Skip to main content

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge


Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is without a doubt one of the most uniquely themed resorts on Disney property. Upon arrival at the resort, you are immediately transported to the heart of Africa. If I hadn’t flown to the Orlando International Airport, I may have actually thought I had landed in Africa!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby
The lobby has the similar awe-inspiring effect of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. With thatched ceilings, large wood beams and real African artifacts, you again have to remind yourself that you are not really in Africa but at Walt Disney World. The lobby boasts a floor to ceiling window that overlooks one of the three savannas. Just like Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Animal Kingdom Lodge is all about conservation and is dedicated to the care of animals.
Savanna View
 
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has three separate savannas; Sunset, Arusha and Uzima. The savannas are home to over 30 species of African wildlife including zebras, giraffes, gazelles and kudu. Guests can find a Wildlife Field Guide in their guest room or ask for copies from the concierge in the lobby. Cast Members, known as Animal Specialists, are positioned around the public viewing areas of the savannas to answer questions about the animals and their ecosystems. The savannas are open 24 hours a day so there are plenty of chances to spot the animals from the many viewing locations located throughout the resort. The resort also has animal viewing with night vision available!

This deluxe resort has over 1,000 guest rooms and is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. The resort is situated on 33 acres of savanna land. One downside to the location of the resort is that the only means of Disney transportation is by bus. Standard rooms offer two queen size beds or one king size bed. Rooms offer a Resort, Water or Savanna View. If you're looking for additional space, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House and Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village offer Deluxe Studios and 1-2-or 3-Bedroom Villas. Although the Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House and Kidani Village are technically separate resorts, they share amenities with Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Standard Room
Boma - Flavors of Africa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has three restaurants that run the spectrum from quick service to signature dining. The Mara is a quick service restaurant located near the Uzima Pool with a savanna-like atmosphere. This quick service option is where you can get your resort refillable mug or a tasty Mickey Rice Crispy treat. Boma is an all-you-can-eat buffet style restaurant that serves African inspired cuisine along with American favorites for breakfast and dinner. For a signature dining experience, Jiko – The Cooking Place is a must try experience. My husband is a firm believer that Jiko has the best Filet Mignon on Disney property. The menu changes seasonally and has a blend of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. As with most restaurants, reservations are recommended and can be made 60 days in advance for Boma and Jiko.

I’ve never been to Africa but I feel like I was there after experiencing Animal Kingdom Lodge. I really enjoyed the atmosphere at the resort and having a savanna view room adds an extra touch of magic. If you are looking for a unique resort experience, I highly recommend Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Want to see more of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge? Make sure to check out our Photo Tour over here

Ashley has been a Disney Parks fan from an early age and loves anything vintage Disney. You can email Ashley at ashley@kingdomkonsultant.com.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Review

I love staying at the Disneyland Hotel so when I got the opportunity to stay at the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel during opening weekend, I couldn’t pass it up. Because it was opening weekend, we were greeted in the entrance way of the lobby with balloons and many photo opportunities. When we arrived, there was a mural of the Haunted Mansion. I love how the seats in the main lobby were designed like the teacups in the parks. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or use the amenities why you wait until your room is ready. When your room is ready, the resort will send you a text and you can use the Disneyland app on your mobile device to unlock the room. We dropped off our bags and went straight to the parks. We received a text around 1PM that our room was ready. In the new Discovery Tower (the Villas), you'll find that the lobby is very spacious with many places to sit while you read or wait for your family. Th

Universal's Volcano Bay Private Cabana Review

On a recent training in Universal Orlando Resort, agents Maci, Ashley, Aubrey and Yaritza and I rented a private cabana for the day at Universal's Volcano Bay. There are multiple locations around the park along with the option to have an upper or lower level, all of which reflect in various pricing. Agent Ashley received an email the day before informing her of where to check-in the next morning. While we were personally escorted to the cabana shortly after check in, the line at the check in location is the same as those getting towels, meaning it was not short. As expressed by an additional guest checking into a different cabana, we would have greatly appreciated a separate line, since this caused our group about a half hour wait. We're all adults and made great use of our time getting some fun pictures before the park was filled with guests, but this is important to be aware of if you are traveling with children.  We had an upper level Cabana which came with a splendid view!

Our Favorite Mocktails at Walt Disney World

Your resident foodie and vacation lush here to chime in on our favorite zero-proof drinks at the parks which I feel like Disney has done a much better job of recently.  Zero-proof alcohol is really having a moment so you can get a lot more mocktails that aren't just sugary sweet, and I am here for it!  Whether you are trying out "Dry January" for your visit, currently pregnant, underage, or just choose not to drink for whatever reason, I hope this list helps you find something to look forward to trying on your next trip! Let's start with a popular one from the last year, the EARidescent Sip-a-bration drink.  This delight can be found at most lounges throughout the 50th celebration at Walt Disney World. It features Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade and Fruity Strawberry Punch, and is served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise character. This is definitely a kid-friendly drink but it is so fun to drop in the character and watch the drink change color and sta