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You are here: Home / Family Travel / Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

June 18, 2017 by @Modlifeisgood 2 Comments

We recently stayed in Animal Kingdom Lodge read our review and watch our video guided tour.

Do we have a favourite Walt Disney World Resort?

Probably not…..BUT if we did it would probably be Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Why?

Well it is the only resort we have stayed in twice and felt the need to return. All Disney Resorts are fantastic but this is the only one we felt like being at home.

Jambo House Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a beautiful resort with unique theming & a fantastic ambience.

The resort is actually split into 2:

  • Jambo House a typical Disney World Deluxe Hotel Resort with a few Disney Vacation Club properties.
  • Kidani Village a Disney Vacation Club Property.

Guest can use the facilities at either resort.

Disney World Resorts
Savannah Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

Jambo is a Swahili greeting which is similar in meaning to the English word Hello.

Jambo House Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jambo House Bridge

This resort has 972-room opened in 2001. The resort has an African village design featuring hand-carved furnishings, African art and a giant fireplace in a soaring lobby.

Over 30 species of animal wander in the Resort’s Savannah. Many rooms have Savannah views where you might see giraffes & zebras each morning. Those guests who don’t have a Savannah view can wander around the hotel’s trails.

Savannah Animal Kingdom Lodge
Savannah Animal Kingdom Lodge

A fantastic pool plus water-slide is also on site. In addition the is the usual resort shop, concierge, playgrounds & arcade.

Savannah Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and Kidani Village
Savannah Animal Kingdom

All of the rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge have a balcony and features either two queen beds, one queen bed and a bunk bed, or a king bed. The rooms are decorated to an African style with carved wooden head-board. Guests with families might like the bunk bed rooms but make sure you request in advance.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is classified as a Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort. However; you will often find that rooms are slightly cheaper than some of the other deluxe resorts.

Disney World Resorts
Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

The are two full-service restaurants – Boma-Flavors of Africa and Jiko-The Cooking Place plus a quick-service eatery called the Mara. Food in Animal Kingdom Lodge is widely recognised as some of the best across Walt Disney World.

Kilimanjaro Club at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Kilimanjaro Club Animal Kingdom Lodge
Kilimanjaro Club

The resorts has a concierge club level called the Kilimanjaro Club. This exclusive area serves members with drinks and snacks in their own lounge. Read our review here.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village

Kidani Village opened in 2009 and contains over 300 Disney Vacation Club Villas.

Kidani Village has its own facilities including pool and shop.

Sanaa Kidani Village Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa Kidani Village

Kidani Village features Sanaa restaurant a personal favourite which features “the art of African cooking with Indian flavors”.

The Con

We think Animal Kingdom lodge is fantastic BUT the is a downside!

The resort is located much further away from theme parks than the other Disney Deluxe Resorts. Whilst the journey to Animal Kingdom is relatively short getting to Magic Kingdom etc can take some time.

Savannah Animal Kingdom Lodge
Savannah Animal Kingdom Lodge

Summary and Further Research

We love Animal Kingdom Lodge and have had a fantastic time each time we have stayed. We also feel it is a great resort for families especially those with small children. However; do consider the extra travel time with small children.

Giraffe Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah
Giraffe Animal Kingdom Lodge

Find out more about Walt Disney World Resorts in our Guide.

Read our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World.

Filed Under: Disney World, Family Travel, Orlando Tagged With: disney world, family travel, orlando

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pete R says

    June 21, 2017 at 11:19 am

    We are staying in Animal Kingdom Lodge in July. Thanks for the review.
    Have you eaten in Boma is it any good?

    Reply
    • @Modlifeisgood says

      August 23, 2017 at 10:24 pm

      Boma is one of the best buffet meals in Walt Disney World.
      In fact all of the restaurants in Animal Kingdom Lodge are excellent

      Reply

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Welcome to Modern Life is Good we are a Family Travel site specialising in Walt Disney World Planning, Universal Orlando, Orlando Attractions & Cruising.

We are family of 4 based in the United Kingdom who have become Orlando Fanatics and Enthusiastic Cruisers. We hope this website will help you plan the perfect Family Vacation.

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