Hanging Out at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

The African-themed Deluxe resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, opened in 2001.  The Lodge is two separate buildings - the original, Jambo House, and the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) building, Kidani Village, which opened in 2008.

Located a short distance from Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, this resort is often considered "far" from the other 3 theme parks, but for me - it has so many positives, we stop there almost ever trip.

Dining at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

AKL has 3 amazing sit down restaurants and 1 very unique counter service restaurant.

1. Sanaa - African cooking with Indian flavors
• The only restaurant located at Kidani Village
• Dine with a view of the Sunset Savannah  - watch zebras, giraffes, and much more
• With a beloved bread service, butter chicken, and so many more unique and flavorful options, this restaurant is one we stop at on a regular basis
2. Boma: Flavors of Africa - A buffet with a sampling of unique foods and more standard options for the pickier eaters
• Located at Jambo House - there is also a bar located near the entrance
• Zebra domes - a fan favorite - is a regular dessert choice on this buffet
• Tons of options including different soups, salads, a carving station, and so much more
3. Jiko: The Cooking Place - A Signature restaurant with a fancier and more intimate setting
•  Located at Jambo House, this restaurant also has a private wine/lounge that can be for a more casual wine/pairing meal, or order from the entire menu at the bar
• Food ranging from flatbreads to an oak-grilled Filet, this menu is outstanding
• Great for an intimate date night - there is a kids menu, but I wouldn't bring mine here!
4. The Mara: The only counter service at AKL
• Located at Jambo House
• Not just standard burgers- The Mara offer flatbreads, soups, zebra domes

I love the food at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but there is much more to see and do!

Enjoy the Savannahs

If you're staying in a savannah view room (at a premium price), you can wake up and watch in the morning, but even if you're just visiting the resort, you have plenty of ways to watch!

1. Take a walk out on the patio while you're waiting for a dining reservation, or just having a tour of the resort
2. Visit Jambo House at night, follow the walkway past the pool and find the night vision goggles - offered free to check out the animals at night
3. Enjoy the other free activities the resort has to offer - we enjoyed roasting marshmallows!

Another perk that we love - especially when waiting for a dining reservation - is the great playground!

If you are staying at this beautiful resort, make sure to pick up a daily activities guide to find out when you can tour the resort, tour the kitchens, catch a movie, or join in a pool party!

Interested in a quote of this beautiful resort?  Email me JennL@thewdwguru.com for a no-obligation price quote and receive all the perks that come with booking with Guru Travel!