Walt Disney World has a plethora of beautiful and fun resorts to stay in, from the Hawaiian-themed Polynesian to the classic Grand Floridian, but the Animal Kingdom Lodge is hands-down the wildest (in more ways than one). The resort, which opened in 2001, is heavily influenced by Africa, and guests get to experience the vibrant and beautiful culture through everything from the art on the walls, to the food, to the architecture — and, oh yeah, the hundreds of animals roaming around the property! And with the recent release of The Lion King reboot, we have a feeling both kids and adults will be itching to stay here. Keep reading for 15 fascinating facts about one of Disney's most gorgeous (and unique!) resorts that will make you book a trip ASAP.
Fun Facts About Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
14 Wildly Fascinating Facts About Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
The resort has one of the largest collections of African art outside of Africa! The carefully curated collection showcases almost every aspect of traditional African culture and can be found throughout the resort. One of the lobby's centrepieces is the Igbo Ijele mask — a massive creation that towers more than 16 feet tall. The Ijele, created by the Igbo people of Africa, signifies an important event or celebration and makes rare appearances in Africa.
Perhaps the biggest — and most unique — draw of the resort is the wildlife on property. The 43-acre wildlife preserve is home to more than 30 African animal species, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu, and flamingos. If you get a savanna-facing room, you can sit out on your balcony and watch the animals day and night. There's also plenty of areas outside to observe the animals, and there are sometimes cast members there in the evenings with night vision goggles to see them in the dark!
Kidani Village, the resort's Disney Holiday Club property, features thatched roofs and a hewn timber design. Kidani means "necklace" in Swahili and the building is shaped like a piece of native African jewellery with holiday villas forming the beads, walkways creating the knots in between, and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its centre.
Adding another layer of authenticity to Animal Kingdom Lodge's African experience are cultural representatives from various African countries. They participate in a special one-year program to work at the resort and educate visitors about their home with personal stories and insight into their culture.
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Rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge come with a private balcony — and depending on your location, you may get a killer sunrise or sunset view of the savanna. Even better, you may just get up-close encounters with African wildlife!
Those who find the Safari ride at the Animal Kingdom park a little too impersonal will love the Animal Kingdom Lodge's Wanyama Safari. Limited to just 12 guests at a time, the 90-minute tour takes you over 46 acres of savanna and possibly brings you face to face with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, wildebeest, and more. The trip concludes with a multicourse meal at Jiko – The Cooking Place.
You'll feel like you're in Africa when you step inside the lobby, which boasts hand-carved gold furniture, large beams, a mud fireplace, and African artifacts. The rear window of the lobby also faces the savanna and offers stunning views of the wildlife in action.
The most exotic cuisine in all of Walt Disney World can be found at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which has three sit-down restaurants that specialise in the flavours of Africa. Boma — Flavours of Africa is a buffet-style eatery where you can enjoy oxtail stew, spicy peanut soup, and curried lobster alongside more traditional American fare. And Jiko — The Cooking Place has two wood-burning ovens in which chefs prepare spicy chicken, bison, lamb, ribs, and more. At Sanaa, which opens to the Sunset Savanna and its variety of wildlife, entrees include duck, fish, traditional sosatie and biryani, and the South African braaivleis — a selection of fire-grilled meats.
Forget Hidden Mickeys. Guests will be searching for Simba and Nala carvings and other Lion King-themed art around their room and the resort. You can spot these characters on headboards, bedside tables, and artwork as The Lion King is a big theme around the lodge.
Grab a cocktail, beer, or South African wine at the upscale lounge Victoria Falls. True to its name, it's perched above waterfalls that cascade down into the check-in area of Boma - Flavours of Africa.
The resort's 11,000-square-foot pool has a gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Constructed as a "tropical oasis," the Uzima Springs Pool also features a 67-foot water slide.
Guests go crazy for the Indian-style bread service at Sanaa. It has five types of naan and nine accompaniments, including sweet mango chutney and spicy red chile sambal. (Pro tip: you can get a smaller version of the bread service at a smaller price at the adjoining Sanaa Lounge.)
Rooms follow the Kraal African village design, a semicircle concept, offering a view of the animals and the savanna.
There are live performances of African music throughout the day that guests won't want to miss.