Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opened at in 2001. The South African themed Disney Resort is one of the most unique resorts in the United States, and has been recognized as one of the best family resorts to visit. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has over 100 animals and 130 birds on site. The wildlife is located on savannas, created to resemble authentic South African savannas. Guests with savanna view rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are likely to see a giraffe or wildebeast wandering by their balconies.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Accomodations
The South African theme is complete throughout the Animal Kingdom Lodge, with rooms decorated in African themes and balconies that overlook Disney-made wildlife savannas. The main lodge displays African art and crafts, and is home to one of the largest retail stores in Disney World Resort, the Zawadi Marketplace. Authentic South African items are sold at the store, along with Disney and Animal Kingdom Lodge themed apparel and souveniers.
Guest rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge vary in price, based on the room style and view. Rooms outside of the main lodge form a semi-circle outward around the savannas. Some rooms overlook the large pool area. Standard rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge start at $215 plus tax during Value season and reach $359 for a standard room during Holiday season.
Savanna view rooms all overlook one of three savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests may be given a savanna view room overlooking the Arusha, Uzima, or Sunset Savannas. The savannas are illuminated at night and night vision goggles are available for late night animal viewing. A savanna view room is priced between $285 and $435 per night plus tax, depending on season. Concierge level rooms start at $325 per night for Value season and reach $505 per night in the peak, Holiday season. Special suites and rooms are available at more expensive rates.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is loved by many nature and animal enthusiasts, and children often love watching the many savanna animals. Viewing areas are placed throughout the resort for guests and visitors to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge all have animal viewing guides, and viewing areas have guides posted for guests trying to identify and find different animals on one of the savannas. Special safaris are offered in the morning and evening, for an additional cost.
The large, Uzima Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has a waterslide and two jacuzzis. A zero entry area is at one end of the pool for easy water access, and step entry areas are located at other locations in the pool. Lifeguards are on duty everyday until ten o’clock in the evening. A small toddler-sized shallow pool is located by the main Uzima Pool area. Free life jackets are available to resort guests with young children.
The Zahanati Fitness Center is open to resort guests over 14, for free. A special Bush Camp is held on Saturday afternoons from 1-4 pm for children between 6 and 14 years of age. This unique camp takes the kids on a mini-safari and offers African crafts and games for $70 per child. Free storytelling is held each evening at Arusha Rock and Flamingo feedings can be viewed by all resort guests. Other Animal Kingdom Lodge activities include animal tracking, music of the savanna, African crafts and games, and the night vision viewing of the savanna animals. A schedule of daily and weekly activities and events is available in the main lobby.
There are three different dining options available for guests and visitors to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The most upscale is the gourmet restaurant, Jiko, known for its fine dining and African cuisine. Boma is a buffet restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets at an all-you-can-eat price. The counter service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other quick meals on a budget. Refillable mugs are available for length of stay use at $12.99 each for unlimited beverage refills.
Reservations
Reservations for dining at Jiko or Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are highly recommended, and may be made by calling 1-(407)-WDW-DINE. The direct number for the Animal Kingdom Lodge is (407)938-3000. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is located at 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake Florida, 32830.
