Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is closely tied to the Animal Kingdom park, and kind of provides the experience you'd expect if allowed to spend the night on the Kilamanjaro Safari ride. Designed by Peter Dominick (who also designed Wilderness Lodge and Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland) the hotel is meant to evoke an African village (a posh one, with all the amenities). The resort is surrounded on three sides by "savannahs" that make Animal Kingdom Lodge the unique resort on property. Each savannah is home to dozens of African animals, which can be viewed from several special locations and the balconies of most of the guest rooms. Great hidden touches abound and it is definitely a resort to visit even if not a guest. Boma, an African-cuisine buffet, isn't for everybody but has an extremely loyal following.

Walt Disney World

General Information

Address: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830

Resort Phone #: 407-938-3000

Resort Fax #: 407-938-4799

Reservation #: 407-934-7639

Date Opened: April 16, 2001

Resort Category: Deluxe

Room Information

# of Buildings: 1 very large building

# of Rooms: 762 (originally 1,293 before the top two floors were converted to be part of Animal Kingdom Villas)

Room Rates: There are two basic room types: standard (floors 1-4) and deluxe (floors 5 and 6). Standard rooms have three available views (the worst face the parking lot instead of the savannahs) while the deluxe rooms all face the savannah. Additionally, there are several suites available. See the official Disney page for Animal Kingdom Lodge for current room rates.

Services Information

Concierge Service: Yes, 55 of the deluxe savannah view rooms

Valet Parking: Yes ($12/day)

Room Service:

Internet: Wired in-room ethernet port. $9.95 for 24-hours

Laundry: There is a single on-property self-service laundry room. A laundry service is also available.

Pools and Swimming: One large pool area. The Uzima Pool features a children's area, a water slide, two Jacuzzis and a sloped entry at one end. The pool is open 24 hours, though lifeguards are unavailable at 10 p.m.

Gym and Exercise: The Zahanati Fitness Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is available free to all guests and for an additional charge to other on-property guests.

Spa: Yes, the fitness center also provides massage and body treatments by appointment.

Turndown service: No

Smoking:

Owner's Locker

MousePlanet partner Owner's Locker provides a highly useful service for repeat Walt Disney World visitors. It will allow you to to store a large amount of your "only-in-Florida" belongings on-site between your visits. Owner's Locker will deliver your locker to your resort early on the morning of your arrival and pick it up the day that you leave. Your locker will stay in climate-controlled storage until you return on your next visit. Owner's Locker delivers to resorts throughout the Orlando area, not just to Walt Disney World. Some of the many things that Owner's Lockers have been used to store are full-sized liquid containers to avoid the TSA hassle, clothing, holiday decorations for annual visits, pool playthings, and more. Visit their site and check them out for yourself, or order now!

Transportation Information

On foot:

Bus: The bus stop is to the left as you exit the main entrance. Animal Kingdom Lodge is well removed from any other on-property location so plenty of time should be allocated when using the bus to get around.

Monorail: Not directly available

Ferries: None

Dining

Boma— Located in Jambo House, African-inspired cuisine served in a buffet style that allows sampling. Selections change daily on a weekly cycle and the soups are particularly noteworthy.

Jiko: The Cooking Place— A table service restaurant in Jambo House serving African-fusion cuisine. This restaurant also has an extensive wine list.

Other dining — Mara is the resorts self-service fast food counter with decent sandwich, salad, and burger options. Uzima Springs is a poolside bar that also offers some light snacks. Victoria Falls Lounge is a bar located on the mezzanine above Boma and Jiko.

Entertainment and Amenities

Mnyama (Sunset) Safari — A 90-minute van tour of the lodge's savannah areas, allowing close up views of the animals as well as backstage access to the animal care areas. Followed by dinner at Jiko. Available only to concierge-level guests and only by reservation. Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; $150/person.
Night viewing — On most nights a cast member can be found at Arusha Rock (Jambo House) with a low-light viewing scope to allow viewing of nocturnal animals. Check posted schedules.
Pumbaa's Arcade — A video game arcade near the pool at Jambo House.
Savannah Trails — Trails for all three savannah areas are open to everybody.
Simba's Clubhouse — An evening (4:30-midnight) activity center for children 4-12 and requires reservations.
Storytelling — Storytelling, for both adults and children, happens every night at the Arusha Rock fire pit. Check posted schedules.
Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure — A 45-minute early morning tour of safari area at the Animal Kingdom park followed by breakfast at Tusker House. Available only to concierge-level guests, reservations required. Available Sundays and Thursdays; $39.95/person.

Stores and Shopping

Zawadi Marketplace— Jambo House may have only one store, but it is a big one, one of the largest retail spaces at Walt Disney World outside of Downtown Disney. In addition to the standard Disney merchandise and souvenirs, are a wide selection of African crafts and merchandise. Located in the Jambo House lobby.