Complete Guide to Animal Kingdom Lodge (w/ review)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of many deluxe hotels at Walt Disney World. It’s located near, you guessed it, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

You can also find Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House on the same property.

This is 1 of 8 Deluxe Resort hotels (not including Deluxe Villas) on Disney World property. What makes this resort special is that it’s kind of like being at Animal Kingdom.

That’s right, you can see wild African animals roaming the grounds, including, but not limited to giraffes and zebras. This is definitely an amazing resort. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Dedicated buses, less expensive than most Deluxe Resorts, great on-site restaurants, 1 of the most gorgeous WDW resorts, Savanna View rooms have view of animals, during less busy times upgrades are often possible

Cons: Not within viewing or walking distance of any theme parks, Standard View could be disappointing, rooms are smaller than average Deluxe Rooms, on-site restaurants are African-themed and may not appeal to everyone

Overview

Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom theme park area. It’s probably one of the most unique hotels at Disney World.

The resort is inspired by the traditional “kraal,” which is a horseshoe-curved design that offers views of four savannas where over 200 animals and birds can be seen. There’s also African-themed dining, fun pool areas, a range of room selections that are also accessible, and so much more.

There are also two Disney Vacation Club resorts on property: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House.

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers regular guest rooms, whereas the “Villas” refer to DVC accommodations available at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. All of the resorts also share the same dining locations.

Because Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House, and Kidani Village are so close to each other, Disney provides an internal shuttle to transport guests between the resorts.

As for Animal Kingdom Lodge specifically, here’s what you need to know.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

Like all Disney Resort hotels, Animal Kingdom Lodge’s theme really comes through. Depending on the room you book, you can either sleep anywhere from 2 to 8 guests.  

There are, of course, the normal amenities provided, like a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi service, a Keurig coffee maker, a telephone, an in-room safe, an iron and ironing board, and a mini-refrigerator.

Plus, plenty of outlets and USB ports are available to charge your devices that you will most likely be using nonstop at the parks.

As for storage, there are drawers and a big closet. And, there’s even space underneath the beds that you can put items like luggage.

Standard Rooms Without Club Level Service

The following standard rooms all have similar layouts. There’s one main living area with a TV, dresser, bed(s), table, kitchenette, and a view. 

The bathrooms have a sink and vanity area that’s separate from the split shower/tub and toilet. There’s also a wall separating the bathroom and bedroom areas providing plenty of privacy.

• Savanna View: 2 Queen Beds, View of one of the savannas
• Pool View: 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed, Views of pool

• Standard View: 2 Queen Beds, Views of rooftop or parking area

• Standard View — King Bed: 1 King Bed, Views of rooftop or parking area
• Savanna View — King Bed: 1 King Bed, View of one of the savannas

• Pool View — King Bed: 1 King Bed, View of pool

Room and Suites with Club Level Services

Rooms and suites with Club Level Services have the regular room amenities previously mentioned, plus access to Disney Signature Services for personal assistance with your vacation.

Furthermore, there are certain Club Level Amenities that are available, including:

• Complimentary fax assistance
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
• Complimentary health club access
• Access to Concierge service at the Kiliminjaro Club
• Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge

As for the rooms, they are much bigger than the typical standard room. They have more features, amenities, storage, space, and some even have different rooms (bedroom, living area, bathroom, kitchenette).

• 2 Bedroom Suite — Club Level Access: 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, View of one of the savannas

• Savanna View — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds, View of Arusha Savanna
• 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, View of one of the savannas
• Standard View 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, Views of rooftop or parking area

• Savanna View King Bed — Club Level Access: 1 King Bed, View of one of the savannas

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms.

You can check out room layouts below.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Room Options

Room type(s)	Bed size	Max people per room	Floor plan
Standard View Views of Rooftop or Parking Area	2 Queen beds	4
Pool View Views of the Pool	2 Queen beds	4
Savanna View View of One of the Savannas	2 Queen beds	4
Standard View King Views of Rooftop or Parking Area	1 King bed	2
Pool View King Views of the Pool	1 King bed	2
Savanna View King View of One of the Savannas	1 King bed	2
Savanna View – Club Level Views of Arusha Savanna	2 Queen beds	4
Savanna View – King Bed – Club Level View of One of the Savannas	1 King Bed	2
Standard View-1 Bedroom Suite-Club Level Views of Rooftop or Parking Area	2 Queen beds and 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa	6
1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level View of One of the Savannas	2 Queen beds and 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa	6
2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level View of One of the Savannas	1 King bed, 2 Queen beds, and 1 Queen-size sleeper sofa	8

VIDEO: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort tour (rooms, pools, dining)

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

The lobby is located in the main building. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

• Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
• Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

In addition to the lobby, you can find much of the main dining and the Zawadi Marketplace, the resort’s gift shop.

