Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Great for Animal Lovers

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our favourite Disney Resorts. We honeymooned here back in 2005 and loved it so much that when we bought into the Disney Vacation Club we selected this as our Home Resort. As the name implies this Resort is located right next to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and it opened to guests back in 2001.

The Lodge was designed to make you feel like you are staying at a South African wildlife reserve lodge, and it’s built in a semi-circular design so that you have spectacular views across the private savannahs of more than 100 grazing animals. And yes, the animals are real not animatronics, and they are pretty much free to roam around the Resort (inside their designated areas of course, you don’t have to worry about meeting a Zebra in the queue for breakfast!)

There are three separate savannahs that are open for 24 hours a day. The Sunset savannah is home to ostriches; you’ll find zebras roaming the Arusha savannah and kudu make a home on the Uzima savannah. The giraffe can be found in all three.

At night the savannahs are lit by artificial moonlight, but you can also use night vision goggles to scan the plains for animals.

What are the rooms like?

The guest rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are dressed in jewel-toned tapestries with hand-carved furniture. All of the rooms from the first floor up have balconies and the views range from the parking lot, to the pool and then to the savannah. The price increases as your view improves with the Savannah view rooms being the most expensive.

Most rooms have two queen size beds, while some have a queen size bed and bunk beds. There are also a small number of rooms with king sized beds.

Suites and Disney Vacation Club villas are also available at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort.

All of the rooms have a small safe, which is just large enough for your cash, tickets and passports as well as a hairdryer, coffee maker, small fridge iron and ironing board. The rooms are wired for High Speed Internet Access (there’s a daily charge).

The rooms are lovely but they’re not that large and while you can quite happily fit two adults in you might struggle for space with larger families. The rooms here don’t seem to have as much storage as some of the other Resorts either, there’s a small wardrobe and then a chest of drawers. Whilst adequate for a short stay it’s hard to store two week’s worth of clothes, I’ve actually found it easier to only unpack one weeks’ worth at a time!

Is concierge available?

Concierge rooms are located on floors 5 and 6 and have either a pool or savannah view. There is a large lounge with a good selection of food. The Cast Members will be able to help you with dining reservations, entertainment or other Disney plans.

Concierge guests have the extra privilege of being able to experience the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure (additional cost), which leaves for the Animal Kingdom at 7.30am and takes you on a 45-minute tour of the Kilimanjaro Safari with multiple photo stops. After the safari breakfast is served at Tusker House.

If you’d prefer a lie in then you can opt instead for the Sunset Safari – which is also only available to concierge guests. This tour lasts 90 minutes and takes guests on a re-creation of an African game drive around the Lodge’s savannahs. The safari ends with a multi-course meal at Jiko.

What are my eating options?

• Jiko is a casual table service restaurant that serves a taste of Africa for dinner.
• Boma is the popular family restaurant that offers buffet style dining for breakfast and dinner.
• Mara is the quick service restaurant that offers the usual pizza and burger fare and poolside dining.
• You can enjoy evening drinks in Victoria Falls, the mezzanine lounge and snacks and drinks poolside at Uzima Springs.
• You can also enjoy a full service lunch or dinner at Sanaa, which can be found in Kidani Village.

What recreation facilities will I be able to enjoy?

If swimming is your thing then you can’t fail to be impressed by the Uzima Springs pool, which is the largest on Disney property at over 11,000 square feet! There is a 67-foot long water slide and a kiddies’ pool too. As you sit and relax by the pool the Giraffe often stop by to say hello, there’s also afternoon games such as Bingo to keep you entertained.

If you want to maintain your fitness regime while on holiday then you also have complimentary use of the Zehanti fitness center.

Kids will enjoy the daily activities offered in the Resort lobby and by the Simba’s Clubhouse activity centre.

Of course the main attraction is the animals! If you have a Savannah view room you can relax on your balcony and watch the animals go by – or you can just head out to Arusha Rock where Cast Members will happily talk to you about the animals you can see wondering around the Lodge.

What else do I need to know?

One thing I noticed was the low level lighting through out the Resort. It adds to the safari atmosphere but can be a little dark at times. Ladies might wish to bring a make-up mirror with a light.

You should also be aware that there are many cameras around the Resort to monitor the animals – so be sure to close your drapes for privacy!

For the animal’s safety you cannot bring balloons into the Resort – I don’t want your children to be disappointed by that one.

Are there any special offers for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Disney runs special offers all year round so before you book be sure to check out our special offers page where we pull together all of the deals for you!