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Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Review

Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a villa-style hotel, and one of the newer Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World. This review features room photos, thoughts on the ambiance, and our opinion on for whom this resort is best suited.

Despite not having previously reviewed it, Animal Kingdom Lodge ranked as our #1 Deluxe Hotel at Walt Disney World . I’d take that a step further, and say it’s the best resort at Walt Disney World (which is no earth-shattering news since the Deluxe Resorts are the creme de la creme). Suffice to say, this review has been a long time coming. We’ve stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge a couple of times, but I’ve previously forgotten to take room photos, so a review had to wait.

With my recent stay at Kidani Village, I’m able to finally write this review, giving us reviews of every single resort at Walt Disney World, plus several of the best off-site resorts nearby in Orlando . (Sorry for that boast, but I spent over 3 months of last year staying in hotel rooms, so I’m proud of this resource that we offer. WATCH YOUR BACK, TRIPADVISOR.) While I have to say that I prefer staying in the main lodge, Kidani Village is a great alternative that offers most of the same upsides as the main building while having some unique characteristics of its own.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village…

First up is the elephant in the room: location. For as much as I love Animal Kingdom Lodge (every time we go to Animal Kingdom Lodge, I ask myself why we don’t stay there more often), its location relative to the majority of Walt Disney World (save for Animal Kingdom) is inconvenient. This is an unfortunate but necessary reality, as the unique characteristics of the Lodge simply wouldn’t be possible if it were in the heart of the action.

When viewed in isolation, I absolutely love Animal Kingdom Lodge, but this makes it a difficult practical recommendation for those guests who value a convenient location. For first-time visitors to Walt Disney World who want to accomplish a lot or those who will need to take afternoon breaks, Kidani Village might be an impractical choice.

For frequent visitors, honeymooners, or retirees looking for a slower-paced trip or a resort that they can enjoy, I can’t think of a better choice at Walt Disney World. In fact, I can think of few better “hotel experiences” anywhere.

The biggest reason for this is the huge savanna outside the lobby, where 30 species of animals roam in the view of guests. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “sure, zebra and giraffe are dope, but ostrich are creepy and isn’t a kudu something from the mind of Stephen King?!” Fear not, these species of antelope will not kidnap your children in the dark of night, although I think it is somewhat disappointing Animal Kingdom Lodge still hasn’t acquired some Tauntaun . It’d be great for synergy.

Seriously though, the savanna is incredible, and there are few things more relaxing than sitting in a rocking chair overlooking the roaming wildlife. It’s a nice change of pace from the normal frenzy of visiting the parks, and is far and away the top draw of both Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village.

This alone would be enough to rank Animal Kingdom Lodge near the top of Walt Disney World’s resorts, but it doesn’t stop there. The rich theming throughout the lodge is one part stunning design crafted by the Imagineers and one part authentic pieces on display, including the largest African art collection in the United States . Meandering through the resort demonstrates quite clearly that the attention to detail put into Animal Kingdom was also put into the Lodge.

No other resort at Walt Disney World makes this kind of effort to inspire and educate guests about its source material. I really appreciate how there’s more to Animal Kingdom Lodge than theming that presents an idealized version of Africa; both the Lodge and Kidani Village aspire to more than simply transporting guests to a different time and place. The presence of “Cultural Representatives” at the Lodge really drives this home, and the free daily tour is a nice way to gain a greater appreciation of Kidani Village.

In these regards, Animal Kingdom Lodge feels like EPCOT Center: The Hotel.

For me, those are the two greatest strengths of Kidani Village, and although I don’t think it feels quite as rich as the main Lodge, it is still impressive. Likewise, I would say the dining in the main Lodge is superior, although Sanaa at Kidani Village might be the most underrated restaurant in all of Walt Disney World.

To those of you anxiously awaiting my “Top 10 Places to Nap at Walt Disney World” you can rest assured this little fireplace area overlooking the savanna will make the list. I’m happy to report that I found this to be an exemplary napping location after arriving at the hotel around 6 a.m. on the LAX redeye.

Beyond the savanna, art collection, and stellar napping corners, there are the expected amenities that you’d find at any Disney Vacation Club (or other) resort, from a pool with water play area, to guest laundry, a fitness center, etc. If you’ve researched hotels at Walt Disney World, you know the basics.

I know pools are a big deal for a lot of families, and I can’t say the pool here is anything special. It’s a large, lush, and has a nice play area, but it leaves a lot to be desired as compared to some of the “feature” pools at some resorts. It lacks a hook or defining characteristic that makes it stand out–despite the size it fails to impress. Perhaps Disney needs to stock it with some merfolk and sea witches to complete the “live animal” theme of the resort?

Now let’s take a look at the room. This review takes a look at the Studio, but there are also 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas at Kidani Village. As you can probably deduce from the names, that list of rooms gets progressively larger.

The room is themed exactly as you’d expect based on the rest of Kidani Village, and I have to say that we are big fans of the style. The rooms have a unique character of their own that stay true to theme without going over the top into garishness. There’s a lot of texture and patterning here, from the detail in the woods to the carpet and in the art on the walls. It all works really well.

It seems Disney is working on toning down the style of many of its rooms, and in so doing swings back too far in the other direction sometimes, making them a bit on the bland side. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Animal Kingdom Lodge. The rooms strike a good balance between character and class.

By Disney standards, I thought the bed was very comfortable, but still below the comfort-level of what you’d expect from this caliber of hotel. The sofa sleeper was also fairly comfortable (for what it is).

Thematically, the bathroom also looked nice, and the split approach with the shower and sink in one area and toilet behind another door was a setup that works well, I think. Having the shower also behind a separate door would be ideal, but this wasn’t bad.

Directly across from the bathroom was a small kitchenette, as is the case with all Studio Villas. This includes a mini-fridge, sink, toaster, coffeemaker, and microwave. It’s a nice little plus if you want to make a small breakfast or snack, but obviously it’s not suitable for cooking Thanksgiving dinner or that sort of thing. That is, unless you have worn out your copy of the Microwave Cookbook and memorized its teachings. (Now that’s my kind of cookbook!)

Overall, Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World. Thematically, it’s unrivaled, and the Imagineers deftly balanced culture and theme with quality and luxury, without making any compromises to either. The only compromise here is location, and that’s going to be a big one for some people. Location is probably the main reason why Animal Kingdom Lodge doesn’t receive more accolades from Disney fans, because otherwise, it should be an easy pick for the best resort at Walt Disney World. While I prefer the main Lodge by a slight margin over Kidani Village for its more grandiose style and convenience to dining, it’s a 1b to Animal Kingdom Lodge’s 1a, in my opinion.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help.

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Your Thoughts

Are you a fan of Kidani Village or Animal Kingdom Lodge? Why? Would you consider staying here in the future, or is it simply too far away from the rest of the action at Walt Disney World? Have other thoughts or questions? Please share in the comments below!

Written by Tom Bricker

Its not a bad walk to the main hotel – like 5 min and there is a shuttle which mocked me by routinely being faster.

Parking is under the building keeps your car cooler but I found it weird.

I part with Tom on the pool I found it pretty good – perhaps the landscaping but it was a little walk – the pool at the main hotel is much better.

Overall this a favorite

Unfortunately, we were extremely disappointed with Kidani Village. Our visit was for 6 nights in a 1-BR. We were sent a text our room was ready and we walked into a room that hadn’t been cleaned. We waited an additional 2 hrs before being given a room. We had stayed there on a previous visit and loved it. However, we discovered that Kidani rooms are in desperate need of renovation. The hallway carpets were faded (from the sun) and in some faded places looked like holes. The sofa bed was probably the worst sleeper sofa I’ve ever had in a room. Our son ended up pulling the cushions off and sleeping on the floor. The chair back cushion didn’t even match the chair upholstery. However, the bright spot was Saana, which was amazingly delicious and sitting out watching the animals.

Does anyone know if the employees play the drums and other instruments in the lobby at Kidani? That was one of my favorite parts of Jambo, walking in to the drums playing and kids dancing around. Really felt like I was in another world 🙂

I am so grateful for these comments and am looking forward to our stay in December. In looking at all the reviews, I can’t really tell which is better for viewing the animals from your room – Kidani or Jambo? I want to maximize that experience!! Thanks!

In case people aren’t into scrolling through older comments, let me agree with a previous poster that one of the VERY best things about Kidani is having 2 full bathrooms in the 1BR villas!! One is modest-sized, the other is huge. If it weren’t for the distance from the parks (your first point) I’d want to stay here every visit to WDW.

We are planning a trip in October and would like to stay at Kidani Village. We will have car so, given its location, would it be best to drive to each park instead of relying on Disney transportation? We will have children and older folks with us. Thanks

I read a review somewhere else that said the longest bus ride they had was for MK and it was about 1/2 an hour in AM traffic. We are staying at Kidani in November and we are driving as well so I am continuously looking for information! Enjoy your stay!=

I love Kidani because it has a lobby unlike most DVC resorts that share a lobby with their hotel. It is a real lobby with a shop, front desk, etc. We absolutely love the main lodge and have been there every trip no matter where we stay typically for dinner. BUT the main lodge can be LOUD. So if we are going to stay at the Animal Kingdom which is not convenient for the parks we want to feel like we are getting break from all the people and noise of the parks. We think we get that more at Kidani. After a long tiring time at the parks it is a nice break.

Kidani Village is the first resort I fell in love with for this reason. There’s something homey and welcoming about the wall of lanterns outside the front doors…it just feels cozy.

If only they could spruce up the pool a bit and add a proper counter service, it would be absolutely perfect!

