stay.

Other free activities available on site during our stay were African face painting, talks with a savanna guide, access to African cultural experts, wildlife-themed games, the Primal Parade, night-vision animal viewing, cookie decorating and a daily culinary tour that allowed you to tour and sample food from the on-site restaurants. Again, these activities are all free. My biggest regret from this trip was that we didn't have more downtime at the resort to try out all of the available tours, talks and other options.

On-site amenities included one of the largest pools at a Disney World resort, on the Jambo portion of the resort. There was also a pool with small waterslides and a kids play area on the Kidani side of the village, though we didn't make it over there during our stay.

The Jambo pool had a zero-entry section, a medium-sized waterslide and attentive Disney lifeguards.

If your family was in search of some drier fun, there was a nearby playground to burn off steam while you waited for dinner, since they will text you when your table is ready.

A few steps away from the playground was a spot to enjoy on-site flamingos.

There was also an above-average arcade and Simba's Activity Center. This spot used to be known as Simba's Clubhouse, a kids club that provided childcare. In 2018 it became an activity center where children need parental supervision, but can play and make African-themed crafts for a small fee.

Like at all Disney Resorts, staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge provides included access to the Magical Express Bus to and from the Orlando airport, as well as complimentary bus transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort.

Overall impression

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is not a cartoon version of Africa. It's not "The Lion King" and "Hakuna Matata" at every turn -- you'll actually find those rooms at Disney's Art of Animation . This is a breathtakingly detailed property that is a joy to inhabit for a few days. The amount of real African art, the emphasis on knowledgeable cultural guides and local experts, and the way that they engage guests in learning about a place many have never seen is nothing short of impressive.

While renting Disney Vacation Club points or hunting for deals can make this one of the more affordable Disney Deluxe Resorts, it will still be an investment in the experience of staying here, so make time to actually enjoy the unique on-site amenities, meals and resources. Choosing this resort means you are isolating yourself from much of Disney World, since no park is within walking distance. But if a taste of African culture, watching animals on the savannah and learning a thing or two on your vacation sounds good, then Animal Kingdom Lodge should be the site of your next Disney World vacation.

Read on to learn more about maximizing your time, points and money at Disney World:

• TPG ultimate guide to Walt Disney World
• Hotel review: Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Hotel review: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• The best points hotels near Disney World
• The 10 best Disney thrill rides around the world
• How to use points for Disney tickets
• Disney World without kids: 10 ways to enjoy an adult trip to Disney
• How to ride every Disney World ride in one day
• How to eat healthy at Disney World
• Best $69 you can spend at Disney World

The Ultimate Guide to Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Discover all of the delicious and unique dining options available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in this comprehensive guide.

Located on the southwest side of Walt Disney World Resort lies Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House, and Kidani Village. Just a quick drive away from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, this resort is an extension of all of the aspects you love at the park. While this resort isn’t within walking distance or connected to a theme park, it does have something unique: the Savanna. Both Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas locations Jambo House and Kidani Village offer Guests exclusive and up-front views of the animals on the Savanna. Just imagine waking up to see a giraffe out your window. How amazing is that? 

But animals aren’t the only thing you can discover here. There are also some delicious, fan-favorite restaurants located at this resort. Wondering what kinds of restaurants and dining options are waiting for you here? Here’s your complete guide to dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Click on the links below to check out different dining options in this Animal Kingdom guide:

• Table Service and Signature Dining
• Quick Service
• Bars and Lounges
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining FAQs

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Table Service and Signature Dining Restaurants

Inside Jiko – The Cooking Place. Photo by Laurie Sapp

Jiko – The Cooking Place (Jambo House) 

Operating in Jambo House, Jiko – The Cooking Place is a Disney signature dining experience that will have you in awe. Situated on the lower level of Jambo House, Guests can enjoy the outside Savanna before heading downstairs for a delicious meal. 

