So you’ve decided to plan an amazing Walt Disney World vacation; now what? Choosing your resort is one of the most important decisions you make, and what could be better than being swept away to the African savannas, complete with a balcony view of some of the world’s most majestic animals? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has two main buildings, beautifully themed & connected by a pathway. Continue reading to hear all of the wonderful amenities that this resort has to offer & learn the ins and outs of both Jambo House & Kidani Village!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Dedicated bus services
• Multiple onsite sit down restaurants, lounges, bars, & quick service options
• Incredible African cultural theming 
• Savanna View rooms that may offer views of animals
• Views of the Savanna throughout the resort 
• Wide variety of room type (standard, villas, & studios)
• Great for large groups/families traveling together

Cons: 

• Limited transportation options 
• Large & spread out resort
• Dining is African themed & may not appeal to everyone
• Standard room views may leave you longing for a Savanna View

Resort Overview

Location Benefits

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will put you right in the middle of a culture rich, animal filled, African village & may be one of the most unique Disney World resorts on property. The traditional horse-shoe curved design allows you to access views of all 4 savannas that, at any time, have a variety of birds, zebras, giraffes, and other African animals! The resort offers beautifully themed lobbies, rooms, & restaurants. It also boasts quick access to its park namesake, Animal Kingdom.

Additionally, you may choose to stay at the main Animal Kingdom lodge, also known as Jambo House, or you may stay in the neighboring Kidani Village. Each resort area offers themed dining, gorgeous lobbies, as well as standard & Disney Vacation Club Villas. An internal resort shuttle is offered to guests between Jambo House & Kidani Village. 

Resort Category: Deluxe

Resort Area: Animal Kingdom

Guest Rooms

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a range of room types, accommodating 2-8 adults, depending on your selection. Each room is creatively themed to reflect the resort’s culture. 

Standard Amenities in each room include: 

• Hairdryer 
• TV
• Free WiFi 
• Keurig coffee maker 
• In-room mini-fridge
• Telephone
• In-room safe
• Iron & ironing board 
• Outlets and USB ports are scattered throughout the rooms for your convenience
• Ample storage space; closets, drawers, bathroom counter space, & under the bed storage. 

It’s worth noting that some vanity areas do not have a separate door for privacy, but there is typically a door separating the shower and toilet from the vanity/sink area.

Room Types

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers various room types to suit your preferences & party size, including standard rooms, Deluxe Studios, & Villas: 

Rooms & Suites

• Savanna View: View of one of the resort savannas
• Pool View: View of a pool area
• Standard View: View of a rooftop or parking lot

All Views offer:

• 2 Queen Beds (sleeps up to 4 adults) OR
• 1 King Bed (sleeps up to 2 adults)

Deluxe Studios

Studio- Value (Jambo House):

• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of landscape or parking area
• Includes patio or balcony

Deluxe Studio- Savanna View (Jambo House or Kidani Village):

• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of one of the savannas
• Includes patio or balcony

Deluxe Studio- Standard View (Jambo House or Kidani Village):

• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of landscape or parking area
• Includes patio or balcony

Villas

1 Bedroom Villa- Standard View (Jambo House):

• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of landscape or parking area
• Full kitchen
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Savanna View (Jambo House):

• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of one of the savannas
• Full kitchen
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

3 Bedroom Grand Villa- Savanna View (Jambo House):

• 1 King Bed, 4 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 12 adults
• 2300 sq. ft. 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Full kitchen
• 3 full bathrooms 
• Washer/dryer
• Game room 
• Includes patio or balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Value (Jambo House):

• 1 King Bed & 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 4 adults
• Views of landscape or parking area
• Full kitchen
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

3 Bedroom Grand Villa- Savanna View (Kidani Village):

• 1 King Bed, 4 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 12 adults
• 2300 sq. ft. 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Full kitchen
• 4 full bathrooms 
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Standard View (Kidani Village):

• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of parking area
• Full kitchen
• 2 full bathrooms
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

2 Bedroom Villa- Savanna View (Kidani Village):

• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 9 adults
• Views of one of the savannas
• Full kitchen
• 3 full bathrooms
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Savanna View (Kidani Village):

• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of one of the savannas
• Full kitchen
• 2 full bathrooms
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

2 Bedroom Villa- Standard View (Kidani Village):

• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-Sized Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 9 adults
• Views of parking area
• Full kitchen
• 3 full bathrooms
• Washer/dryer

Club-Level Service

Certain rooms and suites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge come with Club-Level Service, which includes perks such as evening turndown, secured key access to the club-level lounge, complimentary fax assistance, access to Concierge service at the Kilimanjaro Club, complimentary health club access, complimentary newspapers in the Club Level lounge, and personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, & larger room sizes.  Who wouldn’t love all of these amazing amenities?!

Rooms and Suites with Club Level Service

Standard View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access: 

• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 6 adults
• Views of rooftop or parking area
• Includes patio or balcony

Savanna View – Club Level Access: 

• 2 Queen Beds 
• Sleeps up to 4 adults 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Includes patio or balcony

Savanna View 1 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access: 

• 2 Queen Beds & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 6 adults 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Includes patio or balcony

Savanna View King Bed – Club Level Access: 

• 1 King Bed 
• Sleeps up to 2 adults 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Includes patio or balcony

2 Bedroom Suite – Club Level Access: 

• 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, & 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
• Sleeps up to 8 adults 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Includes patio or balcony

Deluxe Studio – Club Level Access: 

• 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa 
• Sleeps up to 4 adults 
• Views of one of the savannas
• Includes patio or balcony

1 Bedroom Villa- Club Level Access:

• 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa, & 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
• Sleeps up to 5 adults
• Views of one of the savannas
• Full kitchen
• Washer/dryer
• Includes patio or balcony

Checking In and Out

There are multiple ways to check in for your stay; all being very easy. You can use the front desk, check-in online through the official Walt Disney World website, or utilize the My Disney Experience app. The front desk is located in the lobby of Jambo House & Kidani Village. 

After online check-in, you’ll receive a room-ready notification and can use your MagicBand or the digital key feature in the app to unlock your room door.

Using the app tends to be the quickest way to check in; it means you never have to wait in line to check in at the front desk. The MDE app can also be used virtually to chat with a cast member should you need any assistance. 

Guests will be automatically checked out of their rooms upon completion of their stay. Any unresolved charges will be put on the credit card on file & a final statement will be emailed to you. You may also visit the front desk if you wish.

Should you need assistance with your bags you’ll call bell services from your room phone and they will come to your room to assist you with your luggage.

Resort Shops

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers various amenities and shops for your enjoyment. This is where you can pick up snacks and souvenirs. This is where you can pick up snacks and souvenirs.  In select shops you may also find wine, drinks, medications, and other small grocery/sundry type items.  

The shops include:

• Zawadi Marketplace (Jambo House): This is the larger of the two shops on property with a higher amount of inventory. Typical Disney gifts are sold here; toys, candy, shirts, hats, etc. A large amount of resort branded souvenirs are available as well as African coffees and art. Grocery/sundry items are also sold here.
• Johari Treasures (Kidani Village): Exclusive “Kidani Village” merchandise is available here. You can also find hats, mugs, t-shirts, prints, and African craft items. African wines are also available. Other “convenience store” items are for sale should you find yourself in need. 

Amenities

• Laundry Services: A 24-hour self-service laundry facility is available.
• Parking: Complimentary parking is available to guests. Valet parking is available at a nightly rate.
• “Hey Disney!”:  Stay up to date on daily park info, play games, make requests in your resort with your in-room virtual assistant. 
• Dry Cleaning Services: Offers dry cleaning and valet laundry services.
• Movies Under the Stars: Enjoy complimentary Disney movies near the Uzima Pool.
• Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center: Access workout equipment, a sauna, massages, & facial treatments. 
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children aged 6 months to 12 years old.
• Simba’s Playhouse: Clubhouse with complimentary children’s activities with Lion King theming. 
• Jambo House Campfire Activities: Here you can roast marshmallows around a campfire. 

