Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Well, we’re here to walk you through the differences between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip.

We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Animal Kingdom Lodge and BoardWalk Inn have in common. First, both are Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts offering many of the same perks. The Disney Vacation Club Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. You’ll discover luxurious amenities and unique themeing at both hotels.

Both resorts offer bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

But, what about the prices? Well, this is where you’ll first see a difference. In fact, you’ll save quite a bit by opting for the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

For the Animal Kingdom Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $469 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,792 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

For BoardWalk Inn, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $597 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,455 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

These are not your standard hotels. You can head out to Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge or stay in the seaside setting of the BoardWalk Inn. But whether your stay takes you into the panoramic vistas of an African savanna or into the heart of a whimsical boardwalk atmosphere, you’ll find that both of these options provide top-of-the-line Disney amenities.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jambo! And welcome to Animal Kingdom Lodge! This is more than your typical hotel, and honestly, it’s beyond the standard of a typical Disney hotel. Definitely, the only Disney resort where you can wake up and view some giraffes out your window, and drink coffee or snack on some Zebra Domes on your balcony while watching real-live zebras.

Disney also brings in Cultural Representatives from countries around Africa to share their countries’ unique stories, culture, art, and history. Off of the lobby, there is an observation room where guests can appreciate artifacts from African exploration or just sit and enjoy the animals on the savanna.

BoardWalk Inn

Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn. The BoardWalk brings in vibrant colors reminiscent of a seaside amusement park. In essence, the BoardWalk Inn balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort.

The rooms last received a bit of a touch up and spruce back in 2016 and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon. We hope the room updates and renovations keep with the classic Disney charm we’ve come to love and aren’t watered down to look like other standard hotels. Standard rooms at 434 sq. ft. sleep five people.

4 BIG Changes (Including New Restaurants) Announced for Disney’s BoardWalk

Results

When it comes to immersive theming, the Animal Kingdom Lodge wins out. If your family would be more comfortable with more space, BoardWalk Inn might score higher!

Pools

When the weather is HOT or you just need a break from park queues, head to your resort pool! After all, the pools have their own unique features and special theming. Feature pools at Walt Disney World hotels usually have at least one slide and also offer poolside activities. Look at the hotel’s recreation schedule for more information. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa.

Note that poolside towels are always complimentary.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

AKL (as we like to call it) is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools: the Samawati Springs Pool and the Uzima Springs Pool. Both pools have the exotic feel of swimming in a natural spring.

Uzima Springs pool is amazing. This oasis is 11,000 square feet. It includes a large free-form, zero-entry swimming pool (gradual like a beach, you can wade in slowly).

Samawati Springs Pool has a 67-foot water slide and a children’s wading pool. There are two private hot tubs, tons of seating in comfy loungers, and tables and umbrellas.

Oh, and of course, the Pool Bars are nearby for hydration purposes.

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn has three pools — the main pool called Luna Park and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.

The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide.

Mickey, Minnie and Friends enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot-long slide.

This fun pool is 184,217 gallons and is just steps away from the amusements on the boardwalk, where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.

Results

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Do you want to soak in a zero-entry oasis surrounded by an African savanna? Animal Kingdom Lodge has two large pools that camouflage these concrete watering holes with beautiful landscaping.  It boasts those unique savanna views and close proximity to some fun animal viewing areas (like flamingos). Plus, the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool is just steps away from Zebra Domes!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Park days can be exhausting. Whether you’re taking a whole day to enjoy your resort, or you are relaxing after a shopping excursion at Disney Springs, once you’re at your Disney World hotel, you might not want to get back on Disney Transportation for nourishment. So, you’ll want to know about the best options at your Disney World resort!

Take a look at the menus and decide which resort has the food that best suits your family.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge has a variety of dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

A Table Service option at the Jambo House is Boma. Boma continually emerges on the “favorite restaurants” lists of many Disney guests! The popular buffet at Boma gives visitors the opportunity to sample flavorful African dishes while also dining on some American favorites during breakfast or dinner.

We give two thumbs up to this restaurant, and we always find something new to try here!

