Looking to splurge a little on your next Walt Disney World adventure? Love exotic animals? Look no further–Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is for you!
While there are several impressive hotels on property, many of them are priced well beyond the scope of my everyday budget. However, when the opportunity to book the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Dennis’s dream hotel, came through the mail in the form of a generous pin code discount, I threw caution to the wind and booked it.
So, why should the average person splurge on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge? There are several reasons, including the exotic animals, the magnificent lobby, the amazing restaurants, the impressive artwork, and the knowledgeable cultural ambassadors.
Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Exotic Animals
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge actually consists of two parts: Jambo House and Kidani Village. Opening in 2001, Jambo House was the orginal hotel. Kidani Village, which opened in 2009 is a Disney Vacation Club property located next door. The animals are the biggest attraction at this hotel. Each room looks out onto some type of savanna.
The 33 acre savanna is home to 100 animals and 130 birds. In each room, guests will find a wildlife spotting guide allowing them to check off different types of animals as they find them. There are three separate areas or savannas: Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima. The animals vary from savanna to savanna, although giraffes are found in each of them. Be sure to take your wildlife guide with you as you explore the resort. You never know when you’ll find an interesting animal, be it an okapi, a red river hog, an addax, or a white-bearded wildebeest.
The Lobby
I think the Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby at Jambo House is one of the most impressive structures on Walt Disney World property. Its design even includes an overhead suspension bridge. There is plenty of seating and so much interesting art to draw your eye.
The Amazing Restaurants
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to three wonderful restaurants. Jiko and Boma are located in Jambo house, while Sanaa is a short walk or bus ride away at Kidani Village. There is also a small quick-service restaurant/food court, The Mara, located near the Uzima Pool, as well as a poolside bar, the Uzima Spring Pool Bar which serves drinks, sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads. If you’re in the mood for some adult beverages or appetizers, be sure to check out the Victoria Falls Lounge on the mezzanine overlooking Boma.
Our goal was to try all the sit-down restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and we succeeded. We had dinner at Sanaa (read about it here), both breakfast and dinner at Boma, and dinner at Jiko. We even purchased flatbreads from The Mara to eat at the airport on our way home. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time on this trip to try out the Uzima Springs Pool Bar, the Victoria Falls Lounge, or room service.
Jiko-The Cooking Place
What can I say? This restaurant is where I had the best steak of my entire life! Jiko is known for its blend of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It features steak, chicken, and seafood, as well as flavorful vegan and vegetarian offerings. The chefs bake flatbreads in twin brick ovens and prepare appetizers in the open kitchen while guests are able to sit and watch.
Walt Disney World’s imagineers put a lot of thought into the design and furnishings of Jiko, making it seem as if you were there at sunset. If you have a chance to take the free culinary tour, it is well worth it. In addition to learning about the symbolism of throughout the restaurant, the hosts serve tasty samples at both Jiko and Boma.
Jiko is only open during dinner hours, and reservations are highly encouraged. If you are using the Disney Dining Plan, this is a two credit restaurant. But, Jiko is so worth it!
Boma
Open for both breakfast and dinner, Boma is a buffet specializing in dishes from 50 different African countries served alongside familiar American favorites. Guests dine under thatched roofs, surrounded by brilliant colors which invoke the vibrant textiles found in Africa.
At breakfast, expect to find the usual fare, such as Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, ham, omelets, pancakes, and fruit, served alongside more diverse options such as sweet plantains, spinach-quinoa salad, and smoked salmon.
For dinner, guests can dine on entrees such as whole roasted salmon, pork ribs and pork shoulder, beef sirloin, roasted chicken and turkey, along with African specialties like pap and chakalaka, fufu, and bobotie. Choose from a variety of soups, stew, sides and salads, as well. You may find couscous, plaintain crisps, different types of rice, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even cabbage. I tried the watermelon rind salad and the apple jicama salad–both were delicious and like nothing I’d ever have at home. Two other favorites…the carrot-ginger soup and the chicken-corn chowder. You’ll also find huge Chermoula-chilled shimp on the salad bar. There’s definitely something for everyone.
And, don’t forget dessert. Boma is known for its zebra domes, thin layers of white cake, with a topping of Amarula liquor mousse covered with white chocolate ganache and drizzled with dark chocolate ganache. They’re delicious! However, there are many other bite-sized delights to choose from, including tiny Key Lime cheesecakes and Kenyan coffee tarts. Or, try the apple cobbler, bread pudding, and various cookies or brownies.
Will you have finicky little ones with you? Never fear! This is Disney, after all. Rest assured that there will be the ubiquitous chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fish stick bites, mac and cheese and other kid-friendly dishes for your child to choose from.
