Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a one-of-a-kind resort that transports guests to the heart of Africa with its breathtaking savanna views, rich cultural design, and immersive storytelling. This deluxe resort offers the rare opportunity to wake up to giraffes, zebras, and other exotic wildlife just outside your balcony. With some of the best dining in Walt Disney World, exceptional service, and luxurious accommodations, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a favorite among Disney fans looking for a truly unique stay.

Who Would Enjoy Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Animal Kingdom Lodge is perfect for:

• Anyone who wants a resort-focused vacation, as Animal Kingdom Lodge offers so much to explore without even leaving the property. The resort’s immersive theming, stunning savanna views, and incredible dining make it a destination in itself.
• Families who have already visited Walt Disney World and want a different experience. If Animal Kingdom is your favorite park, staying here enhances the magic.
• Guests with a car, as having your own transportation can make it easier to visit other Disney parks and surrounding areas.
• Families who love animals and want a resort that feels like part of the adventure.
• Couples looking for a romantic getaway with serene surroundings and incredible dining.
• Disney fans seeking a resort with a unique theme and immersive atmosphere.
• Foodies eager to try some of the most highly rated restaurants in Walt Disney World.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is also our favorite resort for a pre-cruise stay before sailing out of Port Canaveral. Since we’re not focused on park time, we can fully enjoy everything the resort has to offer—from the savanna views to the incredible dining—making for a truly relaxing start to our vacation.

Where is the Animal Kingdom Lodge Located?

Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is the closest resort to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, though it is slightly farther from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios compared to other deluxe resorts. Disney bus transportation is available to all theme parks and Disney Springs.

Jambo House vs. Kidani Village

Animal Kingdom Lodge consists of two distinct buildings: Jambo House and Kidani Village.

• Jambo House is the main building and home to most of the resort’s standard rooms and club-level accommodations. It has a grand, breathtaking lobby and offers a mix of traditional hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas.
• Kidani Village is a dedicated Disney Vacation Club property featuring spacious villas with kitchenettes or full kitchens. It has a quieter, more intimate feel and is a short walk (or shuttle ride) from Jambo House.

Both buildings offer incredible savanna views and access to the resort’s unique amenities, but Jambo House has more dining options and a livelier atmosphere, while Kidani Village is ideal for those seeking a quieter retreat.

Room Types at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Standard View Room – Offers views of the parking area or rooftops, making it the most budget-friendly option.

Savanna View Room – The most popular choice, these rooms overlook the resort’s savannas, where you can see giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife from your balcony.

Pool View Room – A nice middle-ground option with views of the resort’s lushly themed pool area.

Club Level Room – Located in Jambo House, these rooms come with access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge, which includes complimentary food, drinks, and concierge services.

1-, 2-, and 3-Bedroom Villas – Available in both Jambo House and Kidani Village, these villas include a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and plenty of space—great for families or larger groups.

Deluxe Studio Villas – Found in Kidani Village and Jambo House, these are slightly larger than standard rooms and include a kitchenette.

Are There Rooms to Avoid at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

While every room at Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a high-quality experience, some guests prefer to avoid:

• Standard view rooms, as they do not include the iconic savanna views that make Animal Kingdom Lodge special.
• Lower floor rooms, which may have obstructed views of the animals due to landscaping.
• Rooms far from the lobby, as the resort is large, and long walks may be required to reach dining and transportation areas.

Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers one of the most sought-after Club Level experiences at Walt Disney World. Club Level rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge are only available at Jambo House, as Kidani Village does not have its own concierge level.

Kilimanjaro Club Lounge

Guests staying in Club Level rooms or Club Level villas have access to the Kilimanjaro Club Lounge, located on the sixth floor of Jambo House. This lounge offers complimentary food and beverages throughout the day and personalized concierge services. The space itself is warm and inviting, with African-inspired decor and large windows that provide a partial overlook of the stunning lobby below.

