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Everything you need to Know about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Everything you need to Know about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge takes you to the heart of Africa. What makes this hotel so special is that it wraps its way through a savannah that is home to over 200 animals. It’s hard for any other Disney resort to top the theming that the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers.

Classification Deluxe Resort
Located next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Check In: 3:00 p.m. / Check Out: 11:00 a.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms

This sprawling resort holds 972 guest rooms, most of which give you just over 300 square feet of space to relax. Standard amenities in each room includes a flat-panel TV, desk with two chairs, ceiling fan, mini fridge, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, in-room safe, free wireless internet, and coffee maker.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features several room types that range from a standard pool view to one overlooking the savannah. We recommend splurging for the savannah view! The majority of rooms sleeps up to four adults and consists of a mixture of king, queen, bunk and sofa beds. As an added bonus almost all the rooms at the resort have a full balcony as well.

Dining Options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma  Flavors of Africa

Boma is a buffet restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World. Copyright Disney.

Boma is a full-service buffet restaurant. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a perfect blend of classics and African offerings.

Breakfast serves a delicious tropical juice and a wide spread breakfast buffet. Selections may include omelets made to order, French toast, African pastries, carved ham, fresh fruit and some of the best scrambled eggs we have ever eaten.

At dinner, you can watch chefs prepare grilled seafood, roasted meats, vegetarian specialties, fresh salads and fresh pastries in the kitchen. You will want to make sure you scoop up the highly raved about dessert, Zebra Domes. Don’t worry Boma also has the kids classics like chicken nuggets as well.

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Jiko is an exquisite dining choice located inside the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

Jiko is an exquisite dining choice located inside the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

Here at Jiko you will find steak, chicken, seafood, vegan and vegetarian dishes that are infused with a unique blend of African flavors and spices. The atmosphere is intimate and perfect spot to go for a special occasion.

The Mara – Quick Service Location

The Mara a quick service location at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

The Mara a quick service location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

Named for a river flowing through Kenya and Tanzania, this location serves flatbreads, chicken, and sandwiches. We thoroughly enjoyed all the food we tried here. It was the most affordable dining option at the resort as well.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

Here you will find all the Disney pool bar staples such as cocktails, wine and draft beer. In addition to drinks, they serve sandwiches, salads, fruit and select snacks.

Victoria Falls Lounge

Victoria Falls Lounge at the Animal Kingdom lodge. Copyright Disney.

Victoria Falls Lounge at the Animal Kingdom lodge. Copyright Disney.

Sample tastes from South Africa before or after dinner inside this intimate bar overlooking Boma restaurant.

In-Room Dining

Room service is available at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

Room service is available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Copyright Disney.

This is available to resort guests from 6 a.m. to midnight. It allows you to enjoy made-to-order meals in the privacy of your Resort hotel room. Look for the menu inside of your room for the options available.

Resort Recreation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Pools

You will enjoy swimming in their 11,000-square-foot zero entry pool. The pool holds 234,980 of perfectly warmed water year round. If you are in for a little excitement there is even a 67-foot-long waterslide. Complimentary towels are provided in the pool area as well.

Simba’s Clubhouse

Looking to escape from the kids for a romantic dinner for two? Simba’s Clubhouse may be the answer. This service is available for kids ages 3 to 12. The clubhouse features activities such as arts and crafts, play with a variety of toys, video and board games. With dinner, Disney movies, snacks, nightly themed activities and cool keepsakes, it’s an experience your kids won’t soon forget. The cost is $8 per hour, per child and includes a snack, and a meal. Please call (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or the Resort hotel’s Front Desk for further information and operating hours.

Movies Under the Stars

Watch some of your favorite Disney Movies under the stars! In the pool area, each night (weather permitting) Disney will showcase one of its movie. All of this is included with your resort stay.

Arcade

This is a pretty standard arcade. Inside you can conquer classic arcade games and popular video games.

Playground

How often do you get to mess around on monkey bars while enjoying a view of an African savannah? Be sure to visit this playground located behind the main pool, against the savannah.

The Verdict on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The view from our room during our last stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The view from our room during our last stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

It’s hard to ignore what a unique, special experience this hotel provides its guests. The animals are what makes this hotel. How often do you wake up and have a giraffe staring back at you? In addition, the location is pretty spectacular. It’s literally next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and the furthest park away, the Magic Kingdom, is only around 20 minute bus ride.

From the detailed carvings found in guest rooms to the dining options, pool areas, and fabulous Disney service found at every Disney resort. We recommend experiencing a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

Everything you need to know about the Animal Kingdom Lodge before you decide to stay there!

Sarah Grooms

Thursday 7th of September 2017

When this resort opened, I thought I remember hearing that if you stay there you can have access to an early morning feeding-viewing Safari. Is that still true?

Patty Staricha

Thursday 7th of September 2017

Yes! They used to have an early morning sunrise tour. However, currently they are only offering an evening tour called Starlight Safari. Of course you can get up early and wander around the resort and see the animals more active in the morning, best of all it's free!