Main Street Dreamers

There is something so magical about waking up to the sight of giraffes strolling around the savannah, or sipping your morning coffee while the zebra’s stroll in the distance. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is not just a resort, it’s an experience that combines luxury, culture and Disney magic. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve gathered our top 5 tips for staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

1. Book a savannah room (if you can)

While standard rooms are lovely, the true magic of Animal Kingdom Lodge shines when you can look right out your balcony at the end of a park day or early morning and spot these wonderful animals roaming. However, we know that staying at this resort is not cheap. If a savannah view room is out of budget, consider requesting a partial savannah view room. We did this one of our stays and as you see from the picture below, we were not disappointed with what we received given that we paid for a standard room.

2. Take advantage of the cultural experiences

Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t just about the animals, it is a wonderful celebration of African culture. Cast members provide art tours, experiences for the children and are extremely knowledgeable about the animals on the savannah. It is wonderful to see that many of the cast members are from various countries in Africa, and are so excited to share their culture with all guests. We love to see the kids coin rubbing in the lobby, they have so much fun!

3. Dine at the incredible on-site restaurants

You mean to tell me that Animal Kingdom Lodge provides 3 table service restaurants of incredible quality?! Breakfast at Boma is without a doubt our favourite buffet at Disney World. From fan favourites like Mickey Waffles, to African flavours like Pap and Bobotie, you will love what’s on offer. Jiko is right across the way from Boma, and provides a high class dining experience for a date night, special meal or anything in between. Not to forget Sanaa over at Kidani Village, with incredible curries without even mentioning the Bread service. Honestly, we feel that no other Disney resorts beats this one in terms of dining.

4. Explore Jambo House and Kidani Village

Speaking of Kidani Village, make sure you make the most of both sides of this wonderful resort. We have always stayed at Jambo house but Kidani village has so much to offer. You are able to pool hop, eat at any of the dining locations and choose which side gives you a better vibe for your family.

Top tip – When we stayed, the hotel ran a bus between both sides of the property every 15 minutes. Make sure to enquire if that’s something you may need.

5. Enjoy the pools and recreation

Between the Uzima Springs Pool in Jambo house and the Samawati Springs Pool in KIdani Village, there’s plenty of space to relax. Both have waterslides and fun areas for kids, however we do feel that Samawati Springs Pool provides the best experience for the little ones with splash pads and play areas. Don’t forget also to check out the nightly campfire activities and movies under the stars. It really is the perfect way to end a Disney day.

In conclusion, Animal Kingdom Lodge is more than just a place to sleep- it’s an experience that immerses you in luxury, relaxation and African culture. It’s a resort that you’ll remember long after you leave, and one that will leave you wanting to return again and again.