Club Level Perks & Amenities

• Exclusive Lounge Access – The Kilimanjaro Club Lounge serves light snacks, hot and cold beverages, and an impressive selection of wine, beer, and spirits in the evening.
• Daily Food Offerings – The lounge follows the standard Disney Club Level schedule, with the following service times:
  • Continental Breakfast: Pastries, fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, and juices.
  • Midday Snacks: Chips, nuts, cookies, and trail mix.
  • Evening Hors d’Oeuvres: A rotation of African-inspired appetizers, soups, cheeses, and bread (often from Animal Kingdom Lodge’s highly-rated restaurants).
  • Desserts & Cordials: A selection of sweets paired with after-dinner liqueurs and coffee.
• Personalized Concierge Services – Club Level guests have access to a concierge team that can assist with dining and other trip planning needs.
• Access to the Exclusive Sunrise Safari (Pre-Closure) – Before the pandemic, Club Level guests had the opportunity to book a private Sunrise Safari experience. While this has not returned, there’s always a chance it may come back in the future.

Is Club Level Worth It at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best values for Club Level at Disney because it is often priced lower than other Deluxe resorts while still offering excellent food and beverage options. However, because Animal Kingdom Lodge is further from most parks, guests who spend all day in the parks may not take full advantage of the lounge offerings. This experience is ideal for those who plan to enjoy the resort itself, whether relaxing in the lounge between park visits or spending a slower-paced day at the lodge.

Best Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a food lover’s paradise, offering some of the most unique and highly rated dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Whether you’re looking for a signature dining experience, a quick grab-and-go meal, or an authentic taste of African and Indian flavors, this resort has something for everyone.

Signature Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jiko – The Cooking Place (Jambo House)

• The most upscale dining option at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko is a signature restaurant featuring bold African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors.
• Known for its wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, and handcrafted artisanal dishes.
• Home to one of the largest South African wine selections outside of Africa.
• Standout dishes: Oak-grilled filet mignon with mac & cheese, Botswana-style beef short rib, and their famous wild boar tenderloin.
• Atmosphere: Elegant yet warm, with an open kitchen and beautiful lighting that changes to reflect the African sunset.

Table-Service Restaurants

Boma – Flavors of Africa (Jambo House)

• A buffet-style restaurant offering a mix of African-inspired dishes and classic American favorites.
• Breakfast features freshly made omelets, African-style pastries, and the famous jungle juice (a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava).
• Dinner includes an array of soups, salads, grilled meats, and authentic African stews.
• Standout dishes: Butternut squash soup, bobotie (a South African-style spiced meat and egg dish), and zebra domes (a must-try dessert).
• Atmosphere: Vibrant and welcoming, designed to feel like an African marketplace.

 Sanaa (Kidani Village)

• A hidden gem with an Indian and African-inspired menu, famous for its Indian-style bread service with nine different dips and chutneys.
• Dine with a view of the Sunset Savanna, where you might spot giraffes, zebras, and other animals right outside the window.
• Standout dishes: Butter chicken, braised beef short ribs, and the Tanzanian lamb shank.
• Atmosphere: Casual yet exotic, with warm colors, handcrafted lanterns, and large windows overlooking the savanna.

Quick-Service & Lounge Dining

The Mara (Jambo House – Quick Service)

• The main quick-service restaurant at the resort, offering grab-and-go meals, sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees.
• Standout dishes: African-inspired breakfast platter, chicken pita, and the famous zebra domes (available without needing a reservation at Boma!).
• Perfect for: A quick meal before heading to the parks or a casual lunch by the pool.

Victoria Falls Lounge (Jambo House – Lounge & Bar)

• A cozy, elevated lounge with specialty cocktails, wine, and light bites.
• Located on a mezzanine overlooking the Jambo House lobby.
• Best drinks to try: Victoria Falls Mist (a refreshing rum cocktail) or the Espresso Martini.
• Perfect for: A pre-dinner drink before heading to Jiko or Boma.

Sanaa Lounge (Kidani Village – Lounge & Bar)

• A laid-back spot where you can enjoy small plates, cocktails, and wine without a full reservation at Sanaa.
• Best drinks to try: Painted Lemur (a sweet, creamy Amarula-based drink) or the African Starr Mojito.
• Perfect for: A relaxing drink with a view of the savanna.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar (Jambo House – Pool Bar) & Maji Pool Bar (Kidani Village – Pool Bar)

• Both locations offer refreshing cocktails, beer, wine, and light snacks by the pool.
• Best drinks to try: The Safari Amber beer (brewed exclusively for Disney) or the Ngumu Jungle Juice cocktail.

