For wildlife lovers seeking a truly unique Disney World experience, it’s hard to think of a more outstanding resort than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a luxury property with exquisite African themes and a location near the Animal Kingdom theme park.
This property is exceptionally impressive for its fabulous African-inspired architecture and incredible attention to detail, along with on-site sheets with African animals roaming right outside the hotel. Guests can enjoy all the benefits of staying at any Disney World Resort, including access to the free Magical Express airport shuttle, free Disney transportation to theme parks, magical overtime, and the ability to plan their visit. up to 60 days in advance of your stay using the My Disney Experience application and MagicBands.
Location
Keep in mind that Walt Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco, so families should consider the location and which theme parks they will be spending the most time in. This property is very close to the Animal Kingdom Lodge theme park, which can be reached in several minutes by bus.
On the other hand, this hostel is relatively far from the Magic Kingdom, which requires a longer excursion of 20 minutes or so. The other theme parks can also be reached using the free Disney bus system available at all Disney World resorts.
Reflexes
Inspired by traditional African kraal , the hotel’s horseshoe design offers spectacular views of four lush savannas where more than 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. The grounds are vast, and the property feels much more secluded than most Disney resorts, which can be a good idea if you like the idea of escaping the theme park energy at the end of the day. This hotel houses one of the largest collections of African art in the United States.
Without even leaving the hotel grounds, guests can discover more than 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu, and flamingos. You can easily identify each species with a Wildlife Field Guide (found in your guest room) and learn more about African animals during fun programs led by animal specialists.
Along with animal education programs and animal watching activities, guests can enjoy exotic restaurants and fun activities like swimming, outdoor late-night movies and campfire singing. There are several playgrounds in the complex, jogging trails and a game room.
There are also several amazing pools: an 11,000-square-foot Uzima pool with a waterslide and zero-depth entry point similar to a natural waterhole, a kiddy pool, and two hot tubs; and Samawati Springs Pool, with a waterslide, two hot tubs, and Uwanja Camp, an animal-themed water park with Venus traps, a rope bridge, water cannons, and more.
Do not miss
- Simba’s Clubhouse kids club for kids ages 3-12
- daily schedule of animal-related activities, from visits to lectures
- Animal viewing from the hotel (and even from your room), as well as various outdoor viewing areas
- fitness room and spa
- Restaurants include fine dining at Jiko, an impressive buffet at Boma: Flavors of Africa, and casual dining at The Mara.
Room options include traditional rooms (some with children’s bunk beds), suites, and villa-style units with kitchens and washers.
Keep in mind:
- This resort is the furthest from the Magic Kingdom, with a 20 minute bus ride. Families with young children may prefer to stay close to the Magic Kingdom. The only nearby theme park, for this resort, is Animal Kingdom, but transportation is provided to all theme parks and water parks, Disney Springs, and other Disney attractions.
- On the same grounds, Disney’s Kidani Village Villas offers additional options along with its own pool and water park for children.
Check rates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
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– Edited by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