Hello! I am staying at Kidani Village with my family in May. Could anyone tell me the best method of getting to the parks? How long are bus rides to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM? Do you take a bus to Animal Kingdom or is it walking distance? Thanks in advance for your responses!

Use the Lyft app to access the Minnie Vans. Absolutely worth the money. Saves time and is much more enjoyable than a bus ride.

I think it’s worth noting that the is a splash park at Kidani right by the pool. Yes, the pool is better at Jambo, but with small children we actually like the pool at Kidani better because of the splash park area. It’s pretty cute too. Maybe you could add a picture or two of that area to your post on the Kidani pool.

Question, is the shower and sink behind a door separate from the rest of the room?

We are DVC members and have stayed in both Jambo and Kidani. A slight advantage to Kidani (if you drive to WDW) is that you can park under the building near the elevator closest to your room. While it may still be a long walk, we find it less walking than Jambo House. Also there is a shuttle between Kidani and Jambo so you don’t have to make the trek between them. Of course, you still have to make the trek to the lobby to get the shuttle

Am I the only one laughing about the ‘elephant in the room’ line? Oh, okay.

A Magical Place for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Took our 6 year old niece and was amazed at how wonderful and nice the staff are. The African drumming was the most AMAZING thing that my niece has ever seen. IT WAS AWESOME !!!!! The Safari guides at the resort are bar-none the best in the world and very knowledgeable.

We just stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, club level, for the first time. I was not expecting to love the animals outside my room thinking we would be gone too much. But they were amazingly! Waking up to see them and at night before bed was incredible and relaxing. I will say it was the worst club level experience by far. The pool was uninviting. We loved the sounds at night. We really felt like we had gone to some far away place when we were in our room.

Is the pool better at the kidani or Jambo for toddlers? We are looking for a place to take our 2 year old in February to escape winter and be able to have him run around outside.

Hi was wondering What’s the difference between normal Savannah view booking and upgrading to club level what extra benefits do you get and is it worth the money drew money we are going in 2017 for 3 weeks any advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Dale

I have been searching the internet to find if there are multiple viewing areas outside main entrance at Kidani. I have found vague references to supposed viewing areas but no supporting documentation. Can anyone advise?

Right outside the main lobby is a pathway that leads into the central Savannah area. It has rocking chairs and a fire pit. Pretty nice place to chill. There’s also an indoor library type area with a great view if you don’t want to go outside. My dad with leg issues hung out here a lot when we went as a family. He thought is was a very present place to relax outside of the room, which (in our case) had a savannah view.

We can’t wait to stay at Kidani. We stayed at Jambo and loved it! Both offer so much. Our girls love the activity center, night vision goggles, story tellers, King Pin, cookie and cake decorating, floor rubbings, bead collecting… The food at every restaurant is amazing!!! We ate lunch at Boma (April 2016) and there was a shuttle from Kidani to Jambo. Thanks everyone for the great advice.

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Pool with Waterslide

Escape to an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Read More

Escape to an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, Uzima Pool includes a children’s wading pool and 2 whirlpool spas.

You can also cool off at Samawati Springs Pool, which offers a thrilling waterslide, 2 whirlpool spas and Uwanja Camp—an animal observation site-themed water playground with squirting Venus flytraps, a rope bridge, water cannons and more. Samawati Springs Pool is located just a short walk away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.

Learn more about recreation at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Award-Winning Dining

Savor vibrant African specialties and favorite American classics at our award-winning restaurants.

Exotic Animals

Discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Read More

Discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Identify each species with a Wildlife Field Guide (found in your Guest Room, with extras available from the Front desk), and learn more about African animals and ecosystems during fun programs led by Animal Specialists.

Room Types Sure to Suit Your Style

Choose from a wide array of accommodations, from rooms and suites—some offering Concierge service—to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. Read More

Choose from a wide array of accommodations, from rooms and suites—some offering Concierge service—to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. All room types share the same Resort amenities, including pools, dining and recreation.

Room types offered at this Resort:

• Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 4 adults)
• Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 8 adults)
• Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 4 adults)
• Deluxe Studios with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 4 adults)
• 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas (sleep up to 12 adults)
• Villas with Club-Level Service (sleeps up to 5 adults)

Villas feature:

• A fully-equipped kitchen , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa
• Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share even more quality time together after you return from the parks
• Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
• A washer and dryer , so you can pack lightly and always have fresh, clean clothes

Studios and Deluxe Studios feature:

• A kitchenette , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your studio
• A sleeper sofa , in addition to one queen bed and one pull-down bed

Deluxe Studios are larger than Studios.

Visit the Room Rates page to see what's available for your stay!

More Magic for Your Stay

A More Magical Stay Starts with "Hey Disney!”

The "Hey Disney!" voice assistant experience features tons of character fun plus a helpful host, who can order you extra towels and answer lots of your park questions.

Disney Signature Services

Guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites are eligible for personalized vacation-planning support.

Enhance Your Stay with the My Disney Experience App

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app. Read More

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app.

Be sure you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to enjoy these handy features during your stay.

Check In and Check Out with Ease

Enjoy a simplified arrival at your Disney Resort hotel! Use the app to begin the check-in process , view your room number and even unlock your door .

At the end of your stay, there’s no need to stop by the Front Desk if you have a valid payment card on file or a zero-dollar balance on your account. Instead, check out of your room via the app by visiting My Reservations or your Hotel Account.

Plan, Play, Dine and Unwind

There are many more ways to enhance your stay! With the app, you can:

• Make vacation plans during your stay—and review existing plans
• Enter the theme parks (with a valid park reservation and valid admission) using Disney MagicMobile service
• Order food and beverages with mobile order service
• Check park schedules
• Get directions
• Explore transportation options
• View your Disney PhotoPass photos

And that’s only the beginning!

Learn more about the My Disney Experience app .

Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc .

Easier Trip Planning – Like Magic!

Once you’ve settled in, let Disney Genie service summon the attractions, entertainment and dining experiences you love the most. Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel guest get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to two different attractions each day.

View Rooms and Prices

Hotel Address

(407) 938-3000

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50+ Animal Kingdom Lodge Tips

Disclosure: This Animal Kingdom Lodge Tips page contains affiliate links. Read  full Disclosure Policy .

Excited for your next Disney trip? You should be, especially if you’ve chosen to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . 

Between the unique atmosphere, beautiful décor, and fabulous food options, you may be tempted never to leave the resort!

However, the number one mistake people make before going on a vacation to Walt Disney World is the lack of research ahead of time.

Long gone are the days when you could just show up and wing it, a lot of planning and preparation will go into your trip ahead of time to prevent stress while you’re there. 

After all, you’re going on vacation . The last thing you want to do is stress out, waste time, or spend unnecessary money!

These tips will help you as you a guest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , taking you from a novice to a master in minutes. 

From planning ahead, your arrival, during your stay, to your departure, we’ve got all the tips you’ll need for your stay at AKL.

Here’s what you need to know…

• Before Your Vacation
• Arrival Day
• Departure Day

Planning & Preparation: Before Your Vacation

1) not just for animal kingdom lovers.

There is a misconception that you should only stay at this resort if your park priority is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

That is not the case at all!

This resort is perfect for any party, with incredible theming, comfortable rooms, and plenty of unique experiences. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the kind of resort where you could skip the parks and just hang out. Yes, it is definitely closest to the Animal Kingdom, but don’t rule it out for that reason. 

2) My Disney Experience app

Make sure everyone in your party with a smartphone downloads the My Disney Experience app . 

You cannot believe how much you can accomplish on this app, from booking experiences, managing your FastPasses, getting a coveted Rise of the Resistance boarding pass, to even finding that exact pair of Minnie Ears. 

You can even use the app to play games while you wait in line, so make sure you check it out!

3) Room Requests

You can actually request a room location when you make your reservation , or add it to your reservation by calling (407) 939-5277. 

Since the Animal Kingdom Lodge is pretty spread out, this might be something you want to do if you don’t want to have to walk a distance to your room. 

Request a top floor, a room close to the elevator, a room near the lobby, whatever you need. 

Remember that these types of requests can’t always be honored based on availability, but it is still worth doing. 

4) Have Kids? Splurge for More Space

If you want to have some private time while you’re on vacation, you’re going to want a slightly larger space. 

While the standard rooms and deluxe studios have enough accommodations to comfortably sleep four people, it’s still all in one room. 

Bumping up to the multi-bedroom suites or deluxe villas at Kidani Village gives you the privacy you need and space for everyone in your party. 

5) Extended Stay? Try Kidani Village

Did you know you don’t have to be a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member to stay at a DVC resort? 

Anyone can pay the nightly rate to stay on DVC property, and Kidani Village is a great DVC option. 

Not only do the deluxe villas have multiple bedrooms, but Kidani Village also has one of the highest number of deluxe studios at Walt Disney World. 

The studios are an awesome option if you are a party of two or three. The major advantage to DVC are the home amenities like a fridge, microwave, and even laundry and full kitchen in the villas.

6) Rent DVC Points

Speaking of DVC, you can also rent DVC points through multiple third party services. 

This can often be cheaper than paying for the room at face value, especially if you are looking at Kidani Village. 

7) Tell the Resort about Your Special Celebrations

Let your resort know about any special events or celebrations that will be happening during or in connection to your trip, like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. 

The cast members will be sure to make those moments special! 

Sometimes the celebrations match the theme of the resort, so be on the lookout for that at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Of course, if something special happens during your trip, like a proposal, let them know about that too for a little extra magic. 

8) Plan for Down Time

Another mistake first-timers tend to make (and some veterans) is overbooking their trip. 

The last thing you want is to feel like you need a vacation to recover from your vacation! 

