Resort Details
- Fast Casual DiningThe Mara
- Cuisine:American
- Location:Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
- Price Range:$ ($14.99 and under)
Open morning to night, The Mara offers a sweeping selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza and burgers. Dine indoors or poolside.
- LoungesCape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
- Cuisine:American
- Location:Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Meet friends for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail at this balcony bar above Jiko - The Cooking Place.
- Cuisine:African
- Location:Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Price Range:$ ($14.99 and under)
Order your favorite libation with an African twist and listen to soothing sounds of cascading water in this intimate lounge and bar.
- Special and Unique DiningSignature DiningBoma-Flavors of Africa
- Cuisine:African
- Location:Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
- Price Range:$$ ($15 to $35.99)
Dine under thatched roofs at this buffet-style restaurant and try African food inspired by the culinary culture of more than 50 countries.
Sanaa
- Cuisine:African
- Location:Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
- Price Range:$$ ($15 to $35.99)
Sample flavorful tandoor oven and slow-cooked specialties inspired by the cultures along the historic spice route. While you eat, look for animals roaming the savanna.
Jiko - The Cooking Place- Cuisine:African
- Location:Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
- Price Range:$$$ ($36 to $59.99)
Relax in the soothing colors of an African sunset at this restaurant where the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine can be paired with impressive wines.
- 24-hour front desk
- Accessible facilities
- Accessible rooms
- ATM/Cash machine†
- Babysitting†
- Baggage hold
- Bell staff/porter
- Children welcome
- Complimentary wireless internet
- Concierge desk
- 24-hour front desk
- Complies with Local/State/Federal laws for disabled
- Accessible rooms
- ATM/Cash machine†
- Babysitting†
- Baggage hold
- Bell staff/porter
- Children welcome
- Complimentary wireless internet
- Concierge desk
- Elevators
- Exercise gym†
- Game room
- Gift/News stand†
- Golf, Offsite†
- Housekeeping - daily
- Laundry/Valet service†
- Lounges/bars†
- Non-smoking rooms available
- Outdoor pool
- Parking†
- Pool
- Restaurant†
- Room service†
- Room service - limited hours†
- Safe deposit box
- Sauna†
- Spa†
- Tour/sightseeing desk
- Valet parking†
- Wakeup service
- Water sports†
† Fees may apply
- Boating †Specialty Cruises
Set sail for a private luxurious celebration or a romantic date night. Escape from the fast pace of your vacation with a Fireworks Cruise or Intimate Dining Cruise available at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels located near Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot.
- Fitness center on-site †Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center
Located near Samawati Springs Pool, Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center features the latest in fitness equipment including free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles and stair climbers. Lockers are available.
Open from 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., the facility is available to Resort Guests 14 and older at no additional charge. Guests 14 to17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A personal trainer is also available by appointment.
Jogging TrailDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge features an approximate 0.16-mile jogging trail around the Uzima Pool area. Maps are available at the Resort Concierge.
- General †Animal Programs
Animal Programs, unique to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, offer an up close encounter with exotic animals that are sure to delight the entire family. Be sure to check with the front desk for a current schedule of educational activities. Activities are subject to change.
Bike RentalsRent a traditional bicycle or a four-seat surrey at select Deluxe and Moderate Disney Resorts at Walt Disney World Resort. Pedal solo or with pals along winding paths, waterfront walkways and scenic trails designated for bicyclists.
Community HallCommunity Hall is located adjacent to the lobby at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village and includes a ping-pong table, foosball table, videogames, television, and ongoing activities such as arts and crafts.
Hakuna Matata PlaygroundHakuna Matata Playground, a 24-hour playground next to Uzima pool where children are invited to climb, slide and have fun, overlooks the flamingo area and the savanna.
Movies Under the StarsWatch Disney movies under the stars at select Walt Disney World Resorts. By the pool or on the beach, you'll have a unique experience only Walt Disney World can provide. For more information go to the Guest Information desk in the lobby
- Hot tub2 Outdoor Hot Tubs
- Outdoor poolSamawati Springs Pool
Samawati Springs, a 4,700-square-foot, zero-depth entry pool with a 128-foot long slide is the perfect place to cool off and have fun. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, Samawati Springs includes 2 adjacent hot tubs providing a haven for rest and relaxation.
- PoolThere is 1 pool on site. Uzima, an 11,000-square-foot, zero-depth entry pool includes a 67-foot long slide and is the perfect place to cool off and have fun. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, Uzima includes a wading pool for young ones while 2 adjacent hot tubs provide a haven for relaxation.
- Sauna †
- Shopping †Zawadi Marketplace
Zawadi Marketplace is a retail shop located in the main lobby of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that offers authentic African-themed merchandise including Zulu baskets, hand-loomed clothing and hand-carved masks. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Zawadi Marketplace also sells Disney-branded items like apparel, toys and Disney Character plush.
Johari Treasures is a retail shop located in the main lobby of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village that offers authentic African-themed merchandise including Zulu baskets, hand-loomed clothing and hand-carved masks. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Johari Treasures also sells Disney-branded items like apparel, toys and Disney Character plush. - Spa †Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center
Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center is located on the first floor off Giraffe Trail and Uzima pool.
This full-service spa and salon offers massage therapy, skin care and body treatments and features steam rooms for men and women, saunas and the latest in fitness equipment including free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles and stair climbers.
- Lockers are available.
- Staffed from 6:30 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., the facility is available 24 hours to Resort Guests ages 14 and older at no additional charge.
- Guests wanting 24-hour access to the club must meet with an attendant to sign a waiver and obtain a 24-hour access key.
- Guests 14-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Spa services include a surcharge—starting at $50—and are by appointment during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- A personal trainer is also available by appointment.
