Yes, they have a Savanna in the middle of the resort. No, Simba isn’t there
Sorry to break it to you, folks, but there are no lions at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney thought it only made sense not to include one of the most feared predators in a resort made for families and children. I mean, what were they thinking, right
Still, Animal Kingdom Lodge is amazing. It’s a beautiful resort that is often considered the best Deluxe Resort at Disney World, right next to the Polynesian Village. It has some unique rooms, tons of cool activities, amazing restaurants, and an overall atmosphere that is great for every kind of guest. It actually has everything you look for in a great hotel - including an area dedicated to the Disney Vacation Club Villas - and something brand new in the form of a savanna at your doorstep, with over 30 different species of animals wandering around.
The main letdown is that there isn’t any form of special transportation to the theme parks, so you need to rely on your own car or the complimentary bus… or hop on an ostrich to reach Magic Kingdom. Just joking, folks, leave the ostriches alone.
What we like about Animal Kingdom Lodge
This is a beautiful hotel that reminds us of Wilderness Lodge and a place tucked away inside a magical forest. Animal Kingdom Lodge is stunning, full of touches of African and Asian culture throughout the lobby and main areas. The cherry on the cake is definitely the savanna that surrounds the hotel, which you can see from various spots - including some rooms with special views. You get to see giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and much more just walking around. There’s nothing better than waking up in a room with a savanna view, grabbing a hot coffee, and watching the wildlife from your balcony.
Animal Kingdom Lodge also has tons of activities, making it especially great for families who want to skip a theme park day and enjoy their resort. They offer everything from traditional (and big) swimming pools to arcades and movies under the stars, but also unique experiences like helping animal keepers prepare food and the Starlight Safari - a paid nightly safari where you hop on a jeep and explore the savanna with a guide.
So, did you think this resort was all about animals and nothing else? Nah. It also has some of the best restaurants in all of Disney World. Sanaa, Jiko, and Boma are often considered top-tier choices, and some guests even visit Animal Kingdom Lodge just to eat at them once in a while. Sanaa and Jiko are especially great and often rank among the top three restaurants at Disney World. Sanaa focuses on African and Indian dishes, offering something unique and truly delicious, while Jiko serves a mix of African cuisine, steaks, and seafood.
You know what’s also good? Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the cheapest Deluxe hotels at Disney World! Prices start at $450, making it an interesting choice compared to the Grand FLoridian ($800) and Contemporary Resort ($600).
What we don’t like about Animal Kingdom Lodge
The main problem with Animal Kingdom Lodge is that it doesn’t offer any special transportation options to the theme parks or Disney Springs. So, no monorails, no Skyliner, and no boats. You’ll need to rely on buses - which take about 15 minutes to reach Magic Kingdom - or your own car. This resort is especially great for guests who drove to Florida or rented a car, since it gives you more freedom to move around Disney World.
Conclusion
As you can see, this resort offers a ton for guests of all backgrounds. It looks great, has plenty to do, and features some of the best restaurants on property. If it also had a monorail or Skyliner system, it would easily be an 11/10 resort. For now, we're giving it a solid 9, but if you don’t mind the buses or actually prefer driving, then this one might be a perfect ten for you.
Animal Kingdom Lodge FAQ
How much is a room at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Room rates vary by date and room category, but they start at $450 per night.
Does Animal Kingdom Lodge feature a Skyliner system?
No, there is no Skyliner at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Is there a monorail at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
No, there is no monorail at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Can I see animals from every room at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
No, you need to book a “Savanna View” room to see animals from your private balcony.
How do I book a room at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Did you enjoy our review and now want to learn more about the resort? Click the "Request a Quote" button above and let's talk! Contacting us is completely free.
