Yesterday I ended my blog with a brief description of Jiko, the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s signature restaurant. Today I’ll continue my tour of the grounds and amenities of the resort and discuss the attributes of a standard guest room.
The watering hole next to Jiko meanders through the jungle and eventually joins Uzima Pool. Uzima means “clear water” in Swahili. This expansive pool covers 11,000 square feet and has a 67-foot long waterslide. Uzima Pool also features zero entry access. This sloping entrance allows those riding in specially designed wheelchairs to roll directly into the pool. This is also the perfect spot for toddlers to splash and play in shallow water. Remember, diaper-aged children are required to wear swim diapers or rubber pants whenever using any Disney pool.
Next to the pool is Uzima Springs Watering Hole. This is the spot to order your favorite liquid concoction or try a specialty African libation. Numerous tables, chairs, and lounges are nearby for relaxing in the shade or sun.
Also near the pool is the Hakuna Matata Playground. Parents should have “no worries” when their little ones climb and swing on this modern-day jungle gym. The ground covering is soft and bouncy and will absorb most of the “ouch” when young’uns fall down.
Another savanna overlook can be found next to the playground. Flamingos are a common sight here, but other animals are often seen in the area as well.
When everyone gets tired of fun in the sun, the kids can head over to Pumbaa’s Fun & Games Arcade and the adults can work off that meal enjoyed at Boma at Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center.
Besides Boma and Jiko, the Animal Kingdom Lodge also features a counter service eatery called The Mara. Open from 6am to 11:30 pm, this location offers grab-and-go snacks and cooked-to-order meals. For me, The Mara is perfect for breakfast as this meal is difficult to find within the theme parks unless you’re attending a character breakfast. However, many others know this and The Mara can become very busy starting around 8am.
The name “Mara” comes from the Mara River and the Masai Mara National Reserve located in south-western Kenya. The clever mural that lines the walls of the dining room represents this Serengeti ecosystem.
To see the current menu for The Mara, click here. The Mara seats 186 guests.
To see an overview of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, click on the video below.
As with all of the deluxe resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge has a special lounge dedicated to those staying in suites or who are willing to pay extra to partake in the services offered at this lounge. Here, this retreat is called Kilimanjaro Club and it is located on the sixth floor of the resort, overlooking the lobby.
The Kilimanjaro Club offers dedicated concierge services. These cast members will help you plan your vacation as well as make dining, show, and tour reservations. In addition, Kilimanjaro Club Level guests can book a special safari adventure not available to other guests.
The Sunrise Safari lasts approximately two hours and takes guests on a 45 minute tour of the Animal Kingdom’s African ecosystem. Along the way, a guide will be on hand to answer questions and provide information not usually disseminated on the regular Kilimanjaro Safaris. Afterwards, a lavish buffet breakfast is presented at Pizzafari. This tour is booked at the Club Level Concierge Desk and is subject to availability.
For those of you not staying in a Club Level room, don’t despair. Disney offers another program exclusive to Animal Kingdom Lodge guest only. The Wanyama Safari offers guests a three hour adventure where they will ride in trucks through the various savannas of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They will also have the opportunity to interact with Animal Program Team members and learn about the various creatures of the Lodge and the attention and care Disney gives them. The adventure concludes with a multi-course dinner at Jiko. This tour is booked at the Main Lobby Concierge Desk and is subject to availability.
This next picture is of the Club Level Concierge Desks.
The Kilimanjaro Club also offers a continental breakfast each morning, cookies, sodas, and other treats in the afternoon, and hot & cold appetizers and wine in the evening. Check with the concierge for times.
To see a short video of the Kilimanjaro Club, click on the picture below.
Eighty percent of the rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge look out onto one of the resort’s four savannas. Those that don’t have views of a savanna look over the pool area or parking lot. Room rates are appropriately set. To see current prices, click here.
The resort’s basic shape was inspired by a traditional African “kraal” (or corral). This centuries old village design created a circular wall of protection for its inhabitants and animals. This defensive layout can easily be seen on the resort map below.
The resort has four wings, or trails. They are named Ostrich, Giraffe, Zebra, and Kudu. In order to maximize savanna views, the Zebra and Kudu Trails are especially long. If you have mobility issues, be sure to let the cast member know when making your reservation and again when you check in.