Give yourself a day off after a day or two at the parks to refresh and enjoy your resort. You paid the big bucks to stay at a Disney resort, you’ll want to take advantage of it! 

A resort-like AKL has so much to offer, you’ll be missing out if you don’t take a day just to hang out. 

9) 180 Days is the Magic Number

You can start booking your reservations for dining 180 days out, so mark your calendar! 

Dining reservations fill up fast, so if you want to make a reservation for a popular restaurant or dining experience , do it on that day. 

Events like the Jiko Wine Tasting and Wanyama Safari are intentionally kept small, so if you think you want to check those out, book early. You can always cancel!

10) Disney’s Magical Express

USE IT. This holds true if you’re staying at any Disney resort. 

If you are flying into Orlando International (MCO), this is without a doubt the easiest way to get on to Disney property. 

No matter what time your flight gets in, you can use Disney’s Magical Express to take you directly to your resort…for free . 

Yup, this service is complimentary if you’re staying at a Disney resort, so why not use it? You do need to reserve this service ahead of time, so make sure you do!

11) Pack Snacks

Whether it’s for the park, the pool, or just hanging out in the room, make sure you pack your own snacks. 

The food options are amazing at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but even though there are picky-eater-friendly foods you might still want to come prepared. The African flair may not be for every palate. 

Bringing your own snacks is also a great way to save money, which is always a plus!

12) Scavenger Hunt s

Ask for a scavenger hunt sheet at the front desk. There are two hunts to choose from.

Especially if you have energetic kids, this is a great idea to have in your pocket or a resort day or rainy day activity. 

With all the cool African art, hidden Mickeys, and other creative touches this would be a fun family bonding time or friendly competition. 

13) Bring Your Own Coffee

While complimentary coffee is available, if you are staying more than a few days or have a specific coffee preference you should plan to bring your own. 

Every AKL room has a coffee maker (conventional, not Keurig), so you can make your own coffee every morning. 

Coffee is TSA approved if you are flying, so no worries there! Bring your own travel mug or plan to buy one there, but you’ll have your own taste of home to get you up and moving.

14) Bring Your Own Straws

This used to be an Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge suggestion, as they pioneered the paper straw, but all of Walt Disney World is now moving to paper or reusable straws rather than plastic. 

If you know that you, your child, or someone in your party is going to prefer straws, plan to bring reusable straws with you.

15) Save Space – Don’t Pack a Towel

Unless you are planning on going to a water park during your stay, there’s no need to pack towels. 

Even then, towels are available for rental at all the waterparks if you really need to save the suitcase space. 

Everywhere else, such as the resort pool, towels are provided for you. 

16) Pack Your Sunblock!

Sun intensity in the Sunshine State is no joke. 

Even if you are one of those people that “don’t burn,” you will burn if you don’t put on at least some sunblock. 

Whether at the parks, the pool, or even just walking around the resort, you will be glad that you packed (and wore!) sunscreen.

It costs a premium on property, so trust us on this one. 

Adventure is Out There: During Your Vacation

Arrival day, 17) magical express multiple stops.

If you do choose to use Magical Express, just be aware that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is at the far end of Disney property. 

That isn’t really a problem, it just means it will take a bit longer to get to your resort on the motorcoach. 

Also, at some points in the day, the Magical Express might make more than one stop at different resorts. AKL is usually last, so just be prepared for that.

18) Driving to the Resort

Did you know there’s multiple entrances to Walt Disney World property? 

It might seem tempting to get off the highway at the first Disney World exit you see, but make sure you plan your route ahead of time. 

Staying on the highway could save you time and a headache versus trying to navigate Disney property, especially if this is your first trip. 

Check the maps ahead of time and plan the most efficient route!

19) Skip the Front Desk!

There’s no need to check-in at the Front Desk, unless you have questions or concerns you would like to address. 

Take advantage of online check-in , using the My Disney Experience app. 

You can go straight from your transportation to your room, unlocking your door with your Magic Band . 

20) Resort Maps

You can also use your My Disney Experience app to help you navigate the resort. Under your resort reservation information in the app, click on “View Resort Map.” 

21) Snap a Picture

The rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are beautiful, so take a few minutes and grab a picture of the room while it still is in pristine condition. 

Especially if you have kids, the room will not look this nice again at any point during your trip. 

Some of the larger rooms or suites will have particular decorative touches for your arrival, so be sure to capture those moments.

22) Explore!

Just because you should plan ahead doesn’t mean that every second of your Disney trip needs to be scheduled. 

If you have some downtime on your arrival day, explore your resort! Animal Kingdom Lodge is fairly big, and of course, has all of the animal walking trails. 

Grab a wildlife guide and see how many animals you can find on the property. If you’re staying in the Jambo House, walk over to Kidani Village and check out the Community Hall. 

This exploring will come in handy if you find yourself at the resort on a rainy day and you need activities.

23) Get a Refillable Mug

Even if you aren’t using the Disney Dining Plan , anyone can purchase a refillable mug. 

Refillable mugs are available at the Mara for $19.99 and are good for the duration of your stay (so get it the first day there!). If you are a big soda drinker, or any of the beverage options, this will save you a ton of money on drink purchases. 

This is also a great coffee option for the morning. 

24) Take Tons of Pictures

Disney prides itself on the theming of its resorts, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge is no exception. 

In fact, it is one of the best and most authentically themed resorts on property. 

You are going to want to take as many pictures as you can to remember your stay and capture all the amazing artwork. That goes double if you are staying at Christmastime!

25) Sit Out on Your Balcony

Especially if you have a savanna view, you want to take advantage of your balcony. 

There’s nothing like a few quiet moments sitting outside to watch the exotic animals as they go past. 

That is one of the unique features of the resort, so you will want to take advantage of it!

26) Breakfast, Anyone?

Plan out what you are going to do for breakfast. 

We do not recommend you do a big character breakfast or buffet on a park day, you want something quick and easy that will get you on your way. 

At AKL, Sanaa has grab and go options, while the Mara has excellent counter service meals that will suit your needs. 

If you are in a villa or suite, you could even consider making breakfast in your room. Some groceries you can even fly with, like PopTarts, or you could consider a grocery delivery service . 

27) Ride Share

The remote nature of the Animal Kingdom Lodge can be an advantage if you want quieter, but it is not ideal for a park day. 

While Disney does provide complimentary transportation, the only option that goes to AKL is the busses.

That’s fine for the middle of the day, but if you are in a hurry or want to beat the rush you will want to use a Minnie Van , Lyft , or another rideshare option. 

That will get you where you want to go at the time you want to be there.

28) Stay Hydrated

Wherever you are on Disney property, you want to drink plenty of water. 

That goes double if you are at the Animal Kingdom or the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

The placement of the park (and its resort) is purposefully in the hottest part of Walt Disney World to best mimic the habitats of the animals. 

With that in mind, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water!

29) Take a Break

If you are going to the Animal Kingdom for the day, don’t be afraid to take a break back at the resort for a little while. 

Especially during the heat of the day, going for a quick dip in the pool to refresh is a good way to make sure you’ll have energy for those fun evening activities you have planned.  

30) Kidani Village Bus Stop

Staying at Kidani Village? If you use the Disney buses, don’t get off at the Jambo House!

Kidani Village has its own stop, putting you closer to your home away from home. 

With all the walking you’ll be doing in the parks, take advantage of the chance to ride. 

31) Shop Till You Drop

We’ve all been in the situation where we want to get a souvenir, but don’t want to carry it around with us all day. 

One of the advantages of staying at a Disney resort is you don’t have to! Any purchase you make in the parks can be sent back to your resort for you to pick up at your convenience. 

At Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can swing by the Zawadi Marketplace off the Jambo House lobby and grab your goods before heading back to your room.

Chill Day: Relax and Recoup!

32) get to the pool early.

Whether you’re at Kidani Village or the Jambo House, both pools at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are fantastic. 

However, if this is your chill-out day, plan to get to the pool fairly early if you want to stake out a spot. That also means taking your whole party with you, because chair saving is not a thing. 

Also if you want a table or umbrella, those are in short supply, so you want to show up early to get one. 

That doesn’t mean there aren’t other shade options, but if that’s what you’re looking for make sure you time it so you can claim one.

33) Explore the Other Side

With the resort split into two sections, you might be tempted just to hang out in the one you’re staying. 

However, there is plenty to see in both parts! If you’re just spending time at the resort for the day, take the short walk over to the other side and check out what’s going on over there. 

34) Take the Kiddos to Uwanja Camp

Next to the Samawati Springs pool at Kidani Village is Uwanja Camp, a three-zone water playground for kids. 

The zones are separated by age, so if you’re worried about your younger kiddos rest assured that they will be playing around children their own age. 

There are benches and shade for parents, so you can keep an eye on your kids while they play.

35) Use the Animal Paths

Around the edges of the resort are different walking paths so that you can see all the animals. 

Take advantage of this chance to see the animals at your leisure, and make sure to take plenty of pictures!

36) Sign up for a Free Tour

Throughout the day, there are different free tours you can take on the Animal Kingdom Lodge property. 

Take a culinary journey through Jiko, Boma, or Sanaa (or all three!). 

You could also meet with a cultural representative to learn more about the art at the resort while hearing stories about the history behind the art.

37) Check out the Free Kid’s Activities

There a whole host of free activities just for kids! 

Besides the scavenger hunts, kids can decorate cookies in Sanaa, get their faces painted in the Jambo lobby, and take part in a parade from the Zawandi Marketplace through the lobby. 

Just as a cast member at the front desk for a schedule so you don’t miss out!

38) Try Something New!

