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• News / Resorts / Walt Disney World

Starlight Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Are Back!

by Melissa Roden · March 10, 2022

We’ve got some exciting news to share with fans of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .  Their beloved Starlight Safaris evening tour is BACK!

This is one of the magical add-ons you can pick to make your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge truly memorable. I mean what’s better then winding down your day with an after-dark tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife.  

During the one hour tour you’ll climb aboard an open-sides safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you travel past lush scenery looking for over 30 species of wildlife that call Animal Kingdom Lodge home! 

Worried you won’t be able to see? Don’t worry! Animal Kingdom Lodge has you covered. Guests will be provided with a night vision device.  You won’t believe everything you’re able to see including zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and antelopes!  

As you can see from the image taken from disneyworld.com , the experience is available to guests at $89.00 per person 

Right now it looks as if there will be two tours daily, one at 8:30 pm and another at 10 pm.  However, spaces are limited and spots fill up incredibly fast so making a reservation well in advance is essential! 

Credit: Disney

Aren’t staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge? No need to worry!  Guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort may also book. 

Here are a few additional details you’ll want to know: 

• Reservations can be made using the My Disney Experience app
• Guests must be 8 years or older and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• WARNING: The experience is a rugged safari ride over an open savanna.  Participants should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that might get aggravated. Expecting mothers should not participate. 
• Late arrivals will not be accommodated. 
• Check in is at the porte-cochere at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village and it is recommended you do so at least 15 minutes before the tour. 
• Valid photo ID is required at check in. 
• ECVs and other mobility devices must be left behind at the Resort. There will be a wheelchair available for guests to transfer into. 
• Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates!

Didn’t make it to Disney in 2021!? Well we’ve got some fantastic news- Disney Packages are currently available to book through the end of 2022! That gives you plenty of time to plan that magical getaway and I’m here to help. 

With new policies and procedures in place during the year ahead, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney World’s new way of doing things!  I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from finding that perfect package and getting the best deals to organizing park passes, Disney Genie+ and dining reservations.  Best of all- my services are ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Just fill out my form  HERE  to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at  [email protected]  or follow along on  Facebook

Tags: Animal Kingdom Disney World Starlight Safaris Tours

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

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Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Age Interest

Tweens, Teens, Adults

Accessibility and Other Information - Opens Dialog

Accessibility

• Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV

Behind the Scenes, Animal Encounters

Set out on an immersive safari adventure reminiscent of a nighttime drive through an African game reserve!

As the Sun Sets, the Savanna Awakens

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Reservations and Important Details Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app .

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Know Before You Go

• Warning: This experience features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Late arrivals after the start of the tour will not be accommodated.
• Check in at the porte-cochere at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in Starlight Safari, and Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the Resort. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour. This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair in order to participate in the tour.
• Nontransferable wheelchair Guests may remain in their wheelchair throughout this experience, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling (407) 666-6400.
• While safari vehicles are equipped for rain and wet terrain, experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice.
• Starlight Safari is a night experience, and Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• Allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

Savor the Savanna

Take off on a private safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve and indulge in premium eats and drinks.

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, “wanyama” (or sunset) safari at animal kingdom lodge, fact sheet | photo gallery | resort videos | resort map (small jpg) | resort map (large pdf) wildlife spotting guide, reader comments — review animal kingdom lodge jambo house concierge club reviews, featured information, allears.net resort review, allears.net concierge club review.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to a very special evening called the “Wanyama” Safari. Up to 12 people ride in a specially designed van around the lodge’s savannas. Learn about the animals and animal management at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The van stops and you get lots of photo opportunities of the animals and birds. An animal guide is on the van with you to offer information and answer questions.

The tour is about 90 minutes.

Afterwards, you have a wonderful dining experience at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Animal Kingddom Lodge.

Note that this experience is in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or any other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.

Age: Guests must be 10 years of age or older. Cost: $209.

Hours: Daily. Check-in at podium at Jiko at 3:20 p.m. for a pre-safari reception. Safari starts at 4 p.m.

Reservations: (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy.

NOTE: Guests are asked to adhere to Disney’s signature dining dress code: No tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics. Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.

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REVIEW: One Of The Most Popular Nighttime Tours In Disney World Is…At A Hotel?

By Shelby Smith 1 Comment

As part of Disney World’s phased reopening, experiences are slowly returning to the parks and hotels (but some still haven’t quite yet!) .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

You can once again hug your favorite Disney characters, dine at fan-favorite restaurants, and enjoy a FULL parade in Magic Kingdom. But, if you want to take your park visit to the next level you might be considering one of Disney World’s behind-the-scenes tours . Many of these remain suspended to this date , BUT, one of our FAVORITE tours is FINALLY back and we’re taking you along with us!

The Starlight Safari has returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and we couldn’t wait to head back out to the savanna and see if it was still worth the cost!

As a quick refresher, the Starlight Safari currently costs $89 per person and takes place two times each night with one tour at 8:30PM and another at 10PM . Disney recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before your tour, so we arrived a bit in advance at the porte-cochere in Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village to check in. Note that a valid photo ID is required and guests must be at least 8 years old participate.

It’s almost time!

Once everyone had arrived, it was time to load up into the safari vehicle! Before we hopped in, there was a short ribbon-cutting ceremony where the first guest that had checked in for the tour got to do the honors. Cast Members were equally excited to be giving tours once again!

Time to board the vehicle!

Now, what makes this tour so unique is that you get to see the animals at NIGHT when many of them are more active. And, there’s no need to worry about being able to see all the nighttime activities because Disney provides night-vision devices so you can see the animals in the dark. We were given ours once we boarded the truck.

Got our night vision goggles!

Our guide for the safari was Noah, with Emily as our driver. Both are actually what Disney called “Interpretive Keepers,” which means they work directly with the animals AND lead tours — a.k.a. they’re the experts.

Our guide, Noah

Once our safari vehicle set off, it was time for an adventure!

The safari begins!

We were lucky enough to see a TON of animals, including zebras, antelopes, giraffes, and more! As we mentioned before, the animals tend to be more active at night, so you’ll see some enjoying their dinner, roaming the field, and whatever else animals are up to after sunset.

And, while our cameras did a great job at making it look like there was still some light out when we were touring, it was actually totally dark — making us all that much more thankful for our night vision goggles.

Hello, Giraffe!