The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) and the bus stop are also right outside the main lobby. You can find luggage storage inside the lobby for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package Delivery & Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Parking

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

Resort Map

Animal Kingdom Lodge Building

Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms are located in one main building. All of the rooms are connected by hallways that create a horseshoe-curved design, aka a “kraal.”

This shape offers views of 4 savannas where over 200 animals and birds can be seen.

Animal Kingdom Lodge houses standard rooms with and without access to Club Service. While Kidani Village, one section of the DVC villas on property, are located nearby in a completely separate building, Jambo House, the other section of DVC villas, can be found at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Amenities And Shops

There are several amenities offered to guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge, including a gift shop, on-site laundry services, and even the chance to watch movies outside on a big screen! 

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

• Zawadi Marketplace: Purchase sundires, snacks, souvenirs, and more.

• Laundry Services: There are 24-hour self-service laundry facilities available.
• Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.

• Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies by the Uzima Pool.
• Jambo House Campfire Activities: Roast marshmallows around a campfire.

• Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center: workout facility and sauna with massages and facial treatments
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.

Pools And Recreation

There’s one main pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying the Disney Resort pool.

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

The pool available is:

• Uzima Springs Pool: An 11,000 square-foot pool with 234,980 gallons of water. It has a zero-depth entry point and a 67-foot-long waterslide. There’s also a bar and lounge nearby.

Some other recreational options include:

• Hakuna Matata Playground

• Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade

• Simba’s Playhouse: A Lion King-themed clubhouse hosting complimentary activities for kids

• Wild About Painting: on select days and for $50 per person (plus tax), you can create art and enjoy a complimentary drink 

How to get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to anywhere at Disney World

There is one form of complimentary transportation available at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Walt Disney World buses. You can find the bus stop near the front of the main building.  All of the different ways to get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to anywhere in Disney World is listed below.

Restaurant & Dining Options

There are plenty of dining options available at Animal Kingdom Lodge, including lounges, Quick Service spots, and several Table Service choices. At select locations, Mobile Ordering is also available.

Plus, Boma – Flavors of Africa and Jiko – The Cooking Place also feature Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.

You can read more about the dining options below.

Quick Service

The Mara

This is a food court-style restaurant with several stations that serve burgers, falafel, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and more.

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American, African
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & late-night dining

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit
• Pros: Wide variety of options on the menu, including the very popular Zebra Domes which make a tasty dessert, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
• Cons:  Gets very busy during peak times

Table Service

Boma – Flavors of Africa

Boma is a popular African themed buffet that features unique African fare in addition to some standard American favorites, plus the popular Zebra Dome dessert.

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Jiko features wood-burning ovens, traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, and an extensive list of African wines.

Everything Else

If you want to grab a beverage to drink by the pool or while you’re hanging at the resort, you may want to try the outdoor bar.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros:  Standard bar menu available, as well as some African imports
• Cons: Disney Dining Plan credits not accepted

Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar (Temporarily Closed)

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Cocktails, wine, and beer plus a selection of items from the Jiko menu

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros:  Extensive drink list, including a nice wine selection (many of them are from Africa)
• Cons: Limited seating

Victoria Falls Lounge

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Cocktails, wine, and beer plus a selection of lounge fare

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros:  Extensive drink list, including a nice wine selection (many of them are from Africa)
• Cons: Limited seating

Dining options at Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

There are plenty of dining options available at Kidani Village, including the popular Sanaa (the bread service is a must!).

Plus, Sanaa also features Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.

Sanaa even has Table Service To Go, which allows guests to Mobile Order and take their meal back to their room. You can read more about the dining options below.

Table Service

Sanaa

Sanaa is home to the very popular Bread Service and features African cooking with Indian flavors all with views of the Sunset Savanna.

Everything Else

If you want to grab a beverage to drink by the pool or while you’re hanging at the resort, you may want to try the outdoor bar.

Maji Pool Bar

Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a small selection of entrees

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service Credit
• Pros:  Great place to get a drink and snack while spending time by the pool
• Cons: Service can be slow

Sanaa Lounge

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: Cocktails, wine, and beer plus a handful of appetizers

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros:  Nice ambiance, ability to grab a drink and order the super popular bread service that’s also served inside the restaurant
• Cons: Getting there can be kind of a chore if you aren’t staying at the resort (driving is fastest, but you can take a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge and get off at the Kidani stop)

Schedule Refurbishments

No scheduled refurbishments.

Other Info

• Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Maps
• Pros and Cons of on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Trip reports that included Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge Trip Reports