Walt Disney World groups their onsite hotels into four categories:

• Deluxe Villa
• Deluxe Resort
• Moderate Resort
• Value Resort

This is one of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resort properties, which means you can expect a theming and experience unlike any other. While deluxe Resort hotels do have a higher price tag, they usually come with amenities that warrant the higher number

Other Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World include:

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort (close to EPCOT and Disney's Hollylwood Studios)
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas (close to EPCOT)
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort (close to Magic Kingdom)
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (close to Magic Kingdom)
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (close to Magic Kingdom)
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (close to Magic Kingdom)
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (close to EPCOT)

Keep reading our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge review to find out more about the rooms, dining, location and more.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

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

Photo courtesy of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms

Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent deluxe resort hotel. The building itself is Inspired by the traditional African kraal. Its horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge there are a variety of room types for small groups and larger families alike from standard rooms to suites and villas.

View options include standard (parking lot, rooftop), landscape, pool or Savanna views. Rooms at Animal Kingdom have so much to offer including many amenities to make you feel right at home. No matter which room view you choose, there’s plenty of floor to ceiling views of the Savanna throughout the resort.

Standard and Preferred Rooms

Choose from two Queen beds for a room that sleeps up to four, or enjoy a King room that sleeps up to two guests. Standard rooms typically have views of a parking lot or rooftop. The bathroom is sectioned off from the vanity area allowing family members to share the space with privacy when needed.

If you’re looking for a better view, you can upgrade your standard room to a pool view. But of course for the ultimate Animal Kingdom Lodge view we recommend a Savanna view! Savanna and pool views are also set up with two Queen beds for a room that sleeps up to four, or a King room that sleeps up to two guests.

Inside your room you'll also have access to:

• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Soap and Body Wash
• Hairdryer
• Internet - Free WiFi Service
• Coffee Maker
• Telephone with voicemail
• In-Room Safe
• Mini-refrigerator
• Steamer
• Small table and chairs
• Dresser
• Closet
• Patio or Balcony

Deluxe Studios

When booking your Deluxe Studio, you have three view options:

• Savanna view where you can view one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park’s expansive Savannas where real animals roam.
• Standard view with views of landscaping, pool or parking lot areas.
• Value view with views of landscaping or parking lot areas.

A Deluxe Studio, no matter the view, sleeps up to four. Each room has one Queen bed and one Double size sleeper sofa. Layouts will vary but also include a kitchenette. This room type is also available as a Club level option.

Inside your room you’ll also have access to:

• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Soap and Body Wash
• Hairdryer
• Internet - Free WiFi Service
• Coffee Maker
• Paper plates and utensils
• Telephone with voicemail
• In-Room Safe
• Mini-refrigerator
• Microwave
• Steamer
• Small table and chairs
• Dresser
• Closet
• Patio or Balcony

Club Level Rooms and Suites

Club Level at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the ultimate deluxe experiences. Upon arrival you’ll have personalized and expedited front desk services. Club Level guests also enjoy these exclusive perks:

• Complementary health club access
• Daily Club Level lounge serving complimentary drinks and refreshments
• Access to Concierge service at the Kilimanjaro Club
• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge

When booking your Club Level room or suite, you have two view options either Savanna view or rooftop/parking lot views.

Among the many things a Club Level stay has going for you, there are also many room types with the largest sleeping up to twelve guests.

Here are all the variety of Club Level rooms and suites available:

• Savanna View Club Level King sleeps two with 1 King bed.
• Savanna View Club Level sleeps four with 2 Queen beds.
• 1 Bedroom Suite Club Level sleeps six with 2 Queen beds and 1 Queen sleeper sofa.
• 2 Bedroom Suite Club Level sleeps eight with 1 King bed, 2 Queen beds and 1 Queen sleeper sofa.

For families ready to book that extra magical getaway, we recommend a Club Level room to fit your family with access to drinks and refreshments daily during your stay. Or keep reading for the villa options which also have full kitchens, washer and dryer and more room to roam.

Inside your Club level room you’ll also have access to:

• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Soap and Body Wash
• Hairdryer
• Internet - Free WiFi Service
• Coffee Maker
• Paper plates and utensils
• Telephone with voicemail
• In-Room Safe
• Mini-refrigerator
• Steamer
• Small table and chairs
• Dresser
• Closet
• Patio or Balcony

One to Three Bedroom Villas

Vacation with all the magic of Disney and perks of home by booking a stay at one of the stunning Villas on property at Animal Kingdom Lodge. When booking your Villa, you have two view options:

• Savanna view where you can view one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park’s expansive Savannas where real animals roam.
• Standard view with views of landscaping or parking lot areas.

Regardless of the view, these Villas can sleep from one to twelve guests. Choose from one of many spacious options:

• 3 Bedroom Grand Villa with 2300 square feet of space 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa. Also includes 3 full bathrooms (Jambo House) or 4 full bathrooms (Kidani Village), a full kitchen, living and dining areas, game room, washer and dryer, and a balcony. Sleeps up to twelve guests.
• 2 Bedroom Villa with 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair. Also includes 3 full bathrooms (Kidani Village), a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony. Sleeps up to five guests.
• 1 Bedroom Villa with 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair. Also includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony. Sleeps up to five guests. This room type is also available as a Club level option.

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!

Photo courtesy of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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.

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.

Photo courtesy of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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

We Recommend…

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. 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.

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.