Now, you can see the animals with night vision goggles at night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge without paying for the tour . But, what makes this tour so unique (and worth the cost in our opinion) is that you get to see the animals at night up-close PLUS you’ve got a Cast Member who is dedicated to teaching you all about them!

SO many animals to see!

Our tour guide, Noah, was SO knowledgeable, but at the same time, he was also hilarious — he made everything he told us sound so interesting as he spoke about each animal and how Disney takes care of them.

Our tour guide knew EVERYTHING about these animals!

Our tour lasted just a little under an hour (though Disney suggests carving out about an hour and a half for this experience) and we were SO happy to have had the chance to come back! It’s important to keep in mind that this behind-the-scenes tour does entail riding in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna (and it gets BUMPY), but if you’re looking for something unique to add to your Disney World vacation, this is a great, affordable option. Plus, you could easily make an event out of the evening for you and your family by spending time at Animal Kingdom Lodge, having a nice dinner at Boma , Sanaa , or even Jiko , and then following it up with the tour.

So, if you’re thinking about giving it a try, reservations can be made online on the Disney World website, or through the My Disney Experience app . And, as always, make sure to keep reading DFB for more reviews — and news — from Disney World!

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April 26, 2022 at 11:22 pm

I went to high school with Noah! He’s just as fun and hilarious as he is while working!

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The Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

11/22/2022   |   Blog , Walt Disney World

INCREDIBLE!! This is how I would describe my recent after-dark safari tour through the savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was kind of like that old cowboy song, you know...." Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam, Where the deer and the antelope play ". Okay, it’s not exactly like that, but you get where I’m going. From a giraffe who practically stuck her head inside our open-air safari vehicle, to a few zebras who had no intention of moving off our path, and the giant Ankole cattle who's only concern was finishing his dinner. My family and I were amazed at the amount of wildlife we saw during our 1-hour tour.

The Starlight Safari is currently offered nightly, weather permitting, at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, and the cost is $75 - $89 per person, before tax. Reservations are required, and payment is due at time of booking. Check-in for the safari starts about 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour, near the valet area at Kidani Village. Valid ID is required and each guest over 18 must sign a waiver for themselves and any minors in their party under age 17. Please note that the minimum age to participate in the tour is 8 years old, and any guests under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult. After completing the check-in process, my family climbed into the ride vehicle and were given a night-vision device which made seeing everything in the dark very clear. Each tour has 2 guides. A driver who works very hard to get your vehicle in and out of the savanna's multiple gate systems without any escapee's sneaking behind and the riding guide, who is inside the vehicle to explain everything you are seeing.

These guides work closely with the animal’s day in and day out and are extremely knowledgeable about each individual one. They know the names, personalities, and likes and dislikes of each one you encounter. They have funny stories, sad stories, and even birth stories! You name it, the guides can tell you about it! My son is very inquisitive and asked many questions and our guide was able to answer each one promptly. During our trek, we went through 3 different savannas’ and saw and learned something different each time.

Fun Fact : Did you know that giraffe eat up to 75 pounds of food per day, and to accomplish that, they must eat almost the whole time they are awake!

During the many times we would encounter wildlife, the guides would stop the vehicle and encourage everyone to get up and take a good look. With the night-vision devices, seeing the wildlife was not hard at all. This experience was definitely the highlight of our vacation and something we’d be more then willing to do again!

My family was lucky enough to be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge during our visit to Walt Disney World, but reservations are open to everyone. Keep in mind, this tour has very limited availability with only about 25 spaces between both tours. If you think this is something you'd like to experience, reach out to your favorite Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist soon and tell them you want to go on a nighttime adventure through an African game reserve!

Tagged: activities , Animal Kingdom Lodge , Disney , Family , Favorite , Orlando , Planning , reservations , Starlight Safari , Travel , Vacation , Walt Disney World

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Enchanting Extras Spotlight: Starlight Safari Review

Enchanting Extras Spotlights | 1 comment

Article by Storybook Traveler Holly Averette .

Experience the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and Kidani Village in a new and exciting way with this unique tour! During the one hour experience, guests will board an open air safari vehicle for a journey on the savannas.

Important Details:      

• The tour takes place two times each night at 8:30 and 10:00.
• Each tour is limited to 12 people and guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate.
• The current cost is $89+tax per person
• It is recommended that guests be in good health as the ride can get quite bumpy.
• Guests must leave any mobility devices behind (wheelchair, EVC, etc) and they will be able to retrieve them at the conclusion of the tour.
• Guests who are unable to transfer can participate but space is limited and the accommodation needs to be noted at the time of booking by calling to make a reservation.
• If you are traveling to Kidani from the Walt Disney World property, allow 90 minutes to arrive at the resort.
• Availability is extremely limited for this experience. Plan to book as far in advance as possible.

General Information and Check-in Experience:

Check in takes place under the porte-cochere at Disney’s Kidani Village. I chose the 8:30 time slot and my friend and I opted to dine prior to our tour at Sanaa, which is also located at Kidani Village. It was the perfect way to start our experience! We enjoyed a relaxing meal and explored the grounds of the resort prior to checking in. At about 8:15 we headed to the check in area. You do need a valid photo ID to check in for any tour so after presenting our IDs and signing a waiver, we had just a few minutes to wait until we boarded our safari vehicle. There are about 4 steps up into the vehicle but the steps were equipped with a handrail. The bench seating on the vehicle is shaped like a U around the sides and back of the vehicle.

Tour Experience:

Upon boarding, we found our night vision device waiting for us on the seat. We were given a brief lesson on how to use the device before setting off on our journey. We had two cast members accompanying us for the evening- one driving the vehicle and one narrating our tour. Both cast members were members of the animal care team who work directly with the animals at Disney. They were a wealth of knowledge! Our driver expertly navigated the terrain and was responsible for opening and shutting the gate systems in between the savannas. Throughout the tour, our guide gave lots of interesting information on the animals located around the savannas and how the caretakers care for the animals year round. We saw ostriches, zebras, giraffes, antelope, and more! We had a few up close experiences with the giraffe and zebras as they munched on some dinner nearby. I could have watched them for hours! The guides stopped frequently when we would encounter an animal and encouraged us to get up and take a good look. The hour seemed to fly by because we were having so much fun!