While Jiko only serves dinner, Guests can enjoy a wide array of unique flavors thanks to the seasonal menu with African, Indian and Mediterranean influences. Currently, the menu includes items such as the Botswanan Seswaa Short Rib, the Cocoa-Crusted Venison Loin, and the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon. 

Boma – Flavors of Africa (Jambo House)

One of the most popular buffets at the Walt Disney World Resort actually lies at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Located on the lower level of the Jambo House building, Boma – Flavors of Africa offers Guests a unique meal that will take them out of their comfort zone. 

Serving both breakfast and dinner, Boma is a great spot if you’re looking to fill up before a day at the parks or on your last day at Disney. Breakfast costs $35 per adult and includes some classic favorites like eggs and bacon as well as some unique dishes like Turkey Bobotie. Dinner costs $54 per adult and includes super unique offerings. You can find items like Moroccan Harira, Durban Chicken and Spiced Green Beans with Golden Raisins, among other options. Dessert features the famous Zebra Domes, which include Amarula Cream Liqueur mousse with white chocolate and drizzled with chocolate. 

Photo by Cliff Wang

Sanaa (Kidani Village)

Located in the smaller, Disney Vacation Club -only section of the resort lies a noteworthy restaurant that Guests love to visit: Sanaa . Featuring a menu of dishes with uniquely Indian flavors, this restaurant gives all of the spice market vibes. But what makes Sanaa so unique? It’s the large, floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the Savanna. 

One of the coolest aspects of  Sanaa is this restaurant offers a quick-service breakfast option that doesn’t require reservations – it’s called the Kuamsha Breakfast. Guests love that they can enjoy the ambiance of Sanaa without the price tag or hassle of reservations. All you have to do is visit the bar area and place your breakfast order.

Planning to stop by later in the day? Sanaa serves table-service offerings for lunch and dinner that include curry dishes and steak. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Quick Service Locations

The mara (jambo house).

Located at Jambo House, The Mara is a great spot to pick up a meal at any time of the day. From breakfast to dinner, snacks to late night offerings, The Mara serves classic entrees as well as convenient grab n’ go options. Don’t forget to pick up some Zebra Domes from here, either; it’s a great way to try them without the Boma price tag! 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Bar and Lounge Locations

A look at Victoria Falls Lounge. Courtesy of Disney

Victoria Falls Lounge (Jambo House)

With its unique location overlooking Boma, Victoria Falls Lounge is a great spot for authentic South African wine and relaxation. Open from 4 through 11 PM, Guests can sample small dishes like Spiced Goat Cheese Dip or Marinated Olives with Almonds. Also available are specialty cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, beer, wine, and hard liquor. 

Sanaa Lounge (Kidani Village) 

Can’t get a reservation for Sanaa but want to try the famous Sanaa Bread Service? Visit the lounge instead! It’s located right at the entrance of the restaurant. Open from 11:30 AM to 11 PM, Sanaa Lounge offers specialty drinks and African wines just a few steps from the Savanna. 

Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar (Jambo House)  

Interested in sampling some South African wines at a cozy and intimate location? Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar is located inside Jiko – The Cooking Place at Jambo House. While this bar’s noshing menu isn’t extensive, the list of wines is (and that includes the dessert wines!). It’s a great place to enjoy a glass of wine before your dinner. 

Photo by Tatjana Lazar

Maji Pool Bar (Kidani Village) and Uzima Springs (Jambo House)

Looking to enjoy a drink while lounging by the pool? You have two options at Animal Kingdom Lodge: The Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village and Uzima Springs Bar at Jambo House offer cocktails, wine, beer, and typical pool bar items like hot dogs, salads, and nachos. You don’t have to interrupt your pool day to grab something to eat or drink with these options!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining FAQs

Can anyone dine at animal kingdom lodge.

Yes, any Guest can visit the restaurants at this resort! While some restaurants, like Sanaa and Boma, highly encourage reservations, you can still visit Animal Kingdom Lodge and try getting a walk-up table (or popping into a quick-service location).

Can you eat at Boma or Sanaa without a reservation?

