Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique hotels at Walt Disney World and maybe even in the country! It combines Deluxe Resort amenities with views of African wildlife, immersive theming and some of the best dining on property.

This resort is a great fit for families who want their hotel to feel like part of the vacation, not just a place to sleep. Savanna views, animal-viewing areas, pools and the entire environment makes it one of the most sought after on property resorts.

The biggest tradeoff at Animal Kingdom Lodge is location. Unlike some other Deluxe Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge does not offer walking, Skyliner or Monorail access to the theme parks, so you’ll rely primarily on bus transportation.

Keep reading in our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge review, we’ll cover rooms, transportation, dining, pools, pros and cons, and who we think should stay at this resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Snapshot

If you want to experience true wildlife and safari living during your next vacation, consider a stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

• Category: Deluxe Resort
• Theme: African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic
• Sleeps up To: 12 guests in the larger suites
• Closest To: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
• Transportation: Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village offer bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs
• Check In/Out Time: 4:00 pm / 11:00 am
• Early Entry: Yes, with valid theme park tickets and reservations, we recommend Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora for taller groups. The best family friendly ride to rope drop (not always open during Early Entry) is Kilimanjaro Safaris.
• Extended Evening Hours: Yes, with valid theme park tickets
• Best Price Guarantee: Yes, when you book a Get Away Today package

Is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Worth It?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth the higher Deluxe Resort price for families who want the hotel itself to be part of the vacation and a retreat from the theme parks.

The savannas, dining and resort atmosphere make it a great fit if you’re planning resort time. If your priority is walking or taking the Monorail to multiple theme parks, another Deluxe Resort may be a better fit.

Want to see what Animal Kingdom Lodge costs for your dates? Compare current room and Walt Disney World package prices with Get Away Today

Who Should Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Animal Kingdom Lodge is best for:

• Families who love animals
• Guests planning resort days
• Food-focused travelers
• Families who want a quieter Deluxe Resort
• Guests who value unique theming over park proximity

Who Should Choose Another Hotel?

• Families who prioritize walking to a theme park
• Guests who dislike relying on buses
• Families spending almost no time at their resort
• Budget-focused travelers who don't value the premium amenities

Is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Worth It?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth the higher Deluxe Resort price for families who want the hotel itself to be part of the vacation and a retreat from the theme parks.

The savannas, dining and resort atmosphere make it a great fit if you’re planning resort time. If your priority is walking or taking the Monorail to multiple theme parks, another Deluxe Resort may be a better fit.

Want to see what Animal Kingdom Lodge costs for your dates? Compare current room and Walt Disney World package prices with Get Away Today

Who Should Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Animal Kingdom Lodge is best for:

• Families who love animals
• Guests planning resort days
• Food-focused travelers
• Families who want a quieter Deluxe Resort
• Guests who value unique theming over park proximity

Who Should Choose Another Hotel?

• Families who prioritize walking to a theme park
• Guests who dislike relying on buses
• Families spending almost no time at their resort
• Budget-focused travelers who don't value the premium amenities

Animal Kingdom Lodge Location and Transportation

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Unlike some other Deluxe Resorts, it does not have walking access, Monorail service, Skyliner service or boat transportation to the theme parks.

Complimentary Disney bus transportation is the primary way to get around. Disney buses connect Animal Kingdom Lodge with all four theme parks and Disney Springs. The Jambo House bus stop is near the resort entrance, while Kidani Village has its own bus stop a short walk from the main lobby.

Minnie Van service is available through the Lyft app for an additional cost and can be useful when you want a more direct ride between the resort and another Walt Disney World destination.

Animal Kingdom Lodge transportation is certainly manageable, but remember to add in extra time to your morning in order to get to the parks on time for opening. At Get Away Today, we love to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge for the savanna views, atmosphere, dining and resort experience. It’s a trade off we’re willing to work with because the resort itself is so breathtaking.

Which Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Should You Book?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers everything from standard hotel rooms to Club Level accommodations and multi-bedroom villas, but the best room for your family depends on how much space you need, how much time you’ll spend at the resort and whether a Savanna View is worth the upgrade.

One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that you don’t need a Savanna View room to see the animals. There are viewing areas at nearly every turn, so families trying to save can book a less expensive room and still enjoy the experience.

Standard Room vs. Savanna View

Standard rooms are usually the best choice for families who want the Animal Kingdom Lodge experience without paying extra for the view. Depending on the room category, views may include landscaping, rooftops, parking areas or the pool.

For the signature Animal Kingdom Lodge experience, consider upgrading to a Savanna View room. Being able to step onto your balcony and watch animals roam outside is one of the biggest reasons we love this resort. It truly is magical waking up or winding down to that view!

Deluxe Studios

A Deluxe Studio can be a good middle ground for families who want some of the conveniences of a villa without moving into a larger one- or two-bedroom accommodation.