Agent Impressions:

This experience was a highlight for me and definitely makes my list of favorite things I’ve done at Disney! This is such a unique experience and the small group setting is really nice. You have plenty of time to view animals without it feeling crowded but you also have lots of opportunities to chat with the guide and ask any questions.I feel that the value of the experience versus the price paid is great. We were staying next door at Animal Kingdom Lodge and I would say this is a must if you are staying at Jambo House or Kidani! Even if you aren’t staying at one of the Animal Kingdom resorts, if you are an animal lover, this tour should be on your list! I enjoyed the tour so much, I would definitely consider doing it again in the future!

• Plan accordingly for the weather. We did this tour in late October and the weather was absolutely perfect, if not a little chilly with the nighttime breeze. The tour can also take place in light rain so be prepared for that. It can be canceled in case of severe, or otherwise inclement, weather.
• If you are staying on site, plan this experience for later in your trip to increase your chances of getting a reservation. It books up very quickly!
• I enjoyed the 8:30 slot. It seemed that the animals were still fairly active while eating their dinner, which made for some good viewing opportunities.
• Make a night of it! Plan a meal at Boma, Jiko, or Sanna prior to your tour. You might also consider stopping in one of the lounges for drinks and appetizers before or after your experience.
• Be aware that the seating and ride itself aren’t exactly comfy. You may also be twisting around to see the animals depending on where they are located.

Article by Storybook Traveler  Holly Averette .

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Animal Kingdom Lodge Safaris | Review, Tips & Guide

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique hotels in the world set alongside an African animal habitat complete with safaris available to the public!

Two very different safari options are available at Animal Kingdom Lodge and this guide is here to breakdown what you can expect from both experiences as well as our thoughts on if either is worth making the trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge for!

Topics We'll Cover About Safaris at Animal Kingdom Lodge:

Starlight safari at animal kingdom lodge, self-guided animal kingdom lodge safari.

One of the coolest experiences in all of Walt Disney World is the Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge , especially if you're an animal lover!

The Starlight Safari is a special tour offered at Animal Kingdom Lodge for an additional fee that takes place twice a day (usually once in the early evening and then much later in the evening), most days of the week.

You'll board an open-air truck that will take you across the multiple acres of land at Animal Kingdom Lodge to spot the 20+ species of animals you can find roaming the property. 

If you have any concerns about seeing animals this late at night, it's helpful to know the animals are actually quite active in the evenings, so you'll see plenty of them roaming the grounds.

You'll also be given special night-vision goggles to use throughout the safari to help you spot some animals who might be hiding! The goggles are actually incredible pieces of technology and make animal spotting very easy to do.

The first time we used these goggles we were surprised at just how crisp and clear we were able to see the animals roaming throughout Animal Kingdom Lodge even though it was quite dark outside!

If you're interested in the Starlight Safari then we recommend booking early - it's an extremely popular experience and often sells out months in advance.

While you may sometimes be able to find 1-2 spots available last minute, it's nearly impossible to find something for a family of 3 or more without a couple of months of advance notice. 

You'll also want to plan for the additional expense - the Starlight Safari isn't free and will run anywhere between $75-$90 per person depending on the day of the week and time of year you book. Weekends and peak travel seasons (like holidays, spring break, and summer) are going to be more expensive than weekdays!

The Starlight Safari is perfect for someone who wants a unique experience watching animals in an environment unlike anywhere else. 

While there are ways to see animals for free at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and a 30-minute safari is included with admission to Animal Kingdom, the Starlight Safari is a more intimate guided experience and takes much later than anything you'll find at Animal Kingdom.

We think adults and couples are going to get the most value out of this experience as kids have a bit more trouble seeing the animals and overall won't appreciate the experience to the same degree as adults. 

If you're interested in the safari, love seeing exotic animals, and looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, then we recommend making that reservation for the Starlight Safari as early as possible!

If paying extra for a safari experience isn't in the budget, then you'll be happy to know there is a self-guided safari experience at Animal Kingdom Lodge as well!

The best part is... it's 100% free! 

Across both the Jambo House and Kidani Village areas of Animal Kingdom Lodge there are nearly a dozen overlooks and three main viewing areas which you can spot different animals from. 

At the different overlooks and animal viewing areas you'll find informational panels that tell you what animals you can find in the areas around you, as well as some general facts and background on the different species. 

Just some of the animals you may see throughout the Animal Kingdom Lodge grounds include:

• Ankole Cattle

Below we've included a snapshot of many of the different areas you can spot animals from at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! 

Occasionally, Disney will have animal spotting maps available as well at the front desk. On these maps you'll be provided a full list of animals that call Animal Kingdom Lodge their home!

Whether you're staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge during your Disney vacation, or just stopping in for a meal, enjoying the animals casually or as part of a self-guided safari is one of our favorite activities! 

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Living the Safari Dream: A Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

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The Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge is the most unique of Disney’s upper-tier deluxe resort s. The vast property of thatch-roofed buildings is neatly gathered across the space of 3 savannas, which are home to more than 200 hoofed and feathered African animal species.

If you’re dreaming of taking an African Savannah but want to stay a little closer to home, Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World may help fulfill some of your safari day dreams. Find out if it’s right for you in our Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge review.

Table of Contents

Savannah living at disney world: animal kingdom lodge theming.

The Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge provides one of the most immersive hotel guest experiences on all of Disney World property. Rich theming begins as soon as you enter the lobby, where floor to ceiling windows provide a view of the savannah, and intricately carved woodwork brings the feel of Africa to this Florida vacation paradise.

Rich woodwork throughout the lobby, combined with a soaring multistory ceiling evoke the spirit of a luxurious African setting. This is certainly no camp tent hidden away on the safari.

However, leaving the extensive extravagance of the lobby for one of the simple hallways, it’s easy to feel like you’ve left the luxurious guest amenities behind. Maybe the effect is by choice. After all, African safaris can be simple affairs, conducted in tents, with days spent in open air vehicles, hoping to spot the elusive African mammal.

In that respect, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge propels guests several light years, but there is no escaping the fact that the resort was initially built to create a more affordable tier in the deluxe ranking. In fact, in the early post-911 years, it wasn’t uncommon to see rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge advertised for as low as $129 a night, while sister properties were at least twice that.

At the time, Animal Kingdom Lodge consisted of Jambo House, what is now the main building at the resort. At $129 a night you had to feel that you were getting a steal.