Sanaa
While not located in Jambo house, Sanaa is an interesting restaurant next door at Kidani Village. Guests can either walk or ride a bus. If you are dining at Sanaa, remember that since this is not a buffet or character meal, you are allowed to share meals. Get the bread service and its accompaniments. You won’t be disappointed. To check out our review of Sanaa, click here.
The Mara
The Mara is Jambo House’s counter service restaurant. While not nearly as large as the food courts in the value resorts, Mara has a wonderful selection. You definitely won’t go hungry here. The Mara opens early each day for breakfast and doesn’t close until the wee hours of the night. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink refill or a quick snack. The flatbread pizzas were excellent!
Uzima Springs Pool Bar
If you have a pool day built in to your trip, check out the Uzima Springs Pool Bar. There is a limited menu, but it’s perfect if you don’t want to dry off and go inside. They have cheeseburgers, flatbreads, chicken nuggets, and salads, plus a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Victoria Falls Lounge
Looking for an adult beverage or appetizer? This lounge, tucked away on the mezzanine above Boma, has you covered. Order a drink and sit at the bar or one of the tables or walk up to the nearby firepit. The cheese and charcuterie plate is nice if you just want a snack to share. Or, try the goat cheese dip and crackers. Yum!
Room Service
Tired after your day at the park and want to stay in? One nice feature of deluxe resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge is that they offer private in-room dining. Breakfast is available from 6 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and offers entrees such as eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast, and waffles, along with different sides, including bacon, sausage, ham, fruit, and baked goods. From 11 p.m. until midnight, guest can order chicken wings, a variety of sandwiches and salads, or entrees such as grilled salmon, barbecue ribs, rotisserie chicken, or New York strip steak. Desserts are even available. The Fudgy Gooey Brownie-Oreo Cheesecake sounds decadent! And, the Madagascar Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee…just wow! You can’t go wrong with any of the food at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
The Impressive Artwork
Most people don’t know that Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to the largest collection of African art outside of Africa. There are hundreds of pieces of art displayed throughout the lodge, from the lobbies to the guest room hallways. In addition to the nearly 400 pieces of artwork in these public spaces, the Animal Kingdom Lodge also boast over 4,000 pieces inside the guest rooms. That’s right–you’ll have authentic African art INSIDE your hotel room. Look around–it’s there. Many of the staff can answer questions about the various works of art, or you can take the art tour which is offered on various days of the week from 4:00 to 5:00. There a tour for Jambo house and one for Kidani Village.
The Cultural Representatives
I’m the first to admit it. I don’t know any people who are actually from Africa. However, while visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge, we had the opportunity to speak with several of the cultural representatives and learned more about this amazingly diverse continent. When guests check into their rooms, they will find a monthly recreation calendar. On the calendar, check out the section that says “Cultural Immersion.” While we were there, staff members from all over Africa were available to teach guests different things. We were able to learn words and phrases in various African languages and were introduced to the art of African drumming. Cultural representatives also told us personal stories about their lives in Africa and gave us virtual tours of their homelands.
To see a short video of children playing the drums, click here.
The Luxurious Rooms
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort, and the room furnishings reflect it. Be prepared to find hand-carved furniture and luxurious jewel-toned fabrics, along with a nice selection of toiletries.
At 344 square feet, the rooms are quite spacious. You can choose from two queen beds, a queen and bunk beds, or a king bed. Each room has a table and two chairs. All of rooms have balconies. Two chairs and a small table are located out on the balcony so that quests can watch the animals whenever they are in the room. However, while there is artificial moonlight to help you see the animals at night, many of them will hide further back along the fence line and will be hard to see.
Be aware that room requests and room types can make a huge difference at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We opted for a standard-view room and did not make any requests through www.touringplans.com for this trip, hoping to be upgraded. We were upgraded to a partial savanna view room. I’m not really sure why it was considered partial, however. We could see the animals whenever they were out. Our room was half a mile from the lobby–quite a hike at the end of a long day of walking in the theme park. For a weekend, the location was fine, but for a longer trip, it would have been brutal. If we were to stay at Jambo House again, I would definitely pay for a savanna view room and request one close to the lobby on the third floor or higher.
The Spa
Jambo House is home to the Zahanati Spa and Fitness Center. Guests age 14 and up can take advantage of the services here. There is no fee to use the cardio and weight-training equipment at Zahanati; however, spa services start at $115 for a 50 minute massage. I wish we would have had time to fit in massages–it would have been so relaxing!
