One of Disney’s Deluxe category resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African safari adventure themed resort located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Pros:

-Food options. Jambo House is home to Boma, an African themed buffet (which is delicious, review to follow!), Jiko, a signature dining experience with an extensive South African wine collection, and The Mara, a quick service restaurant with some African flair.

-Simba’s Cubhouse, the onsite Children’s Activity Center where your child can be entertained by Disney staff members while you get a parents’ night out!

-The pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House is gorgeous! It also is equipped with a water slide, and a zero entry shallow end.

-The savannahs! By far the number one draw to Animal Kingdom Lodge is the savannah views. You can choose a Savannah view room, where you can wake up in the morning and take your coffee out on the balcony to view over 30 species of animals just outside your door. However, even if you decide not to stay in a savannah view room there are viewing stations throughout the hotel, including just off the lobby. You can even grab a “field guide” from the concierge desk to help you identify the animals you are seeing. During my visit we also met some incredibly knowledgable Animal Specialists out in one of the viewing areas who was happy to answer any questions we had… and we had a lot! It’s always fun to talk to these unique Disney cast members.

Cons:

-Animal Kingdom Lodge is located further from Disney’s Magic Kingdom than any other resort on property. While I personally don’t find this to be much of an issue at all (the bus ride is 20 minutes, which is about as long as some hotels that share buses) some families may find this not to their liking.

Room photos:

Sitting area

Two queen beds

Entryway

Bathroom

Area just outside the bathroom door with double sink and large mirror

Balcony with table and two chairs

Resort Photos:

Sitting area and fire outside the lobby

Jambo House Lobby

Animals on the savannah!

Overall I’d absolutely recommend Animal Kingdom Lodge as a must visit resort. If you’re not so sure, next time you’re at Animal Kingdom just take a quick 5 minute bus ride over to Jambo House to have lunch or dinner and see the savannahs. After that I’m sure Animal Kingdom Lodge will be a top contender for your next stay! Another benefit to this resort is that it is one of only three Disney resorts that currently offers a bunk bed option. For siblings who aren’t good at sharing beds these bunk beds can be a vacation saver! Animal Kingdom Lodge is also one of Disney’s most reasonably priced deluxe resorts. If you’re interested in visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney World in general please click the “Free Vacation Planning!” tab at the top of this page and one of the Dole Whipped ladies would be happy to help you find the best option for your family!