Today’s non-discounted rack rate for a standard room begins at $469 per night in 2024, topping out at $1,485. Even though current pricing represents a significant increase from the early days, Animal Kingdom Lodge remains one of the most economical of all the Disney World deluxe resorts. The only other deluxe property to compare in pricing is Wilderness Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Review: Jambo House Vs. Kidani Village

Today, Animal Kingdom Lodge is comprised of the main building—including the magnificent lobby and restaurants—with additional wings supporting Disney Vacation Club rooms. This includes a club level floor offering upgraded amenities.

In addition to Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a separate vacation club property, known as Kidani Village, is located nearby on the same campus. Since both locations share similar theming, it’s easy to roll them both into a single Animal Kingdom Lodge review.

While the lobby at Kidani Village is lacking in the same level of grandeur and detail as the original resort, you certainly know where you are when walking in. African-inspired details and art are everywhere, helping weary travelers to feel at home fast. It’s as if you left the plane, and while traveling the Florida freeways, hit a wormhole straight to the savannah. You’ll even find the same soaring windows in the lobby, with a perfect view of one of the animal sanctuaries beyond.

Both properties have their own pools, but you will find the watering hole at Jambo House much more of an oasis, while Kidani’s offering feels like a typical Disney pool.

Throughout both Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom resorts, you’ll find ample viewing areas to catch a glimpse of one of the resort’s savannas, several with sitting areas to relax and watch the animals as they enjoy their home. However, the best public viewing areas are located at Jambo House, where you’ll find a large patio sitting area off the lobby.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Review: Exploring Guest Rooms

Whether you’re staying at Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House or Kidani Village, you’ll find the rooms are themed in much the same style. Some have described the intricate carving on the headboards and the deep savannah tones as African-inspired, and while this may be true, rooms can feel dark and heavy when compared to other deluxe resorts.

Walls appear to be the same basic painted cinder block construction as you’d find in many budget hotels, but if you look closely, you’ll see it’s a finish more resembling stucco. We’re sure this is by design, intended to bring to life the more rustic feel of the African savanna.

We found the rooms to be small for a deluxe resort, barely able to accommodate the two queen beds. Part of the reason is the oversized bathroom included in each room.

Bathrooms certainly offer more space for your buck than many other Disney deluxe resort but are less functional. While other deluxe resorts, such as Disney’s Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn, separate the sink and shower-toilet areas, dual sinks in stone counters are paired with the shower at Animal Kingdom, making it harder for families to get ready. When it comes to amenities, you’ll find the standard H2O toiletries in ample supply.

Upgrades in 2020 replaced the carpet with wood-grained laminate flooring, modernizing the appearance and enhancing cleanliness. The African-inspired wallpaper in the bathrooms was also replaced with plainly painted walls in neutral hues. Again, the aim was modernization, though devotees of the resort will always resist even small changes in favor of nostalgia.

If this were all there was to the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom resort rooms, I’d tell you to save your money. AKL is no longer priced as a budget hotel, and rack rates run akin to other deluxe resorts. And it’s certainly what I’d tell you if you are thinking about staying in a standard view room.

Deluxe resort rooftop and parking lot views may not come any cheaper than at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but there is always the feel of being left out, knowing that your neighbor across the hall is likely oohing and aahing at exotic animal species right off their balcony.

Staying in a Savannah View Room at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

Savannah view rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge are where it’s at and well worth the upgrade in cost if you plan to spend any amount of time in your quarters. While the resort in its entirety offers 3 separate 10-acre savannahs, most views from the Walt Disney World Jambo House will center on the Arusha savannah, where giraffes, zebras and multiple other species have been known to frolic and play. Other rooms may face either the Uzima Savanna or the Sunset Savanna.

While it is rumored that giraffes frequent all three of the savannas, during our stay overlooking the Sunset Savanna, we saw little more than several species of birds, and the occasional Okapi. However, since these animals didn’t enter the savanna until late afternoon, we rarely saw them in daylight.

Since the Arusha Savannah is located right off the main lobby at Jambo House, it’s far more visible to guests visiting the resort for dinner or tours. As such, we found it always lively with animals, whether day or night. If you’re going to pay extra for a savannah view room—and we do think it’s worth the upgrade cost—seek a room at Jambo House, where you will be more likely to overlook the Arusha savannah.

Staying in a Pool-View Room at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

Pool-view rooms make up the final class of accommodations at the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge. Overlooking the resort’s richly extravagant splashing grounds, you’re bound to feel transported to an oasis far from the dry and dusty savanna.

Pool-view rooms are less costly than those with animal views, but will make a bigger dent in your wallet than standard view rooms. It’s a nice middle ground if you’ve always dreamed of taking an African safari, but can’t quite swing the upper view.

Rooms at Jambo House come in multiple sizes. While standard guest rooms offer two queen beds, it is possible to step up into a one- or two-bedroom suite by reserving one of the Disney Vacation Club rooms located on the property. Keep reading below for more on Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Rooms at Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village

Kidani Village at the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge was opened in 2009 as yet another of the ubiquitous Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts. If you aren’t familiar with the term, DVC resorts make up a unique tier on the  Disney World resorts list , offering the same amenities as the deluxe resorts with a slightly homier feel.

The Disney Vacation Club allows members to buy a share in one of the DVC resort properties. These are purchased as points which can be redeemed for stays in a vacation club resort.

Often, leftover rooms at the DVC resorts can be reserved by regular Disney World guests. This is the case at Kidani Village.

Rooms at Kidani Village offer multiple levels of space and amenities. Studio rooms are the smallest of the bunch, barely able to squeeze in the queen size bed and similarly sized sofa bed. In contrast to other DVC studio resort rooms, Kidani village does not offer a day bed, meaning rooms here are limited to four guests.

However, rooms do provide a kitchenette with sink and microwave for heating meals and eating in-room. The central store in the main lobby for Kidani Village even provides several frozen entrees if you feel inclined to take advantage of this option.

For those needing more space, you can opt for a one-bedroom villa . One-bedroom villas at all Disney World Animal Kingdom offer a bedroom with king bed, with a separate living area featuring a pull-out sofa bed. A full-size kitchen comes standard as part of the booking.

Larger rooms are also available, including two- and three-bedroom units. Two- and three-bedroom villas offer an additional bathroom, making it easier for large parties to get ready for the day.