There are so many amazing opportunities to try something out of the norm at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Make a reservation at Jiko or Sanaa to try out some new flavors, or go on an African safari for an up-close look at the animals. 

Don’t let these chances go by!

39) Eating at Jiko? Family Photo Shoot!

If you make a reservation for dinner at Jiko, there is a dress code . 

Since that is the case, take advantage of your family looking their best and opt for a family photo! 

There are plenty of great places to choose from, but outside the large window at the back of the lobby or in front of one of the African sculptures would be our suggestion. 

Of course, if you are there for the holidays, make sure you get a picture in front of the gorgeous Christmas tree in the lobby.

40) Try Zebra Domes

One of the most popular treats at the Animal Kingdom, Zebra Domes are made of a decadent chocolate mousse covered in white chocolate and a striped drizzle. 

Thoroughly adorable and thoroughly delicious, make sure you stop by the Mara to snag yours!

41) Have the Boma Bread Pudding

If you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge for any length of time, you’ll want to eat at least one meal at Boma (we recommend breakfast for the price, but both buffets are delicious). 

When you do, you will want to have the bread pudding. 

Served at both breakfast and dinner, this fabulous bread pudding will have you going back for seconds, thirds, and fourths!

42) Have the Sanaa Bread Service

The Indian-style bread service is the signature appetizer at Sanaa, and also part of the overall dining experience. 

Five different breads and nine accompaniments made for sharing, pair the breads with all the dips for a variety of flavor experiences!

43) Try at Least One Lounge

There are five different bars and lounges at AKL, all with their own quirks and twists. 

Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar is right next to Jiko with access to their menu, while the Victoria Falls Lounge has their own delicious small plates menu. 

Even the pool bars have a good mix of food and alcohol selections if you’re looking for a small, relaxed meal. 

44) Go to the Jiko Wine Tasting

Every Wednesday, the sommeliers at Jiko host a wine tasting. 

About $25 per person, the wine tasting includes selections of South African wines featured at Jiko paired with small plates of cheese, fruit, and other delicacies. 

Note that reservations are highly recommended and the Jiko dress code must be observed. 

45) Check out the Zawadi Marketplace

Not all gift shops are created equal, as you will find at Zawadi . 

Located off the Jambo House lobby, alongside typical Disney souvenirs and t-shirts you will find hand-crafted African trinkets such as wooden statues, drums, and authentic African clothing. 

The selection is never exactly the same, so be sure to drop in and take home your own little piece of Africa. 

46) Send a Postcard

Many of the resorts, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, will send postcards from the front desk. 

What is so special about this is the postmark will be from Walt Disney World, and sometimes even from the resort itself. 

It’s just another fun little touch that makes your message all the more magical.

47) Walk Across the Jambo House Bridge

Stretched across the Jambo House lobby is a fun suspension bridge connected two sides of the fifth floor. 

While in all senses it is just a bridge, there’s something so satisfying about walking over the lobby on this decorative feature. 

It also makes a fun picture spot, so make sure you strike a pose and snap a shot!

48) Watch the Flamingo Feeding

Daily, animal handlers will come to do a public feeding of the flock of flamingos, located by the Uzima pool at the Jambo House. 

While the feeding happens, the animal experts are on hand to answer any questions you might have about the flamingos or any of the animals on the property. 

49) Enjoy a Campfire

In the evening, both Kidani Village and Jambo House do small campfires for roasting marshmallows and other family fun. 

A sweet way to end your day at the resort!

We’ll See You Real Soon: Departure Day

50) use the airline check-in.

While ending your magical vacation is never a joyous occasion, there are ways to make it smoother and less stressful. 

Begin by using the Airline Check-in desk at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, located in the Jambo House lobby. 

This service lets you check in for your flight, print boarding passes, and other conveniences that will save you time at the airport. 

Your entire party does need to be present to use this service.

51) Check Your Luggage

Also at the Airline Check-in desk, you can check your luggage for your flight. 

There are several huge advantages to this, the first being you can head straight to security upon arriving at the airport. 

This also gets the luggage off your hands, so you can plan one last activity on your last day without having to worry about your suitcases. 

Finally, this alleviates the stress of the check-out time if you have a later flight since you no longer have to worry about what you will do with your suitcases in the meantime.

52) One Last Meal!

Grab one last Disney meal before you go! 

Whether it’s a Boma or Sanaa breakfast, or if you choose to go to another resort, take advantage of the food one last time before you have to go. 

Sanaa also has grab and go options if you really need to hustle.

53) Hitch a Ride

One last time, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express. 

As it’s free, it is far and away the cheapest option to get you to the airport. 

They do insist on getting you to the airport three hours before your arrival time, so if that doesn’t work in your time schedule you may want to consider something else. 

However, we think it is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get you headed home.

Enjoy Your Trip!

We hope you will find these tips helpful! 

Please let us know in the comments if you have any other great Animal Kingdom Lodge tips or tricks, or if you used any of these tips on your Disney vacation .

For additional information on the Animal Kingdom Lodge, check out our other AKL Resort pages!

• Animal Kingdom Lodge Overview
• Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Written by Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.

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Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

JAMBO! Welcome to Disney World’s uniquely beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge !

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Walt Disney World offers three Resort hotel levels: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Deluxe Resort . Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is also home to Disney Vacation Club Villas at Kidani Village.

This truly stunning Resort is unlike any other in Walt Disney World — or anywhere else, for that matter!

Deluxe amenities, memorable Resort activities, a wide range of fantastic and flavorful dining, lovely and relaxing pools , and much more are all part of the Animal Kingdom Lodge experience. However, what truly sets this Resort apart are the over 200 animals and birds that call the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge “home!”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna

If you’d like to jump to a specific topic, simply click on any of the links below :

• Animal Kingdom Lodge Atmosphere
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Rooms
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Tours and Special Activities
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Amenities and Activities
• Disney World Resort Hotel Guest Benefits
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Shopping
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation

Let’s get to know this remarkable Disney destination!

As Disney shares, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge invites you into the “heart of Africa,” with four savannas housing over 200 hoofed animals from over 30 species and birds offering a truly stunning and unique feature of the Resort.

Kidani Village

You may spy zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and more.

And you’ll have new friends to guide you, as you may encounter an Animal Specialist at the overlooks (and more spaces around the Resort) offering fun and education programming.

Savanna Animals

You can also explore on your own thanks to Wildlife Spotting Guides placed in Guest Rooms.

Wildlife Spotting Guide

Lobby Concierge can provide extra copies, as well, so you don’t miss a thing.

While the savannas alone offer plenty of reasons to enjoy the Resort’s outdoor settings, the Resort also presents “one of the largest collections of African art in the United States,” according to Disney.

Artwork in Jambo House

Let’s check-in…

… and explore!

Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge have a wide array of dining options to enjoy, from fine dining to quick service to relaxing lounges , and beyond!

Sanaa Bread Service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Table Service Restaurants

From all-you-care-to-eat dining options to fine signature dining, Animal Kingdom offers several of our favorite Table Service (sit-down) restaurants in all of Walt Disney World!

Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko

Boma gives visitors the opportunity to sample a wide variety  African dishes while also dining on  American favorites  during  breakfast or dinner .

Jiko — The Cooking Place , the Lodge’s Signature Restaurant , comes highly recommended if you enjoy excellent, gourmet food in a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Jiko — The Cooking Place

Sanaa , which means  “Work of Art” in Swahili , is a beautiful restaurant serving a  fusion of African and Indian cuisine  made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking.

You’ll find Sanaa in Kidani Village. And be aware that Sanaa also offers Table Service To Go !

Boma vs. Sanaa vs. Jiko:  Click HERE to Find Our Comparison of Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants!

And find our complete guide to eating at disney’s animal kingdom lodge here ., counter service dining.

Named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa, The Mara is a quick service restaurant that’s sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites , for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bars and Lounges

Victoria Falls  is a relaxing oasis perched above  Animal Kingdom Lodge’s   Boma restaurant. Enjoy a glass of  South African wine,  or indulge in your favorite  martini, beer or mixed drink .

Victoria Falls Lounge

Or just stop in on your way out to the parks to grab a quick bite from the  unique appetizer menu  including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.

Tucked into the entrance of the Table Service restaurant,  Sanaa , the exotic ambiance of the  Sanaa Lounge is the perfect setting before or after visiting the savanna overlooks at the Kidani Village.

Sanaa Lounge

With  dim lighting and cozy banquettes , this is an intimate watering hole with  specialty beverages, wine flights, and signature appetizers . (You can order Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service here, too.)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several lovely respites, and among them is Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar located en route to the main dining room at the Resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko — The Cooking Place .

Wine Tasting

This wine bar serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more.

The  Uzima Springs Pool Bar is a relaxing oasis at the pool at Jambo House, complete with a thatched roof and surrounded by lush foliage.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Did you know that Maji is Swahili for “water”?

Maji Pool Bar

Luckily, the Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge serves other liquids as well: cocktails (served frozen and on the rocks), wine, and draft beer, including Safari Amber.

We chat about the BEST Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants HERE .

Guest rooms.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features options including standard Guest Rooms, Studios, and Villas ,   along with options for accommodations with Club Level Concierge services. The Lodge is comprised of Jambo House (the main building, which includes standard guest rooms among the options) and Kidani Village. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House

Kidani Village is home to the Disney Vacation Club Villas featuring options for Studios and one-, two-, and three- bedroom Villas which can sleep from 6 to 8 Adults. (Note that Studios offer kitchenettes, while the Villas offer kitchens.)

Kidani Village entrance

In Jambo House, Guests Rooms  include choices of Resort View, Water View, Pool View and the popular Savanna View (where you can see the animals directly from your room’s balcony).

Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Room

Our photos are of a Standard Room in Jambo House , which come with either a King bed or two Queen beds and can sleep up to 4 Adults.  

Animal Kingdom Lodge Room

The beautifully themed rooms include features like nightstands with easy access outlets.

After: Nightstand with Outlets

Spaces to relax include a small table with chairs .

The coffee bar  includes a Keurig and a gorgeous nod to  The Lion King.

After: Coffee Area

Coffee Area

Provided Coffee and Tea Supplies

A mini-fridge can chill drinks or late-night snacks. (We recommend storing extra Zebra Domes in here. 😉 )

Mini Refrigerator

An especially appreciated feature for families are double sinks that are separated from the shower area , so more than one person can get ready at once.

Bathroom Sinks

Glass-encased showers also offer a full-sized tub .

Glass Shower Doors

Shower Head

And here’s a look at the toilet  and  shelving for towels and toiletries.

Bathroom Design

In keeping with Disney’s environmentally friendly initiatives, the shower features refillable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers .

Refillable Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash

Take a Photo Tour to see even MORE details of an Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Room here !

Tours and special experiences.

Starlight Safari

Enjoy a nighttime safari on the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna with the Starlight Safari !

Since this  hour-long experience  takes place well after the sun goes down, guests will receive  night vision goggles  to spot the African wildlife that call the savanna home. Over 30 species reside at the Lodge including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, antelopes, flamingos, and more.

Wild About Painting

Wild About Painting invites guests to create their own work of art — while enjoying savanna views (and a complimentary Mimosa, for of-age guests) on select dates!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

This experience is typically offered at Jiko — The Cooking Place on Wednesdays from 1 – 3PM for a fee of $35.00 . Simply e-mail   [email protected]  to reserve your spot, or stop by the Front Desk to inquire about openings!

Amenities and Activities

Guests can enjoy the spacious Uzima Springs Pool (complete with a waterslide) at the Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. Each are accompanied by two whirlpool spas.

Samawati Springs Pool

And the Front Desk will provide you with information about current Resort Activities which may include options like Movies Under the Stars , Pool Parties , evening Campfires , and additional activities for a nominal fee such as Arts and Crafts that you can take home!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Activities

You will also see signs alerting to the day’s and week’s activities around the Resort so you don’t miss any of the fun!

Resort Activities

Many activities offered at the Resort are entirely unique to Animal Kingdom Lodge . Guests have several opportunities to interact with Cultural Representatives and Animal Specialists in fun, family-friendly programming.

“Daily Adventures” may include — but are by no means limited to! — Cultural Safaris, Culinary Tours, Animal Viewing with Night Vision, Cookie Decorating, Bead Activities, African Games, Music and Drumming , and more.

Additional recreation options include pickleball (all the equipment you’ll need to play is complimentary) and tennis courts. Guests also have 24-hour access to the Zahanati Fitness Center .

Get your game on at Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade ! And kiddos can get their wiggle out at the Hakuna Matata Playground .

Fitness Center

Additional amenities for Resort guests  include complimentary Wi-Fi, currency exchange, self-service laundry rooms, mail services, and online check-in .

Additional Benefits

More theme park hours.

Guest staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have access to ADDITIONAL hours in the Disney World theme parks !

Early Theme Park Entry allows guests to enter any of the parks 30 minutes early to get a head start on their day in the parks!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This benefit is available for ANY theme park every day. Please note that guests need a valid theme park ticket AND a Park Pass reservation for the park they’re planning to visit in order to gain early access.

The Disney World Parks also offer Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for select guests,  giving them  extra hours in the parks at night! Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge qualify for this benefit, as it is exclusively to guests who are staying at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Walt Disney World Resort hotel for the length of their stay. 

Magic Kingdom at Night

Guests attending Extended Evening Hours need a valid ticket and Disney Park Pass for that theme park. Alternatively, they may visit with a Park Hopper as long as they scanned into their Park Pass-reserved park at some time earlier in the day. Click HERE to see the schedule for Extended Evening Hours !

Find out more about EXTRA Theme Park Hours for Disney Resort hotels guests HERE!

Disney genie and lightning lanes.

Disney Genie is a service available through the My Disney Experience app  which offers  both free and optional paid-for features which will help guests maximize their time in the parks . The two optional paid-for features —   Disney Genie+  and  Individual Attraction Selection  — launched in tandem with the  FREE standard Disney Genie.

For guests wishing to ride Disney’s most  popular  attractions — such as  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance  — without a wait,  Individual Attraction Selection  allows guests to select return times  to  bypass the standby line  and instead enter the  Lightning Lane  for a  maximum of two specific, more popular attractions.  Individual Attraction Selection is a  pay-per-ride option.

All guests have the ability to buy Individual Attraction Selections. Guests staying offsite are able to get their first one when the park opens. But those  staying at Disney-owned and operated hotels are able to make their first Individual Attraction Selection at 7AM each day .

Click HERE to learn EVERYTHING you need to know about Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection!

“hey, disney”.

“Hey, Disney!”   offers  “custom voice assistance” to guests staying at Resort hotels in Walt Disney World!

“Hey, Disney!”

This complimentary service, which  works with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices, assists guests with room amenities, guest services, planning,  and  weather info … AND it brings along LOTS of  extra Disney MAGIC  to make all of these things a lot more FUN!

Click HERE to learn MUCH more about “Hey, Disney!”

Of course, you’ll want to grab a souvenir (or ten 😉 ) to remember your Walt Disney World trip and your stay at the Lodge.

Zawadi Marketplace

In Jambo House, you’ll find the Zawadi Marketplace , and in Kidani Village you can shop at Johari Treasures .

Johari Treasures

Looks for items unique to Animal Kingdom Lodge along with other Walt Disney World souvenirs.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Tervis Tumblers

Transportation

Guests have complimentary access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from all four theme parks ( Magic Kingdom ,  EPCOT ,  Disney’s Hollywood Studios , and  Disney’s Animal Kingdom ), water parks, and Disney Springs .

Disney Bus Transportation

And, of course, the nearest park is Disney’s beautiful Animal Kingdom !

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Watch our video from our DFB YouTube Channel below to see MORE from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to help you decide if it’s the right choice for YOUR Walt Disney World vacation !

Considering a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Get the Magic started and complete a request for a price quote. An agent will review your travel preferences and provide you with a no-obligation quote along with their phone number so you can talk with them.

Our favorite people over at small world vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all , money, when you book your disney trip or cruise..

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU ! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here !)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today , and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

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A disney theme parks blog.

Animal Kingdom 1-Day Itinerary

Our Animal Kingdom 1-Day Itinerary is an efficient touring plan for what attractions, shows, and dining we’d do in our ideal day at the park. This itinerary is how we’d recommend experiencing all of what we consider Animal Kingdom essentials. While other touring plans focus on fitting in every attraction in one day, we’ll be more focused on how to have the best day possible. Instead of constantly running from attraction to attraction, this plan will also have you enjoying some of the little things that make Animal Kingdom special. Yes, we’ll get to the majority of the attractions but some are left behind in favor of what we believe are better options. If you are more ride focused then check out our Animal Kingdom attractions rankings . We also have entertainment ,  table-service  and  counter-service rankings to help out your trip planning. To view more of our itineraries, click here !

Animal Kingdom has improved over the last ten years but has hit a standstill in the years since COVID. The headliner in these changes has been Pandora – World of Avatar which lives up to the hype. Filling up an entire day at this park will be no problem unless you’re a very attractions focused tourist. I won’t hide my opinion, Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney World park so I’m cramming as much into this itinerary as possible. With all of these new additions in the last few years, I don’t think we’ll see many significant additions to Animal Kingdom in the coming years. As always, we’ll keep this post updated if there are significant changes.

Like many theme parks, entertainment can come and go and attractions can be under refurbishment in Animal Kingdom. If there’s something in this itinerary that isn’t showing while you’re at the park then just skip that step.

There are many different factors that go into a theme park day, so we do have to keep this plan somewhat general.  I don’t know how busy the park will be when you visit, whether you splurged for Genie+ or Lightning Lanes (this plan assumes you didn’t), where you are staying, etc. What I do assume in this itinerary is that you are spending the full day inside of the park, getting there before the gates open and leaving after the park closes. Getting to the park about half an hour before opening would be a wise choice if you only have one day there.

While we prefer staying on-site and there are a few advantages to it, staying anywhere will do as long as you get there before park opening. If you are extremely Animal Kingdom focused and the budget allows, staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge would be ideal. Coronado Springs Resort is also close by but doesn’t come close to how amazing Animal Kingdom Lodge is. If you aren’t staying at either of these resorts, don’t worry. Just get to the park before opening one way or another. If you’re looking for vacation packages or tickets then follow those links for our recommended sites.

On to the plan!

Pandora at Park Opening

Now that FastPass is no more, getting to the park early and heading straight for Pandora’s Flight of Passage is the best way to go. The earlier you get there, the shorter amount of time you’ll wait for the attraction. This is one of the best rides in all of Walt Disney World so it is worth the extra effort. If you’re early enough, then hopping over to Na’vi River Journey after Flight of Passage is an option. I wouldn’t join that queue unless it’s under 20 minutes though.

Let’s assume for a second that you are running late and don’t get to Animal Kingdom until opening or a few minutes after. It happens, don’t fret. If that’s the case then skip right over this first step and go for Kilimanjaro Safaris and the next steps in the plan. Come back for Flight of Passage before park closing and ride it then. It will save you a good amount of time and is a decent park touring strategy anyway.

