Animal Kingdom Lodge might be the most transportive resort at Walt Disney World. Designed to resemble a grand African safari lodge, it surrounds guests with warm earth tones, handcrafted art, and actual savanna animals roaming just beyond the guest room balconies. Whether you stay in the main building (Jambo House) or the Disney Vacation Club wing (Kidani Village), the experience blends rustic luxury with wildlife adventure. It’s a resort that’s just as much a destination as the theme parks themselves.
Which Animal Kingdom Lodge Is Better – Jambo House or Kidani Village?
It depends on your travel style.
- Jambo House is the main building. It features standard hotel rooms, club level, and most of the resort’s amenities including the Mara food court and the grand lobby.
- Kidani Village is part of Disney Vacation Club. The rooms are all villas (studios and larger), and it has its own lobby, pool, and restaurant, Sanaa.
Kidani Village tends to be quieter and better suited for longer stays. Jambo House is the hub of the resort with more dining and activity options. Both offer savanna views, and guests can use amenities at either location.
Where Is Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, just south of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. It’s surrounded by undeveloped forest and savanna, making it feel secluded even though it’s only a short drive from most Disney destinations.
Is Animal Kingdom Lodge in Animal Kingdom Park?
No—it’s adjacent, but not inside the park. The resort has its own savannas, separate from the theme park, and houses over 30 species of African animals, including giraffes, zebras, ankole cattle, and okapis. You do not need park admission to enjoy the animals at the resort.
How Much Is Animal Kingdom Lodge?
- Standard rooms typically range from $450 to $700 per night, with savanna views priced higher.
- Club level rooms start around $700 and up, offering concierge service and private lounge access.
- DVC villas in Kidani Village range from $350 to over $1,000 per night depending on size and season.
Prices fluctuate based on dates, view category, and whether you book through Disney or use DVC points.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms
Jambo House features traditional hotel rooms and suites, while Kidani Village offers villas:
- Standard rooms sleep four to five guests with queen beds or a king and a daybed.
- Savanna View rooms allow you to watch animals from your balcony.
- Villas (studios to three-bedroom units) include kitchenettes or full kitchens, living rooms, and laundry—ideal for families and longer stays.
Rooms are designed with warm woods, tribal-patterned fabrics, and African art touches.
Where Is Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna View?
Savanna View rooms are located throughout both Jambo House and Kidani Village. These rooms overlook one of the resort’s three savannas—Arusha, Sunset, or Uzima—and offer real-time views of wildlife. Not all rooms face the savannas, so make sure to book the correct room category if this is a priority.
What Is Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level?
Club Level rooms are located on the top floor of Jambo House and include:
- Access to the Kilimanjar Club lounge
- Complimentary breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts
- Concierge services
- Prime location overlooking the lobby or the savanna
It’s ideal for guests who want a more pampered resort experience.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool
There are two feature pools:
- Uzima Springs Pool (Jambo House): Zero-entry, large pool surrounded by palm trees and rocks, with a waterslide and nearby hot tubs.
- Samawati Springs Pool (Kidani Village): Smaller but still impressive, with a waterslide, splash play area (Uwanja Camp), and pool bar.
Both pools are family-friendly and well-themed. Guests can use either pool regardless of which building they’re staying in.
Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Dining here is a standout feature, with some of Disney’s most unique and flavorful menus.
- Boma – Flavors of Africa (Jambo House): Buffet with bold African and American dishes. Popular for breakfast and dinner.
- Jiko – The Cooking Place (Jambo House): Signature dining with upscale African-inspired cuisine, exceptional wine list, and refined ambiance.
- The Mara (Jambo House): Quick-service spot with favorites like zebra domes, flatbreads, and grab-and-go options.
- Sanaa (Kidani Village): Table-service with Indian-African fusion dishes and bread service. Views of animals from the windows.
- Cape Town Lounge & Wine Bar, Victoria Falls Lounge, and Uzima Springs Pool Bar offer drinks and light bites.
Sanaa and Boma are favorites among Disney foodies—and you don’t need to be a resort guest to dine here.
Where Is Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa is located inside Kidani Village, near the lobby. It offers savanna views from many tables and is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is known for its spice-forward flavors and excellent bread service.