One of the biggest amenities of the villas at Kidani Village or Jambo House is the addition of a full-size kitchen, complete with refrigerator or stove. Depending on your eating habits and the number of people in your party, the ability to cook your own meals could be enough of a boost to your Disney World budget to nearly compensate for the extra cost of these rooms.

All rooms in Kidani Village feature many of the same amenities as the rooms in Jambo House, complete with H2O toiletries. However, DVC rooms at both Kidani and Jambo do not provide daily housekeeping service.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

Some of the best restaurants featured on all of the Disney World property are housed at the Animal Kingdom Resorts. Boma features African-inspired fare in an all-you-care-to-eat buffet. Dinner offers freshly carved meats and other entrée dishes paired with uniquely seasoned sides.

Breakfast at Boma serves up your typical egg dishes but also provides a healthy dose of the unusual, making a morning meal at Boma an experience in and of itself. If you’ve ever enjoyed a character meal at Tusker House in the Animal Kingdom park, you’ll be excited to find that Jungle Juice is also available at Boma and the tap runs freely.

Jiko the Cooking Place runs rife with delights for omnivores and herbivores alike, featuring a seasonally changing menu cooked over a fire-brick oven. The atmosphere is relaxing as you sip wine and watch chefs prepare your meal in the open show kitchen. Just a word to the wise, however. Jiko is a signature restaurant, so dressier attire is required. According to Disney, that means:

Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.

Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.

The final notable entry on the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant list is Sanaa . Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this delightful but small eatery offers a view directly onto the Arusha savanna. While we enjoyed our breakfast there, we were joined by a crowned crane dancing and bobbing at us through the window.

Food at Sanaa is unique to the American tastebuds, mimicking the African, Indian and Mediterranean inspiration of Boma, only on a smaller scale. You’ll find the space small but intimate and far quieter than the larger restaurant over in the main lodge. Dinner guests particularly enjoy the bread, featuring five different options with nine dips.

If you’re looking to grab a bite on the run, The Mara located at Jambo House is your best option. For vegetarians, Jiko and Sanaa have been most often ranked as the best choices.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge Pools

When it comes to pools at Disney World, it’s hard to beat the deluxe resorts, and the watering hole at Jambo House is no exception. Featuring a zero-depth entry, it’s a refreshing spot for waders and younger children, but a good-sized waterslide zig-zagging through tropical-themed foliage provides a bit of adventure for those seeking a greater thrill.

The best part about swimming at Jambo House is how naturally the pool blends into its surroundings. You feel as if a long and dry dessert trek across the savanna has led you to a beautiful oasis, and any respite here is well worth it.

Another pool is located near Kidani Village for guests stayingt here. Though it is smaller and awkwardly situated near the main parking area, once you enter the gates, you’ll forget the world outside your little oasis exists.

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Review: Transportation Options at Animal Kingdom

Disney World’s complimentary transportation service  is available to whisk you from your hotel to any of the Disney theme or water parks, as well as the Disney Springs area. Given the extensive distance of AKL from most of the parks, transportation anywhere is provided by Disney buses .

The limited transportation options, combined with the distance of Animal Kingdom Lodge from other parks, such as Magic Kingdom and EPCOT , have led to some less than complimentary scores when ranking transportation options. For instance, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers similar nightly room rates, but its closer location to Magic Kingdom allows for boat transportation to this park.

Despite the transportation limitations at Animal Kingdom Lodge, most guests (ourselves included) do agree that bus service restrictions do not attract from the overall guest experience, especially when other paid options are available. While many Disney Animal Kingdom reviews score the hotel low marks for transportation, the same also score it high for overall experience.

As for us, we found it easy to skirt the transportation limitations by taking advantage of public ride-sharing services from the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge to any of the parks or offsite. Fortunately, the lower room prices at Animal Kingdom Lodge, compared to other deluxe resorts, allow rideshare services to fit more easily into guests’ budgets.

While Lyft is the official provider for Disney World, you can hail an Uber if you prefer. We used Lyft extensively during our stay at Kidani Village and rarely waited more than 5 minutes for a car to arrive, despite the fact that the resort is at the far edge of Disney World property.

Minnie Van service was also available and offered the best way to reach the Magic Kingdom. However, expect to double, and sometimes triple the cost of Uber or Lyft when using this exclusive Disney service. Morning availability may also be spotty, since many guests now reserve a ride ahead of time.

For a complete review on all of the transportation options available from Animal Kingdom Lodge, read our  comparison of Disney World transportation .

A few things to note. You can drive a car to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and it is free to park in this Animal Kingdom hotel. Guests at Disney World resorts may also park free at any Disney park during the length of their stay.

Also, if you take an Uber or Lyft to the Magic Kingdom, expect to be dropped off at the Transportation Ticket Center (TTC). Non-Disney vehicles are not allowed in the pick up or drop-off section of the Magic Kingdom, so you’ll need to hop on the monorail or steamboat from the TTC. For this reason, we splurge on the Disney Minnie Van service if we aren’t taking the bus to Magic Kingdom.

Ready to Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Contact Us for a Quote

Overall Impressions of Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge certainly has its devotees, and with savanna views, it is hard for animal lovers to beat the atmosphere. The lively aenvironment is another draw, with eco-friendly classes on offer, and African drumbeats echoing across the resort.

However, the rooms are small and can feel dim given the abundance of dark wood used in the furnishings and the overall color palette. Other reviewers have also noted that the bars and lounges feel uninspired. Since we rarely have time to visit these areas during a Disney vacation, we will have to take their word for it.

You’ll also log a lot of steps with a stay at AKL. Rooms are spread out, and with only one central bus stop for each of the lodging areas (Jambo and Kidani), you’re likely to walk a fair distance to and from your rooms to visit the parks.

Quick-service or to-go food is also lacking at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but particularly Kidani Village. While take-out breakfast can be ordered from Sanaa, preparing the meals takes quite a bit of time, so it isn’t an option for those wanting to grab a bite on the way to the bus stop. If you’re looking for something fast, you’ll have to walk over to The Mara at Jambo House. For most, that’s a five-minute stroll from Kidani Village or the farther reaches of Jambo House.

Once you get past the drawbacks, however, Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge has a lot to offer with richly themed public spaces and multiple animal viewing opportunities. If you do decide to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, we recommend reserving a room in Jambo House where you are closer to the main pool and a better selection of restaurants.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Review: What to Know Before You Go

Before making your final decision to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge or to pass it by, here are some additional tidbits of information that may enhance your decision making.

