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Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort



Updated 3/29/2022  Be sure to request a Resort Guide at the front desk so that you can have the most up-to-date information about resort happenings and schedules. For the most up-to-date information about the phased re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide.

Not far off the beaten path, a treasure of a Disney resort sits on an “African” savanna at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL).

From the moment you start the journey up the drive to the resort, you are whisked away to the heart of Africa with lush greenery that eventually opens up to four savannas. These savannas are home to more than 200 animals and birds. Based on both these details and its name, you may have guessed that AKL is the Animal Kingdom resort area.
 
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Deluxe Resort with a variety of room options, ranging from standard four person rooms, to 2 bedroom suites with club level access, to villas with kitchen and living areas.

Dining at AKL is not something to be missed. Several of the most highly rated restaurants in all of Walt Disney World find their home at AKL. Visit Boma for a buffet inspired by African flavors. Visit Sanaa to experience the flavors of East African (don’t skip the bread service!). Visit Jiko, a signature dining experience, for a special evening with traditional African, Indian, and Mediterranaen cuisines on the menu.

 

A rest day at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a day well spent. AKL boasts two pools: the Uzima Springs Pool and the Samawati Springs pool, both with water slides. The Samawati Springs Pool includes a water playground with 3 separate zones designed with age appropriate features for kids aged 3-8+. Both pools have a nearby lounge and bar for pool-side snacks and refreshments. In addition to the pools and dining, AKL offers the Hakuna Matata playground for little ones to work out some energy while viewing the flamingo area and savannah. Plus, you can stop by Pumbaa’s Fun and games arcade for those looking for digital fun. And who can forget the savannah viewing area? Available to both AKL guests and non-guests, Disney experts tell you about the animals that make the savannah their home.


All transportation to and from Animal Kingdom Lodge is by bus. Disney estimates it will take approximately 22 minutes to travel to the Magic Kingdom, 18 minutes to get to Epcot, 15 minutes to Hollywood Studios, and 11 minutes to Animal Kingdom.  Bus service is also offered to Disney Springs.  If you are going to Typhoon Lagoon, you should take the bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer.

A benefit of staying at a deluxe resort is that guests can take advantage of extended evening hours in the parks.  These are offered on select dates and the Disney World Website or My Disney Experience App will have this information.

A stay at AKL is unlike any other you will have at Disney. There is nothing like the experience of waking in the morning with giraffes and zebras grazing outside your balcony. The food options and free activities available to you are outstanding. A few struggles include the length of the bus rides to each of the parks, and depending upon where within the resort your room is, the walk from the bus stop to your bed for the night could be 10 minutes. The bathroom lights are also covered by yellow shade which remind you of the warm tones of Africa, but can also be challenging when getting ready. All that said, my husband has been on notice since the moment I arrived home from my agent training that included a stay at AKL that we will be staying there at some point. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

To start planning your next trip, contact your On The Road Travel agent. You can also connect with us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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