Where Is the Mara Located in Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Mara is located on the ground floor of Jambo House, adjacent to the Uzima Springs Pool. It’s the resort’s main quick-service location and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities
There’s no shortage of unique experiences here, especially if you love wildlife and cultural exploration. Daily activities often include:
- Cultural presentations and storytelling by cast members from Africa
- Animal viewing with guides to help guests identify species and learn about conservation
- Night vision animal viewing on select evenings
- Crafts, games, and scavenger hunts for kids
- Yoga on the lawn (subject to schedule)
- Movies under the stars, located near the pool or lawn area
Many of these activities are complimentary, making this one of the best resorts for guests
Why Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
- Real animals outside your balcony
- Stunning architecture and theming
- Top-tier dining
- Quiet location and unique atmosphere
- Excellent pools and lounges
- Great for couples, families, and repeat visitors who want something new
Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Magic Kingdom | Bus |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Epcot | Bus |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Hollywood Studios | Bus |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Animal Kingdom | Bus |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney Springs | Bus |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Blizzard Beach | Bus |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge to Typhoon Lagoon | Bus |
How Far Is Animal Kingdom Lodge From the Parks
- Animal Kingdom: About 5 minutes by bus
- Hollywood Studios: Around 10–15 minutes
- EPCOT: About 15–20 minutes
- Magic Kingdom: Approximately 20–25 minutes
- Disney Springs: 15–20 minutes
It’s not the most centrally located resort, but the unique theming and experiences make up for longer transit times.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Comparisons
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Wilderness Lodge
Both offer rustic charm, but Animal Kingdom wins on animal views and exotic dining. Wilderness Lodge is closer to Magic Kingdom and has a more Pacific Northwest theme.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Coronado Springs
Coronado has modern tower rooms and business amenities. Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a more immersive theme with better restaurants and wildlife.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Grand Floridian
Grand Floridian is opulent and close to Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom Lodge is more affordable, with deeper immersion and quieter atmosphere.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Old Key West
Old Key West has larger rooms and Disney Springs access. Animal Kingdom offers unique views and a more themed experience.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is calm and near Disney Springs. Animal Kingdom Lodge offers animals and top-tier dining.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Beach Club
Beach Club is great for EPCOT access and pool activities. Animal Kingdom Lodge wins for ambiance and dining.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Vs. Polynesian
Polynesian is tropical and close to the Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom Lodge is more secluded and ideal for adventurous travelers.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Maps
Our site’s map will include both Jambo House and Kidani Village, along with walking paths, bus stops, dining, pools, and savanna-view building numbers. Until then, Disney’s app and website offer helpful interactive versions.
FAQs
Can You Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Yes, you do not need to stay there to enjoy the resort’s restaurants, animal viewing areas, or lounges. Dining reservations are recommended if you plan to park or eat on property, especially for Boma, Jiko, or Sanaa.
When Does Animal Kingdom Lodge Decorate for Christmas?
Holiday decorations usually go up in early to mid-November. Expect a towering lobby tree in Jambo House, themed ornaments, and garlands throughout the resort. The vibe is warm and festive, with African-inspired holiday music and storytelling.
What Does Animal Kingdom Lodge Smell Like?
Many guests say it smells like a mix of earthy wood, spices, and soft incense, a scent that matches the resort’s theme. It’s cozy, soothing, and instantly recognizable.
What Animals Are at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
You’ll find over 30 species across the resort’s savannas, including:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Ankole cattle
- Okapis
When Did Animal Kingdom Lodge Open?
Animal Kingdom Lodge officially opened on April 16, 2001, with its expansion, Kidani Village, following in May 2009. It was designed by renowned architect Peter Dominick, who also created Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Grand Californian Hotel—both known for their majestic lobbies and immersive theming.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Night Safari?
A special Starlight Safari is available to guests at Kidani Village. This guided nighttime tour lets you explore the resort’s savanna in an open-sided vehicle equipped with night vision goggles. You’ll spot nocturnal animals and hear insights from animal specialists. This experience requires a reservation and is available for an additional fee, but it’s well worth considering if you’re looking for something truly unique.
