Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel is an African style resort situated in a huge 43-acre wildlife preserve. The resort offers authentic African-inspired architecture and the kraal African-village landscape design—a semi-circle design popular in Africa which offers expansive views of the surrounding savanna and its many animal inhabitants. Thatched ceilings, large beams, hand-carved golden-tone furnishings, real African artifacts and a massive mud fireplace in the main lobby engulf you in the spirit of Africa.
Just outside the main lobby is an elevated rock platform called Arusha Rock, This gives up-close glimpses of the animals and a beautiful panoramic view of the sprawling grounds. In addition to animals, there are thousands of indigenous African shrubs and grasses, including the most recognized canopy tree of Africa, the copperpod.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel has 2 award winning restaurants serving authentic African cuisine; Jiko – The Cooking Place and Boma – Flavors of Africa. There are regular guided tours of the savanna led by African wildlife specialists and a large 11,000 square foot pool complete with a 70 foot long water slide.
Wild Animals
The Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel has over 30 species of wildlife that live in the 4 tropical savannas. Here you have the unique opportunity to see exotic animals from special alcoves with glass windows throughout the hotel Resort, as well as from the balconies of some of the more expensive hotel rooms. Each of the 4 savannas are totally different and all house different types of animals.
Among the animals at the Animal Kingdom hotel are Ankole Cattle, Bontebok, Eland, Zebra, Greater Kudu, Impala, Okapi, Red River Hog, Nyala, Reticulated Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Thompson’s Gazelle, Waterbuck, White-Bearded Wildebeest, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Blue Crane, East African Crowned Crane, Greater Flamingo, Marabou Stork, Ostrich, Pink-Backed Pelican, Spur Winged Geese, Guinea Fowl and Ruppel’s Griffon Vulture.
As well as the viewing point sin the hotel, you can also take the Wanyama Safari. On the safari you can enjoy up-close encounters with the resort’s wildlife, followed by a special meal at the Jiko – The Cooking Place restaurant.
For The Children
As well as the Uzima pool and slide, there is also a wading pool for little ones, unique animal-themed activities for everyone in your family, a 24-hour high-tech games room and a 24-hour playground. And for the parents who want a bit of adult time, there is a great supervised activity center for children between 3-12 years old called Simba’s Cubhouse.
Location and General Information
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel is located in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park area of Orlando, Florida. It is a smoke-free resort; smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas.
