Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

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.

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.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Read our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World.