Skip to main content

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 Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gaston's Tavern Giant Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a must for me at Christmas and this is one of my favorite recipes for look-alike Gaston’s Tavern Giant Cinnamon Rolls! I found it on Inside the Magic , so all recipe credit belongs to them, but I have copied it below with some of my commentary and photos of my step by step process. Homemade cinnamon rolls are always going to be a bit time consuming, but these only have to proof for 40 minutes total so it’s really not bad at all! First things first, here are the materials you’re going to need: Mixer (one with a dough hook will make your life much much easier) and bowl Rubber scrapers Rolling pin 2-3 saucepans Microwave safe bowls An area big enough to roll them out 2 metal sheet pans with edges Measuring cups Measuring spoons Medium sized bowl for filling Liquid measuring cup The nice thing about the recipe is it uses pretty basic ingredients that you likely already have at your house. I went to Aldi and bought nearly everything just to see and it was about $20. A...
Post a Comment
Read more

Disneyland Hotel

Become immersed in the spirit of Disneyland past and present! If you love Disney nostalgia, this resort will delight with its artwork and memorabilia that pay homage to the history and traditions of Disneyland. Stay in the Adventure, Fantasy, or Frontier tower—each an homage to the park’s original lands—and delight in the sleek, ultra-modern design at every turn. Located just steps from the Downtown Disney District, this hotel is a short stroll to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Rooms at the Disneyland Hotel are both sophisticated and whimsical, paying loving tribute to the classic years of Disneyland Park. Upscale styling, state-of-the-art amenities, and special Disney furnishings—including light-up Sleeping Beauty Castle headboards and timeless artwork—provide a stay your entire family will treasure. Most rooms at Disneyland Hotel sleep up to five guests in two queen beds and a fold down sofa. Rooms are offered in standard, deluxe, premium, and premium Down...
Post a Comment
Read more

Space 220

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Space 220 is one of Walt Disney World’s newest table service restaurants and one of the most anticipated WDW openings of 2021. Space 220 opened its doors on September 20, 2021. It’s located near Mission Space in the World Discovery area of Epcot. Because it’s in Epcot, you will need valid park admission and a park reservation in order to dine here. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving a prix fixe menu for both meal times. The cost is $55 for a 2-course lunch and $79 for a 3-course dinner. Kids eat for $29 for both lunch and dinner. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the prix fixe menu pricing. The restaurant is owned and operated by the Patina Group, find the full menu here - the lunch and dinner menus are a little bit different. The main seating area can be booked via Advanced...
Post a Comment
Read more