I stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first time last week, and I left thinking what was I waiting for?!? This deluxe, African-themed resort stole my heart from the moment I stepped in the lobby.

Floor to ceiling windows with organic designs make you feel like you never left the natural world outside.

I have been to 6 countries in Africa on 2 separate safaris, so the bar was set high for an “African-themed” lodge. The questions swirling in my mind: Would the resort be respectful of African cultures and present opportunities to learn about the land, the animals, the people, etc.? Would I see a variety of African animals from my room billed as a “savannah view?” Would I miss being on the Skyliner and Monorail routes that I love at some other Disney Deluxe Resorts? Read on to find out the answers to my questions and why I realized Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best Disney Resort!

The stunning lobby of the Animal Kingdom Lodge is dotted with African art in display cases.

Why Animal Kingdom Lodge is the Best Disney Resort:

1. The Savanna Views

This is the biggest draw. Step onto your balcony and behold zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, ostriches and more a short distance from your room. Honestly, you can’t expect these sightings at most luxury safari lodges in Africa! The area where the animals roam at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is large, so they may come in and out of view. Be patient and you will see a variety of animals in a short period of time. You actually don’t have to be on your balcony to see them. There are great views from your bed, too! Just open the curtains. If you don’t have a savannah view room, no problem! There are viewing areas around the resort.

No giraffe came this close to my room while staying at upscale lodging in Africa!

2. Incredible Theming and Atmosphere

The entire resort is inspired by African design and culture. The lobby is a stunner—with a soaring thatched ceiling, grand chandeliers, and authentic African artwork. It is immersive and feels like a true escape from the theme park hustle. I never missed the monorail or the Skyliner once at this luxury oasis. The subtle Lion King theming was just enough to have me singing Hakuna Matata as I strolled through the resort. As someone who is obsessed with both Disney and African Safaris, I commend Disney for making this resort feel truly inspired by a variety of African cultures while also infusing Disney Magic.

Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase. The Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms remind you you’re in Disney World.

3. Top-Tier Dining

Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best food on property with 3 restaurants offering unique flavors.

Jiko – The Cooking Place: This is Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Signature Dining experience with upscale African fusion and an amazing wine list (it has largest selection of South African wines in the U.S.).
Boma – Flavors of Africa: Boma is beloved buffet with a mix of familiar and African-inspired dishes.
Sanaa: Over at Kidani Village, you can eat Indian-African cuisine while watching animals through its giant windows. Be sure to go before sundown so you can see them!

Sanaa | Walt Disney World Resort — Sanaa’s windows overlook the Savannah so you can enjoy animal viewing while you dine!

4. Great Pools and Recreation

The main pool, Uzima Springs, is massive at 11,000 sq. ft and is surrounded by lush greenery. There’s also a zero-depth entry for little ones. Nearby, a lounge and bar offer refreshments and snacks. Kidani Village, the Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas property, has the Samawati Springs Pool, complete with a water playground and an exciting 128-foot waterslide. Other activities for guests include campfires for roasting marshmallows, movies under the stars, and the Hakuna Matata Playground.

Cool off amid African-inspired architecture and a wildlife preserve at the Uzima Springs Pool.

6. Educational & Cultural Touches

There are animal experts and cultural representatives from Africa who host activities, storytelling, and wildlife viewing tips for guests. This was my favorite aspect of the staying at the resort. I made sure to speak with as many of them as I could! Visiting cast members from Africa spent time with my kids to teach them how to play Mancala, a game played in most East African countries. There were also wood carving demonstrations and interactive mini-lessons set up in the main lobby so kids could learn about the plants and animals of Africa. No other Disney resort provides such wonderful opportunities for cultural exchange.

Animal and Cultural Programs | Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Fan Site — Cast members from Africa come and stay for a year to work at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to help guests learn about their culture and country. Photo Credit: AKLresort.com

Don’t wait! Now is the perfect time to book your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney World has just released amazing summer deals for Disney+ subscribers. Guests can stay in a Savannah view room for $339 a night from June 29th to July 31, 2025 for a stay of 2 nights or longer!

Perhaps this post inspired you to think about an African Safari! We book those too and have all the tips for beginners in this blog post. Whether you want to go on safari in Orlando, FL or in Africa, Kingdom and Cruise Travel is ready to make your travel dreams come true. Get in touch with me or one of our other experienced agents.

Written by Kingdom and Cruise Travel Advisor, Alli Matthews