Themed to capture the essence of an African savannah lodge, this resort combines the architecture styles found in Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Grand Californian Resort, with the an art collection that would make most galleries envious. As you enter the resort, you are overwhelmed by the massive 4 story atrium. On the far side of the atrium, you notice a massive floor to ceiling window that overlooks one of the three savannahs at the resort. Throughout the lobby, the craftsmanship and hard work of the resorts artisans are clearly evident. Eclectic furniture is intermixed with a variety of native African art to set a very unique theme. While very elegant, the lobby (like the rest of the resort), is very comfortable and inviting.

The resort boasts an 11,000 square foot pool (which also overlooks a savannah), and features a small water slide, a children's pool and 2 Jacuzzis. More impressive is the size and location of the pool. The pool is located alongside the Uzima Savannah, where you will find a variety of animals including Giraffe, Impala and Kudu, among others. In this area you will also find Zahanati, the resorts full service spa and fitness center.

There are three primary restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The first is Jiko (The Cooking Place), the resort's up-scale restaurant; the second is Boma which is the resort's buffet (open for breakfast and dinner); and the third is Mara, the quick service dining restaurant. Jiko boasts a brave and powerful menu, and the food is nothing short of spectacular. For those familiar with the Disney Cruise Line, we consider this the closest thing to Palo's restaurant that you'll find on land (of course the cuisine is different, but just as good in its own right). Boma is a South African buffet with an assortment of regional dishes and buffet regulars for the kids (or adults with not so adventurous tastes). The buffet is not incredible and while our group has adventurous tastes we weren't very impressed with the overall offerings. Finally Mara is a standard quick service restuarant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We ate there once and while they have added a bit of flare to the ordinary hamburger (it is on a croisant roll instead of a bun) the food fell into the "what you'd expect to find at a fast food restaurant in Disney" category.

Services and Amenities:
Baby-sitting and child services,
room service,
laundry and valet,
concierge,
non-smoking rooms,
rooms and facilities for guests with disabilities,
free parking,
portable playpen available.

Check In/Check Out:
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Address:
2901 Osceola Parkway
Bay Lake, Florida, 32830-1000, USA