Step into the heart of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of the most unique and immersive resorts at Walt Disney World.
Inspired by the architecture and culture of Africa, this Deluxe Resort surrounds guests with beautiful African artwork, incredible dining and lush savannas where giraffes, zebras and other animals roam just outside the resort.
Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee while watching wildlife from a Savanna View room, exploring the resort’s impressive collection of African art or sitting down for an unforgettable meal, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers an experience that feels like a vacation within your vacation.
At a Glance
🏨 Resort Category: Deluxe Resort
📍 Resort Area: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
👨👩👧👦 Sleeps: Up to 4 adults in most standard rooms; larger suites available
🛏️ Beds: 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed in most standard rooms
🏨 Rooms: 972 guest rooms
🚌 Transportation: Disney Bus Transportation
🏊 Pools: Uzima Springs Pool plus access to Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village
🦒 Unique Feature: Savannas with more than 30 species of African wildlife
🍽️ Dining: Quick-service, table-service, signature dining, lounges & pool bars
✨ Club Level: Available
❤️ Best For: Families, couples, animal lovers, food lovers & guests looking for a unique resort experience
Why Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t simply a place to sleep after a day in the parks. The resort itself is part of the experience.
More than 30 species of African wildlife can be found throughout the resort’s savannas, including giraffes, zebras, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Guests can explore animal-viewing areas throughout the property and participate in educational programs led by Animal Specialists.
The resort is also home to an extensive collection of African art and features architecture and design inspired by the African continent.
For guests who enjoy spending time at their resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers plenty to experience without ever entering a theme park.
Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Guest rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge combine warm African-inspired details with the amenities expected at a Disney Deluxe Resort. Average size of the rooms are 344 square feet.
Standard hotel room categories include:
Resort View
These rooms typically overlook landscaping, rooftops or parking areas and offer a more budget-friendly way to experience Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Water View
Enjoy views of the resort’s pool area.
Savanna View
The signature Animal Kingdom Lodge experience. These rooms overlook one of the resort’s savannas, giving guests the opportunity to watch wildlife from their own balcony.
Most rooms feature two queen beds and sleep up to four adults, while select rooms offer one king bed and sleep up to two adults.
Is a Savanna View Room Worth It?
For many guests, yes, especially if Animal Kingdom Lodge is a resort you’ve always wanted to experience.
Being able to step onto your balcony in the morning and see giraffes or zebras outside is something you simply can’t duplicate at another Walt Disney World Resort.
However, you do not have to book a Savanna View room to see the animals.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has animal-viewing areas throughout the resort, so guests staying in Resort View or Water View rooms can still enjoy the wildlife and savannas.
If keeping the vacation budget lower is more important than having animals outside your room, choosing a less expensive view can be a great way to experience this Deluxe Resort.
Club Level at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Guests looking for an upgraded experience can choose select rooms and suites with Club Level access.
Club Level guests receive access to the Kilimanjaro Club, along with personalized concierge services and refreshments throughout the day. Disney currently lists lounge service from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Club Level can be particularly appealing to guests who plan to spend more time enjoying the resort and want additional convenience during their stay.
Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Dining is one of the biggest reasons to choose Animal Kingdom Lodge—even for guests who aren’t staying here.
The resort offers an impressive variety of African-inspired flavors alongside familiar favorites.
Jiko – The Cooking Place
Jiko is the resort’s signature dining experience, featuring African-inspired cuisine and flavors in an elegant setting. It’s a wonderful choice for couples, celebrations or guests looking for a special dinner during their vacation.
Boma – Flavors of Africa
Boma offers an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet for breakfast and dinner. The menu combines African-inspired dishes with familiar choices, making it approachable even for guests who may be hesitant to try something new.
Sanaa
Located nearby at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Sanaa serves East African-inspired cuisine with Indian influences while overlooking the Sunset Savanna.
And yes—the popular Indian-style Bread Service is one of the reasons many guests make a special trip here!
The Mara
For something more casual, The Mara offers quick-service meals, snacks and drinks.
Additional lounges and poolside dining options are available throughout Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village.
Pools & Recreation
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers beautiful pool areas that continue the resort’s African-inspired atmosphere.
Uzima Springs Pool
Located at Jambo House, Uzima Springs Pool is an 11,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool surrounded by lush landscaping.
The pool features a 67-foot waterslide, and nearby you’ll find whirlpool spas and refreshments.
Samawati Springs Pool
Guests can also enjoy Samawati Springs Pool at nearby Kidani Village.
This zero-entry pool features a 128-foot waterslide along with Uwanja Camp, an interactive water-play area with separate zones designed for different age groups.
Animal viewing and educational activities add another layer to the recreation here. You could easily plan a slower resort day and still have plenty to experience.
Transportation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge provides complimentary bus transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
Unlike several other Disney Deluxe Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge does not offer monorail, boat or Skyliner transportation to the theme parks.
That is one of the biggest considerations when deciding whether this resort is right for your family.
Its location is convenient for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but trips to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios require bus transportation.
For guests who prioritize being able to walk to a theme park or use multiple transportation options, another Deluxe Resort may be a better fit.
Who Is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Best For?
Animal Lovers
This one’s easy. There is simply nothing else quite like waking up and seeing giraffes and zebras outside your resort.
Families
The pools, animals, activities and immersive environment make the resort especially fun for families with children.
Couples
The beautiful surroundings, sophisticated lounges and excellent restaurants make Animal Kingdom Lodge an excellent choice for an adults-only Disney vacation as well.
Food Lovers
With restaurants such as Jiko, Boma and Sanaa, this is one of the strongest Disney Resorts for guests who consider dining an important part of their vacation.
Guests Who Enjoy Resort Time
If your vacation includes pool days, relaxing mornings or evenings at the resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge gives you plenty to enjoy outside the parks.
Things to Consider
Animal Kingdom Lodge is an incredible resort, but it isn’t the perfect choice for everyone.
Transportation: Bus transportation is the primary complimentary option for reaching the theme parks.
Location: If most of your vacation will be spent at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, you may prefer a Deluxe Resort closer to those parks.
Resort Size: Animal Kingdom Lodge includes Jambo House and the nearby Kidani Village villa area, so understanding where your room is located can make a difference.
Savanna View Cost: Savanna View rooms come at a premium. They’re an amazing experience, but you can still enjoy animal viewing throughout the resort without booking one.
