Our Stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Written by Kayla Robinson
Jambo! Welcome to the ultimate review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! In this comprehensive post, we’ll delve into every aspect of our unforgettable stay at this iconic resort. From the mesmerizing savanna views to the immersive African Cultural Representative Program, get ready to embark on a safari as we uncover the magic behind every corner of this extraordinary oasis that has captured our family’s hearts in the most unexpected ways!
Let’s Get a Lay of the Land:
Inspired by the traditional African kraal, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is designed in a horseshoe-curved fashion to provide guests with spectacular views of the 4 savannas that are home to over 200 hoofed and winged animals! The two main buildings – Jambo House and Kidani Village are also home to one of the largest collections of African art in the United States!
In addition to being able to see animals from so many vantage points, we loved being able ride the internal shuttle that took us back and forth from Jambo House to Kidani village. This shuttle made exploring both parts of the resort easy – and gave us access to two incredible pools for our little one to splash and play! More on that below!
The architecture is so beautiful at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Giraffes are just one of the animals you’ll spot here!
The landscaping found throughout is gorgeous!
Rustle Up Some Grub:
This resort is unlike any other when it comes to the incredible dining options! From quick service to fine dining, there is something to please even the pickiest of pallets!
Let’s start with The Mara! This is not your typical quick-service dining option. While they do have traditional offerings like chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, and fries, we especially loved the African-inspired fare – the oak-grilled chicken bowl and the South African vegetable bowl were our two favorite items. Not to mention the Zebra Domes, which were the perfect way to satisfy our sweet tooth!
We got to experience both breakfast and dinner at Boma – Flavors of Africa! The open-air market inspired atmosphere combined with the all-you-care-enjoy buffet filled with traditional fare and African dishes made this a must-do for our next stay (wild horses couldn’t keep us away!).
We can’t wait to go back and enjoy Sanaa at Kidani Village and Jiko – The Cooking Place which is a signature dining experience located at Jambo House.
If you are a foodie, or if you just enjoy having multiple incredible dining options at your resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect choice for your stay!
Splash & Play the Day Away:
One of the best parts of staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is having access to both Uzima Springs Pool at Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village!
The Uzima Springs Pool is an 11,000-square-foot tropical oasis with a 67-foot-long water slide. The themed pool games, relays, and trivia, make this a great area for a livelier experience that your older kiddos are sure to enjoy!
We fell in love with the Samawati Springs Pool over at Kidani Village! This is the perfect tropical hideaway for families traveling with little ones or for those who want a bit of a quieter atmosphere! Our 3-year-old fell in love with the smaller slide and Uwanja Camp – a water playground with 3 distinct areas! Our son loved splashing in Observation Station which is designed for children 4 years of age and younger. While older kiddos can enjoy Departure Sky Zone (kids ages 5 to 7) and Base Camp (kids ages 8+).
You’ll be sure to find something to eat here with the variety of options!
We love Disney touches!
This lobby is one of our favorites in all of Disney property!
Immerse Yourself in African Culture:
The highlight of our stay was our experience with several Cast Members from the African Cultural Representative Program. These Cast Members were stationed all throughout the resort and loved sharing their knowledge about the animals and Africa with us!
By completing activities hosted by these representatives, you can collect multiple beads to form a “string of memories”. From learning how to play the drums and all about the giraffes who live on the savanna, and so much more, our son’s “string of memories” is our favorite keepsake from this trip and one that we will cherish forever!
Kwaherini – Go Well:
Our stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was unforgettable! It truly is an experience unlike any other Disney Resort, and we cannot wait to book our next stay. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience, filled with memories that will last a lifetime, this is the resort for you!
Until next time kwaherini – “go well”!
Kayla is a lifelong Disney fan who became a travel agent to help other families experience the same magic she grew up with and now shares with her husband and son! She is a detail-oriented planner who loves to bring her clients' visions to life whether it's a trip to a Disney Park, an all-inclusive holiday to a tropical destination or setting sail on a cruise ship! She loves being outside in nature, spending time with her loved ones and never says no to a good cup of iced coffee!
If you want to work with Kayla to plan your next great adventure to a Disney Park, on a cruise or beyond you can fill out a quote form here!