Guest Perks Available at Animal Kingdom Lodge

As with all Disney World resorts, guests of Animal Kingdom Lodge have access to Early Theme Park Entry , permitting each person in your room to enter one Disney World park per day at least a half hour before published opening.

Since Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort, guests will also have access to Extended Theme Park hours . This perk allows guests of deluxe resorts and DVC villas to attend one park per week after hours. Typically, these parks include Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. However, during Halloween or Christmas, when Magic Kingdom hosts after hours parties, you may see extended hours at other parks.

Is Animal Kingdom Lodge a Good Resort for Children?

No Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge review would be complete without considering the resort’s suitability for children and families. We found this resort to be an excellent Disney hotel for both.

Animal lovers in particular will enjoy the opportunity to see exotic animal species from their room or other public viewing areas, but there is more to Animal Kingdom Lodge than views. Animal keepers are often onsite to answer questions and provide insight on the animals you see. Children can also take advantage of games and other activities that teach about the animals and conservation through fun engagement.

While many of the enrichment activities are free for resort guests, you’ll also find additional tours available for a fee. The Starlight Safari is open to all guests at Disney World but departs directly from Animal Kingdom Lodge, for a nighttime adventure beneath the stars. Night visition goggles are provided, so you’ll be able to spot some of the 30 species out on the savannah. Best of all, you’ll be alone with your tour group and have the best chance of spotting the animals just being themselves as they embark on their nightly activities.

Evening campfires on the patio overlooking the savannah are also a special treat, particularly when you’re joined by a cast member sharing vibrant stories about African wildlife. Overall, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers one of the most rich and immersive experiences for children and families of all Disney resorts, making it a top choice for many.

While much of the theming details may pass by children, adults will appreciate the details, and the soaring grandeur of the public spaces at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney Animal Kingdom Resort Address

If you’re driving to Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can find the resort at the following address:

2901 Osceola Parkway

Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8410

(407) 938-3000

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Review: Our Final Say

While we found the rooms to be on the smaller and dimmer side, the overall ambiance and array of amenities compensated for any perceived limitations. Notably, the impressive selection of dining options, including culinary gems like Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa, which offer a diverse and flavorful menu, make this resort a destination, instead of just a place to lay your head for the night. When combined with the unparalleled animal viewing opportunities, grandeur of the resort public spaces and the many enrichment activities, Animal Kingdom Lodge emerges as a solid hotel choice for adults seeking a one-of-a-kind stay that seamlessly blends luxury, wildlife, and exceptional dining experiences into a memorable Disney World visit.

Families will appreciate the value price point, when compared to other deluxe resorts, and the chance to watch animals living their life carefree across the different savannahs.

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Pictures

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Much more than the Lion King: Review of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

When staying at Walt Disney World, you have the luxury of choice when it comes to lodging options. On Disney World property, you can pick from a couple of dozen resorts , not to mention the array of off-site options . Each of the Disney World resorts has its own theme, and one of the most spectacular and unique themes can be found at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

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This African-themed lodge is nearest to the Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, but you don't have to leave the hotel's grounds to enjoy the animals roaming the safari. They are viewable from the lobby, the hallways and even many of the rooms. Paying extra for a better view (especially considering how much a trip to Disney World can cost ), is rarely worth it in the realm of family travel, but at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a savanna-view upgrade is absolutely worth consideration.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge opened in 2001 but was expanded a few years later to include a few hundred Disney Vacation Club villas, giving the resort a variety of accommodation types to meet the needs of families of different shapes and sizes. Now, the rooms have undergone a recent renovation, to the extent that an update to this review (originally completed in late 2018), was in order after a March 2020 stay.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is considered a Disney Deluxe Resort (along with iconic properties such as Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort). This means that your stay probably won't be inexpensive, but the investment in a 24/7 magical Disney Resort experience is worth it. Thankfully, there are also some ways to save big on your stay.

FOR NO COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

You can book Walt Disney World Resort hotels using some types of points (such Citi ThankYou points ). For our late-2018 stay, we paid cash by booking directly with Disney via targeted bounce-back offers that allow you to save up to 35% or so by booking a return trip -- sometimes while you are still on a current trip.

Rack rates for entry-level rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge usually range from about $300 to $500 per night, but Disney sales and discounts can drop that price to under $300 per night certain times of the year.

A great way save money at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is to rent Disney Vacation Club points . Not only does this spare you from the daily parking fee, but, as outlined here , you can pretty easily save 50% on the retail price of the stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge by renting points. There are trade-offs (such as the lack of daily housekeeping), but turning a $2,000 multi-night stay into a $1,000 stay may be worth making your own bed.

We put our stay on my Chase Sapphire Reserve to earn 3x points for the travel charge, but we primarily used discounted Disney gift cards to cover the majority of the charges while at the resort.

The main reason you might want to avoid a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge is its location. On our stay, we found it to be the most remote of all of the Walt Disney World Resorts, and it could have easily taken us 45 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom from the lodge door to door. None of the Disney World parks were within walking distance of this resort, and only the Animal Kingdom was relatively nearby.

I mean, we were still on Disney property, so nothing was terribly far away. However, unlike when staying on the monorail at the Contemporary , nothing was especially close, either. If you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom, expect to rely heavily on the Disney bus system, your own rental car or the (magical but pricey) Disney Minnie Vans .

Related: Best credit cards for a trip to Disney

Disney World didn't have an elite status program or anything that got us guaranteed early check-in (or late checkout), so I always assumed that the room wouldn't be ready until the stated time. In this case, it often means 3 p.m. check-in for the traditional hotel rooms in the lodge and 4 p.m. for the deluxe villa-style accommodations you would probably be renting with Disney Vacation Club points.

We arrived at the lodge a little before 1 p.m. and fully expected to wait a few hours for a room, but it was ready for us upon arrival.

On other Disney trips, we have loved the added convenience of a Disney Club-level room for ready-to-eat breakfast, upgraded service and included simple dinners and evening snacks, but none were available for booking on our dates online, since we booked pretty close to our travel dates. So I inquired at check-in if a Club Level upgrade was possible. The good news was that it was available, but at a staggering charge of $400 additional per day. We politely (and quickly) passed on that option. Had the upgrade been $150 per day or less, our family would have likely said yes.

