Beyond the Parks: Discovering Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of most unique on-site hotels at at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one Disney’s “Deluxe Resort” category hotels, providing an extensive array of amenities and a premium experience.  

Originally constructed in 2001, this traditional African themed resort features 1,307 rooms and suites and includes Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, one of Disney’s vacation club properties, that originally opened in 2009.

What makes this resort unique is the three savannas that are home to more than 200 live animals, reptiles and birds that are of African origin.  Most of the rooms have direct savannah views where guests will enjoy spectacular views of animals.  Some of the animals include zebras, giraffes, rhinoceros, African lions, water buffalo, Nile crocodiles, flamingos and Indian elephant.

Typical for a luxury Disney property, guests will find that hotel amenities are extensive and include two resort style pools, numerous organized activities, a full service finesses center, complimentary resort wide transportation and a number of great food & beverage options.

If you thinking about staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, we would appreciate if you can use our links when making the reservations.  Endless Summer is an affiliate with Expedia.com and receives a small commission for each visit that was referred by our website.  This allows us to continue to continue making great content for our audience.

Frequently Asked Questions – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

What are the hotel rates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Since the Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s “Deluxe Resorts”, prices are among the highest of any at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Typically, nightly rates range from around than $400 per night to more than $1,200 per night depending on the time of year and the room type.  See our price chart below for rates during specific nights.

Does the Animal Kingdom Lodge provide transportation to the Walt Disney World theme parks?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers complimentary bus transportation throughout Walt Disney World including the other theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs.  

Can you walk to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park from the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

While the Animal Kingdom Lodge is fairly close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, there is no walking path so unfortunately it is not possible to walk to the park.

Is there free transportation from the Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, as with all on-site Disney hotels, no longer provides complimentary transportation from the Orlando International Airport.  Mears Connect provides fee based transportation service for $16.00 one way from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World.

Is there a Resort Fee or Parking Charge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

There are no Resort Fees at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge but self-parking costs $25.00 per night for hotel guests.  Valet parking is available for $33.00 per night.

How many pools are there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

There are two pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The main 234,980-gallon Uzima Springs Pool is located just outside the lobby facing the Uzima Savanna. This pool features a zero-entry and 67-foot long water slide.  In addition to the Uzima Springs Pool, the 118,138-gallon Samawati Springs Pool is located at the adjacent Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani.  This pool features 128-foot water slide and a children’s splash pad.

Contrary to rumors circulating on the internet, Disney does not allow hotel guests to “pool hop”.  However, there are a few exceptions when stay at DVC resorts (owners only), Disney’s All-Star Resorts and Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts.

What are the food & beverage options at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features a number of dining options which range from grab-and-go / quick service, to upscale and resort casual dining.   See a complete list of food & beverage options below.

What is the check-in and check-out time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

The check in-time at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is 4:00 pm and check out time is at 11:00 am.

What is the pet policy at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?

With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  However, Disney has an ongoing pilot program that allows pets at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort.

About Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge originally opened in April 2001 and is one of the most popular on-site resorts at Walt Disney World due to most of it’s room facing one of the four savanna’s which are home to more than 30 species of African Wildlife.  The main resort building is known as the Jambo House which includes both traditional hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas while the adjacent Kidani Village, which was opened in 2009, features over 300 vacation club villas.

This resort hotel is located on-site within the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida near the western end of the property at the end of the Osceola Parkway.  Osceola Parkway connects to Interstate 4 just a few miles to the east.