With its stunning African-inspired architecture, vibrant cultural experiences, and world-class dining options - this resort is truly a feast for the senses. Whether you're relaxing by the pool, dining in one of the many delicious restaurants, or learning about African wildlife, every moment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an adventure waiting to be discovered!

In this blog we are going to give you a preview of what you can expect when you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World so you can be sure to find plenty of dining, recreation and amenities throughout your visit. As soon as you step into the lobby you’ll feel transported to the beauty and wonder of Africa. This resort is so exotic and unique that unless you’ve been to Africa, there is really no other experience like it. Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a destination unto itself that you won’t even feel like you are missing out on anything if you never leave its walls.

It is divided into two sections: Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House will be home to your main lobby which features standard guest rooms, the main pool, two table service dining locations, a quick service dining restaurant and more. The breathtaking lobby at Jambo House is a gorgeous view as soon as you walk in filled with dark woods, authentic tribal artwork and cultural representatives ready to immerse you into their stories and traditions along with beautiful artwork you will find around every corner. This resort actually houses the largest collection of African artwork in the United States. If you continue to walk all the way through the lobby and down the stairs you can head outside of the large five story floor to ceiling window out to one of the three savannahs at Jambo House.

Over at Kidani Village you will find villas, a second pool with a large water play area and an additional table service restaurant. The lobby at Kidani Village is a bit smaller than the one at Jambo House but is every bit as beautiful. Look up to see the glass blown flames coming from the chandeliers and don’t just walk past the artwork on the walls and on display throughout the lobby. If you continue to walk to the back windows you will be able to enjoy those gorgeous savannah views that were also found at Jambo House.

Accommodations
As previously mentioned Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is divided into two sections: Jambo House and Kidani Village.

At Jambo House the room categories consist of: resort view, water view, savannah view, deluxe studios and 1-3 bedroom villas. Over at Kidani Village your room categories would consist of: deluxe studio and 1-3 bedroom villas with standard or savanna views.
Additionally you can find rooms with club level access at Jambo House. What is club level access you might ask? Well it is a simple way to add even more luxury to your vacation. When you stay club level at a Walt Disney World deluxe resort, you’ll have access to your own concierge for any assistance needed during your stay as well as access to the club level lounge, the Kilimanjaro Club. The club offers snacks and refreshments completely complimentary from 7am - 10pm.

The standard rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are located in Jambo House and are about 344 square feet. In these rooms you will find gorgeous decor consisting of dark woods, tribal artwork and touches of the beloved movie, The Lion King. The standard rooms here typically come with 2 queen beds but rooms with 1 king bed are also available. Each room will be equipped with all essentials needed for your stay including a mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, iron, hair dryer and more. Of course, these rooms also have a balcony which is essential if opting for that savannah view room!

Dining
With Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge being a deluxe resort you’re going to encounter plenty of delicious dining opportunities and you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Jiko: A Cooking Place - This is a signature dining restaurant found at Jambo House. The food is amazing and the decor is beautiful. You may not even realize the meanings behind the decor such as the birds flying above you hanging from the ceiling which is a symbol of good luck and the sunset wall along the back of the restaurant that changes colour as the sun sets.

BOMA - This buffet is located on the first floor of Jambo House and offers breakfast and dinner, both meals offer African and American inspired dishes. It is absolutely beloved by all who try it and is worth visiting even if staying at another resort.

The Mara - This quick service dining location at Jambo House is actually the only true quick service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and it offers delicious African and American flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here you’ll find burgers, flatbreads, bowls as well as some grab and go options. The Mara is also where you’ll find the famous and very popular snack - Zebra Domes. They are chocolate mousse baked with Amarula cream liqueur-coated white chocolate drizzled with chocolate stripes and chocolate shavings. You can also find them at the gift shop over in Kidani Village and on the dinner buffet at BOMA; however, if visiting BOMA for breakfast try the delicious spiked and striped cold brew cocktail that is topped with a zebra dome!

Victoria Falls Lounge - This lounge is a half story below the hotel lobby and overlooks BOMA. The lounge acts as a great place to enjoy an appetizer or cocktail in the evening.