Advance dining reservations are highly recommended for both Boma and Sanaa, as these are two of the most popular restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge. However, like we mentioned above, it is possible to enjoy Sanaa’s Kuamsha Breakfast without a reservation!

Do Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants accept the Disney Dining Plan?

When the Disney Dining Plan returns in 2024, you can expect the restaurants – both quick service and table service – to participate. Just make sure to check the details and specifics of the exact plan you choose to ensure your meals will be included before dining or making a reservation.

For more information about dining, visiting, and staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, keep reading:

A Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Perspective from a Value Gal

4 Reasons You Have To Stay At Animal Kingdom Lodge

The post The Ultimate Guide to Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge appeared first on WDW Magazine .

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🚨 Disney World Announces NEW Hotel Discount 🚨

By Kayleigh Henniger 3 Comments

When it comes to planning Disney World vacations, booking a hotel can be the most daunting part.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Aside from tickets, lodging is one of the most expensive aspects of visiting Disney World. Well, we’re here to share with you a NEW way to save. Are you in?! Let’s go!

Starting April 9th, those of you who are planning Disney World vacations will have a brand new way to save. Thanks to Sue at Small World Vacations for letting us know about these discounts.

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April 10, 2024 at 10:06 am

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April 10, 2024 at 4:36 pm

We used small World for our trip thus last January, they were amazing!! Shout out to Kelly and the great job she did! Will use them again in the future! Tks!

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Stories and tips to get the most of your Disney Rewards

Announcement: free dining plan offer for cardmembers.

April 9, 2024

The Disney® Visa® Credit Card comes with all kinds of great everyday benefits and savings. Now, for a limited time, it gets even better. Get all the details below and book here .

Offer Details

Starting April 9, Cardmembers will get a free dining plan with the purchase of a qualifying Walt Disney World ® Resort vacation package. Talk about having your cake (or Mickey Mouse Waffle) and eating it too! Receive a free dining plan when you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted four-night/four-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and tickets with a Park Hopper® Option for arrivals most nights from July 1 to July 31, 2024; September 1 to September 7, 2024; and December 9 to December 21, 2024.* Book your plan here .

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind. There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs® . So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Guests who book a stay at one of the following properties will receive a Free Disney Dining Plan :

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

For the Disney dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives one quick-service meal, one table-service meal and one snack/nonalcoholic drink (per night of stay), plus one Resort-Refillable Drink Mug.

Guests who book a stay at one of these properties will receive a Free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan :

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

For the Disney quick-service dining plan, everyone in the party ages 3 and up receives two quick-service meals and one snack/nonalcoholic drink (per night of stay), plus one Resort-Refillable Drink Mug.

For more info on dining plan options, check out our blog article, Which Dining Plan at Disney is Right for You? . It’s got everything you need to know about the two plans and will help you figure out which is the best fit for your family. Then, once you’ve booked your qualifying vacation package, you’re all set! Your complimentary dining plan is automatically included, meaning you don’t need to worry about activating it. All you need to do is arrive hungry for vacation fun!

Whether you’re a full-time foodie or just looking to fuel your fun, this limited-time dining plan offer is the perfect reason to plan your next Walt Disney World ® Resort vacation. And it’s just the beginning of the benefits available to Cardmembers. To find out all the ways your Disney Visa Card can make your visit even more magical, take a look through these great Walt Disney World ® Resort Vacation Perks .

The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. If reserving by phone, must mention the offer when booking. Must use a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit. Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in room. Offer is non-transferable. Additional per-adult charges may apply if there are more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Advance package reservations required. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Theme Park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket. Offer excludes the following room types: Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Deluxe Studio – Club Level, 1 Bedroom Villa – Club Level, and 2 Bedroom Lock-Off Villa – Club Level at ˆ Villas – Jambo House, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, and all Moderate and Deluxe Club Level & Suites. Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members. For the Disney Dining Plan, some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase. Learn more at DisneyRewards.com/DineOffer.

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