If you did get there early enough for Flight of Passage then take a minute afterwards before moving on to soak in Pandora’s sights. While this plan will have you back in the land several times throughout the day, it is beautiful in the morning light. Get a lay of the land and enjoy one of the most enveloping areas Disney has ever created. For more information on Pandora, here is our touring plan .

Cinnamon Roll and Safari

Once you have spent a few minutes exploring Pandora, head across the bridge to Africa and the village of Harambe. Kilimanjaro Safaris shouldn’t have much of a line, assuming you beat the crowds to Flight of Passage. If it’s over half an hour then move on to the next step in the itinerary. If not, enjoy this extraordinary ride that takes guests on an expedition to see animals from all across the world.

Depending on the time and how hungry you are, grab a Colossal Cinnamon Roll from Kusafiri Bakery to share with the rest of your group. This is my favorite cinnamon roll on property mainly because it’s actually three cinnamon rolls in one! Get this before or after your safari as we’ll take a (not really) long walk to Asia after this.

Don’t Get Eaten!

If you have been following these itineraries, you know that morning is when we get most of the attractions done. Animal Kingdom is no exception as the next step has us crossing off the last three major attractions off the list. These attractions feature giant creatures (well maybe not the third) who would like to have you for lunch if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, we’ll be careful. We’ll start with Expedition Everest which will continue our loop around the park. Again, we should have beaten the masses to this hike up the mountain and the wait time should be relatively low.

After Everest, it should be early enough in the day that Dinosaur’s wait time is minimal. The exception is if it’s an exceptionally hot day. Again, we’re trying to beat the crowds and if it’s very hot already then crowds form at Kali River Rapids once it gets steamy. If it’s not terrible out yet (you know, relative to the usual Florida sauna) then go Dinosaur first followed by Kali. If need be, flip that plan. Your mileage may vary on both of these attractions as Dinosaur is fun but dated. We love river rapid rides but Kali misses the mark in that the story robs the ride of any joy. Still, these are both worth doing.

If you finish up in DinoLand then explore at your own risk. There’s a spinner to go on (Triceratop Spin) and that might be fun for smaller children. The Boneyard is also for kids but actually cool, as a playground that plays as an excavation site. Have I, as an adult, ever played for a while in The Boneyard sans kids? Maybe. Do I feel shame? No, it was in the name of research for our loyal readers. Obviously.

Discovery River Trails and Tree Sightings

From an ugly land to a gorgeous one, we have completed our morning loop of the park ending back at the Tree of Life. Around the park icon lay a number of trails and animal exhibits. With whatever time you have left before you need lunch (or have a lunch reservation), explore the paths and see any animals in the area. There are paths both in front and behind the tree that will give you a unique view. I especially like the path that leads directly behind the tree and the flowing water around there. Once in a while kangaroos will be hopping around in front of the tree, making for a captivating scene. Otter Grotto is also beautiful, sitting to the left of the tree if coming from the entrance. See what different animals you can find on the Tree of Life.  On top of all of this, the gardens are gorgeous and worth exploring on their own.

Lunch at Tiffins

Animal Kingdom has no shortage of good food options. We’ve settled on Tiffins , one of the best theme park restaurants in the world, for lunch. Tiffins showcases some of the Imagineers travels that inspired Animal Kingdom. The décor is beautiful and interesting and the food features dishes from around the world. I picked lunch here as it is a little bit cheaper than dinner but either way is a good option.

Tiffins is somewhat expensive, although there is some value in a few dishes, so if you don’t want to spend the money then Flame Tree Barbecue is a great option for carnivores. Harambe Market and Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe are other good choices. Tiffins also has the connected Nomad Lounge that has a limited menu but slightly cheaper options than the restaurant.

Enjoy the Shows

After you have stuffed yourself to the brim we’re going to continue to stay out of the heat and enjoy some shows. Head back to Africa for the great Festival of the Lion King. This is a variety show (kind of) that is inspired by Lion King. Festival of the Lion King showcases incredible talent and is one of my favorite shows in Disney World.

If you want to continue the show theme for the afternoon then Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond, It’s Tough to be a Bug! and Up! A Great Bird Adventure are quality options. Finding Nemo is the most elaborate of all of those, in a gigantic, air-conditioned(!) theater. It’s a Finding Nemo musical that kids will likely enjoy. It’s Tough to be a Bug! is a somewhat terrifying 3D show that is well done and under the Tree of Life. Up! A Great Bird Adventure is more of an educational show with live birds. There are a few characters from Up that come out during the show. Finally, Winged Encounters is a quick atmospheric show to watch from the front of Tree of Life, with a number of birds flying in. This is typically done every hour, ask a Cast Member when the day’s shows are.

Maharajah Jungle Trek

We’ll then make our way over to Asia, to enjoy one of my favorite attractions in the park – Maharajah Jungle Trek. This walk-through attraction takes guests through a beautiful path that ultimately leads to a tiger exhibit. Along the way there are many other animals to enjoy, as well as some beautiful art work that tells the story of poachers and tigers. Spend some time here and don’t rush through, this is one of the attractions and areas that makes Animal Kingdom unique. Maharajah Jungle Trek will close earlier than the rest of the park so make sure to catch it before it closes, you may have to move it up a step or two in some cases.

While in Asia, enjoy a few of the details that include views of Everest and some of the best sign work Disney has ever done. There are also animals to see and snacks to dive into! Soft serve, anyone?

Africa in the Evening

Heading back to Africa will lead us to the other animal trail that the park offers – Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. This is another beautiful area that leads to gorillas and many other animals. While this attraction doesn’t tell the story that Maharajah Jungle Trek does it is still worth seeing. Many times there will be animal specialists or other cast members (some native to Africa) along the trails. Stop and talk to them, as they are eager to share what they know. If you only have time for one trail then make it Maharajah Jungle Trek but they are both worth exploring.

Something that shouldn’t be missed in Harambe is whatever entertainment is playing in the town center. There will be live music or other acts playing throughout the day and they’re all worth seeing. While there, check out the Dawa Bar for a drink and the shops in the area. All of Africa has an idealistic lived-in atmosphere and is worth walking around.

This leads us back to Kilimanjaro Safaris around sunset. Animals can be fairly active around this point and the experience at that time is much better than going when it’s completely dark.

Dinner at Satu’li Canteen

Right around sunset and after your safari is when you should head back to Pandora. Watching the land transform from daytime into night is fascinating. I actually prefer the day lighting as the colors are really exuberant but there are some beautiful aspects to Pandora at night. While there, it’s time to enjoy dinner at Satu’li Canteen . This is one of the best counter-service restaurants at Disney World.  The inside of the restaurant isn’t all that impressive but the food is great and the value is strong. If the weather cooperates, eating outside is a great option.

Nighttime Atmosphere

After dinner, it’s time to explore! Animal Kingdom has an energy that you can feel during the day thanks in part to all of the animals and water throughout the park. Along with that, the colors really make for a beautiful environment and unique energy. That transfers into nighttime via live entertainment and beautiful settings. As I’ve already mentioned, Pandora is well worth seeing at night.

The entertainment in both Africa and Discovery River at night are wonderful. Whether you enjoy dancing, singing or just sitting and watching there is something for everyone in terms of entertainment here. It is one of the more unique environments that the American parks have. My favorite form of entertainment at Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life Awakenings. These are little vignettes shown via projections on the Tree of Life after the sun goes down. There are several different stories told. Find a spot to watch a few shows throughout the evening.

Expedition Everest

Making your way back to Asia for a nighttime ride on Expedition Everest is a must. The roller coaster is a fairly different experience at night, spookier and more thrilling since there isn’t much way to see what’s going on. Being over in this direction again adds the bonus of seeing Asia at night, my favorite lighting package that Disney World currently has. The string lights illuminating the prayer flags in Asia are spectacular, as well as the giant mountain looming overhead.

Pandora at Night

The final step of the night is more of a choose your own adventure. I ultimately chose Pandora and one last ride on Flight of Passage in the itinerary. The other option would be to hang out in Asia and do a few more rides on that side of the park. Since we’ve already done Everest twice, a second ride on Flight of Passage will probably be the preference for most. There’s a chance that you’ll be able to accomplish both of these steps, depending on closing time and what in the itinerary you’ve had to skip.

On your way out of the park, enjoy more picturesque settings and another showing of Tree of Life Awakenings. If it’s not already clear, we think Animal Kingdom is a park to slow down in and enjoy the details. There are so many environments and lands that should be soaked in rather than rushed by. This is true from the start of the day to on your way out of the park. Instead of a day running from attraction to attraction, make Animal Kingdom a day of wandering the park with attractions thrown in. Of course, there are times when you should be more attraction focused (the morning) but most of the time slow down and enjoy everything the park has to offer.

As always, if you have questions or thoughts on our Animal Kingdom itinerary then leave a comment below. If you are planning a trip to Disney World, then check out our planning guide . If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!

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Tagged as: Animal Kingdom , Animal Kingdom itineraries , Disney World , Disney World itineraries

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Is the #1 Hotel in Disney World, But #2 Will Surprise You

Oh, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , how we love you.

With your incredible theming, delightful restaurants, and of course — sweeping savanna animal views, you’re practically perfect. So, it’s no wonder that AllEars readers have rated it the number one hotel in all of Disney World . But, we think number two might surprise you.

Did you know that AllEars features a comprehensive roundup of reviews from our readers? It’s true! You’ll find reviews on rides, restaurants, and of course — hotels. We were scrolling through our hotel reviews the other day when we noticed that the number two hotel behind Animal Kingdom Lodge was one we didn’t expect!

It makes sense that Animal Kingdom Lodge is ranked first with a 9.3 out of 10 — it’s beautifully decorated, immersive, and truly feels like a deluxe resort with its restaurants and animal views. But, we were expecting to see one of the monorail resorts — the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian hotels — in second place.

