Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Review — A Serene Safari Away from the Parks

Looking for a resort that gives your family a true escape from the bustle of the theme parks while still delivering the magic Disney is known for? Let me introduce you to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge—a deluxe resort where the wildlife is real, the theming is top-tier, and the atmosphere invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

As a Disney travel advisor and a mom who loves exploring every corner of Walt Disney World, I’m excited to share the highlights (and a few honest watch-outs) from our recent stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

First Impressions: Calm, Warm, and Wonderfully Immersive

The moment we stepped into the lobby of Jambo House, we both let out a little gasp. The towering thatched roof, African art, and warm wood tones made it feel more like a luxury safari lodge than a hotel. Even Annabelle whispered, “This place feels special.”

Animal Kingdom Lodge is made up of two areas: Jambo House (where we stayed) and Kidani Village, which is mostly Disney Vacation Club villas. You can enjoy the amenities of both during your stay, and we loved exploring both sides.

The Room: A View We’ll Never Forget

We booked a standard view room, but were pleasantly surprised to spot zebras and giraffes from our balcony in the morning. Waking up to wildlife just steps away was such a magical moment for Annabelle, and one of the highlights of the trip.

The room itself was cozy and well laid out for the two of us. It had more space than a Moderate, but after staying in larger Deluxe villas before, I’d recommend Kidani if you’re traveling with a bigger family or need more room to spread out.

Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Flavorful and Fun

🍽 Jiko – The Cooking Place: This fine dining spot has the largest selection of South African wines outside of South Africa, and the open kitchen makes for a fun, immersive meal. I enjoyed sharing a flatbread and appetizers while Annabelle happily devoured her steak.

🍽 Boma – Flavors of Africa: I expected this buffet to be a bit adventurous for a five-year-old, but Annabelle loved it—especially the dessert bar. There’s a great balance of familiar favorites and African-inspired dishes. A great spot for introducing kids to new flavors in a no-pressure way.

🍽 The Mara: The quick-service here offered some delicious Mediterranean options (the falafel was a standout!), plus fun themed cupcakes that Annabelle was very excited about.

🍽 Sanaa (at Kidani Village): We didn’t dine here on this trip, but it’s one of my all-time favorite restaurants on property. If you go, don’t miss the bread service and try to time your reservation around sunset for a view of the savanna.

Resort Activities: Something Special Around Every Corner

What really sets Animal Kingdom Lodge apart are the resort activities and cultural experiences. From the moment we arrived, there were opportunities to learn, explore, and connect:

• Annabelle made friendship bracelets at the pool, and we got to chat with cultural representatives about African wildlife and traditions.
  
• We had a fun (and slightly hilarious) session learning about elephant poop—a kid favorite, obviously.
  
• The lobby is full of hidden treasures, including African art tours and live music in the evenings.
  
• And we even had a surprise visit from Goofy and friends, who walked Annabelle through the lobby to the savanna—a core memory she still talks about.
  

There’s also a large splash pad at Kidani, which is one of the best we’ve experienced on Disney property. It’s perfect for kids who may be apprehensive about the pool.

Transportation: The Biggest Drawback

If Animal Kingdom Lodge has a downside, it’s transportation. The resort is located on the far end of property, so it’s bus-only to all four parks. Travel times are longer, and the wait can be frustrating—especially with a stroller in tow.

Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend AKL for first-time Disney visitors who want to spend full days in the parks. But for returning guests or anyone planning to build in more resort time, it’s an amazing place to relax and reconnect.

Final Thoughts: Is Animal Kingdom Lodge Right for Your Family?

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers one of the most immersive, calming, and memorable experiences you can have at a Disney resort. It might not be the most convenient, but it’s rich in atmosphere, culture, and moments that stay with you long after you’ve left.

➡️ Great for families who love animals and learning
➡️ Perfect for slower-paced trips or split stays
➡️ Excellent food and family-friendly activities
🚫 Not ideal for park-heavy itineraries or stroller logistics

If you’re looking for a unique, enriching stay that gives you space to breathe (and zebras outside your window), Animal Kingdom Lodge is absolutely worth considering.

Ready to Plan Your Magical Stay?

If Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge sounds like the right fit for your family—or if you’re still exploring which resort best suits your vacation style—I’d love to help. At Showcase the World Travel, I take the stress out of planning so you can focus on the magic.

And don’t forget to follow along for more honest reviews, family travel tips, and resort insights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned park hopper, I’m here to help you take a break from the busy.

Who is Christina?

Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.

She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with everything that goes into Planning a vacation?

If you are ready to have the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of, without spending time researching, planning, and making it happen, schedule a call today. I’m here to help busy working Moms plan, organize and book the perfect family vacation. With me, all you have to worry about is enjoying your well-earned time away with your family. If you are ready to stop trying to do everything on your own and see how I can help you schedule a complimentary trip planning session now.