The Disney Animal Kingdom lodge is one of the newest and coolest Disney luxury resorts.
With it's thatched roof, African artifacts, crackling fireplaces and exotic architecture it resembles an African game preserve lodge.
Set on a 33-acre wildlife preserve you can view animals like giraffes, zebras and gazelles grazing right from your balcony or any of the public viewing sites around the hotel.
The Animal Kingdom also houses two of the most popular restaurants at Disney: Boma, an all-you-can-eat African themed buffet; and Jiko, a signature upscale restaurant with excellent food.
Is it the right resort for you? Here's a review to help you decide:
Theme: African Game Preserve
Room Notes: Rooms are about average size compared to other Disney deluxe resorts. Many have private furnished balconies.
Savannah facing rooms will cost you more than the pool view or standard view rooms. Rooms are decorated with warm colors, African inspired decor and dark wood furniture.
Dining Options: While dining options are a bit limited, you do get 2 of the best restaurants at Disney: Boma and Jiko. These are both full service along with 1 counter service restaurant, pool bar and 2 lounges:
Boma - (Full Service Buffet)
Jiko - (Full Service Signature)
The Mara - (Counter Service)
Transportation: Because the Lodge is so far out, your transportation options are limited to buses only. However they do run fairly often so you don't have to wait that long:
- Buses to Magic Kingdom Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Water parks and Disney Resorts.
Recreation: Disney's Animal Kingdom lodge has one of the most beautiful pool areas of any Disney resort with a zero-depth entry and a 67-foot-long slide.
This more than makes up for the lack of beach and watersports activities. Other recreation includes:
- 1 large, zero depth entry pool with water slide
- kids wading pool
- 2 whirlpool spas
- Playground
- Arcade
- Fitness Club
- Animal programs (i.e. watch animals at night with night vision)
- Massage/spa services available for extra charge
Strengths:
- Excellent Theme - One of the most unique resort in all Disney World that kids love
- You can watch zebras, gazelles and giraffes from your balcony while enjoying your morning coffee
- Gorgeous pool area
- 2 of the best restaurants at Disney: Boma (buffet) with constantly changing dishes and Jiko (signature upscale dining)
Weaknesses:
- Ongoing construction through 2009 may make this resort a bit noisy
- far away from most theme parks
- limited recreation
- limited restaurants
