Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Africa, and discover our Top 5 Reasons You Must Stay At Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World.
This gorgeous resort, inspired by the traditional African Kraal, is full of rich African culture. The absolute best part of this resort is the view of the 4 savannas that are home to hundreds of African birds and animals.
Here you can stay at two different locations within the resort. Kidani Village transports you to your own safari adventure with spectacular views of lush green savannas, or stay at Jambo House where you not only enjoy the gorgeous views of the savanna but you also walk into the grand lobby filled with rich African culture.
Below we are going to share you with you our favorite things about staying at this magnificent resort and why you must make it part of your next Disney Vacation.
Savanna
This had to be at the top of our list. Where else can you stay amongst some of the coolest animals on this planet.
At Animal Kingdom Lodge you get to experience the beautiful views of giraffes, zebra and ghizel right outside your hotel room.
Over 30 species of wildlife exist in the savannas of the Animal kingdom lodge. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the rooms overlooking the savanna, you will get to see them right from your room. Each room has a wildlife field guide so you can learn about each animal as they roam past your balcony.
You can also learn more about these animals and their ecosystems with fun programs led by animal specialists around the resort.
Prior to your trip we also recommend watching the Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+ to get personal stories about the animals at the lodge as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Accomodations
Animal Kingdom Lodge has a variety of room accommodations that will best suite your family. You can choose from your standard hotel rooms, suites and villas with full kitchens.
In a deluxe studio for example you will find a microwave, paper plates, bowls and plastic utensils, coffee maker, and a small refrigerator.
This resort is also a Disney Vacation Club resort. If you are not familiar with what Disney Vacation Club is and would like to learn more check out our post Best Guide to Disney Vacation Club.
If you’re looking to find out more information about the variety of rooms at this resort go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom page.
Pools
Escape to two beautiful pools during your stay at either Kidani village or Jambo House. The best part is that regardless of what location your are staying at, you can utilize both pools.
For your convenience the resort offers a shuttle service that will take you between Kidani Village and Jambo house. The shuttle is located at the bus stop near each Front Desk.
Uzima pool at Jambo House is an 11,000 square-foot zero-depth pool that will fill all your tropical oasis needs with two whirlpool spas as well as a children’s wading pool.
Then venture over to Samawati Springs at Kidani Village to enjoy the beautiful pool tucked amongst the Floridian palms. Here you will find 2 whirlpool spas, pool side bar and 128-foot-long waterslide. Children can also explore Uwanja Camp, an animal themed water play area. This was our favorite pool and the one we spent the most time at.
Restaurants (Sanaa)
This restaurant has to be one of our favorites on Walt Disney World property. This East African-inspired restaurant offers slow cooked meats, seafood and vegetarian dishes that are packed with Indian flavor.
One of the absolute must get dishes at Sanaa, is the Indian-Style bread service. This includes a variety of breads as well as dipping sauces like sweet mango chutney, hummus and a spicy red chile sambal. I am telling you if I only ordered this I would be completely satisfied.
Besides the amazing food, the best part about this restaurant is the view. From your table you can watch the giraffe, zebra and other African wildlife as they roam the beautiful lush green savanna.
I have to say this was one of the most amazing dining experiences we have ever had.
Let’s also not forget about the several other fantastic food options at this resort. There are two pool bars. Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Jambo House and Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village. Both have a variety of cocktails and specialty beers from Africa. At Maji Pool Bar you can find a variety of salads and sandwiches for that afternoon break from the pool.
The Mara offers a variety of snacks and delicious quick service meals when you’re in a pinch. Looking for a more relaxing atmosphere? Make a reservation at Jiko to experience the delicious African, Indian and Mediterranean flavored dishes. Finally, Boma is an African inspired marketplace where you can enjoy all-you-can eat breakfast and dinner.
For a full listing of restaurants, bars and quick service options click the link here.
Activities
There is so much to do at this resort for the entire family. We’ve talked about this in previous resort posts, but two of our most favorite activities are the fireside s’mores and the movie nights under the stars.
At Animal Kingdom lodge you get to experience both but with an amazing view of the savanna as you enjoy a tasty treat.
At Kidani Village, you can experience the campfire at Pemba overlook from 6-7 p.m. and movies are played at 8 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Movies at Jambo House are near the Hakuna Matata Playground played Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays around 9 p.m.
Another one of our favorite things to do at this resort, especially on a rainy day or if you’re needing a break from the hot Florida sun, is to visit the community hall. Here you will find games, ping-pong, pool, video games and a variety of arts and crafts. Here, you can also sign out tennis racquets, basketballs, shuffle board equipment and grilling tools.
The community center is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
There is also an arcade and on Saturdays at Kidani Village Lobby Terrace you can help animal keepers make interactive objects like puzzle feeders for the savanna animals.
This resort also has plenty for the adults in the family as well. From a full service fitness center equipped with strength-training and cardio equipment, to basketball and pickleball courts and a full service spa.
Overall, this resort has to be one of the most magical and unique resorts on Disney property. We spent so much time just sitting and watching the animals roam around the savanna. Throughout your trip, you feel like you have completely transported to a different part of the world as Disney surrounds you with the rich African culture throughout your entire stay.