Sanaa - This table service location can be found at Kidani Village. Here the walls are filled with large windows that showcase the savannah making for great views during your meal. This restaurant features more of an Indian inspired menu including the bread service which is what we highly recommend. Sana also offers a first come, first serve lounge that does allow you to order off the menu as well.

The other dining locations around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge would be the pool bars: Uzima Springs Pool Bar and Magi Pool Bar.
Uzima Springs is located at Jambo House whereas Magi is at Samawati Springs in Kidani Village. Due to there being no quick service at Kidani Village, the Magi pool bar does have some sandwich and salad options so if staying at Kidani Village this is the closest spot to grab a quick bite. Whereas the Uzima Springs Pool Bar is more drink focused so if you are hungry you can head over to The Mara located right beside the pool!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is definitely home to some of the most delicious dining you will find at Walt Disney World especially if you have an adventurous palette or a love for African and Indian cuisines.

Transportation
Due to its location, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge exclusively uses the Disney bus system. This resort is located right at the edge of Disney property just next door to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park; however, it is still only accessible by bus. You can use the My Disney Experience app or the screens at your bus shelter for guidance on when the next bus is scheduled to arrive. The buses run continuously throughout the day from before park opening and running until after park closing.
If you are looking for other ways to get to the parks you might want to consider ride shares or Minnie vans! Additionally, you can find an internal bus that will provide transportation to and from Kidani Village as they are about a half mile away from each other but there is a walking path if you prefer as well.

Recreation and Amenities
There are so many fun and recreational offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge every single day. You can find activities like brass rubbing, craft making, Mickey tie dye as well as plenty of educational opportunities by speaking with the cultural representatives or participating in resort events. You’ll want to be sure to check the recreation calendar during your visit. You’ll also find a lot of the standard offerings you see at most Walt Disney World Resorts like an arcade, playgrounds, tennis courts and of course pools!

At Jambo House you will find the Uzima Springs pool. This pool area consists of a large zero entry pool with a slide, children’s wading pool, two secluded jacuzzi hot tubs and of course the Uzima Springs pool bar. Surrounding the pool is ample seating between lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas.

Over at Kidani Village you will find the Samawati Springs Pool. This pool also has a zero depth entry and waterslide as well as a smaller slide for younger travellers. The hot tub here can be found behind the springs in its own quiet and private nook. Kidani Village is also home to one of the best water playgrounds at Walt Disney World, the Uwanja Camp. Choose to enter by stairs or by slide! This area has elevated rope bridges, geyser jets, a waterfall lagoon and so many fun and interactive water components. Not to mention that the amount of trees surrounding it offers a glorious amount of shade. There is also a dry playground where the kids can enjoy those looking to play and not get wet. Each day you can expect to find the Disney Recreation Team putting on fun poolside games and activities.

A unique offering exclusive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is of course its savannahs. There are plenty of ways to explore and experience the 4 different savannahs at this resort. You can choose to use the outdoor walking paths and viewing areas where you may encounter cast members happy to share information with you and answer any questions about the animals. Many of the hallways around the resort will also provide peaceful nooks where you can choose to sit and enjoy the views as well. However, our favourite ways to enjoy the savannah is through the private savannah tours - Savour the Savannah and Starlight Safari.

Savour the Savannah is approximately a 2 hour excursion that takes you into one of the most secluded parts of the savannah where your guide will share plenty of insightful facts about the residents of the reserve. While you enjoy the beautiful sights of the savannah you will also be treated to a sampling of African inspired cuisine. Another private tour offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the Starlight Safari. This tour is approximately 1 hour and takes you out after dark. Don’t worry, you’ll be provided with a night vision device.

For those of you who find leisure in fitness, you’ll find a centre at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. The Survival of the Fittest Fitness Centre and Zahanati Massage and Fitness Centre. Both locations are home to a variety of state of the art equipment and the Zahanati specifically also offers a great way to relax with a steam and sauna.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge could really be its own vacation destination with all there is to enjoy at this beautiful resort. Waking up to the sigh of giraffes out your window. Simba waffles for breakfast, cooling off at those super fun large swimming pools and more - be sure to block out some time away from the theme parks to enjoy the magic of this resort.

Reach out to your Pure Magic Vacations Travel Agent to get your next stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge booked today.

Planning magical vacations for families since 2011, Pure Magic Vacations is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency - EarMarked Platinum Producer.