Resort Review: Animal Kingdom Lodge

It is a cool and rainy 59℉ here in NJ, as I write up this review on a vacation I took during the warm month of August.  How I wish I was at Disney at this moment! Thanks for tuning in.  Today I’d like to cover an Animal Kingdom Lodge review.  

We’ll split this up into 5 parts; summary,  transportation, room, pool, and would I suggest a stay here.  I will go into detail as much as possible.  This is a first-hand account and I can take any questions you have that seem unanswered here.  

Summary

Animal Kingdom Lodge – AKL – is truly beautiful.  Magnificient would be the better word.  Disney has done a great job transporting you to Africa and the attention to detail is mind-blowing.  In the lobby and rooms, you will find hand carved furniture, African artifacts, large beams, etc.  It really is a sight to see.  Disney has some great photos that I will link to at the end of this post.  

Rooms

There are a few different options for rooms such as studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, etc.  I stayed in the studio at the time.  Again the attention to detail is marvelous. The studio consists of a queen size bed, and pull out sofa so it technically can sleep four. I do think four adults in that room would be tight.  Even 4 adults and two teenagers would be tight.  Overall everything was comfortable and well enjoyed.  Some rooms have a view of one of the four Savannas that is home to about 200 animals.

Transportation

Obviously, AKL is close to Animal Kingdom (the park).  Therefore, it is not close to anything else.  Here’s an overview of what Disney World looks like with AKL circled.  Bus transportation is the only option and there are two stops: Jambo House and Kidani Village.

Pool

I did not have time to visit the Jambo House pool so this portion of the review will be completely based on Kidani Village. Kidani Village has one main pool and no quiet pool, however, the pool is big enough for everyone.  There is a large main slide and a smaller slide for younger children.  The pool also offers a zero-depth entry point similar to the beach or a watering hole.

Would I Suggest

AKL is definitely an experience. Like I mentioned before, it’s a beautiful setting, you get to look at real almost up close animals as you walk around. But it is far from everything besides Animal Kingdom. With that said, if this is your first or last visit I would go to a resort a bit closer to all or most of the action. If this is not your first or last visit definitely go experience AKL.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge