Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – A Walk on the Wild Side
A trip to Disney is all about getting in touch with your inner child and feeling the Disney magic. But at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll feel the Disney magic in a whole new way. This Animal Kingdom hotel and deluxe resort gives you everything you need to walk on the wild side.
An Africa-Inspired Atmosphere Unlike Any Other
Wherever you look at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll find details inspired by the many cultures of the continent of Africa – from the details of the décor to the design of the entire building.
This Animal Kingdom resort itself is designed in a horseshoe-shaped curve, inspired by South African kraal villages, offering gorgeous views of the four lush savannas surrounding this Animal Kingdom hotel. These savannas house over 200 hoofed animals and birds for you to get acquainted with. Inside, you’ll even find one of the United States’ largest collections of African art.
A stay at this Disney resort is actually an African safari-inspired adventure with a touch of Disney magic!
Accommodations
Standard Rooms
All the rooms in this Disney resort are furnished with warm, welcoming décor that pays homage to Africa’s rich, diverse cultural heritage. Choose from standard views of the rooftop or parking area, or upgrade for savanna or poolside views. Each regular room comfortably accommodates between 2 and 4 adults.
Rooms and Suites with Club Level Access
Club-level rooms and suites offer a more upscale experience than the standard rooms. Choose from the parking area, rooftop, or savanna views and luxurious furnishings. No matter how large or small your party is, you’ll find a room that accommodates your group and lets you stay in style – club-level rooms and suites can sleep between 2 and 8 adults.
You’ll also gain access to the club-level amenities, including complimentary fax assistance, health club access, concierge service at the Kiliminjaro Club, and personalized front desk and guest services. Looking for an exclusive spot to relax? Head to the club-level lounge, with complimentary newspapers and refreshments, served all day.
Royal Asante Presidential Suite
For the ultimate royal experience, check out this Disney resort’s Royal Asante Presidential Suite. At over 2,000 square feet, this masterpiece sleeps up to 6 adults – with plenty of space to spread out and relax. The suite features 2 expansive balconies with breathtaking views of the Animal Kingdom hotel grounds. Each room is luxuriously furnished. The master bedroom features a hand-honed canopy bed and a standalone soaker tub with a view. You won’t find a better, more unique experience anywhere else!
Amenities & Onsite Recreation
Pool with Waterslide
Uzima Pool features 11,000 square feet of aquatic fun and relaxation. Surrounded by a screen of Floridian palms and large canopy trees, you’ll feel like you’re retreating to a secluded African paradise. The zero-depth entry points gently slope into the water similar to a natural watering hole. The pool also features a large waterslide, 2 whirlpool spas, and a wading pool for the kiddos.
Guests also enjoy access to the Samawati Springs Pool, which features a waterslide, 2 whirlpool spas, and the Uwanja Camp playground. This animal observation site-themed water playground boasts squirting Venus flytraps, rope bridges, water cannons, and other awesome ways to enjoy fun in the sun.
Jambo House Campfire Activities
Spend an evening in the great outdoors alongside a crackling campfire for some old-fashioned family fun. Unplug from your cell phones and iPads as you roast marshmallows and enjoy the night air.
Hakuna Matata Playground
This playground is the perfect place to set your worries aside and let your imagination run wild. It overlooks the flamingo area and the savanna, which are sure to offer plenty of inspiration for your kiddos as they play.
Get Up Close and Personal with African Wildlife
Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to over 30 species of African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, gazelles, kudu, and flamingos. In your room, you’ll find a Wildlife Field Guide to help you identify each species. Make sure you see them all!
Fun programs led by Animal Specialists give you a chance to learn more about the animals and Africa’s diverse ecosystems.
Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade
Heading to The Mara café for a snack? Pop into Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade to try your hand at classic arcade games or up-to-date video games before you grab a bite to eat.
Movies Under the Stars
Right alongside the Uzima Pool, gather around with other Disney superfans as you watch your favorite Disney movies in the evening air. (Which is Lion King, right?) There’s something even more magical about re-experiencing classic Disney movies alongside other fans who just as passionate as you are.
