07/29/2026
I recently got back from a five-day stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was my first stay at this resort, and going into it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. People have very strong opinions about it, and now I can see why.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is split into two buildings: Jambo House, the main building, which offers both standard resort rooms and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas, and Kidani Village, which is exclusively made up of DVC rooms and villas.
Our room was in Jambo House which is the main building. I booked it using the Disney+ subscriber rate and scored a Savanna View room for just $349 per night. Considering these rooms typically retail for around $700 per night, it felt like an incredible deal.
The resort is absolutely beautiful. The main lobby is massive and filled with incredible details, including large, comfortable sofas, beautifully carved woodwork, authentic African art and sculptures, and the most amazing spicy, woody, smoky scent. Even my husband commented on how wonderful the lobby smelled. There is a nice bar in the lobby that has comfortable seating and will provide plastic cups for beverages if you would like to enjoy them outside around the firepit or animal viewing area.
I didn't get the chance to try all of the dining options during our stay, but we did enjoy a couple of them. One morning, we walked over and had breakfast at Sanaa in Kidani Village. Watching the animals roam the savanna while we ate made for a truly unique dining experience and the food was delicious. The rest of the mornings, we grabbed breakfast from The Mara. It offers the standard Disney quick-service breakfast favorites, and for us, it was the most convenient option before heading out to the parks.
The Cast Members were all friendly, welcoming, and eager to help with any questions or requests. I left a note for Mousekeeping asking for a few extra coffee pods, and they replenished our supply with a very generous amount.
Speaking of coffee, the room comes equipped with a Keurig stocked with Joffrey's Resort Blend coffee and plenty of cups, making it easy to enjoy a peaceful morning coffee on the balcony while taking in the savanna.
The view from our Savanna View room on Zebra Trail was absolutely incredible. From the moment we stepped onto the balcony on our first day until our final morning, there were always animals to watch. We saw giraffes, zebras, antelope, wildebeest, and many others roaming throughout the savanna. We even got to watch the animal keepers come out to place food, care for the animals, and move them between different enclosures.
If you don't have a savanna-view room, there is a large viewing area behind the main building where you can observe many of the animals up close.
Our room on Zebra Trail was quite a hike from the lobby—we were literally in the last room at the end of the hallway. While the walk could feel a bit long after a day in the parks, the trade-off was well worth it. The savanna view was absolutely breathtaking, and our little corner of the resort was incredibly quiet and peaceful.
The room itself was spacious and well laid out. The bathroom features a double vanity and a large walk-in shower, making it easy for two people to get ready at the same time. The room also has two comfortable queen beds, although this particular room does not include the additional fifth sleeper bed found in some Disney resort rooms.
My only real complaint about the room was the lighting around the bathroom vanity. While there is a nice wall-mounted makeup mirror, the overall lighting was fairly dim.
As with all of Disney's Deluxe Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge includes several perks that add value to your stay. Guests have access to a fitness center, and one of the biggest benefits is Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights, allowing Deluxe Resort guests extra time to enjoy the parks after they officially close.
If you're used to staying at one of the monorail or EPCOT-area resorts, transportation may feel a bit less convenient. Unlike resorts connected by the monorail or Skyliner, Animal Kingdom Lodge relies primarily on Disney bus transportation, although driving yourself, using Minnie Van service, or taking a Lyft are also good options. The good news is that Animal Kingdom is only about a five-minute bus ride away, making it incredibly convenient if that's the park you'll be visiting most. Magic Kingdom is roughly a 15-minute ride, while EPCOT and Hollywood Studios take a bit longer. We found the buses to be reliable throughout our stay, but the extra travel time is definitely something to consider if you prefer resorts with more direct transportation options.
Am I glad I finally got to cross this bucket-list resort off my list? Absolutely.
Would I stay here again? Probably not.
Not because the resort isn't wonderful—it truly has so much to offer. The beautiful atmosphere, incredible savanna views, outstanding Cast Members, and unique experience make it unlike any other resort at Walt Disney World.
For me, though, convenience is a big factor. I've become accustomed to staying at resorts where I can walk, hop on the monorail, or take the Skyliner to the parks. While the bus service at Animal Kingdom Lodge was reliable, I found myself missing the ease and flexibility of those other transportation options.
That said, I'm incredibly glad I finally experienced Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's a truly special resort, and I can absolutely understand why so many Disney fans consider it one of their favorites