Animal Kingdom Lodge JAMBO House (Disney Vacation Club)

Shockingly enough, a monorail resort doesn’t make the list until #5 — the Polynesian is rated 8.3 out of 10 according to our readers. Folks love the layout of these rooms, the proximity to Magic Kingdom, and the overall tropical vibes of the Polynesian.

Plus, it’s home to some of our favorite restaurants — ‘Ohana, Captain Cook’s, Trader Sam’s, and Kona Cafe!

Polynesian Village Resort (Deluxe Resort)

So, which Disney World hotel did take the silver medal in the Accommodation Olympics? It was Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, of course! Coming in with a 9.2 rating out of 10, 95% of the people who reviewed this hotel on our site recommend it.

And, although it’s not on the monorail loop — it’s still extremely close to Magic Kingdom! In fact, our readers love taking the leisurely boat from Wilderness Lodge to the Most Magical Place on Earth. In addition, this hotel is just as incredibly themed and immersive — which makes sense when you realize they were designed by the same architect!

Wilderness Lodge is home to  Storybook Dining With Snow White at Artist Point, a character meal perfect for foodies. Whispering Canyon Cafe serves up delicious breakfast skillets and a ton of entertainment in the form of rowdy Cast Members, and Territory Lounge is one of our favorite underrated bars in all of Disney World.

We totally get why our readers find Wilderness Lodge worthy of recommendation. It is a Deluxe Resort, meaning it’s the highest price tier, but you can often find discounts and rent DVC points to make your stay a little cheaper. Consider booking a stay for your next Disney World trip!

Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort)

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney World planning tips and more!

The BEST Disney World Hotel for 2024

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Have you stayed at either of these hotels? Tell us in the comments.

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4 Replies to “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Is the #1 Hotel in Disney World, But #2 Will Surprise You”

AKL??? Let me say that walking what I thought was a half-mile (maybe more) round-trip to and from my room in Kidani Village to their restaurant, Boma, as well as hoofing to the park busses did NOT make this resort appealing. That and the limited animal sightings everyone raves about! Not anything like the commercials! My favorite resort so far has been the Riviera, until I try this “second” best, Polynesian resort.

Wilderness Lodge is a hidden jem… not on the Monorail, but still a Magic Kingdom area resort. And it has the little boats as an alternative to the busses. Often the most affordable of the deluxe resorts as well. Plus, who doesn’t want to go to Whispering Canyons, if only to ask for ketchup? Animal Kingdon Lodge is wonderful, but the disadvantage is that it is the southern most property, which makes travel anywhere longer…

Stayed in both resorts and I agree with the choices. Animal Kingdom lodge is amazing,especially if you get a savanna view room. Waking up in the morning siting on the balcony with a coffee,watching the animals is so relaxing, however it is a bit of a hike to get to MK. Wilderness Lodge is magical especially at Christmas. Third place I would put Polynesian.

Stayed at both Animal Kingdom and Wildress Lodge. Cannot say enough about how beautiful the hotels are or about how incredible the cast members were to us. Everyone and every thing was magical!

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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What Makes This Resort Hotel Unique

Pool with Waterslide

Escape to an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Read More

Escape to an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, Uzima Pool includes a children’s wading pool and 2 whirlpool spas.

You can also cool off at Samawati Springs Pool, which offers a thrilling waterslide, 2 whirlpool spas and Uwanja Camp—an animal observation site-themed water playground with squirting Venus flytraps, a rope bridge, water cannons and more. Samawati Springs Pool is located just a short walk away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.

Learn more about recreation at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Award-Winning Dining

Savor vibrant African specialties and favorite American classics at our award-winning restaurants.

Exotic Animals

Discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Read More

Discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Identify each species with a Wildlife Field Guide (found in your Guest Room, with extras available from the Front desk), and learn more about African animals and ecosystems during fun programs led by Animal Specialists.

Room Types Sure to Suit Your Style

Choose from a wide array of accommodations, from rooms and suites—some offering Concierge service—to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. Read More

Choose from a wide array of accommodations, from rooms and suites—some offering Concierge service—to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. All room types share the same Resort amenities, including pools, dining and recreation.

Room types offered at this Resort:

• Rooms and Suites (sleep up to 4 adults)
• Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 8 adults)
• Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 4 adults)
• Deluxe Studios with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 4 adults)
• 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas (sleep up to 12 adults)
• Villas with Club-Level Service (sleeps up to 5 adults)

Villas feature:

• A fully-equipped kitchen , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa
• Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share even more quality time together after you return from the parks
• Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
• A washer and dryer , so you can pack lightly and always have fresh, clean clothes

Studios and Deluxe Studios feature:

• A kitchenette , so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your studio
• A sleeper sofa , in addition to one queen bed and one pull-down bed

Deluxe Studios are larger than Studios.

Visit the Room Rates page to see what's available for your stay!

More Magic for Your Stay

A More Magical Stay Starts with "Hey Disney!”

The "Hey Disney!" voice assistant experience features tons of character fun plus a helpful host, who can order you extra towels and answer lots of your park questions.

Disney Signature Services

Guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites are eligible for personalized vacation-planning support.

Enhance Your Stay with the My Disney Experience App

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app. Read More

Simplify your arrival, access your room and discover a world of fun with this helpful app.

Be sure you have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to enjoy these handy features during your stay.

Check In and Check Out with Ease

Enjoy a simplified arrival at your Disney Resort hotel! Use the app to begin the check-in process , view your room number and even unlock your door .

At the end of your stay, there’s no need to stop by the Front Desk if you have a valid payment card on file or a zero-dollar balance on your account. Instead, check out of your room via the app by visiting My Reservations or your Hotel Account.

Plan, Play, Dine and Unwind

There are many more ways to enhance your stay! With the app, you can:

• Make vacation plans during your stay—and review existing plans
• Enter the theme parks (with a valid park reservation and valid admission) using Disney MagicMobile service
• Order food and beverages with mobile order service
• Check park schedules
• Get directions
• Explore transportation options
• View your Disney PhotoPass photos

And that’s only the beginning!

Learn more about the My Disney Experience app .

Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc .

Easier Trip Planning – Like Magic!

Once you’ve settled in, let Disney Genie service summon the attractions, entertainment and dining experiences you love the most. Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel guest get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to two different attractions each day.

FREE Disney Dining & Drinks in 2025!

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Five things you might not know about Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’ve never walked through Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , either as a guest or just a visitor, you’re missing some of the Imagineers’ best work on Walt Disney World property.

Yes, the location is a bit further off the beaten path than other Deluxe Resorts, but that could be considered intentional. It’s set apart because it’s unlike any other resort on property, both aesthetically and culturally.  When you enter the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you entering a place where the Disney characters have been pushed to the background and the African continent is front and center.

So in that spirit, here are five things you might not know about the Animal Kingdom Lodge that help make it well worth a stay or visit.

Authentic African art

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to the largest collection of African art outside of the African continent. Many of the most impressive pieces, like the 16-foot-tall Igbo Ijele mask, are in the lobby. You can find even more pieces of art just walking the corridors of the resort. Between Jambo House and Kidani Village, more than 800 artifacts are on display, making the entire resort a museum of sorts. Take the time to browse the displays, many of which have descriptions and countries of origins listed.

It’s not just the sights of all the artwork. The sounds of the African background music played throughout the resort transports visitors as well. After returning from a stay at the Lodge, you might just find yourself scouring the Internet for the music you heard. Here’s a listing compiled by the AKL Resort site with links to purchase many of the songs on the resort background loop.

Cultural ambassadors

Even with all the African artwork and decor, what really makes a visit to the Animal Kingdom Lodge an authentic experience is the opportunity to interact with resort cast members from Africa. Every year, Disney recruits about 90 “cultural representatives” from various African countries. These cast members are always eager to share information about their home countries.

When you check in at the Lodge, you’ll get a schedule of “Cultural Immersion” activities. These range from the opportunity to play African instruments and drums to a nightly African folktale storytelling around the fire pit at the Arusha Savanna Overlook. Even while waiting for a bus to the parks, we’ve been engaged by cast members bringing animal activities to keep kids occupied.

Options beyond the savanna

Like all Disney Deluxe Resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge can be an expensive proposition. The easiest way to save on your stay is to opt for a pool view or standard view room instead of the more expensive savanna view. Even if you’re not able to see animals from your balcony, the resort is full of overlooks and viewing spaces where you can view the savannas. And now that the trees around the resort have matured, the non-savanna view rooms can still have interesting site lines.

Touring Plans has a handy view of the resort’s layout with views from various rooms. My recommendation: if you are going to reserve pool or standard view is to request a room on the Giraffe Trail, which gives guests several advantages. First, it’s closer to the lobby than other wings. Animal Kingdom Lodge can be an expansive resort and the walks can get awfully long. The wing is also an elevator ride away from the pool, which is a short walk to the Mara quick service restaurant. One more tip: the stairwell next to the elevators will lead you to an outside door right next to the bus area without having to walk through the lobby.

Free culinary tours

This is a real treat that won’t cost you a dime. Both Jambo House and Kidani Village host daily tours of their restaurants. At Jambo House, a Culinary Tour is offered daily at 3:45 p.m. African guides will take visitors through Boma and Jiko – The Cooking Place. On the tour, they’ll share personal observations based on their own experiences in Africa and will highlight the symbolism in the restaurants’ design.

Guests will also get a chance to sample the unique flavors in the restaurants. On our tour, we were able to try the delicious butternut squash soup and zebra domes at Boma. Then at Jiko, we were given a sampling of some of the unique sauces and crisp flatbreads used at the restaurant.

