Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Overview
Destinations / Disney / Walt Disney World
Animal Kingdom area, Lake Buena Vista, Florida ยท $$$
Photos courtesy of the hotel.
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Giraffes outside your window and great food, but it's a bus ride to everything.
You want a resort that feels like part of the vacation, not just a place to sleep.
You plan lots of rope drops at Magic Kingdom and hate bus rides.
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Animal Kingdom Lodge is the one I point people to when the hotel itself should feel like an experience. Rooms look out over savannas with giraffes, zebras and other animals, the lobby is stunning, and the restaurants are some of the best on property.
It is remote, though. Every park is a bus ride, and it is a longer trip to Magic Kingdom than from most resorts. There are two buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village, and they are far enough apart to feel like different hotels. Jambo House rooms are being refreshed into early 2027.
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Savanna views from many rooms and overlooks
Evening animal viewing and cultural activities with resort cast members
Paid add-on savanna tours and dining experiences
Jiko, Boma and Sanaa, all on site
Kidani Village villas (Disney Vacation Club) with kitchens
Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours as a Disney Deluxe resort
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Families with animal-loving kids
Travelers who want resort downtime between park days
Food lovers who want Jiko, Boma or Sanaa on site
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Closest to Animal Kingdom by bus, about 5 to 10 minutes
Buses to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs; Magic Kingdom is usually the longest ride
No monorail, Skyliner or boat service
The stay, in detail
Rooms
Standard rooms are on the smaller side and many sleep four; savanna view rooms are worth the upgrade if the animals are the reason you are here. Kidani villas are larger and include kitchens.
Pools and beach
Uzima Springs Pool at Jambo House has a long water slide and zero-entry section, and Samawati Springs at Kidani Village has its own slide and splash area.
Dining
Jiko - The Cooking Place, Boma - Flavors of Africa (buffet), Sanaa at Kidani Village and The Mara for quick service.
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