Lounges & Entertainment

• Cape Town Lounge & Wine Bar: Enjoy a cocktail & appetizer near Jiko- The Cooking Place. 
• Victoria Falls Lounge: Choose from a full bar menu at this intimate bar overlooking Boma restaurant. Picture yourself with an African wine next to a cozy fire pit.
• Sanaa Lounge: Offering flights of African wine for your enjoyment. Also, try an Indian-influenced appetizer as your watch the animals roam the savanna outside.

Dining Options

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a range of dining options. Whether you want a cozy sit-down experience with an animal view or to grab a treat while walking to the pool, you’ll easily find something to enjoy. Mobile ordering & Mobile Dine Check-In is also available at some locations. All quick service, lounges, & sit down options are situated in either Jambo House or Kidani Village and are easily accessible from both areas of the resort.

Table Service

Disney World’s Table Service restaurants offer a magical dining experience, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal in a themed setting. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. Table Service options cater to a variety of tastes. Use the Mobile Dine Check-In feature via the My Disney Experience app, making checking in for your reservation a breeze. 

• Boma-Flavors of Africa: Sample a taste of African flavors from more than 50 African countries. Boma offers an incredible breakfast & dinner buffet, allowing for you to try a wide variety of African fare; set under a beautiful thatched roof, this experience is not to be missed! 
• Jiko- The Cooking Place: This beautiful dinner location offers blends of traditional African, Indian, & Mediterranean flavors; filled with the most intoxicating spices! The menu changes seasonally & you have views of the chefs as well as the savannas. 
• Sanaa: Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, & incredible animal views, Sanaa is a family friendly dining experience not to be missed! Breakfast requires no reservations & is a casual, quick-service style. While dining at lunch or dinner, the bread service is one of the most talked about items on Disney property- you won’t want to skip this one!

Quick Service

Disney World’s Quick Service restaurants provide a convenient and efficient dining option for guests on the go. Perfect for a quick bite between attractions, these restaurants offer diverse menus, from an afternoon sweet treat to an on theme small plate. 

No reservations are needed; simply order at the counter or on your My Disney Experience app and find a seat. Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app lets you skip lines and customize your meal in advance. Quick Service options ensure you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the magic of Disney.

• The Mara: This quick-service/grab n go location offers meals & treats spanning breakfast all the way to a late night snack attack. 
• Uzima Springs Pool Bar: Grab a refreshing frozen cocktail to enjoy under the thatched hut or pop open a bottle of African beer while you catch some rays poolside. 
• Maji Pool Bar: Having sandwiches, salads, cocktails, & beer at your fingertips will allow you to spend the whole day poolside.

Recreation

 

For guests looking to relax and have fun, The Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a selection of recreational activities:

• Swimming: Enjoy an exciting themed-swim at the Uzima Springs Pool or Samawati Springs Pool; each section of the resort boasts a large pool, each with a waterslide & zero-entry area. 
• Uwanja Camp: This water playground has 3 zones, allowing safe play areas for kids of all ages ranging from toddler to 8 years and up. Climbing, bubbling geysers, and water cannons will keep the kids busy for hours!
• Arcade: Pumbaa’s Fun & Games will offer a cool & exciting retreat from a long play session at the Hakuna Matata Playground.
• Starlight Safari: This excursion is offered at an additional cost, but would allow your family to make the most incredible memories! Check available days to get the chance to climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle & ride through the lush scenery of the Animal Kingdom Lodge savannas. You will be provided a night vision device, as this is an after-dark safari; guests must be 8 years or older. 

 

Transportation

Bus services to all 4 parks are available at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can also catch a bus to Disney Springs & Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. If you are spending a day at Blizzard Beach, you will hop aboard a bus to Magic Kingdom and transfer to Blizzard Beach upon arrival. Minnie Vans are also a great option to get around Walt Disney World Property!

