Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) is in the deluxe category of Walt Disney World Resorts and offers a unique and immersive experience that combines the magic of Disney with the beauty and richness of African culture.
Perhaps one of the most unique resorts on Disney property is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. From the moment you arrive and hear the words, “Welcome Home,” you are instantly transported to Africa.
Whether you’re staying at Jambo House or Kidani Village, the resort’s impressive African-inspired architecture, beautifully complemented by authentic artwork and artifacts throughout the lobby, creates an atmosphere that is both immersive and unforgettable.
And then there’s the true showstopper—the breathtaking savanna views. More than 200 hoofed animals and birds roam freely across the lush landscapes, giving guests the incredible feeling of being right in the heart of Africa.
From the stunning design to the incredible wildlife experiences, every detail comes together to create a resort that feels truly magical. It’s an experience that is uniquely Disney—and pure Disney magic!
Although our stay was on the Kidani Village side of the resort, I took the time to explore both sides of the property and discover what each area has to offer.
Kidani Village:
Room Categories – Deluxe Studio (Savanna or Resort View), 1- and 2-bedroom Villas (Resort or Savanna View) 3 Bedroom Grand Villa (Resort or Savanna View)
Sanaa – African and Indian flavors with a view of Sunset Savanna. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here.
Maji Pool Bar – Cocktails and quick service lunch options. There is also an area to fill your resort refillable mug here.
Savannas: Pembe and Sunset Savannas line the property. The Pembe savanna is home to Okapi, Red River Hogs, Antelope and Birds. Common animals you will see in the Sunset savanna include Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Impalas, Bongos, Gazelles, Antelope, Ostriches and more!
Samawati Springs Pool – Featuring an exciting 128-foot waterslide and zero-depth-entry pool is the perfect place to cool off and have fun. The pool area also includes Uwanja Camp, a water playground with 3 distinct zones for kids of all ages to splash and play.
Johari Treasures – Small gift shop that also offers a coffee station and small grocery section.
Complimentary Bus Transportation – Theme Park and Disney Springs bus transportation is located near the lobby of the resort. Internal shuttle bus stop to and from Jambo House is in front of the lobby.
Jambo House:
Room Categories – Value Studios, Deluxe Studios (Savanna or Resort View), 1 bedroom Villa (Savanna or Resort View), 3 Bedroom Grand Villa, Standard rooms with savanna, resort or water views and Club level rooms.
Dining:
Jiko – Vibrant spices, crackling wood-burning ovens and boutique South African wines transport you to the heart of Africa serving dinner.
Boma Flavors of Africa – Resembling a lively African marketplace, this restaurant features all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets at breakfast and dinner.
The Mara – Named for a river flowing through Kenya and Tanzania, this savanna-like space serves classic entrees and grab n’ go favorites.
Victoria Falls Lounge – Sample suds from South Africa before or after dinner inside this intimate bar overlooking Boma restaurant.
Uzima Springs Pool Bar – Invigorate your senses at this “spring of life” with cocktails, frozen drinks and more!
Savannas: Sunset, Arusha and Uzima Savannas line the property. Common animals you will see in these three savannas include Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Impalas, Bongos, Gazelles, Antelope, Ostriches and more!
Uzima Springs Pool – This vast zero entry pool is set in an enchanting tropical oasis that is facing Uzima Savanna. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms and features a 67-foot-long waterslide.
Zawadi Marketplace – Large gift shop and grocery section.
Complimentary Bus Transportation – Theme Park and Disney Springs bus transportation is located near the lobby of the resort. Internal shuttle bus stop to and from Kidani Village is in front of the lobby.
Overview of our stay:
We spent five nights in a One-Bedroom Savanna View Villa at Kidani Village during our August 2026 stay, and the room was spectacular! Recently refurbished, it was filled with thoughtful details, and I loved how the African-inspired décor was incorporated in such a tasteful and beautiful way.
The villa was incredibly spacious and worked perfectly for our family of five. We especially appreciated having two full bathrooms, and the kids loved having their own sleeping area. In the living room, the spacious queen-size Murphy bed pulls down over the couch, while the pull-down sleeper beneath the television provided even more room for the kids. Everyone had plenty of space and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The king bedroom offered a wonderful separate sleeping area for us, complete with a generous ensuite bathroom featuring a giant soaking tub and a separate shower. Having a full-size kitchen was another huge plus. We enjoyed several meals in the villa, and the in-room washer and dryer were a game changer. There’s something especially nice about coming home from vacation without a suitcase full of dirty laundry!
The absolute showstopper, however, was the extra-large balcony overlooking the savanna. Accessible from both the living room and the primary bedroom, it gave us the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and watch the animals roam by.
And we were incredibly lucky with our views! We saw giraffes, zebras, ostriches, wildebeest, gazelles, grey crowned cranes, and so many other animals right from our balcony. Watching the animals wander across the savanna just outside our room was truly unforgettable—and easily one of the most magical resort experiences we’ve ever had.
It had always been on my wish list to stay in a Savanna View room at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I am so thrilled that we finally got to check that box off our list! After experiencing it firsthand, I would highly recommend this room category. There truly is nothing else quite like it.
The peacefulness and beauty both inside and outside the resort make this experience incredibly special. It’s something I believe everyone should experience at least once—but consider yourself warned: you’re going to want to come back!
By combining luxurious accommodations, immersive design, incredible wildlife experiences, and rich cultural elements, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a truly unique and enchanting stay. It captures the spirit of Africa in a way that feels authentic, memorable, and completely magical—with just the right touch of Disney magic!
To book your next vacation to “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” contact me today!