Standard rooms are located on floors 1through 4 and measure 344 square feet. Deluxe rooms and converted DVC rooms can be found on floors 5 and 6. I recently stayed in a standard room and will be describing its attributes to you now.
Since the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort, all rooms open onto an inside corridor. Many people prefer this arrangement as it affords more privacy and cuts down on noise.
Entering the room brings you into a short hallway. Off of this are a closet, the bathroom, and a door to the adjoining room (should you request connecting rooms.)
The closet is decent sized. Inside are a luggage rack, a fold-up crib, extra bedding, an iron, and a wall safe big enough to hold a laptop computer. Robes are provided in Club Level rooms.
The sink area of the bathroom is large and well lit. The marble countertop cradles two basins with pewter faucets. A large mirror is framed in dark wood and a hairdryer hangs on a side wall. The wallpaper in this room is especially fun as it displays a stylized colonial African map with steam trains, propeller driven airplanes, and a collection of animals.
Guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are treated to H20+ products such as shampoo and conditioner. An enhanced selection of toiletries is provided to Club Level Room guests. Some of these might include: Collagen Conditioner, Revitalizing Shampoo, Body Wash, Hydrating Body Butter, Foot Rub, and a dental package.
The toilet and shower/bath is located in an adjacent room. The wall behind the shower features large, earth-tone colored tiles with one row displaying vividly colored African designs. The shower curtain continues the African theme with tribal patterns and animals. The towels are fluffy and absorbent.
The bedroom is large and includes two queen sized beds. The wall color is tan and dark woods make up the bulk of the furniture. Much of this furniture was handmade in Zimbabwe. The carpet hints at an animal pattern.
The beds are comfortable and covered in a brightly colored spread African textile designs. The headboard is intricately carved and inspired by African butterfly masks. The sheer material draped above the headboard symbolizes the mosquito netting so necessary when sleeping outside while on safari. Between the beds is a nightstand with a phone and clock-iPod docking station.
On the wall opposite the beds are the other furnishings of the room. A small chest houses a mini-refrigerator and on top is the coffee maker and ice bucket. Although I don’t drink coffee and never used this appliance, I felt its position was a little low for convenient use.
The flat-screen TV is contained in a handsome chest of drawers. A DVD player and audio/visual connections are located on the open shelf below. If you bring your own cables, you can playback each day’s videos on the TV.
A table, two chairs, pole lamp, and mirror are positioned in the corner of the room. Free WiFi is now standard at Disney World resorts and this table doubles nicely as a desk.
To see a short video of a Standard Room, click on the picture below.
Of course, the real reason to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is to view the animals. All rooms have a long, narrow balcony with a table and two chairs. Please note, the savannas are under constant camera surveillance. It is possible for these cameras to inadvertently see into your room. To insure privacy, keep your drapes drawn during times of undress.
Here are a couple of pictures taken from my balcony.
At night, the savannas are bathed in a soft glow that resembles moonlight. Since I often have trouble sleeping, I’ve been known to step out onto my balcony at two in the morning. Sure enough, I can often see animals sleeping just below me in the peaceful surroundings. This is truly a magical moment.
Disney realizes that guests want to be able to see the animals every time they step out onto their balcony. But this just isn’t possible for a number of reasons. After a lot of consideration, it was decided that in the morning, most people are hurriedly getting ready for a day in the parks. They are showering, dressing, and thinking about breakfast. Animals are not the first thing on their minds at this time of day. So it is in the morning that the animals will be most scarce.
Each day at 6am, the animals are encouraged to return to an enclosed area backstage for general care and treatment. And while the vets and other experts are tending to the animals, the horticulturists and groundskeepers use this time to maintain the savannas. By noon, all of the animals are returned to the grounds and will remain available for viewing until 6am the next day. However, the animals are allowed to roam freely and can wander wherever they want within a savanna. Disney employs “tricks” (like placing food all around the savannas) to entice the creatures to venture near your room, but this doesn’t always work.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has its own set of animals. They are not shared with the Animal Kingdom theme park. On occasion, a particular animal might be moved from one location to another, but overall, they call either the Lodge or the Park home.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House & Kidani Village) has four savannas, Uzima, Arusha, Sunset, and Pembe. Each is approximately 10 acres in size. These savannas are a representation of the plains used by migrating herds of the reserves in Zululand. Disney does not specify which animals will be appearing in a given savanna as their location changes frequently. This is done to accommodate the needs of the animals and the vets and to keep the savannas ever changing for the benefit of resort guests.