Other Fun Activities
Uzima Springs Pool
Many of this resort’s activities are centered around its free-form pool. Jambo House’s zero-entry pool features a fun slide and several staff-led programs. The children’s pool is nearby, along with a small playground. Two secluded hot tubs are available. I appreciated the fact that they weren’t right next to the pool–there were very few children in the hot tubs compared to other resorts.
Campfire Program
The nightly campfire program is located on the Arusha Savanna near the Jambo House lobby. S’more fixings are available for a small fee.
Nightly Movies
Each night at Jambo House, the staff show a different movie under the stars. While we were there, the selection included Aladdin, Monsters, Inc., Moana, Lilo and Stitch, and more.
Arcade
Like all Disney resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge has a game room for children and teens. Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade is located next to The Mara near the pool. It’s the perfect place to get out of the hot summer sun for a few minutes.
Zawadi Marketplace
In addition to your usual Walt Disney World souvenirs, the Zawadi Marketplace has all sorts of African-themed clothing and art. From hand-carved animal figurines to authentic drums, there is something for everyone.
Conclusion
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing resort whether you visit for an evening or stay for a week.There’s so much to see and do! It’s the perfect place for a stay-cation because there is something for everyone from art to animals to great food.
If the Animal Kingdom Lodge is out of your budget, never fear! There’s plenty to do at Disney’s moderate and value resorts. Click here to find out why Pop Century is our go-to value resort. Plus, if you have more than four people in your family, click here to find options on Disney property to accommodate your group.
This is awesome idea. Staying and being able to go for a walk to animals like this is nice.
This lodge on site at the preserve looks very rustic yet luxe m. Would love to visit m.
Wow, I have never heard of this before! But it looks beautiful, great space and rooms and amenities! I’m not too big on the animals, but it looks like they are well taken care of. Thank you for sharing your experience!
That is amazing that you can get a room next to the Animal Kingdom. didn’t know that was happening.
What a great review, thank you for sharing
Yes please. One ticket to that heaven!
Animal kingdom is the best and this close encounter with the wild ones must be added to anybody’s Bucket List!
The place looks perfect.. Great ambience and with awesome discounts.
I would like to visit..i love it, Thanks for sharing!
I would like to visit nect time..I love it, thanks for sharing!
I would like to visit next time..Thanks for sharing!
I would to love to visit next time..thanks for sharing!!!
Don’t ya just love discounts! Nice to experience a place you wouldn’t usually – and what a fab place. Lovely waking up to the animals outside the window!
We stayed at the club over in the grand Floridian, but we went to visit Animal Kingdom and loved the hotel and the theme park x
Now this would be the place I want to stay! I’ve never been terribly excited about going to Disney, but it is something my husband wants to do for a vacation. But I must admit that I could get excited about the Animal Kingdom Lodge, especially the views outside my room. I love giraffes, so it would be awesome to see them from my room. No complaints there! I will agree with you on the lobby being stunning. It is huge!
This is definitely where I would want to stay, I’ve always been a huge fan of animals and so this would just be a dream come true. Thanks for the many pictures, looks great.
Ideal to me! I am big on animal watching, loving and (if allowed) petting, it looks so good!
I wish I could bond better with the idea of going to Disney as an adult. My kids never wanted to go and I finally went in 2011 when my youngest son’s high school marching band performed there. It was fun, but I never get the urge to go back like so many people do. Maybe it was the company (my ex-husband lol) or the massive expense or the crowds, I’m not sure. I will do the Goofy Challenge set of running races there one day, I’ll make sure I come back here and read your suggestions when I do!
Having those exotic animals outside of your room is probably amazing! I can’t wait to go back normal so we could all go back and travel again.
Thanks for an excellent and detailed account of your experience there. I was at Disney with my daughter a few years back and living at the resort is the best and most convenient. There is so much to do and see and we had a great time. Thanks for this. Jerry Godinho
Wow, that’s amazing, would love visit there someday
Tracy, thanks for the detailed info and wonderful pictures. We ALWAYS tend to stay at one of the resorts by EPCOT because we love the location and it feels like “home” to us. But you have piqued my interest in the AK Lodge. It looks like a destination on its own!
Enticing information, will be keeping this in mind.
This is by far one of my favorite resorts on property, the experience is amazing and the restaurants are awesome. The only others l like are the Grand Floridian, The Polynesian Bungalows and Copper Creek Villas.
As someone who perpetually stays in the all stars I want to stay in AK Lodge so badly on my next trip
Wow! Looks amazing! I have never actually stayed at Disney–just have visited the parks during the day! Great pictures!
