Animal Kingdom Lodge: A Complete Guide
Jambo House Lobby
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique and immersive experience that offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with African wildlife. Located in Bay Lake, Florida, the lodge is part of the Walt Disney World Resort and is just a short distance from the Animal Kingdom theme park. The lodge is designed to resemble an African village, with thatched roofs, hand-carved furnishings, and authentic African art and artifacts.
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to suites and villas split between two buildings, Kidani Village and Jambo House. All rooms are decorated with African-inspired decor and offer views of the resort, parking lot, savanna or the pool. The villas offer additional space and amenities, including full kitchens and private balconies. The lodge also offers a variety of dining options, including signature restaurants, quick-service options, and a lounge with a view of the savanna.
Key Takeaways
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique and immersive experience that offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with African wildlife.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is divided into two buildings, Kidani Village and Jambo House.
The Resort offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to suites and villas, all decorated with African-inspired decor and offering views of the resort, parking lot, savanna or the pool.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best restaurants on Disney property, including Boma!
Overview of Animal Kingdom Lodge
If you're looking for a unique and immersive experience during your Walt Disney World vacation, look no further than Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This deluxe resort is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area and boasts an African theme that will transport you to the heart of the continent.
The horseshoe-curved design of the lodge provides stunning views of four lush savannas that are home to over 200 hoofed animals and birds. You can watch these majestic creatures graze and roam from the comfort of your own balcony or from one of the many viewing areas throughout the resort.
But Animal Kingdom Lodge is more than just a place to observe wildlife. The resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities for guests of all ages. Take a dip in one of the two heated outdoor pools, including the zero-entry Uzima pool with a 67-foot-long water slide. Or, relax in one of the whirlpool spas while enjoying views of the savanna.
If you're looking for a bite to eat, Animal Kingdom Lodge has you covered with a variety of dining options. Jiko - The Cooking Place offers a fine dining experience with a menu inspired by the flavors of Africa, while Boma - Flavors of Africa serves up a buffet of African-inspired dishes, with one of the best breakfasts on Disney property. For a quick bite, you can grab a sandwich or salad at The Mara or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at one of the resort's lounges.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or on your own, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is sure to provide a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.
Room Types at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Standard or Resort View Rooms
The standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge are available with either two queen beds or one king bed. All rooms come with a a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. The decor is inspired by the African savanna, with warm colors and tribal patterns.
Views available include Rooftop, Parking Area, Pool or Savanna.
Suites
For a luxurious experience, or families that need more space, consider booking one of the suites at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The one-bedroom suites come with a separate living and dining area, as well as a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and microwave. The two-bedroom suites are even more spacious, with a full kitchen and washer and dryer.
Views available include Rooftop, Parking Area, Pool or Savanna.
Wildlife and Savannas
Animal Observation
View of the Savanna from a Savanna View Room
One of the main attractions at Animal Kingdom Lodge is the opportunity to observe live safari animals in their natural habitats. With over 30 species of African wildlife and more than 200 animals living at the lodge's reserve, you can witness these majestic creatures up close and personal. You can enjoy animal observation from various viewing areas throughout the resort, including your own balcony.
The savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge are divided into three areas: Sunset Savanna, Arusha Savanna, and Uzima Savanna. Each savanna has its own unique set of animals, providing a diverse range of animal observation opportunities. The Sunset Savanna is home to male giraffes, bongos, impalas, Thompson's gazelles, ostriches, Ankole cattle, waterbucks, African crown cranes, storks, and blue cranes. The Arusha Savanna is home to pelicans, geese, giraffes, Ankole cattle, zebras, wildebeests, elands, and gemsboks. The Uzima Savanna is home to giraffes, impalas, kudus, bongos, blesboks, and Thompson's gazelles.
Previously, Savanna View rooms included the opportunity to view the animals from your room using night vision goggles provided by Walt Disney World. It’s important to note the night vision goggles are no longer available at the resort.
Wildlife Field Guide
If you're interested in learning more about the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can pick up a wildlife field guide at the front desk. The guide provides detailed information about the different species of animals that live on the savannas, including their habitats, diets, and behaviors. The guide is also a great resource for identifying the different animals you might see during your stay.
Some of the animals you might see on the savannas include zebras, giraffes, kudus, gazelles, wildebeests, and flamingos. The field guide also provides information about the animal programs at the resort, including the night vision animal viewing program and the Wild Africa Trek.
Dining Options
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers some of the best dining options at Walt Disney World. They include:
Boma
Boma is one of the best breakfast at Walt Disney World
Boma is a buffet-style restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. The restaurant's decor is inspired by African art and architecture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The breakfast buffet features a variety of dishes, including eggs, bacon, sausage, and African pastries. For dinner, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes African-inspired dishes like Durban-style roasted chicken, spit-roasted pork loin, and seafood stew.
The breakfast at Boma is one of our favorite meals and one of the highest rated meals from our guests who visit!
Jiko
Jiko is a signature dining experience that serves African-inspired cuisine for dinner only. The restaurant's kitchen is open, allowing you to see the chefs at work. The menu features dishes like Botswana-style Seswaa Beef Short Rib, Maize-crusted Wild Atlantic Sea Bass, and Peri-Peri Shrimp. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with over 130 African wines available.