Studios offer additional features such as a kitchenette, making them useful for families who want to keep breakfast, snacks or simple meals in the room. View options vary and may include Standard, Value or Savanna View categories.

Club Level Rooms and Suites

Club Level is the premium option at Animal Kingdom Lodge and includes access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge with food and beverages throughout the day, along with additional guest services.

Club Level makes the most sense if you plan to spend a large amount of time at the resort and will actually use the lounge and perks throughout your stay.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas for Larger Families

Families who need more space should look at the villas at Jambo House or Kidani Village. Depending on the villa category, these accommodations can include separate bedrooms, full kitchens, living and dining areas, washers and dryers and multiple bathrooms.

One-, two- and three-bedroom villas can be especially useful for larger families, multigenerational trips or longer stays where having extra living space makes the vacation more comfortable.

Which Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Is Best?

• Best value: Standard Room
• Best Animal Kingdom Lodge experience: Savanna View Room
• Best for a small family wanting a kitchenette: Deluxe Studio
• Best for a special occasion or more resort time: Club Level
• Best for larger families: One-, Two- or Three-Bedroom Villa

Before booking, compare the actual price difference between room categories for your travel dates. Sometimes the upgrade to Savanna View or a larger room is small enough to make it worthwhile, while other dates may have a much bigger price difference.

Compare Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms & Vacation Packages

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Pools & Amenities

Long days in the parks deserve long days at your resort pool! It’s just one way to rest your tired feet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – and you won’t be disappointed!

You can choose from the Uzima Springs Pool or Samawati Springs Pool. The Uzima Springs Pool is the biggest, with 11,000-square-feet that face the Uzima Savanna. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise with canopy trees, a zero-depth entry into over 230,000 gallons and 67-foot-long waterslide. It’s the perfect pool for everyone!

The Samawati Springs Pool offers 4,700-square-feet focused on fun. You can brave the 128-foot waterslide or simply relax near the beach-like zero-depth entry. Little ones will love the Uwanja Camp water playground, as it offers different zones for kids of all ages. No matter where you choose to splash, you’ll have a blast!

If you’re looking for something besides swimming, don’t worry. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers campfire activities on select resorts as well as Movies Under the Stars at the Uzima Springs Pool. There’s also the Hakuna Matata Playground to help get the wiggles out and Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade for the older kids.

Here is the complete list of pools and activities available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Uzima Springs Pool
• Samawati Springs Pool
• Uwanja Camp Splash Area
• Jambo House Campfire Activities
• Movies Under the Stars
• Hakuna Matata Playground
• Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade
• Wild About Painting
• Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining

Now it’s time for one of the best parts of our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge review; the dining! You can enjoy every mealtime at Animal Kingdom Lodge with award-winning food.

Start at Sanaa, The Mara or Boma – Flavors of Africa for breakfast. Sanaa offers views of the Sunset Savanna while Boma – Flavors of Africa is like dining in the middle of an open-air marketplace.

For lunch, head back to Sanaa, The Mara or try any of the pool bars. The Mara sits under a canopy of banyan trees and offers dining for every time of day, even into the late-night hours.

If you’re looking for a special night of fine dining, don’t miss Jiko - The Cooking Place. This location does have a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere, so dress accordingly. Inside you will discover a delicious blend of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. Steak, chicken, seafood and plant-based dishes are infused with a uniquely bold blend of tantalizing flavors and fragrant spices.

Another favorite is Tusker House Restaurant. This all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet style dining experience means you can go and grab all the food you can handle. Plus, Donald Duck and some of his Disney pals have taken a break from their safari adventure to celebrate with you. Be sure to get a picture and a hug from the gang as they venture around the dining room.

Tusker House is nestled in the Harambe Marketplace and its menu filled with African-inspired flavors and classic dishes like:

• Zebra Coffee Cake
• Simba Waffles
• Mickey Waffles
• Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken
• Green Curry Shrimp
• Cauliflower Bunny Chow

Book Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. Book your next Orlando vacation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! Remember that all 2-Night and longer Walt Disney World vacation packages include complimentary concierge services from a Get Away Today travel expert.

For a stay this exquisite we recommend staying at least 5 nights, with 4-day Park Hopper tickets. This will give you time to not only enjoy your resort amenities but also allows you to experience one day at each of the main theme parks. If you have less time, we recommend considering a Park Hopper ticket so you can still experience all four parks.

We also recommend the Water Park and Sports Option add-on to visit the nearby Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon during your stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

BOOK THIS VACATION BUTTON

A specialist can help you book available experiences, dining and the perfect Disney resort hotel room for your vacation, including a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Check out our Walt Disney World vacation packages online or call an agent at 855-GET-AWAY.