Pools and Recreation at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Uzima Springs Pool – A large zero-entry pool at Jambo House with a waterslide and hot tubs.
• Samawati Springs Pool – Located at Kidani Village, featuring a waterslide, hot tubs, and the Uwanja Camp water playground.
• Animal Viewing Areas – Multiple areas around the resort where guests can watch giraffes, zebras, and more.
• Cultural Experiences – Storytelling, drumming, and activities led by cultural representatives.
• Night Vision Animal Viewing – A unique opportunity to observe animals after dark.
• Fitness Center & Spa Services – For those looking to relax and stay active during their stay.

Shopping at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Zawadi Marketplace – Located in Jambo House, offering African-inspired art, Disney merchandise, and snacks.
• Johari Treasures – A smaller shop in Kidani Village with souvenirs, groceries, and essentials.

FAQs About Animal Kingdom Lodge

What makes the Animal Kingdom Lodge special?

Animal Kingdom Lodge is unique because of its African-inspired architecture, immersive theming, and the ability to see real animals from the comfort of your room or resort viewing areas.

Is the Animal Kingdom Lodge a deluxe resort?

Yes, Animal Kingdom Lodge is classified as a deluxe Disney resort, offering high-end accommodations, exceptional dining, and premium amenities.

How much does it cost to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Pricing varies by season, but here’s a general idea:

• Standard View Rooms: $450–$600 per night
• Pool View Rooms: $500–$650 per night
• Savanna View Rooms: $650–$850 per night
• Club Level Rooms: $850–$1,200 per night

Disney Vacation Club Villas (Kidani Village & Jambo House):

• Deluxe Studio: $550–$750 per night
• 1-Bedroom Villa: $850–$1,100 per night
• 2-Bedroom Villa: $1,300–$1,800 per night
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villa: $2,500+ per night

Prices fluctuate based on the time of year, with the most expensive rates during holidays and peak seasons. Discounts are sometimes available for Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, or special promotions.

Can You Dine at Animal Kingdom Lodge Without Staying There?

Yes! You don’t need to be a guest at the resort to enjoy its incredible dining options. Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa are all open to non-resort guests, but reservations are strongly recommended. If you just want to check out the resort and grab a quick meal, The Mara and the lounges are excellent options.

Do you see giraffes at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes!  Giraffes are one of the most popular animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and you can often spot them from Savanna View rooms, as well as from the public viewing areas around the resort. They are frequently seen grazing and wandering the savannas throughout the day.

What other animals can you see?

Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to over 200 animals and 30 different species! Some of the incredible wildlife you might see include:

• Zebras
• Ankole cattle
• Okapi
• Gazelles and antelopes
• Flamingos
• Ostriches
• Warthogs
• Wildebeest

Each savanna has a unique mix of animals, so you may see different species depending on where you’re staying or exploring around the resort.

What time do the animals come out at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

The animals are visible throughout the day, but they are most active in the early morning and around dusk when temperatures are cooler. If you want the best viewing experience, head to the savanna overlooks around sunrise or sunset. You can also ask the animal specialists at the resort about feeding times and activity patterns!

Does the Animal Kingdom Lodge have a good pool?

Yes! The resort has two fantastic pools, Uzima Springs and Samawati Springs, both featuring waterslides, hot tubs, and beautiful tropical theming.

How do I get to the parks from Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Disney provides complimentary bus transportation to all theme parks and Disney Springs from Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Is there a difference between Jambo House and Kidani Village?

Yes! Jambo House is the main building and includes the majority of hotel rooms, club-level accommodations, and most restaurants. Kidani Village is part of Disney Vacation Club and features villa-style accommodations and Sanaa restaurant.

Are there any discounts available for Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Disney occasionally offers discounts on rooms for Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, and general promotions. A travel advisor can help find the best available rates.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is an unforgettable resort that blends luxury with adventure, making it a fantastic choice for families, couples, and Disney enthusiasts alike.

Ready to Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge? Let’s Plan Your Trip!

If you’re ready to experience the magic, I’d love to help! Let’s plan your Walt Disney World vacation with expert guidance and complimentary concierge services!

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