Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) is the first Disney resort to be completely and consistantly tied into the theming of a nearby theme park - in this case, Disney's Animal Kingdom park. The transition from the Animal Kingdom theme park to the Animal Kingdom lodge hotel is seamless. The resort was designed by Peter Dominick and opened on April 16, 2001. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) is the newest deluxe resort on Walt Disney World Resort property and the resort is beautiful and brilliantly themed to resemble a South African Wildlife reserve. The resort has three savannah areas ( Arusha Rock, Uzima, and Sunset Savannahs) with live animals. At how many resorts can you look out from your balcony and see giraffs?
The Animal Kingdom Lodge resort has two main areas: Jambo House is the original portion of the resort and has the largest lobby area; this is where the typical hotel reservations and Disney's Magic Your Package reservations have typically occurred. Disney recently added some new Disney Vacation Club (DVC - timeshare program) Villa reservation options in both the Jambo House and their new Kidani village area - which opened in 2009. Reservations in this area are not limited to DVC members; the general public can reserve accomodations in the Disney Vacation Club Villas areas on a space available basis. You do receive daily maid / housekeeping service when you reserve accomodations in the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Villa (DVC) areas.
Because this resort is so new and modern, both the main resort area and the Kidani Village area have very nice pool areas with zero-depth entry.
Pro & Con
Advantages - The animals make this a unique and special resort. The standard (non-view) rooms are one of the best deals to be found at a Disney deluxe resort. Very nice pool - in fact, the pool area in the Kidani Village (Disney Vacation Club - DVC) area is probably the best pool for young children anywhere on Disney property. The fact that this isn't in a "resort area" and is a bit off the beaten path means that you have less non-resort guests just wandering through the lobby. A stay here is both restful and an experience in itself.
Disadvantages - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is only deluxe resort that offers only bus transporation to the Disney theme parks. You are closest to the Animal Kingdom theme park but this deluxe resort is the farthest Disney resort hotel from the Magic Kingdom theme park. This is a "stand-alone" resort, meaning that it isn't in a cluster of resorts; while this definitely makes the public areas less conjested by non-resort guests, it also limits your nearby dining options. There are three sit-down restaurants and a food court on AKL property.
Exclusive to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort : The Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is an activity offered exclusively to Concierge level guests of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is offered twice weekly and lasts offers a special tour along the Kilimanjaro Safari ride path in the Animal Kingdom theme park. A breakfast buffet is served at the Tusker House restaurant. The Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure costs $150 per person age 10 and older and $75 per child ages 8 or 9. Children must be 8 years or older to participate. There is very limited availability for the Safari so advance reservations should be made as early as possible. Concierge / Club Level guests also have the opportunity to book and expereicne the Wildlife Dsicovery Excursion at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. The Wanyama safari is offered to club level guests at a discounted price. Amenities
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The Uzima Pool has a Waterslide and is a large zero entry pool.
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Secluded and landscaped Spa / whirlpool area
- Small wading pool for the kids
- 3 Savannah areas with African wildlife viewing areas.
- Staff includes goodwill ambassadors from African countries, available to answer questions.
- Fire pits with nightly storytelling experience.
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Most rooms have 2 queen beds.
- Rooms with queen bed + bunk beds are a nice option for families with a boy and girl.
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Rooms come with mini-refrigerator
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Four On-site Restaurants
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On-Site shopping
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Resort shuttle - complimentary Disney's Magical Express Airport transfers between the resort and the Orlando International Airport (MCO)
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Free bus transportation to the Disney Theme Parks, Disney Water Parks, and Downtown Disney.
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Free Parking for registered resort guests.
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Special resort activities
- Pumba's Fun and Games Arcade
- Simba's Clubhouse - onsite childcare (fee)
- Hakuna Matata Playground
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Coin Laundry available
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All rooms are non-smoking
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Cribs & highchairs available
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King Bed rooms available
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Some rooms have an in-room Jacuzzi.
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Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center
- Outdoor sports courts and picnic tables
- Valet parking available
Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining
- Mara - Food court area open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Victoria Falls Lounge - a messanine lounge overlooking the Boma restaurant.
- Boma - wonderful buffet offering breakfast and dinner
- Jiko - Specialty dining offering dinner only. This location takes two Disney Dining Plan table service credits per person.
- Sanaa - wonderful new sit-down restaurant in the Kidani Village (DVC) area.
- Uzima Springs Poolside Bar
Animal Kingdom Lodge Shopping
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Zawadi
Marketplace - offers African themed items as well as Disney's Animal Kingdom lodge logo items. This is a unique gift shop.