Similar to the Culinary Tour, Kidani’s Sanaa Cultural Tour features an African cast member guiding guests through the design and artistic details of the restaurant. Learning the symbolism behind the design choices demonstrates the Imagineers’ attention to detail. And sampling Sanaa’s naan bread and dipping sauces demonstrates why the restaurant’s bread service is one of the signature dishes on WDW property. You can also view animals through the expansive windows of the restaurant, the only one at the resort situated on a savanna.

Animals day and night

Yes, the animals that roam the savanna are the stars of the show at Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you’re just visiting, you can walk straight through the lobby down the steps at the far end, which take you out to Arusha Rock Savanna Overlook. Here, you’ll find displays with information about the animals wandering the grounds. Often, you’ll also encounter cast members who can answer questions.

If you’re coming to the resort at night, you can view the animals in darkness with the help of night vision goggles. Times vary, so you’ll want to find a schedule to see when the night viewing is happening. To get to the night viewing area, go out to the end of the pool and to the left, where you’ll find cast members who will allow you to use the equipment for a clear view of the giraffes and other animals after sunset.

One last note: I’ve heard of people concerned that having the animals nearby gives the resort the kind of pungent scent usually associated with zoos. After several stays here, I can tell you that’s not the case. In fact, the resort has a warm aroma with hints of spices and wood-fired oven. Whether that’s the actual oven at Jiko or something that is artificially piped in is a mystery to me, but it’s just another way that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a feast for the senses.

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9 thoughts on “ Five things you might not know about Animal Kingdom Lodge ”

Thanks so much for this information. I’ve eaten at Boma, but never knew that there was a tour. Since I have a free afternoon on my November trip, I’ll definitely be joining one of the tours.

Are you required to be a resort guest for any of the culinary tours? Also is there also a sampling offered on every tour?

No, there is no requirement that you be a resort guest. As far as I know, there is a sampling on every tour.

We stayed at Kidani Village for the first time in July. We took one of the daily guided tours of the resort with one of the cultural ambassadors. It leaves every afternoon from just outside the gift shop. The day we took it, my son and I were the only guests on the tour, which was supposed to last 30 minutes or so. We so enjoyed talking with and learning from Lebo, our cultural ambassador from South Africa, that we ended up visiting with her for over an hour. It was truly one of the highlights of our vacation! We learned about the cultural significance/symbolism of much of the art in and around the resort lobby area. When we explained it all to my husband and other son later in our vacation, they regretted not taking the tour with us!

We don’t stay here because of the price tag, but we try to visit every trip. We just did the night safari from Sanaa a couple of weeks ago; it was only recently opened up to people who aren’t guests of the Lodge. It was the best part of our trip. There was a giraffe sleeping and laying on the ground a few feet from the truck. He stood up a couple of minutes after we stopped, and his face was just a few inches from mine. Amazing. You don’t get anything near that close at Animal Kingdom’s Safari.

Thank you so much for the info our the tours. I wasn’t sure if it was still going on. Are both tours at 3:45 pm daily? Where do we go for each tours?

The latest update I had was that the Jambo House tour was at 3:45 p.m. and the Kidani tour was at 4 p.m., but you’ll want to double check that. For the Jambo House tour, from the lobby, you go downstairs, past the Victoria Falls lounge, to the ground floor in the area between Jiko and Boma near the bathrooms. You should see cast members there waiting for people to arrive. For the Sanaa tour, you’ll go to Kidani Village and check in at the restaurant waiting area, which is below the main check-in area for Kidani. Enjoy the tours!

Thanks for the post!! We’ll be there one night on NYE this year. That’ll help us figure out what to do some of the day.

We just finished a great stay a couple of weeks ago. It is by far our favorite resort!

Just a quick note about standard view rooms – we paid standard view, used the Touring Plans room finder to request a specific room (we were 2 doors away from the room we requested), and had a magnificent view of the Sunset savanna with giraffes and a pair of storks who nested at the water feature right outside of our room every night! Couldn’t have asked for better.

As an added bonus – you know those afternoon and evening showers that mess with your park time? Made for a great viewing opportunity right from our balcony – the animals were so active during the downpour.

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• News / Walt Disney World

Rare Baby Addax Born Just Before Mother’s Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

by Kristin Sabol · May 10, 2024

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what could be better than celebrating a new baby? Especially a new arrival from an odds-defying, critically endangered species.

Two–month-old Julien is the newest member of the addax herd and was born March 25th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!   

These endangered animals face possible extinction with less than 100 in the wild and just over 180 in managed care across all organizations accredited by the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). 

New Baby Calf

Welcome Julien! This new babe is about two feet tall with a full head of hair and an adorable  sweet look.

He is the first male calf born at the resort and welcomed by mom, Juniper.

Fun fact! Julien’s name is actually a  combination of both Juniper and Allen (his mom and dad, also a part of the larger herd).

More Than a Birthday

Julien’s birth is more than just a birthday celebration– it is an incredible win for this species and the Disneyy team of veterinarians and animal keepers working with the addax.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney)

His birth is just one example of the amazing level of effort and care these animals receive. 

Did You Know?

Are you familiar with the addax? The critically endangered species is an antelope known for their curly horns. This species of antelope is so rare, there are only a few places in the entire world where they can be spotted outside of Africa’s Saharan desert– Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of them!

Soon, guests can visit mom and Julien in the Sunset Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Image: MickeyBlog  

Stay tuned and be sure to follow MickeyBlog to stay updated on this and all things Disney.

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'Rare' and 'Critically Endangered' Animal Born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

A "rare" and "critically endangered" animal was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and not only is he cute and good news, but he has a great name, too. 

On May 10, 2024, Disney Parks took to its blog to share the good news that a new baby had entered the world. Take a look!

“At Disney, every animal birth is important, but there’s something extra special about an odds-defying, critically endangered baby,” the company’s blog reads.

Related: Disney's Animal Kingdom Welcomes Brand New Baby Elephant

Just in time for Mother’s Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , they’re celebrating a win for the Addax species. A boy they’ve named Julien.

“Julien stands just over an adorable two feet tall with a great head of hair and is as cute as can be,” Disney shares on its Parks blog.

“He is welcomed by his mom Juniper and the rest of the herd over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and is the first male calf born at the resort.”

The name holds special meaning, too, as it is a hybrid of his parents’ names.

The company explains, “An ode to his mom and dad, Julien’s name is a combination of Juniper and Allen, who are all part of the larger herd.”

“Actually, we at Walt Disney World are one of just 21 AZA accredited institutions who have addax in our care, and what better place to be able to see them than on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.”  

Mama Juniper Has Been Through a Lot in Her Life

Chip and Company shared a video about the new Addax's birth, with more details on why this birth is extra special for his mom, Juniper.

“Mom Juniper’s story defies the odds. She was born in August 2021 and during the birth, her mother passed due to complications leaving Juniper without a mom,” the company shared in the caption of a YouTube video.

“Keepers and animal care experts quickly stepped in and showered her with care and helped raise her,” they continued, noting that this is extra special for the zookeepers who are now celebrating Juniper becoming a mom.

The company continues, “Both Juniper and Julien have been nursing, nuzzling, and bonding in a backstage area ahead of Julien’s debut on the savanna.” 

Facts About the 'Critically Endangered' Addax

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ), Addax is on the brink of leaving the world in the wild. 

"Addax is listed as Critically Endangered because the total population is estimated to number under 100," the organization warns. This number is "well below the threshold of 250 mature individuals," and nearly all of these animals in the wild are all in one small area of Niger. 

"Numbers continue to decline due to poaching and disturbance from oil exploration," the organization warns. 

With the birth of one more Addax, this one at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, it's 

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Rare Animal at Disney's Animal Kingdom Gives Birth in Time to Celebrate Mother's Day

Meet Julien, the two-month-old addax calf and the latest addition to the Disney herd

Landon McReynolds/Walt Disney World

An endangered addax calf at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge arrived in time to celebrate Mother's Day with his mom.

On May 10, the Disney Parks Blog announced the birth of Julien, a now-two-month-old addax calf, the first male addax calf born at the Animal Kingdom resort — in what Disney calls "an incredible win for the population of this species."

Two feet tall with "a great head of hair," Julien is named after his parents, mom Juniper and dad Allen. The addax is a rare antelope species native to the Sahara Desert in Africa.

As the  Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute noted, the critically endangered addax faces threats in the wild, including drought, hunting, and "habitat loss from oil drilling and agricultural expansion."

The Disney Parks Blog shared that the species has an estimated population of less than 100 in the wild and is currently on the brink of extinction. There are over 180   in addax in managed care across organizations accredited by the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Julien and his parents are members of a larger herd at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, one of 21 AZA-accredited institutions that houses addax.

"Julien's birth is an incredible win for the population of this species and for our team of veterinarians and animal keepers who are over the moon to welcome another addax as they are so critical in the wild," the Disney blog shared. "This birth is just one of many examples that testifies to the level of care our animals receive."

Animal keeper Lindsay Cooper and veterinarian Dr. Deidre Fontenot care for Juniper at Walt Disney World with best-in-class care and wellness exams.

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According to Sahara Conservation , the addax used to be "found in great numbers over immense arid areas" before their population crashed due to "the advent of modern weapons and transport, and more recently oil exploration and civil unrest."

"Today, the addax, a nomadic desert-living species, is the most threatened ungulate in the Sahara and quite possibly the world, and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List," its website noted.

The addax can only be found today in two small populations in the wild, in the Tin Toumma desert of eastern Niger and Chad's Eguey-Bodélé region, per Sahara Conservation.

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