Dramatic savannas (4 of them!) that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home, animal programs, one of the largest collections of African Art in the United Sates and more awaits you in the magnificent and full of adventure Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby |
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is inspired by the traditional African kraal (corral). This Deluxe Resort is located in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom resort area. The resort has a rustic appeal, but adds a welcome warmth and intimacy that feels like home.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge shares all Resort amenities—including pools, dining and recreation—with the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House (which is located at the lodge) and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. For the purpose of this blog, we will concentrate on the experiences at the lodge.
Rooms
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers an array of accommodations from Rooms and Suites (some of them with Club-Level Service), to home-like options in the villa section of the Resort. You will have the option to choose between Resort, Water and Savanna View.
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Savanna View |
Resort View Rooms include views of the rooftop or parking area. Water View Rooms views include views of the main Uzima Pool, and Savanna view include views of one the lodge three savannas.
Standard Rooms can sleep up to 4 adults with 2 queen beds configuration or up to two adults with a King bed configuration. 1-Bedroom Suites can sleep up to six adults with 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and includes a small fridge. 2-Bedroom Suites can sleep up to 8 adults with 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, as well as a small fridge.
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Standard Room |
Club-Level rooms include coffee and tea station, patio or balcony and Personalized Guest Services. Also, you will have access to the Kilimanjaro Club, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Villas and Studios can be booked with or without concierge level service. Studios includes a kitchenette with small fridge, microwave, and a balcony. Villas includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.
Studios and Deluxe Studios can sleep up to 4 adults with 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa configuration.1-Bedroom Villas can sleep up to 4 adults in 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, up to 5 adults in a 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair. The Villa also includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.
2- Bedroom Villas can sleep up to 9 adults in a 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair. Th 2-Bedroom Villa includes 3 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.
3- Bedroom Grand Villas can sleep up to 12 adults in a 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa. this villa includes 3 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, game room, washer and dryer, and a balcony.
Transportation
The only transportation option at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to all four of the Disney theme parks, Disney Springs and two Water Parks is by bus. The bus stop is located near the entrance and is shaded with a few benches that you can sit while you wait. Buses run about every 20 minutes.
There is also an internal shuttle bus that connects Jambo House to Kidani Village (Animal Kingdom’s DVC property). The shuttle runs approximately every 10 minutes and you can take it right outside the resort lobbies. You can also walk if you're looking for some extra exercise!
Dining
When it comes to dining, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best on property. You will be delighted with African inspired specialties and classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What’s better than great food? Having great food amid a wildlife preserve! Let’s dive in to one of my favorite things to do at Disney!
The Mara
This quick service restaurant is open all day (6:00 am -11:00 pm) serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night dining. Typical menu for breakfast includes croissant sandwich, breakfast platter for kids and adults, pastries and specialty coffees among other things. For lunch and dinner you can find African- inspired dishes like Harissa-spiced beef stew, chicken, shrimp or vegetable bowls, or classics with a twist like Signature-blend Bacon Cheddar Burger or Tamarind BBQ Pork sandwich. You will also find flatbreads, chicken strips and more. For late night dining you can find flatbreads, cold sandwiches, dessert, fruits, and snacks.
Boma - Flavors of Africa
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Boma - Flavors of Africa |
Boma is an all-you-care-to-enjoy-buffet, open for breakfast and dinner. Here you will step into what it looks like an African marketplace where you can indulge in African selections from over 50 African countries and old American favorites, so everyone can find something to eat.
Selections at Boma’s breakfast may include made to order omelets, French toast bread pudding, delicious pastries, fruits, and a type of South African quiche the turkey bobotie. To drink, start your day with their Kenyan AA-coffee or their amazing tropical juice.
For dinner, an array of Oak roasted meats, vegetarian specialties, seafood dishes, fresh salads, amazing pastries. If you are 21 years or older you can enjoy a great South African glass of wine or any other cocktail.
No matter if its for breakfast or dinner, Boma is an excellent choice that the whole family will enjoy! Both buffets are always busy so advance reservations are highly recommended. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted for breakfast and dinner and it will be 1 table service credit per person dining.
Jiko - The Cooking Place
Jiko is a Signature Dining experience that will take you on a culinary adventure through a blend of African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu changes seasonally and may include appetizers like oven-fired flatbreads and oak-grilled filet mignon along with other meats, fish and plant based dishes that are infused with a uniquely blend of flavor and spices. Jiko opens just for dinner and advance reservations are highly recommended. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted but it will be 2 table service credits, per person dining.
Victoria Falls Lounge
Intimate bar overlooking Boma restaurant where you can enjoy South African wines and an extensive selection of drinks. You can also enjoy an offering of simple foods available.
Cape Town Lounge and Bar Wine
Small lounge located at the entrance of Jiko. Sample South African wines and enjoy an appetizer and wine pairing prior to your meal.
Uzima Spring Pool Bar
Pool bar serving cocktails, frozen drinks and more!
Recreation
You will always have something to do at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! The resort is a destination in itself that you can spend your free days relaxing and enjoying everything that the resort has to offer.
Go for a dip in the enchanting Uzima Springs Pool! The pool offers zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural beach, along with a 67-foot-long waterslide. Uzima Pool includes a children’s wading pool and 2 whirlpool spas. The pool area also includes Uwanja Camp, a water playground with 3 distinct zones to please kids of all ages.
Savanna Guide Activities - While we were there, our kids were able to enjoy a few of activities so they could add beads to their String of Memories! String of memories consist of different stations that are offered at both Jambo House and Kidani Village on designated days and times. The stations are a great way to learn about the culture and wildlife of Africa.
Wild About Painting ($$) - Would you like to create your own souvenir while enjoying a fun activity? Check out Wild About Painting. The class is $35 per person, plus taxes. Classes takes place at Jiko - The Cooking Place on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Reservations are recommended.
Starlight Safari ($$) - Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle to enjoy a safari adventure reminiscent of a nighttime drive through an African game reserve! This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. Guests needs to be 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older. The tour is offer everyday during the night at 7:00 pm, 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The resort also has Movies Under the Stars, a Jogging Trail, Hakuna Matata playground and Pumbaa’s Fun and Game Arcade.
Our Two Cents
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a fantastic resort that offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere after a busy day at the parks. It serves as a destination in its own right, perfect for those who may not plan to visit the parks. The dining options are exceptional, with a variety of restaurants to choose from, and there are plenty of recreational activities available as well. If you have a passion for animals and culture, this is the ideal place for you.
We Want to Hear From You
What other questions do you have about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge? Have you stayed at this resort? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Yaritza has a deep passion for food and travel, and she fell in love with Disney from her first visit. You can email Yaritza at
yaritza@kingdomkonsultant.com.
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