Here is a list of animals that might be seen while staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge:
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
African Spoonbill
Ankole-Watusi Cattle
Blue Crane
Blue Wildebeest
Common Eland
Common Shelduck
East African Crowned Crane
Egyptian Goose
Giraffe
Grant’s Zebra
Greater Flamingo
Greater Kudu
Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra
Helmeted Guineafowl
Impala
Marabou Stork
Nyala
Okapi (Pembe Savannah only)
Ostrich
Pink-Backed Pelican
Radiated Tortoise (Found outside of the Sanaa guest waiting area located at Kidani Village)
Red River Hog
Roan Antelope
Sable Antelope
Thomson’s Gazelle
Vulture
Vulturine Guineafowl
Waterbuck
Is the Animal Kingdom Lodge right for you?
That depends. If you LOVE animals and are willing to spend the extra money to live among them for a couple of days, then by all means, book a room here. Even the rooms that overlook the parking lot and pool have easy access to several animal overlooks so the creatures are never far away.
But if the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at the Animal Kingdom fulfills your animal needs, then there might be better choices when it comes to a deluxe resort at Disney. The most common complaint I hear about the Animal Kingdom Lodge is that it is so far away from everything. If you don’t have a car, you must take a bus everywhere you go. All of the other deluxe resorts offer monorail or boat transportation to at least one park – a far more “romantic” way to travel.
Last month, I wrote an article about Golden Oak, the new community being built at Walt Disney World. For that press event, Disney provided me with free lodging at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I used this opportunity to my advantage and gathered information for this blog while staying there. Disney’s generosity did not influence my story and my opinions are my own.
I like the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Whenever I have out-of-town guests visiting, I make sure to book a meal at Boma so they can experience this excellent buffet, see the splendid architecture, and gaze upon the magnificent animals. This is truly a unique resort and it’s full of Disney magic.
Hi Jack,
My family and I stayed there many years ago and except for the very long walk to the lobby, we loved it.
We make it a point to make ADR’s at Boma every time we go to WDW even if we are staying somewhere else.
When I met my California cousins at WDW several years ago I insisted we have dinner at Boma’s and boy were they impressed. We spent hours enjoying the hotel after dinner.
I have also eaten at Sanaa and that is a great restaurant too. Look forward to your eventual blog on Kidani.
By the way, even though some say the rooms are too dark, after spending a day in the blaring hot sun of the parks, the cool darkness is wonderful!! Just one girl’s opinion
Jack’s Comment:
I’ve already writing a blog about Kidani Village. Go under the AllEars search engine and type “Jack” and “Kidani” and you’ll find it.
Jack,
We just got back from a two-night stay at the AKL. We loved it! All the details were fantastic. I love stationery. The AKL stationery that was in the nightstand was a nice surprise. It has some artwork of African beadwork. It also has some artwork of the animals what appears to be stamps like you would get on your passport. Just another example of how Disney puts detail into everything they do! Thanks for the great article!
jack you brought back many memories . stayed at aninal kingdom lodge right after 9/11 . disney was offering a fl. res. deal $99.00 a nite . it was to good to pass up seeing as we had just returned from disney 3 weeks earlier . it does take longer to get to anywhere on property except of course A.K. would like to one day just bit the bullet & pay $$$$ but just love the ” PORT” & MY BUUDY BOB JACKSON TO MUCH .
cheers, dusty
Hi Jack,
Thanks so much for all the information about Animal Kingdom Lodge. I will be in WDW in ten days with a reservation at Boma. I will bring a print out of your blog to enhance my experience. I will be sure to look for all the items you mentioned.
We agree with you, Boma is the best buffet in WDW.
MaryAnn
Jack, first of all, thanks again for the nice, detailed blog entry! 🙂
We have been staying at AKL since we “discovered” it for the first time my husband and I went to Walt Disney World a few years ago — we’ve never been able to convince ourselves to stay at another resort!
I did want to ask you something: whenever we arrive at the hotel, we are greeted by a very distinctive pleasant aroma that I immediately associate with the AKL. I have not noticed that aroma anywhere else on property (although at the Wilderness Lodge I noticed a distinctive scent, as well, which I recall was somewhat “piney”).