Seems like a really fun place to be. Good food and nature appreciation. Nice.
I love this! Very helpful for those like me who try to go to Disney every year! I’ve only stayed at a resort once, but hoping to change that.
I’ve always wanted to stay here. Maybe next time we go I can talk my husband into it.
I love ambiance of the place. This is great for summer family gathering.
Nice spot in the hotel.
We just loved the pictures ! took us there!
When I visited the Animal Kingdom years ago I loved it. Had no idea they had a Lodge. Thanks for sharing
I have been to Walt Disney Animal Kingdom. Had loads of fun.
This place looks absolutely gorgeous! The restaurants are stunning! I hope that one day I can visit 🙂
Wow makes me wanna go to animal kingdom again!!!
Wow this place looks really cool. I haven’t been to Disney in 15+ years but I’ve been wanting to go back.
Hi 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I never heard about this before.
Wow! That place looks so nice. My kids would love this place. Next time we go to Disney, this will be my place. Thank you for the details and the amazing photos!!
Omg Disney has this? I never thought animal kingdoms exist! This is so cool.
Wow, this is a unique experiential staycation, feeling the safari inside the hotel. Glad you guys had a blast.
Great Disney fan here! Nice article with amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! the place looks fantastic and I got hungry after the many details you gave us about the yummy food in those restaurants. I’ll definitely take in consideration your recommendations if I go to the Disney’s Animal kingdom. Thanks for sharing your experience
This place looks amazing! The inside of the lodge is so beautiful – especially that bridge across with the view blow!
That lobby looked awesome!!! Anywhere with animals, Im in!
Animal Kingdom is the only park that we have not been to in Disney World. Thanks for these tips
Cool family vacay destination. Thanks for such a descriptive post.
I would love to visit this place
My cousin visited and stayed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom years back. She sent me an e-mail and attached photos of her in her room with giraffe as her background as she was eating breakfast! Was I so amazed at that time! I never knew hotels can have such a beautiful theme, nature and animals. Pretty awesome!
This looks amazing! I’d love to visit here someday!
Wow! I never heard about Disney Lodge! I see the place is for everyone! I need to add the lodge to my bucket list !
I heard about this hotel. I never been to Disney World Florida, I think this would be a perfect place for those animal lovers out there.
This is awesome! Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby at Jambo House is very impressive! I would love stay here, also. Thank you for sharing I love all your photos!
What a beautiful view! It seems you had an incredible experience in the Disney. Thanks for sharing your experience
This place looks amazing, and it’s great that they made it so that there is a place for the animals to roam free, the interior design is great and it gives you that feel like you are in a far away jungle tribe just away from everything 😀
It’s funny we were just talking about going to Disneyland. This looks like such a fantastic vacation get away!
Wow. I always dream of a Disney get away. Some day I shall be able to go!
OK! now I am jealous I wasn’t invited! LOL just kidding. Looks like yall had a good time there. Love that they had animals there 🙂
I love Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is such a cool place. I want to take my grand babies there some day.
I love all the phots you shared. I can’t wait to take my son here. Your post made me want to go right now. I’ve never been. Thanks for sharing
I want to actually do to the Disney lodges and resorts when I go to Disney land. Great post! Beautiful photos
I really want to visit this place so very relaxing and lots of fun l love your photos.
I love animal kingdom!! I would LOVE to stay here – it’s definitely a dream!
Definitely want to go here next time!!
Thanks for the in-depth look at this resort. I’ve always wanted to stay at one of the disney resorts. I’ve got a little one who’s obsessed with animals so I think this is the perfect fit, so much to do and see. Looks like an awesome trip
I think you just helped me decide where to stay when we go next summer! Love that it overlooks the animal habitats
This is one of my husband’s favorite resorts! We stayed there over the summer and had a view of the savanna. We enjoyed dining at Sanaa and Boma and really loved strolling the grounds. We didn’t take advantage of everything it had to offer, but it just means we have to go back. Right? Thanks for sharing more of the details!
I love this! We have never stayed at the Animal Kingdom, but next time we go to Disney that is our plan. 😊
I love Disney! I will be saving this for later!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the place to visit . The Exotic Animals in the parks are by themselves are a selling point. By detailing in words and lovely accompanying pics the the various amenities made for creature comfort;attractive eating places/restaurants and luxurious rooms you have painted a picture of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the place to visit
I’ve never had the opportunity to stay at a deluxe hotel at Disney (a pin code would be helpful!), but we have definitely dined at them! We at at both Boma and Saana and I agree that they’re fantastic!
I love that the animals are right there! Animal Kingdom was one of my favorite parks.