At check-in, we were also given an itinerary of the on-site entertainment and cultural activities, of which there were many — more than I've seen at any other Disney Resort.

There were two separate villages at Animal Kingdom Lodge: the original Jambo House and the Kidani Village that was added later and made up of DVC villas. We spent the entirety of this stay in the Jambo House and were assigned a savanna-view room on the second level, about as far down the hallway away from the lobby and pool as possible.

The lobby was on the third level, which meant taking an elevator down to the second level. This resort is massive, with well over 1,000 rooms and villas, so expect to do some walking. We brought the stroller into the resort simply because the walk to the room in the evenings with a tired 3-year-old was very far.

Our room was around 350 square feet with two queen beds, a small table, TV and, most importantly, a balcony with a view of the zebras and giraffes and more.

The view of the animals was the star of the room and the primary reason to stay at this resort. My tween was totally overwhelmed with happiness watching the animals from the room.

If you love the idea of waking up to drink coffee and view animals on the savanna from your private balcony, then book the room with a view. We watched the animals for hours. These were real animals, not animatronics, so they roamed different parts of the savanna at different times of the day and weren't always visible from our room.

Other than the view, the room was totally fine for a Disney property, but not over-the-top spectacular. We appreciated the two queen beds ( instead of the doubles found in some Disney rooms ) and the African theme was carried throughout, though in 2020 the carpeting, mock-mosquito netting and some of the older decor have been thankfully retired.

The bathroom has a double vanity separate from the shower area. We did have issues with both the toilet and phone during our 2018 stay, as both required maintenance. At the time, this made calling down for our $33-per-day car valet impossible, but service was very efficient even without the call-ahead option. These issues did not repeat on the 2020 stay.

Related: How to use points for a trip to Disney World

Food and beverage

Animal Kingdom Lodge had some of the best dining available at Disney World . Many of the restaurants have an African theme, which I personally consider great news, but your experience traveling with more narrow eaters may vary.

Boma — Flavors of Africa is the breakfast and dinner restaurant located in Jambo.

It's an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant, and while there were no characters here (unlike at many similar Disney restaurants), it simply doesn't need them. The food and surroundings stood alone quite nicely.

For breakfast, there were both African and traditional American favorites: corned-beef hash, sweet plantains, goat-cheese scrambled eggs, bread pudding, bacon and even Simba waffles.

The house juice, coffee and service were also well above average at this pricey but delicious restaurant. Breakfast for two adults and two kids rang in around $100, so expect dinner to be more than that.

For a less expensive on-site dining option, there was Mara, just out back off the Jambo lobby. Mara had hot items such as fried eggs, ham-and-cheese sandwiches and Mickey waffles, cheeseburgers and flatbread, as well as grab-and-go drinks, snacks and muffins.

On a longer stay, or if you just really like tea, coffee or soda, you may want to spend $19.99 for the refillable mug that you could fill up in this grab-and-go restaurant. You could also pick up a bottle of wine for some animal watching on your patio.

For a nice dinner, there's Jiko — The Cooking Place and Sanaa. While I've still yet to try Sanaa, I had appetizers and a wine tasting at Jiko on my most recent visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was able to walk in to an open seat at the bar shortly after the restaurant opened for the evening and from the service to the food itself, the experience was fantastic.

The $19 'Tour of Africa' appetizer recommended by the server included sausage, honeyed goat cheese, pimento spread, house-made hummus, Egyptian fatir bread and more. It was -- worth it.

The wine tasting, consisting of three South African wines, was also quite a lot of fun. Jiko has a couple of different wine tastings you can choose from, depending on what you'd like to try.

I've also tried out room service at Animal Kingdom Lodge, ordering two kid meals for the littles and two glasses of wine for the bigs. After a long day in the parks, it was fantastic to have dinner and drinks appear at our room.

The animals are king of the jungle at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but the resort had much more going on than "just" a savanna.

First, let's talk about the African drumming that was going on when we walked in for our 2018 stay. It set the tone, and the women who were drumming were excellent at getting the kids involved in making music. We encountered the drumming around the resort multiple times per day on our stay.

Other free activities available on site during our stay were African face painting, talks with a savanna guide, access to African cultural experts, wildlife-themed games, the Primal Parade, night-vision animal viewing, cookie decorating and a daily culinary tour that allowed you to tour and sample food from the on-site restaurants. Again, these activities are all free. My biggest regret from this trip was that we didn't have more downtime at the resort to try out all of the available tours, talks and other options.

On-site amenities included one of the largest pools at a Disney World resort, on the Jambo portion of the resort. There was also a pool with small waterslides and a kids play area on the Kidani side of the village, though we didn't make it over there during our stay.

The Jambo pool had a zero-entry section, a medium-sized waterslide and attentive Disney lifeguards.

If your family was in search of some drier fun, there was a nearby playground to burn off steam while you waited for dinner, since they will text you when your table is ready.

A few steps away from the playground was a spot to enjoy on-site flamingos.

There was also an above-average arcade and Simba's Activity Center. This spot used to be known as Simba's Clubhouse, a kids club that provided childcare. In 2018 it became an activity center where children need parental supervision, but can play and make African-themed crafts for a small fee.

Like at all Disney Resorts, staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge provides included access to the Magical Express Bus to and from the Orlando airport, as well as complimentary bus transportation around the Walt Disney World Resort.

Overall impression

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is not a cartoon version of Africa. It's not "The Lion King" and "Hakuna Matata" at every turn -- you'll actually find those rooms at Disney's Art of Animation . This is a breathtakingly detailed property that is a joy to inhabit for a few days. The amount of real African art, the emphasis on knowledgeable cultural guides and local experts, and the way that they engage guests in learning about a place many have never seen is nothing short of impressive.

While renting Disney Vacation Club points or hunting for deals can make this one of the more affordable Disney Deluxe Resorts, it will still be an investment in the experience of staying here, so make time to actually enjoy the unique on-site amenities, meals and resources. Choosing this resort means you are isolating yourself from much of Disney World, since no park is within walking distance. But if a taste of African culture, watching animals on the savannah and learning a thing or two on your vacation sounds good, then Animal Kingdom Lodge should be the site of your next Disney World vacation.