To your knowledge, does Disney release into the air a particular scent at the AKL (e.g. using “smellizter” technology, or maybe using a specific chemical when cleaning the rugs)?
Thanks!
Rafa
Jack’s Answer:
When I worked at Disneyland, I know that Disney “pumped” the smell of vanilla out onto Main Street to entice guests to come inside the Candy Store and make purchases. However, I’m not aware of this practice at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I don’t see the purpose of it — other to add additional atmosphere — which they really don’t need.
Could you possibly be smelling the aromas of Boma?
Jack, I have been a long-time reader of your blog and wanted to (finally) comment to tell you how much I appreciate all of the time and hard work that you put into each of your posts. Each week, my husband and I discuss your most recent topic, and each time you post a new section about the resorts, you seem to change my mind about where I want to stay next time we go! Once we do start planning our next trip, we will most certainly be referring to your hotel posts to help make our decision. We have always thought that AKL was just too remote for us, but now I am beginning to see that its remoteness adds to its charm!
Hi Jack.
Thank you for this informative and pictorial tour of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. As I recently came back from a WDW vacation, and having stayed at AKL club level, reading this article brought back great memories of my time there. I am sorry that I wasn’t there long enough to enjoy all the other great stuff the hotel offers to their guests, and to just enjoy the hotel itself. I spent too much time on the 6th floor.
Thanks Jack for such a colorful and informational article on AKL. Being that the deluxe hotels are beyond my financial capabilities I never took the time to really look at them. AKL is truly a giant piece of artwork, judging by your wonderful photos. Thanks for all the details, it is very much appreciated. Hoping to one day be able to stay there, even if only for one night, to see all the beauty in person. Also, thanks to the other bloggers with their suggestions. I never thought to just ‘visit’ the hotel resorts. We may try to do just that in our upcoming vacation in December.
Had no clue that some of the furniture in the rooms is made in Africa. The headboards are amazing! Love your blog, first place I click on Allears.
Loved reading about the AKL. We have never stayed there but I have always thought the pictures of it were beautiful. It is too remote for our family and we do prefer to stay at one of the other deulxe resorts that are closer to the parks and offer the different modes of transportation. I was excited to see in your remarks that you are currently working on a blog about Boardwalk Inn and Villas as this is where my family and I will be staying for the first time in October. I can’t wait to see what you have to say about that resort. As for AKL I hope to one day have the opportunity to at least go over and spend a couple of hours and eat at one of their restuarants that I have heard so much about. Thank you again for another great article!
I love this resort. My husband booked the Wanayama Safari for my birthday, which was spectacular. The best part is sitting on the balcony st sunset with a glass of wine and watching the animals.
Thanks for another great blog!
Thank you Jack for a wonderful blog about The Animal Kingdom Lodge. As always it was most informative with great pictures.
We had stayed there a few years back and loved seeing the animals out of our room. Our check in and check out was not very pleasant. That has never ever happened to us at Disney befor. Also we arived by car our room was ready and asked for help with the luggage and was told our room could not be ready they would store it for us after several trys to explain and even showing our room keys we took care of the luggage our selves. Needless to say it put a damper on the start of our stay there. We have talked of staying again there and just can’t bring our selves to. But your info has made us want to try again it is a beautiful resort. Maybe one day soon.
Wonderful blog as usual Jack. Your blogs are always a highlight of the week especially when they have multiple parts…extends the magic you know 🙂
Thanks for treating everyone to your brand of storytelling each week.
I look forward to seeing the blog on Boardwalk and will especially like Old Key West since we are new DVC members there.
Wendy
Thanks for the great blog! I needed a little Disney in my day, and this was perfect. My husband and I enjoyed our stay at Kidani and visited Jambo several times. I started and ended everyday on the balcony with the animals. It was really amazing to sit or stand on the balcony by myself at 6 am and 11 pm and “listen” to the animals eat. Thanks for all your hard work! It was wonderful, as always.
Jack:
As always, an excellent article!
One thing you neglected to mention — at least that I could see — is the location of the two spas at Uzima.
One is located behind the pool slide. The other is located on a path that runs past the flamingo habitat. This second spa is “hidden” and offers a view of the savanna from the spa. It’s almost like you are wading with the animals.