How to get from The Animal Kingdom Lodge to anywhere at Disney World

• Magic Kingdom – Complimentary resort bus. Minnie Van or other ride share services. 
• Epcot – Complimentary resort bus. Minnie Van or other ride share services. 
• Hollywood Studios – Complimentary resort bus. Minnie Van or other ride share services. 
• Animal Kingdom – Complimentary resort bus. Minnie Van or other ride share services.
• Disney Springs – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Disney Springs. Uber/Lyft are an option but they will drop you off at the far end of Disney Springs close to the Rain Forest Cafe area.  It can be a long walk to more central locations.  The bus and Minnie Van will drop you off in a central location.

Resorts

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – including Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Polynesian Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West –

1. Take a bus to Magic Kingdom
2. Use Magic Kingdom transportation to the resort of choice.
   1. Walk to Contemporary or Grand Floridian
   2. Monorail or Ferry to Grand Floridian and Contemporary
   3. Water Taxi to Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness
   4. Bus to all resorts.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Animal Kingdom Lodge to any Magic Kingdom area resort.
4. Take a bus to Animal Kingdom & hop on the appropriate resort bus. 

Epcot Area Resorts – including Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

1. Take a bus to Animal Kingdom & hop on the appropriate resort bus.
2. Take a bus to Hollywood Studios & take a boat or walk to the resort area.   
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation The Animal Kingdom Lodge to any Epcot area resort. 

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts – including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort.

1. Take a bus to Animal Kingdom & hop on to the appropriate resort bus.
2. Take a bus to Hollywood Studios & take the Skyliner to the resort area.
3. Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Animal Kingdom Lodge to any Hollywood Studios area resort.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts – including All Stars – Movie, Music and Sports and Coronado Springs

1. Take a bus to Animal Kingdom & hop on the appropriate resort bus.
2. Minnia Van or Uber/Lyft are the fastest transportation from The Animal Kingdom Lodge to any Animal Kingdom area resort.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Typhoon Lagoon. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that after noon you will take a resort bus to Disney Springs and transfer to the Typhoon Lagoon bus there. Prior to noon there is a direct bus from the resort to Typhoon Lagoon.
• Blizzard Beach – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate. Note that you will take a resort bust to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the Blizzard Beach bus there. 

Mini Golf

• Winter Summerland – Take a resort bus or Minnie Van to Blizzard Beach. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off near the main gate of Blizzard Beach.  Winter Summerland is next to Blizzard Beach.
• Fantasia Gardens – Take a resort bus to Hollywood Studios and walk to Fantasia Gardens. Fantasia Gardens is next to the Swan Reserve. Uber/Lyft is also a good option as you’ll be dropped off at Fantasia Gardens.

Tips for Your Stay

1. Make Dining Reservations Early: You’ll want to make dining reservations at the popular Animal Kingdom Lodge establishments or other Disney restaurants 60 days prior to arrival, especially for character dining experiences.  Table service dining does fill up and it’s not recommended to try to walk up to your favorite restaurant the day of.  Instructions on how to use the My Disney Experience app are here.
2. Upgrade to a Savanna View Room: Nothing will stick in your mind longer than waking up to a view of giraffes walking right beside your balcony, the upgraded rooms are well worth it at this resort! 
3. Use Mobile Ordering: To save time and avoid lines, use the My Disney Experience app’s mobile ordering feature for quick-service meals.  Best tips on mobile ordering and some of our favorites can be found here.
4. Moving between Jambo & Kidani: It is an easy walk between the two buildings, or the resort offers an inter-bus system to make moving between the two a breeze. 
5. Plan for Rainy Days: Pack ponchos or umbrellas, as Florida weather can be unpredictable. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities at the resort to keep you entertained.
6. Use the Disney Transportation System: Take advantage of the complimentary Disney transportation options to access all the parks and Disney Springs with ease.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Address & Phone Number

2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8410
(407) 938-3000

Conclusion

Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a unique and culturally rich experience for guests who want to feel as though they are vacationing on the other side of the world on the beautiful continent of Africa. The immersive experience of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the popular dining options in the resort make it a great option for your Disney World vacation. With its themed decor, savannas, and proximity to some of the most amazing animals on the planet, you will surely have a memorable and magical stay at this Deluxe Disney Resort. Be prepared to make memories that last a lifetime at the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Request a free, no-obligation quote from the Love of the Magic Vacations team here.