Is Animal Kingdom Lodge the Disney Resort For You?

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; “][x_text class=”center-text “]Photo credit: D. Gans[/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) was home base for our most recent trip to Disney World in early July and it left a lasting impression. This was our first time staying at this amazing resort, but it wasn’t the first time we’ve set foot inside. Earlier this spring, we had a chance to dine at Jiko for dinner.

What we love

From the minute you drive up to the resort, it has a completely different feel than any other Disney property–there is such a sense of authenticity–you feel as if you’ve arrived somewhere on the African continent. Then, there is a sense of grandeur as you set foot inside the lobby and everywhere you turn, there are touches of African culture sprinkled throughout. This is simply the beginning.

If you walk straight through the lobby and allow your eyes to adjust to the light beaming through the multi-story windows, you’ll discover the breathtaking and lush Savanna filled with unexpected wildlife. But, more on that a bit later.

The dining options are definitely something to love at AKL because there’s something for everyone, especially diners who crave something more than the standard burger and fries. From the elevated cuisine at Jiko, a signature dining restaurant, the creative buffet spread at Boma, the beautiful setting of Sanaa, to the convenience and tempting treats of The Mara, a counter service restaurant, there are a lot of choices to satisfy the entire family. Be sure to get the Zebra Domes at The Mara within the pastry area–delicious treats for sharing or as an indulgence for one; the zebra domes are a must and you can only get them at this resort!

What makes AKL stand apart from all other Disney properties is the Savanna and the rooms with balconies that overlook this amazing expanse. Where else can you walk out onto your balcony and see giraffes or zebras, ostrich and impala grazing? You never know what you’ll find each time you look out. Even if you don’t have a Savanna view room, there are places throughout the resort to observe and learn more about the animals from the experts. Even when the sun goes down, you can take advantage of the Night Vision Animal Viewings held each evening.

And because this resort is located so close to Animal Kingdom, it’s just a quick ride on the Disney bus for days and nights of adventure.

During our stay at AKL, we did have a Savanna view room, but it wasn’t refurbished. Despite it’s lack of updating, the African theming and overall color scheme did not feel dated with the rich colors and beautiful textures. It wasn’t an issue for me at all. What I did notice was that the room was smaller than the rooms at the Yacht Club where we stayed last spring.

The other things I noticed where the tight quarters in the sectioned off toilet/shower area and the lack of USB ports–there wasn’t one to be found. For anyone with a lot of electronics (basically anyone in this day and age), the lack of USB ports is a big negative. But despite these things, the amazing view onto the Savanna made up for it. There was one day when we were back at the resort to rest and recharge during the afternoon and I planned to take a little nap. The problem with this plan was that every time I’d looked out onto the Savanna, there was a different animal outside my balcony. I kept on wanting to look out and see what was out there.

What we didn’t love

If you think it was the lack of refurbished room that was the issue, it’s not. The main issue I have with AKL is the location as a deluxe Disney property. It is so much further out than any other Disney property. Even getting from the airport seemed to take forever on top of the fact that our Magical Express ride had to stop at two other resorts before dropping us off at AKL. Because of its location, it takes longer to get to the other theme parks so you have to factor that in when staying here.

The other issue with AKL is that as a deluxe property, it only has one mode of complimentary transportation to the theme parks–buses. The other deluxe resorts have at least two options (or more) to get to at least one theme park–monorail/boat for the resorts around Magic Kingdom, or bus/boat/on foot for resorts between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In order to get anywhere from AKL, you have to take the bus which is a longer commute, especially if it’s full and you’re forced to stand due to crowded capacity. The other option is to order a cab or car lift service. Now of course, all of this doesn’t matter if you’ve rented a car, but keep in mind that you’ll be charged a nightly parking fee if you do.

The verdict

You need to experience this resort at least once. It has so much to offer and in my opinion, more than any other Disney resort. Between the amazing theming, the diverse, high-quality food options, the events, daily performances and tours, and the never ending access to wildlife just outside in the Savanna, this is one amazing resort that (almost) has it all.

The far location and the “bus only” transportation system are the biggest challenges. If you plan to spend the majority of your time in the theme parks and away from your hotel, there are other Deluxe Disney properties to consider. But, if you’ve been fortunate enough to experience Disney World more often and don’t need to spend every waking hour rushing to the theme parks, then definitely consider AKL. It’s an incredible resort to relax, recharge, spend time with family, and all while being immersed in the Disney bubble. And when you look out onto the Savanna and see all the wildlife, you won’t even miss Animal Kingdom since you have your own Kilimanjaro Safari right outside. This is one resort where you really need the time to soak it all in![/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]