Another fantastic blog! Always full of detail and never dull!
At night on the Savanna, the lighting is made to look like moonlight. As I am a terrible sleeper I would go out onto the balcony and sit there watching the animals grazing. I have to say, of all the times I’ve stayed in WDW, Animal Kingdom Lodge was the most relaxing.
I’m looking forward to your next resort blogs.
Thank you
Very nice article Jack. Your resort blogs are always top-notch and I’m sure they take a LONG time to put together between the research, photography and writing. I love AKL, and my favorite part of staying there is a meal at Jiko!
Do you think you will every write one on Saratoga Springs, Old Key West or Shades of Green? Those resorts are very nice and don’t get a lot of coverage – especially SoG even though it is not technically Disney.
Jack’s Answer:
You are correct, the resort blogs do take extra time to research, photograph, and write. I’m glad you think my efforts are worth it.
Yes. I do have plans on covering all of the resorts at Walt Disney World. In fact, I’m currently writing about the Boardwalk Inn & Villas. I hope to do Saratoga and Old Key West before the end of the year. As for Shades of Green, this will be more difficult. Since this resort is for the exclusive use of the armed services, it’s a little more tricky for me to stay there and research the facility. But you never know.
We love the AKL. Several years ago we decided to buy into the DVC at the AKL and have loved every stay since then. We always make a point to have dinner at Jiko and relax around the resort on our last night. Thanks again Jack for another wonderful blog.
Jack, you may want to mention the many unique, FREE activities for AKL resort guests: a guided tour of the artwork around the resort; a culinary tour of Jiko and Boma; For children, wildlife activities such as animal tracking, cultural safari, music, and flamingo observation, all of which earn the children a bead; plus many more. We loved everything we went to, and it added so much to our understanding of the culture and people.
I loved the Lodge when I stayed there a few years back. The only thing that seemed out of place was the Mara. Considering how ornate and detailed the rest of the grounds are, the Mara is kind of underdeveloped and plain. A little more theme in here could go a long way!
AKL is by far my very favorite place in all of Disney. Unfortunately, budget does not allow me to stay there as often as I would like, but no Disney trip of mine is ever complete without a breakfast at Boma, no matter where I’m staying. It’s phenomenal (my stomach is growling for goat cheese and eggs right now!)…and well worth the bus transfer or cab fare to get there from wherever I may be staying. Aside from the amazing food offered here, there’s just something about this resort that draws me in…the smells, ambiance, architecture…I always feel so peaceful when I visit. For me, it’s a magical place!
Hey Jack
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a place that I would love to just visit one day just to take in everything. the resort looks amazing and i hear the resturants are great as well. maybe one day but for now Kilimanjaro Safaris will have to do. can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
We chose to stay at the AKL for the perk of having the opportunity to pay to take the Wanyama Safari. It was by far the highlight of the trip, and this trip included a mean at Victoria and Albert’s. So great to have time with the keepers and get so close to the animals.
I should say that there was a problem with our reservation for the safari. Booked it as soon as I could, and it looks like the computers canceled it at midnight the next day. After two weeks of phone calls with the staff at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, they were able to book us an earlier private trip around the safari and then met the rest of the group for dinner. So it was stressful for two weeks trying/hoping this gets worked out, because we were only staying at the more expensive AKL to get on this safari, but Disney came through addressing the problem.
It is far away from everything, but I think the price of a room reflects that. This is cheaper than the other deluxe hotels. I would not want to use the bus transportation to get to the Magic Kingdom if I had kids because it is a pain when crowded.
Driving there right now to stay in a 3 bedroom villa!! So excited!!
It’s only its remoteness that keeps us from staying overnight at AKL, but we love to visit, dine and listen to the storytellers. Do they still make night-vision binoculars available to guests? The last time we walked outdoors there, a cast member handed us a set at one of the viewing platforms.
Jack’s Answer:
As far as I know, the night-vision binoculars are still offered, but I didn’t ask specifically. When I stayed there last time, I was at a press event and I had very little time to enjoy the resort.
I love this resort. Try to stay there every December vacation. When you have had your fill of Crowds all day it is so nice to come here and get away. But then again I do drive and not take the bus so I am sure that makes a big difference. I learned years ago it is so much easier to drive then to wait for buses or boats. But it is nice to know you can leave the driving to Disney and that is nice too.