Animal Kingdom Lodge – Disney World’s most unique hotel

The Animal Kingdom Lodge, is the most unique hotel in the world. OK, at least in the Disney World. Wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the animals roaming outside your bedroom window.

The lobby – Photo by Andy Sanchez

Talk about a room with a view. Some of the rooms at the Lodge have mind blowing views. There are 1293 rooms at the Lodge, most of which overlook one of the specially built Savanna’s. These rooms, cleverly called Savanna view and are some of the most coveted in all of Walt Disney World.

Guestrooms

Take a seat and look out over the Savannah – Photo by Express Monorail

Disney, being Disney and wanting to provide the best environment for you made sure that all of the rooms in the Animal Kingdom have balconies so you can, right from your hotel room, see animals up close and personal. It’s really cool.

The rooms at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge are small compared to some of the other Deluxe Resorts but they are still larger than rooms in the Moderate Resorts. A standard room is 344 square feet. All the rooms above ground floor have balconies. Over 80% of the resorts rooms have a Savanna view. The other rooms are split between pool view and parking lot, oops, I mean standard, view.

The Deluxe rooms are on the 5th and 6th floor and are a little larger. The rooms on the curved ends of the resorts, overlooking the ends of the animal trails are suites. These one and two bedroom suites are considered concierge rooms and have access to the Club Level amenities.

Number of guests per room

The number of guests allowed per room depends on the configuration of the bedding. The rooms with king beds only sleep 3. The rooms with queen beds, or a combination of queen beds and either bunk beds or sleeper sofas, sleep 4. (The normal child under 3 in a crib applies.)

The suites are one and two bedroom and can sleep up to 8.

The Beds

Bed selection at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge can be a challenge. There are, it seems, thousands of combinations to choose from. (Yes, Dad’s a little prone to exaggeration at times.) Here are the choices, see for yourself, and this doesn’t even include the club rooms which have even more choices.

What’s in the room

Below is a list of the furnishings in the rooms:

• Balcony/Patio
• Ceiling Fan
• Coffee Maker & Setup
• Dial-Up Internet (extra charges apply)
• Hair Dryer
• In-Room Wall Safe
• Iron and Board
• Mini-Refrigerator
• Table & Chairs
• Telephone (extra charges apply)
• Television – primarily Disney owned stations
• USA Today Delivery (Mon-Fri)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Vanity Area

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Layout

All Disney World resort rooms include some nice extras, Disney soap, shampoo, and hand lotion. Sometimes Mousekeeping even makes towel animals to amuse children.

Villas

Co-located with the Lodge are the Animal Kingdom Villas, part of the Disney Vacation Club. The Villas have studio, one, two and three bedroom suites. There villas at both Kadani Village and Jambo House.

For more information check out …

Dad’s AKL Villas page

Dining

Boma is interesting – Photo by WDW Shutterbug

The Lodge has two restaurants that offer African-inspired cuisine, a quick service area and a lounge.

• Boma – Flavors of Africa – features buffet-style dining and a thatched roof atmosphere complete with working ceiling fans
• Jiko -The Cooking Place features imaginative meals and award winning wines. The added treat of watching the chefs prepare each meal makes dining an entertaining experience.
• The Mara features pizza, burgers, salads and sandwiches for a quick, casual selection.
• The Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar is a great place to meet friends before or after dinner, while the romantic sounds of soft waterfalls provide background music over cocktails at the Victoria Falls Lounge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Map

The Savanna

The Savanna is what makes the Lodge special. Contrary to what some have said, the Savanna is not connected to the Animal Kingdom. It is an area specifically constructed for the hotel. There are actually 3 separate 10 acre Savannas. Each has a unique look and feel. Giraffe roam all 3 areas. The following animals are unique to –

• Sunset – Ostrich’s are unique to the Sunset
• Uzima – Kudu (an African deer) is unique to the Uzima
• Ashura – Zebra’s are on the Ashura

Activities

The list of activities is just about endless at the Lodge and features something for your whole family.

• The Uzima Pool has a zero-depth entry feature and as well as a 67-foot long slide. A wading pool lets little ones splash and play safely.
• The Zawadi Marketplace is a place to pick up interesting and one-of-a-kind Zulu baskets, handmade clothing and other African themed gifts.
• All ages will thrill to the exciting video games at the Safari So Good Arcade, which features the latest technology in arcade, and video games.

Location

The hotel is located just west of the Animal Kingdom (funny how that works).

View Animal Kingdom Hotel in a larger map

Address and Phone Number

Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Oseola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Front Desk (407) 938-3000 – Fax (407) 938-4799

Reservations

Looking for reservations for the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Dad can help. Dad has a partner that is a wonderful Disney Travel Agent who will be able to help you plan the Perfect vacation. Check them out.

Dad’s Destinations to Travel Page

Dad’s Bottom Line

Not only will a visit to the Animal Kingdom Hotel be a vacation that will satisfy the entire family, but this family friendly destination offers a unique and exciting way to experience an African adventure without leaving the United States.