- In-room service is also available for an additional cost.
- Prices are not guaranteed and are subject to change at anytime without notice.
- Steam bath †
- Golf †Golf Course located within 10 Miles of Property.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
- Disney's Hollywood Studios®
- Epcot®
- Magic Kingdom®
- Other Local AttractionsDisney's Blizzard Beach® Water Park
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park
Downtown Disney®
Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex
† Fees may apply
Guest Reviews
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
8945 reviews
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Apr 25, 2025good experience with some down sides
Considering the hotel's high price, one would expect a true five-star experience, but it doesn't fully meet those expectations. While the hotel staff was quite friendly, and the shuttle service to various areas was convenient, it was often overcrowded. The quality of the food was also underwhelming, and the pool area was quite congested. Overall, this hotel is a decent option if your main focus is visiting the nearby parks; however, if that’s not your priority, you may find it disappointing.
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Apr 21, 2025Our new favorite
My wife and I stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for five days in February 2025. As annual pass holders who frequently stay both on and off Disney property, we were excited for our first experience at this resort—and it did not disappoint. Animal Kingdom Lodge exceeded our expectations and quickly became our new favorite. Despite some concerns we had heard about the transportation (bus-only service), we experienced no issues with the bus system. It was efficient, reliable, and seamless throughout our stay. The resort itself is beautifully maintained, as one would expect from Disney. However, what truly makes Animal Kingdom Lodge extraordinary are the savanna-view rooms. The unique experience of waking up to giraffes outside our window while enjoying morning coffee and relaxing with dessert on the balcony while watching animals roam in the evening made our stay truly memorable. We highly recommend choosing a savanna-view room, as this feature truly defines the uniqueness of the resort. The pool area was also wonderful, the dining options were excellent with diverse and delicious choices, and our room was spacious, comfortable, and impeccably maintained. Overall, Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a uniquely immersive and delightful experience—we can't wait to return.
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Apr 17, 2025Don't ruin your Disney trip with this place!
This "resort" used to be an amazing place to stay, but wow, it has gone downhill. We are easy to please Midwesterner's who have traveled to Disney deluxe resorts 2-3x a year for the last 20+ years. We are DVC members. This hotel is not it. There isn't enough space to leave the full list of what happened to us while here for 24 hours, but just know, it was downright gross. We were moved, thankfully, back to a different deluxe resort and all was corrected for our vacation. Never ever again will I book at AKL. Yuck!
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Mar 31, 2025Was expecting better
I was a bit disappointed with our stay at Jambo House. I paid for a full savannah view, and there were no animals the entirety of our stay (kudo trail) in our view besides a few large birds. For the money the resort is charging I expected to see at least one giraffe over the course of my 4 day. My advise to anyone booking is to request view of sunset savannah. It seemed like all the zebras and giraffes hung out there. In addition, for the price of the room the house keeping is below subpar. So much visible dust on all the furniture, hair found on bathroom floor right when we first entered the room as well as rusty shower curtain hangers. Overall the only pros I can think off is the resort atmosphere is a nice peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Disney parks. In addition, we did not have any issues with the bus service to the parks and Magic kingdom was only about a 15 minute ride. That being said, will probably not stay here again.
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Mar 30, 2025
Not Disney’s Best Resort…Beware Tripping Hazard In and Out of Balconies
Compared to other Disney resorts this one is a bit lackluster. The hotel and grounds are beautiful and pool was awesome. The restaurant by the pool (Mara?) was an awful experience. You can get better service at McDonlads. We ate at Boma for breakfast twice and it exceeded our expectations. Now for the room…we had adjoining rooms with our son’s family that included a 1 yr old, 3 yr old and 5 yr old. 3 times the 3 year old tripped and fell flat on his face coming in from the balcony. The treshhold on the slider is about 3 inches higher than the floor and is a serious tripping hazard. We tried to always assisst as he came in and out, but he was so excited he was moving quick. The last time he fell we thought he broke his ribs, but don’t worry Disney…. just bruised and scared. For a hotel that boasts a view of animals on the savannah from the balconies, you would think they could come up with a safer solution for the sliding doors. I have stayed at many hotels with balconies in my 60 yrs and it is definitely achievable. I caution anyone with kids or elderly adults to pay careful attention coming in and out from the balcony. Overall good stay but other Disney resorts are better.
- AdvisoryThe resorts are designated smoke free environments. Designated outdoor smoking locations are available.
- AdvisoryGuests dining at Walt Disney World's eateries and are in a group of 6 or more are required to pay a compulsory 18% gratuity charge. Gratuity percentage may change at anytime without prior notification.
- AdvisoryThis Disney hotel charges a per room, per day, per vehicle parking fee which will be charged and collected by the hotel at check-in or check-out. The fee is subject to change without prior notice. The information published here is to give the client an estimate of additional parking fees they may be responsible for but not a guarantee of the final amount due. For exact parking rates please contact hotel directly.
- Check In: 3:00 PM
- Check Out: 11:00 AM
- Minimum Check-In Age: 18
- General Policies:
Smoking Policy - All Disney owned and operated resort hotels are smoke-free environments. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor smoking locations only.
Guest Names Policy - Walt Disney World reservations must be booked with the correct guest names. A complete name change to the lead name is considered a cancellation and will require a new reservation.
Deposit Requirements - A major credit card and photo I.D. is required upon check-in to cover phone or incidental charges.
Convention Policy - Guests attending a convention at the hotel may not use this package for their stay. If found attending a convention, guests may be charged directly by the hotel.
Room Taxes - Room taxes are included in the vacation price.
As to Disney artwork, logos and properties: ©Disney - Pet Policy : Pets Not Allowed
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