Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of many deluxe hotels at Walt Disney World. But, what makes this resort special is that it’s kind of like being at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That’s right, you can see wild African animals roaming the grounds, including, but not limited to giraffes and zebras. This is definitely an amazing resort. 

Overview

Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom theme park area. It’s probably one of the most unique hotels at Disney World.

The resort is inspired by the traditional “kraal,” which is a horseshoe-curved design that offers views of four savannas where over 200 animals and birds can be seen. There’s also African-themed dining, fun pool areas, a range of room selections that are also accessible, and so much more.

There are also two Disney Vacation Club resorts on property: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House. Animal Kingdom Lodge offers regular guest rooms, whereas the “Villas” refer to DVC accommodations available at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. All of the resorts also share the same dining locations.

As for Animal Kingdom Lodge specifically, here’s what you need to know.

View Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Maps

Rooms And Bathrooms

Like all Disney Resort hotels, Animal Kingdom Lodge’s theme really comes through. Depending on the room you book, you can either sleep anywhere from 2 to 8 guests.  

There are, of course, the normal amenities provided, like a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi service, a coffee maker, a telephone, an in-room safe, an iron and ironing board, and a mini-refrigerator.

Plus, plenty of outlets and USB ports are available to charge your devices that you will most likely be using nonstop at the parks.

As for storage, there are drawers and a big closet. And, there’s even space underneath the beds that you can put items like luggage.

Standard Rooms

The following standard rooms all have similar layouts. There’s one main living area with a TV, dresser, bed(s), table, kitchenette, and a view. 

The bathrooms have a sink and vanity area that’s separate from the split shower/tub and toilet. There’s also a wall separating the bathroom and bedroom areas providing plenty of privacy.

• Savanna View: 2 Queen Beds, View of one of the savannas
• Pool View: 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed, Views of pool

• Standard View: 2 Queen Beds, Views of rooftop or parking area

• Standard View — King Bed: 1 King Bed, Views of rooftop or parking area
• Savanna View — King Bed: 1 King Bed, View of one of the savannas

• Pool View — King Bed: 1 King Bed, View of pool

Room and Suites with Club Level Services

Rooms and suites with Club Level Services have the regular room amenities previously mentioned, plus access to Disney Signature Services for personal assistance with your vacation.

Furthermore, there are certain Club Level Amenities that are available, including:

• Complimentary fax assistance
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
• Complimentary health club access
• Access to Concierge service at the Kiliminjaro Club
• Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge

As for the rooms, they are much bigger than the typical standard room. They have more features, amenities, storage, space, and some even have different rooms (bedroom, living area, bathroom, kitchenette).

The Presidential Suite is exactly what you think it is featuring a Master Bedroom and Bath, another bedroom, amazing views, a kitchen, a foyer, an office space, and more. It’s also the most expensive option you can choose.

• 2 Bedroom Suite — Club Level Access: 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, View of one of the savannas

• Savanna View — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds, View of Arusha Savanna
• 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, View of one of the savannas
• Standard View 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, Views of rooftop or parking area

• Royal Asante Presidential Suite — Club Level Access: 2 Queen Beds and a Master Bedroom and a Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, View of savanna and Jambo House
• Savanna View King Bed — Club Level Access: 1 King Bed, View of one of the savannas

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms.

You can check out room layouts below.

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

The lobby is located in the main building. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

• Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
• Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

In addition to the lobby, you can find much of the main dining and the Zawadi Marketplace, the resort’s gift shop.

Magical Express pickup and the bus stop are also right outside the main lobby, along with luggage storage for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In is no longer available.

Parking

Parking is available at Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is a standard $25 overnight self-parking fee (including tax) that is applied to guests’ hotel folio upon check-out.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

Pros And Cons

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Amenities And Shops

There are several amenities offered to guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge, including a gift shop, on-site laundry services, and even the chance to watch movies outside on a big screen! 

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

• Zawadi Marketplace: Purchase sundires, snacks, souvenirs, and more.
• Laundry Services: There are 24-hour self-service laundry facilities available.
• Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
• Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies by the Uzima Pool.
• Jambo House Campfire Activities: Roast marshmallows around a campfire.
• Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center: workout facility and sauna with massages and facial treatments
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.

Pools And Recreation

There’s one main pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying the Disney Resort pool.

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

The pool available is:

• Uzima Springs Pool: An 11,000 square-foot pool with 234,980 gallons of water. It has a zero-depth entry point and a 67-foot-long waterslide. There’s also a bar and lounge nearby.

Some other recreational options include:

• Hakuna Matata Playground
• Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade
• Wild About Painting: on select days and for $50 per person (plus tax), you can create art and enjoy a complimentary drink 

How to get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to anywhere at Disney World

There is one form of complimentary transportation available at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Walt Disney World buses. You can find the bus stop near the front of the main building.  All of the different ways to get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to anywhere in Disney World is listed below.

Dining options at Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are plenty of dining options available at Animal Kingdom Lodge, including lounges, Quick Service spots, and several Table Service choices, like the popular Sanaa (the bread service is a must!). At select locations, Mobile Ordering is also available.

Plus, Sanaa also features Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.

Sanaa also has Table Service To Go, which allows guests to Mobile Order and take their meal back to their room. You can read more about the dining options below.

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Dining options at Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Kidani Village shares a lot of the same dining locations as Animal Kingdom lodge. And, remember, that Sanaa has both Mobile Dine Check-In and Table Service To Go. Below is a breakdown of the dining available.

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Trip reports that included Animal Kingdom Lodge