Wild About Painting
Wild About Painting is the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s take on the “paint and sip” trend. This unique experience offers a chance for you to create a masterpiece while you sip from a complimentary drink. The activity site overlooks the savanna, which is sure to provide the perfect inspiration for your artwork.
Dining Options
One of the best things about vacation is trying new foods and exploring new flavors. There’s no better place to do that than at one of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s many dining options.
Boma – Flavors of Africa
In Boma’s lively ambiance (inspired by an African open-air marketplace) is the perfect setting for their all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffet. Here, you can savor flavors from other 50 African countries (or revisit American favorites) in a warm, earthy atmosphere.
Breakfast
Wake up with a cup of full-bodied Kenyan AA coffee or a glass of tropical juice alongside an indulgent breakfast buffet. The selection changes daily, but common offerings include made-to-order omelets, pastries, French toast bread pudding, carved ham, and fresh fruit. Make sure you try the turkey bobotie, South Africa’s take on the quiche.
Dinner
Boma turns a simple dinner into dinner and a show, thanks to their onstage kitchen. Watch chefs prepare dishes like oak-roasted meats, vegetarian specialties, fresh salads, coastal seafood signatures, and house-baked pastries.
Traveling with picky eaters? There are plenty of kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets. And for the adults, browse the selection of South African wines.
The Mara
This savanna-inspired space features a river-themed mural on the wall – appropriate, considering it’s named after a river that flows through Kenya and Tanzania.
Here, you can find classic entrees and grab-and-go options, including souvenir refillable mugs, Mickey-shaped waffles, and quiche. But don’t skip out on their themed desserts. With options like the Flamingo Cake (chocolate spice cake with coconut ganache), Zebra Cupcakes (chocolate cake and chocolate custard filling, topped with chocolate and vanilla buttercream), and Zebra Domes (chocolate mousse baked with Amarula cream liquor, white chocolate, and chocolate shavings), it’s sure to be the sweetest part of your stay!
Victoria Falls Lounge
This intimate bar overlooks the Boma restaurant and features South African wines, as well as hors d’oeuvres like goat cheese dip and marinated olives with almonds and citrus zest. We recommend grabbing a specialty cocktail and enjoying it by the fire pit outside.
Uzima Springs Pool Bar
You’ll want to stop by the Uzima Springs Pool Bar just for the adorable ambiance – the bar itself is a thatched hut with dark mood lighting. Inside, you’ll find a selection of African beers, cocktails, frozen drinks, sangria, and more.
Sanaa
If you’re serious about trying something totally new, head to Sanaa for lunch or dinner. Sit down with the family to enjoy African cooking infused with robust Indian flavors.
The large windows throughout the restaurant give a perfect view of the animals roaming the Sunset Savanna, giving you a taste of wildlife as you enjoy your meal. The restaurant itself has the feel of a traditional spice market. The walls are decorated with handcrafted artwork under the branches of an acacia tree.
Your meal begins with Indian-style bread service alongside 9 accompaniments, from sweet mango chutney to spicy red chile sambal. Take your time sampling each one while you make your entrée selection.
Sanaa Lounge
Enjoy appetizers, salads, African beers, wines, and signature cocktails in this vibrant, buzzing atmosphere that’s sure to leave you feeling energized. Make sure you try the Kande Coconut Cooler or African Starr Mojito – the house specialties.
Maji Pool Bar
Looking for a meal to enjoy poolside? The Maji Pool Bar has your back. Their African-inspired menu items include Kenya coffee barbecue sandwiches and Caesar salad with tandoori chicken, as well as kid-friendly options. They also offer a range of cocktails, frozen drinks, wine, and beer – perfect to sip poolside.
What would be your first stop at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Would you stop by for a unique meal or head straight to the savannas to say hi to the animals? We can’t decide – let us know in the comments!
Cover Image
Photo: Unsplash
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