I love Disney World! We haven’t stayed at Animal Kingdom yet but it’s on the list for sure! It looks beautiful!
Wow! Sounds like being on Safari.
Wow! I would love to visit one of these days! Hopefully soon!
Such detailed information. Thank you! That bread service looks like something I would love. I have not visited the restaurants near the Animal Kingdom, I think I need to change that next time I go to Disney!
This looks fantastic! I think this would be the place we would like to book when we plan a visit there. The restaurants sound great, too! Thanks for such an informative post! 🙂 Definitely pinning for later! 🙂
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing resort! The interior decorating is very jungle like.
Looks AMAZING, I have never been to Animal Kingdom. Looks like a beautiful place!
I would definitely love to stay there. The lobby itself won my heart. It kinda give me some Harry Potter-ish feels!
This was a great and informative post! My family are Disneyland freaks. But we are hoping to make it to Disney World some time next year. With two kiddos on the autism spectrum I love attention to detail when discussing hotels! Thank you!
Animal Kingdom is our DVC Home resort and favorite! For most of the reasons you mention here.
We stayed at AKL on a family trip back in 2013. It was so awesome. Thank you for sharing ALL those details! There’s a lot in there that I didn’t notice on our stay. Guess we have to go back! 🙂
WOW! This looks like a super fun place to stay! I went on safar in Africa so while definitely not the same, I would still love another chance to see animals roaming freely around the property.
Very detailed! Thanks !!
This is our all time favorite resort at Disney. We own DVC and for every trip, the kids beg to stay at Animal Kingdom. After seeing all your pictures I can’t wait for our next trip!!!
I love Animal Kingdom! I have always wanted to stay in the lodge too. Great info and photos!
We loved staying here when we visited Disney! That was pre-kiddos, and we hope to go back so they can experience it too! Your post was very informative! Thank you for sharing!
Looks like an amazing place to stay!
My family is coming in July! I can’t wait for all the activities, food and beautiful location.
Wow! The Animal Kingdom Lodge looks amazing! Sounds like I would need to stay a week to enjoy every bit of it.
Experiencing nature has been a passion for me. I love it mindlessly. I am the type that enjoy the rides and rollercoasters but what can a parent do in these age and times that seem to be that all we live to do is just to make our kids happy and hear them say we are the best parent ever?
I may have to take a trip to this place all by myself.
This looks like a magical place. I would love to visit one day.The kids would like it too!
I’ve been here (it’s been ages)! But it really is an incredible property!
I’ve never been to Disney, but now I REALLY want to go! It looks like such a fun adventure.
I am so envious. I had no idea how vast each resort was! Guess we should start planning now so werew ready in 5-6 years when the boys are old enough 😂
I love that you can see the animals from the rooms! However, I wish it was a better connected to the parks. I miss having transportation options besides the bus when I stay there.
I know! I love the MK resorts with the boat ride and monorail access. Can’t wait to try out the Skyliner at Pop Century this fall.
This location definitely seems more adult friendly. I love the animals and I hope theyre rescues. Thank you for all the pictures they were really great.
That looks like such an incredible experience! I think sometimes it’s good to splurge a little. We only get one life to experience all the things we’re interested in! I would love to have a Disney experience again as an adult. The last time I was a teenager and I think I’d appreciate it even more now.
My “Disney Family” has stayed in many a property in Disney World but we have never had the pleasure to stay at The Animal Kingdom Lodge. From what I’ve heard and what you’ve written it is a must do next time! We have eaten there before in Jiko and it was delicious.
I think the pictures of the animals and the pool sold me on going to this place.
Wow! This is such an impressive hotel! Thank you for sharing so many great pics of it.
This sounds amazing! I’ve never stayed at a Disney Resort but that may change soon!
I love Animal Kingdom but never knew they had a lodge too! Looks like such a cool place to stay! I love the bridge/walk way…very cool!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Such a wonderful place. I would love to visit it. Thank you for your sharing so much detail!
Love all the details you provided! Animal Kingdom lodge is on our family’s bucket list! Do you have to be a DVC member to receive the pin discount?
No. Pin code discounts come in the mail. I wish we owned DVC, but we haven’t purchased yet.
I want to go here! I love Disney and this is one of the resorts that I’m looking forward to taking my boys too. The are still young so I have time to save up money to go here. The pictures make it look amazing.
Wow, So much fun stuff! good post! Just a quick suggestion, the photos are not aligned ! Otherwise great post!
Thanks! I’ll look into that.
They look fine to me 🤷♀️
oh wow, you shared so many details, and I really like your photos
This looks really cool for relaxation and e for dates. Nice post