Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A Wild Escape

Do you fashion yourself an animal enthusiast? Have you always dreamed of traversing the African savannah and having close-up encounters with some of the most majestic creatures on earth? Then maybe a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect getaway resort to feed your adventurous side.

Welcome to the fifth stop on what we’re calling our “Resort-Hopper Tour”. If you missed our latest stop, check out our in-depth review of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. It’s the perfect getaway for families that long for moonlit walks along old-fashioned boardwalks!

At each stop in our six-part series, we’re doing a deep dive into some of Disney World’s most iconic resort destinations. Along our journey, we’ll share important aspects about each resort, including theme, room types, amenities, restaurants, transportation, and more.

Our sincere hope is to help you make a magical decision that’s just right for your family for your next Disney getaway, and we won’t stop until you’re satisfied to be our guest.

So, without further ado, let’s travel to our next magical stop on our Resort-Hopper Tour — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

An Overview of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

With views of four lush savannahs, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to over 200 hoofed animals and birds. You can stay on a campus that holds the largest collection of African art in the United States while swimming the day away amidst the backdrop of an African oasis.

Home to over thirty species of African wildlife, you’re sure to fulfill your need to experience the safaris of Africa. 

What Type of Rooms Does Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Have?

Like every Disney deluxe resort, you can count on a variety of excellent room choices. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is no different.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers four excellent room options:

• Rooms & Suites that sleep up to 4 adults
• Rooms & Suites with Club-Level Service that sleep up to 8 adults
• Deluxe Studios sleeps up to 4 adults
• One, two, and three-bedroom Villas that can sleep up to 12 adults

Deluxe Studios feature a kitchenette, a queen bed, a pull-down bed, and a sleeper sofa.

Villas feature fully equipped kitchens, spacious living and dining room spaces, separate bedrooms, and a washer and dryer.

No matter which room you choose, your family will love the feeling of being up close and personal with views of the African wilderness. 

What Amenities Does Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Offer?

One of the pleasures of staying on the Disney campus is that no matter which resort you stay at you’ll always experience tons of amenities. It comes standard with your Disney experience.

Each guest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort enjoys complimentary WI-FI access, air-conditioned rooms, and the following amenities:

Pools, Waterslides, and Whirlpools, Oh, My!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to an expansive 11,000-square-foot pool with a waterslide and gently sloping, zero-point entry. Your family will feel like you’ve escaped to the local African watering hole.

Cool off at Uzima Springs Pool amidst the canopy of trees, Floridian palms, and a wildlife preserve. Inspired by African architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to an African paradise alongside beautiful views of majestic animals. There are also two whirlpools for tranquil soaking sessions.  

The Samawati Springs Pool is located within a short walking distance from the Villas and offers a 128-foot water slide. It’s the perfect place to cool off and explore your wild side.

Each pool area offers a nearby lounge for poolside refreshments.

Nearby Uwanja Camp offers three distinct splash zones for kids of all ages. At Observation Station toddlers 4 and under can enjoy adventurous climbs through cargo crates. There is also an area to unscramble safari images and a bubbling geyser and shallow pool.

The Departure zone is the perfect splash area for children 5 to 7 years of age. A leaky water tower and squirting African features offer fun and excitement.

Kids 8 and up can enjoy Base Camp and will love the splash zone and water cannons for non-stop water action.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side With Fun Activities!

While majestic views of African wildlife and state-of-the-art swimming pools are nice, it’s not all that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer.

Here are some fun activities to enjoy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Swimming
• Playground
• Jogging trails
• Gaming station
• Painting Keepsake
• 24-hour health club

Whether your family is splashing it up in the pool, getting their game on in the arcade, or painting masterpieces side-by-side, you’ll love the recreational activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Create Memories With Family-Friendly Activities

Like other stops on our Resort-Hopper Tour, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers many family-friendly activities.

Here is a short list of great family-friendly activities you can enjoy:

• Movies Under the Stars
• Jambo House Campfire Activities
• Zahanati Massage, Spa & Fitness Center

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, every moment is special. So whether you’re enjoying movies under the stars or roasting s’mores by the campfire, you’ll love every magical moment.

What Transportation Options Does Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Have Available?

For transportation to all parks, guests can enjoy complimentary bus service. Rather dash out in style? You can purchase Minnie Van Service through Lyft.

Whatever way you get to the parks, we hope you have a magical time!

What Types of Restaurants Does Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Have Available?

Disney always has a knack for creating dining choices that work for every family, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is no different. Whether your family likes to eat on the go or enjoys a sit-down meal, you’re sure to find a restaurant that meets your needs.

Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the dining choices at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

Casual, Family-Friendly Dining Choices

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has several options for casual family-friendly dining experiences.

For casual dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s hard to top Sanaa. Your kids will love the classic favorites served at other resort destinations; meanwhile, parents can delight in truly authentic African and Indian-styled fare that is sure to please your palette.

Some truly authentic breakfast choices include:

• Methi Paratha Sandwich with scrambled eggs, potatoes masala, gouda, chermoula, and papaya achar
• Shahi Tukra French Toast with saffron-scented Saltan raisins, whipped chai cream, and almonds

Lunch and dinner offer even more authentic African and Indian cuisine.

Enjoy lunch and dinner entrees, like:

• Tandoori Chicken
• Zanzibari Vegetable Curry (with shrimp or chicken)
• Potjie Inspired – a journey of African/Indian cuisine in one entree

For plant-based options, there are delectable options, like:

• Zanzibari Vegetable Curry
• Salad Sampler
• Samosas and Naan Bread Assortments

For dessert, you love the culturally inspired favorites like African triple chocolate mousse, kheer, and serradura.

Other great options for casual dining include:

• Boma – for all-you-care-to-eat service for standard breakfast fare and African-inspired dinner choices
• The Mara – for casual cafeteria dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Quick Hits for Grazing and Fast Food

If you’re in a hurry, you have two choices for excellent quick-hit, fast-food options.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast before you hit the parks, or something to munch on for a quick lunch or dinner, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has you covered.

• Mai Pool Bar – for American and African quick bites and snacks
• Uzima Springs Pool Bar – for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages

Picture-Perfect Dining Experiences

If you’re looking for something that will bring the family together and create lasting memories — it’s hard to beat Jiko.

Your family will love this sit-down meal with sophistication and style. Enjoy guiltless allergy-friendly appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

For families with no allergy restrictions, you can order from the main menu that offers the same choices.

Here are a few favorites:

• Appetizers – Duck Confit with Honey-Raisin Flatbread, Sweet Potato-Groundnut Soup, and more
• Entrees – Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon, Botswanan Seswaa Short rib, Merguez-Spiced Lamb Shank, and more
• Desserts – African Drum “Beets”, Melktert, Kilimanjaro, and more

Kid’s meals and plant-based options are also available. For adults, there is a wide assortment of cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drink choices.

Conclusion

If you’ve always dreamed of escaping to an African safari, you’ll love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. With gorgeous views, fantastic pools, and fine dining, it marries all the exotic features of a trip to Africa with the comforts of home.

If you’re sold on all that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has to offer —  we hope you have a magical time. If not, stay on the lookout for our next stop on the “Resort-Hopper Tour”.

Our next article will be an in-depth review of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.