Read on to learn more about maximizing your time, points and money at Disney World:

• TPG ultimate guide to Walt Disney World
• Hotel review: Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Hotel review: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• The best points hotels near Disney World
• The 10 best Disney thrill rides around the world
• How to use points for Disney tickets
• Disney World without kids: 10 ways to enjoy an adult trip to Disney
• How to ride every Disney World ride in one day
• How to eat healthy at Disney World
• Best $69 you can spend at Disney World

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Theme park reservations are not required for tickets added as part of a room-and-ticket package. For other admission types, theme park reservations may be required. Learn more about theme park reservation requirements.

Rooms & Suites

• Complimentary high-speed WiFi Internet access
• In-Room Safe
• Telephone with voicemail
• Coffee maker
• Coffee and tea set up
• Flat panel TV
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Beverage Cooler
• Patio or Balcony

Water View - King Bed

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge shares all Resort amenities—including pools, dining and recreation—with the other sections of the Resort: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.

The following room types are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Rooms and Suites
• Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service, offering complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and evening beverages

Views of Pool

Sleeps up to 2 Adults

• Includes a beverage cooler, coffee and tea station, and a patio or balcony.

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Resort View - King Bed

Views of rooftop or parking area

Savanna View - King Bed

Views of one of the savannas

Resort View

Views of Rooftop or Parking Area

2 Queen Beds

Sleeps up to 4 Adults

Savanna View

Views of One of the Savannas

Rooms & Suites with Club Level Service

• Complimentary health club access
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
• Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
• Access to Concierge service at the Kiliminjaro Club

Includes All Room Amenities, Plus:

• Access to Disney Signature Services—for personal assistance with your vacation. Call: 407-939-7777

Savanna View - Club Level Access

Views of Arusha Savanna

• Includes a beverage cooler, coffee and tea station, patio or balcony and Personalized Guest Services. Plus, enjoy access to the Kilimanjaro Club.

Resort View - 1 BR Suite - Club Level Access

2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Sleeps up to 6 Adults

• Includes a small fridge, coffee and tea station, patio or balcony and Personalized Guest Services. Plus, enjoy access to the Kilimanjaro Club.

Savanna View - King Bed - Club Level Access

Savanna view - 1 br suite - club level access, 2 bedroom suite - club level access.

1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Sleeps up to 8 Adults

Deluxe Studios

• Paper plates and bowls, plastic utensils
• Refrigerator - small

Studio - Value

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House shares all Resort amenities—including pools, dining and recreation—with the other sections of the Resort: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.

The following room types are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House:

• Deluxe Studios with a kitchenette
• Deluxe Studios with Club-Level Service* and a kitchenette
• Villas featuring a kitchen, private bedrooms, and a washer and dryer
• Villas with Club-Level Service*, featuring a kitchen, private bedrooms, and a washer and dryer

Villa room types let you make the most of your vacation:

• A fully-equipped kitchen lets you prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa
• Separate bedrooms in our 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas offer space, privacy and tranquility—so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
• A washer and dryer let you pack lightly and ensure you’ll always have fresh, clean clothes

*Club-Level Service includes complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and evening beverages.

Views of Landscape or Parking Area

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa

• Comfortable accommodations: includes a kitchenette with small fridge and microwave, and a balcony.

Deluxe Studio - Savanna View

Views of Savanna

Deluxe Studio - Standard View

Views of Landscaping or Parking Area

• Comfortable accommodations: includes a kitchen with small fridge and microwave, and a balcony.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village shares all Resort amenities—including pools, dining and recreation—with the other sections of the Resort: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House.

The following room types are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village:

Views of Pool or Parking Area

Villas with Club Level Services

• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge

1 Bedroom Villa - Club Level

Views of Pool or One of the Savannas

1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair

Sleeps up to 5 Adults

• Great for families: includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony. Plus, enjoy access to the Kilimanjaro Club.
• Dishes, glasses and utensils
• Refrigerator
• Washer & Dryer
• Whirlpool Tub
• Stove and oven
• Pots and pans

1 Bedroom Villa - Standard View

• Great for families: includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.

3 Bedroom Grand Villa - Savanna View

Savanna views can be enjoyed throughout this 2300 sq. ft. space—game room included.

1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Sleeps up to 12 Adults

• Great for large families: includes 3 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, game room, washer and dryer, and a balcony.

1 Bedroom Villa - Savanna View

1 Bedroom Villa - Value

1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

• Great for large families: includes 4 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.

Views of Parking Area

• Great for families: includes 2 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.

2 Bedroom Villa - Savanna View

1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair

Sleeps up to 9 Adults

• Great for large families: includes 3 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, and a balcony.

2 Bedroom Villa - Standard View

Deluxe studios with club level services.

Deluxe Studio - Club Level

• Comfortable accommodations: includes a kitchenette with small fridge and microwave, and a balcony. Plus, enjoy access to the Kilimanjaro Club.

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Make FastPass+ selections at popular attractions, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, as early as 30 days before you arrive.

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Disney World Celebrates Mother's Day Early With the Arrival of an Adorable Baby Piglet at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Just in time for Mother’s Day, you have to see the adorable Red River Hog piglet that was just welcomed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Whether riding through the safari on Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom or taking in the sights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s an incredible experience to take in the beautiful animals residing in Disney World. And the park and resort hotel are always bringing in new members of the Animal Kingdom family. Just in time for Mother’s Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has announced the arrival of its newest resident — a red river hog piglet!

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Red River Hog Piglet Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Daisy is a red river hog that typically resides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Last month, she welcomed a baby piglet, a male that has not yet been named. The piglet joins the seven red river hog family members, also known as a “sounder.” Right now, the duo is spending time backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in order to take time to bond.

Disney shared a bit more information about what it’s like for expecting animal parents living at Disney World. Specifically, the animals play a part in participating in their own health care. Due to a trusting relationship with her keepers, Daisy would enter a specialized crate during her pregnancy that allowed veterinarians to conduct ultrasounds and monitor her piglet’s health during the four-month gestation period.

For now, Daisy will be spending her Mother’s Day relaxing in a mud bath, as wallowing in mud is an important natural behavior for red river hogs. Once they’re ready, you’ll be able to spot Daisy and her piglet on the Pembe Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

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The post Disney World Celebrates Mother’s Day Early With the Arrival of an Adorable Baby Piglet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge appeared first on WDW Magazine .