Transportation
Guests may use Disney's Magical Express - a shuttle bus service included in your reservation - between the Orlando International Airport and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney buses are available to take Animal Kingdom Lodge guests to the Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.
Jambo House Room View Options
- All of the rooms have balconies.
- Handicap access rooms available.
- Standard View overlooks the parking lot. These are some of the least expensive rooms at a Disneyworld deluxe resort.
- Pool View - Overlooks the pool area. Most rooms have 2 queen beds and are 344 square feet. Some king-bedded rooms available. The king bed rooms also have a day bed.
- Pool View / Bunk Bed - Overlooks the pool area. These rooms have 1 queen beds and a bunk bed. 344 square feet.
- Pool View / Deluxe Room - Overlooks the pool area. These rooms have three configurations: 1 queen bed and a bunk bed; 2 queen beds; - or - a king bed and daybed. 381 square feet.
- Savannah View - These rooms overlook the Wildlife viewing / Savannah areas. Most rooms have 2 queen beds and are 344 square feet. Some king bedded rooms available. The king bed rooms also have a day bed.
- Savannah View / Bunk Bed - Overlooks the Savannah Wildlife viewing areas. These rooms have 1 queen beds and a bunk bed. 344 square feet.
- Savannah View / Deluxe Room - Overlook the Savannah areas. These rooms have three configurations: 1 queen beds and a bunk bed; 2 queen beds; - or - a king bed and daybed. 381 square feet.
- Club Level / Pool View or Savanah View - These rooms are the size of the deluxe rooms but offer extra amenities. Kilimanjaro Club level guests receive personalized front desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge which serves light refreshments from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily; complimentary Health Club access, and complimentary fax assisatance.
- Club Level / 1 Bedroom Suite - Pool View or Savanah View - These rooms have one bedroom with 2 queen sized beds; the parlor area also has a queen sized sofa sleeper - this suite can sleep six. Kilimanjaro Club level guests receive personalized front desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge which serves light refreshments from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily; complimentary Health Club access, and complimentary fax assisatance.
- Club Level / 2 Bedroom Suite - Savanah View - These rooms have two bedrooms - the first bedroom has a king bed; the second bedroom has 2 queen sized beds; and the parlor area also has a queen sized sofa sleeper - this suite can sleep eight people. Kilimanjaro Club level guests receive personalized front desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge which serves light refreshments from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily; complimentary Health Club access, and complimentary fax assisatance.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villa Options
- All of the rooms have balconies.
- Handicap access rooms available.
- Standard View overlooks the parking lot, resort, or pool.
- Savannah view overlooks one of the three wildlife viewing areas.
- Jambo House - Studio unit - Standard View or Savannah View. These rooms have a queen bed and a double size sleeper sofa. The kitchenette has a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, coffee maker, and table & chairs. Sleeps 4.
- Jambo House - 1 Bedroom Unit - Standard View or Savannah View. These rooms have a master bedroom with a king bed and whirlpool tub. The living room has a queen size sleeper sofa and a single-size sleeper chair. The unit has a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer. Sleeps 5.
- Kidani Village - Studio unit - Standard View or Savannah View. These rooms have a queen bed and a double size sleeper sofa. The kitchenette has a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, coffee maker, and table & chairs. Sleeps 4.
- Kidani Village - 1 Bedroom Unit - Standard View or Savannah View. These rooms have a master bedroom with a king bed and whirlpool tub. The living room has a queen size sleeper sofa and a single-size sleeper chair. The unit has a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer. Sleeps 5.
- Kidani Village - 2 Bedroom Unit - Savannah View. These rooms have a master bedroom with a king bed and whirlpool tub. The second bedroom has 2 queen beds and a bath. The living room has a queen size sleeper sofa and a single-size sleeper chair. The unit has a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer. Sleeps 9.
IMHO:
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is where we go to hang out when we have spare time - we love this hotel. The details that went into the design of this Kraal African Village themed resort are nothing short of amazing. The animal viewing areas are a treat and you definitely get the resort experience at this wonderful and unique WDW hotel. This resort is sophisticated enough to appeal to honeymooners and guests travelling without children while the pool and on-site amenities also make it a perfect location for families. We've also had some wonderful cross-cultural experiences and conversations with the cast members here. This hotel is some of Disney's finest work as far as attention to detail and theming goes.
Contact us today to stay at this great resort. We'll take the stress out of planning your Walt Disney World Vacation
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