The Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel is a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World!
Location: Animal Kingdom area
Description:
Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel – Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.
This hotel is also known as Jambo House for DVC members and is the main Animal Kingdom Lodge House. Kidani Village is a separate house and is mostly for DVC members.
Our Take
This hotel is any adventures dream! At Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel you’ll have the chance to stay and play near all the animals of Animal Kingdom theme park. Walk outside the grand lobby and take in a view of lush savanna and roaming animal including giraffe, zebras, flamingos and other wildlife. We have to admit, no hotel has a better sunrise or sunset than Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel.
When you arrive you’ll find ample places to park if you drove in or you can taken advantage of valet parking at the drop off and pick up zone. Cast Members are waiting to help you with your luggage if you need assistance. You’ll notice upon walking in that the lobby is pretty big and features some really great artwork and woodworking. It’s one of our favorite lobbies!
The check-in desk is off to the left and it’s pretty big. If you arrive early there may not be many Cast Members working but there is usually enough to keep a short line. If you’re room isn’t ready yet they’ll send a text message when it is.
Right off the lobby is a store where you can buy all sorts of merchandise plus food items. DVC members and AP holders receive a discount here. The store is fairly large and carries a lot of the merchandise you would see in any park plus unique Animal Kingdom Lodge merchandise.
You’re going to love your room no matter type you receive. The most popular room at this hotel is the savanna view which gives you some amazing views of the animal roaming around the savanna just outside. Some of the animal, namely the giraffe, can get pretty close to your room balcony. It’s pretty surreal.
The pool at the main lodge is pretty cool. It’s big and features a waterslide and a zero-depth entry. The entire pool is surrounded by trees and canopy. The best pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge is found at Kidani Village just a short distance away. It has a massive water park with lots of cool toys for kids and a large swimming pool. It’s worth the walk and it typically less busy than the main pool.
If you want to experience some amazing food be sure to make reservations at Jiko – The Cooking Place. It’s located on the lower level of the hotel and is sooo good. If they don’t have any tables ask to sit at the bar. You get order the full menu there as well as watch the chefs work and ask them any questions you have. It’s a really neat experience.
Be sure to read about the different activities the hotel has to offer such as breakfast at sunrise and several different tours into the savanna for a more personal experience with the animals. You can typically find the info in your room but you can ask at the front desk as well.
[saswp-review id=”review”]Discounts and Savings
We recommend Undercover Tourist for the best prices on this hotel.
More Hotels
There are several other hotels located in the Animal Kingdom area including All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, and Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.