Sanaa
Sanaa is the only restaurant located at Kidani Village. Sanaa is a dinner only table-service restaurant that offers Indian-style bread service, African-inspired dishes, and views of the savanna. The menu features dishes like Butter Chicken, Lamb Kefta, and Spicy Durban Shrimp. The Indian-style bread service includes a variety of bread and accompaniments like Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and Mango Chutney.
The Mara
The Mara is a quick-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each Disney resort has a cafeteria style quick-service restaurant and The Mara serves that purpose at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The menu features dishes like the Bounty Platter for breakfast, Grilled Chicken Sandwich for lunch, and African Potjie Stew for dinner. The restaurant also offers a Mobile Order service, allowing you to order and pay for your food using your mobile device.
*The Mara is located at Jambo House. There is no quick-service option at Kidani Village, which can be an important distinction when selecting a room!
Resort Facilities and Services
Pools
Uzima Pool with Zero Edge Entry
Animal Kingdom Lodge features two pools for guests to enjoy: Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool. Uzima Pool is located at Jambo House and is the larger of the two and features a zero-depth entry point, a 67-foot-long waterslide, and a nearby hot tub. Samawati Springs Pool is located at Kidani Village and is a quieter option and features a 128-foot-long waterslide and a nearby hot tub.
Recreation
There are plenty of recreational activities available at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests can take part in a variety of activities such as African drumming, wildlife games, and animal viewing sessions. There is also a fitness center and jogging trail available for guests who want to stay active during their stay.
Concierge Service
The concierge service at Animal Kingdom Lodge is available to assist you with any needs you may have during your stay. They can help you with reservations, transportation, and any other questions you may have. You can also use the My Disney Experience app to access concierge services and other helpful information.
Transportation Options
Disney Bus Transportation is available to take you to and from the parks and other destinations within Walt Disney World Resort. There is also a complimentary shuttle service available to take you to and from the airport.
Gift Shop
The Zawadi Marketplace gift shop offers a variety of African-inspired gifts and souvenirs. You can find everything from clothing and jewelry to artwork and home decor. There is also a selection of snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Overall, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a variety of facilities and services to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From pools and recreational activities to concierge services and transportation options, you will have everything you need to make the most of your time at the resort.
The Villages
If you're looking for a place to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you'll have two options: Kidani Village and Jambo House.
Kidani Village
Kidani Village is a Disney Vacation Club resort that offers spacious villas with kitchens, living areas, and private balconies. The villas are decorated with African-inspired artwork and have views of the savannas. Kidani Village also has its own pool, fitness center, and restaurant, Sanaa.
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is known as a Disney Vacation Club Resort, but you are not required to be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay there!
The resort's Uwanja Camp is a fun-filled activity area for kids that includes a water play area, rope bridge, and animal tracking games. It’s part of the pool at Kidani Village!
There is van transportation between Kidani Village and Jambo house, or you can walk between buildings (about 10 minutes).
Jambo House
Jambo House is what many consider to be Animal Kingdom Lodge, because a lot of people are unaware Kidani Village exists! Jambo House has both standard rooms and villas, with all view types (Resort, Parking Lot, Roof Top, Pool and Savanna).
Jambo House has more dining options, including Jiko - The Cooking Place, which serves African-inspired cuisine, and Boma - Flavors of Africa, which has a buffet with dishes from across the continent and The Mara quick-service. The resort also has a pool, fitness center, and spa.
Both Kidani Village and Jambo House offer easy access to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park and have complimentary transportation to other Walt Disney World Resort parks.
Our Experience
We’ve stayed with our family of 5 in a Savanna View 1 bedroom suite at Kidani Village and we’ve stayed in a Resort View Standard Room. Savanna View rooms are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. How often can you wake up and see giraffes from your balcony?
For us, we recommend and prefer Jambo House over Kidani Village, particularly with kids. The transportation and walk to get to Jambo House from Kidani can be a pain and you need to make the trek for food, and transportation to the parks. The pool is great for kids and it’s quieter, but the dining and convenience offered by Jambo House make it a much better option (in our opinion).
Contact Information
Address
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is located at 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
Phone Number
If you need to contact the resort for any reason, you can call (407) 938-3000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the perks of staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge gives you the opportunity to experience an African-inspired atmosphere, with incredible views of the savannas and over 200 animals and birds. You can also enjoy unique dining options, such as Jiko - The Cooking Place and Boma - Flavors of Africa. Additionally, guests have access to complimentary transportation to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
What is included in a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
A stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge includes access to all of the resort's amenities, such as the pools, fitness center, and arcade. Guests also have access to complimentary transportation to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks. However, please note that some amenities may require an additional fee.
What is the best time of year to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge?
The best time to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge depends on your preferences. If you prefer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, consider visiting in the fall or winter. If you prefer warmer temperatures and longer park hours, consider visiting in the spring or summer. Keep in mind that peak travel times, such as holidays and school breaks, may result in higher prices and larger crowds.
Is Animal Kingdom Lodge connected to Animal Kingdom?
No, Animal Kingdom Lodge is not connected to Animal Kingdom. However, the resort is located just a few minutes away from the park and offers complimentary transportation to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
How do I get to Animal Kingdom Lodge?
You can get to Animal Kingdom Lodge by taking private transportation or a shuttle service from Orlando International Airport. Alternatively, you can drive to the resort and take advantage of complimentary self-parking. Once you arrive at the resort, you can use the complimentary transportation to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