And the pièce de résistance: Jiko. Jiko — The Cooking Place is a Signature Dining Experience (which is Disney-speak for fancy, schmancy), hands-down, one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants on Disney World property. We can highly recommend this one if you enjoy excellent, gourmet food and a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Sharing tastes of Africa with a special Jiko flourish, this restaurant doesn’t offer a great view or any characters, but it does offer truly beautiful food — and the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna is right outside.

Maji Pool Bar is located near the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village, and Uzima Springs Pool Bar is over at the Jambo House pool. Both are pretty standard pool bars with some unique African beers and tasty nibbles, but nothing truly destination-worthy.

The Mara is named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa. This quick service restaurant located in Jambo House is sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located next to the Resort’s Uzima Springs pool area. Guests can dine indoors or take their meals poolside, or to a small area offering shaded tables outside.

Unique items, including Bobotie and Breakfast Quinoa are served alongside classic Disney dishes like Mickey Waffles for Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner feature the truly tasty African Potjie (a flavorful stew) among the options, which also include counter service favorites like Chicken Nuggets, Burgers, and Flatbreads.

The “Grab & Go” market area features snacks, desserts (including the spot’s famous Zebra Domes!), bottled drinks, breakfast pastries, specialty coffees, and fruit. The Mara also offers a selection of African and international wines, beers, cocktails, and even choose-your-own-flavor smoothies.

Tucked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village, Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant serving a fusion of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. While Sanaa is a table service restaurant serving lunch and dinner, the spot offers the Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast in the mornings — a quick-service experience for which reservations are not required.

The best part: the view from the restaurant is of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunset Savanna — enjoy the ever-changing scenery of some of the most beautiful African plains animals you’ve ever seen.

P.S. Don’t miss Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service, served with NINE different dipping accompaniments!

Victoria Falls and Cape Town Lounge are cozy lounges in Jambo House near Boma and Jiko. Enjoy a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer, or mixed drink. It’s a great place to hang while waiting for a table at Boma or Jiko. Or just stop in before you head to (or after you return from) the parks to grab a quick bite from the unique appetizer menu, including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.

Cape Town Lounge serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more. Guests may also order from the full Jiko menu and dine at the bar.

Boma vs. Sanaa vs. Jiko: Comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating many of the common areas including some of the dining options on the actual boardwalk. We’ve seen the rebranding of the BoardWalk Deli (formerly the BoardWalk Bakery) and look forward to the new Cake Bake Shop.  Inside the BoardWalk lobby, the fan-favorite Belle Vue Lounge reopened with new furnishings, that received some humdrum remarks from loyal guests for losing its charm and looking like it was furnished by Wayfair. And Carousel Coffee recently opened serving up pastries and Joffrey’s Coffee with a rather subdued vibe for a joint named after a bright and vivacious carnival attraction. Let’s take a look…

At AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.

Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels or a hand-piped cannoli.

Craving a cool treat while strolling along the Disney World BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream. The treats here are said to be inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the nearby Beach Club Resort.

BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand on Disney World’s BoardWalk that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the Pizza Window on Disney World’s BoardWalk for a piping hot pizza pie! One of the most relaxing and fun things to do at Disney World is stroll along the Disney BoardWalk, taking in all the sights and smells around Crescent Lake. With 9,000 square feet of entertainment, shops, and restaurants, there are several options for a quick bite to eat. Why not grab some fresh pizza from the BoardWalk Pizza Window? They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.

If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At this kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep-fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich. (Note: BoardWalk To Go has permanently closed.)

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! And guess what? Guests will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!

You can find Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer. Keep an eye out for seasonal drinks and unique options like a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee. As far as the eats, you can grab classic snacks such as the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake, Bagels, and a Mickey Brownie.

Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests on Disney World’s BoardWalk. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

Flying Fish

You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream. Enjoy your “Tasty Sensations” (as the sign says) while you stroll or pull up a bench on the BoardWalk while watching the people go by! PLEASE NOTE: The BoardWalk Funnel Cake Stand is currently closed. 

Funnel Cake Stand is closed

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! This raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, or Elton John song to request! There is a cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls, which is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Jellyrolls

Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Out at the Luna Park Pool at this Deluxe Resort, you’ll find a poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon! Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

Leaping Horse Libations

You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves breakfast and dinner daily and is an “original Italian restaurant.” The dinner menu features regional specialties with classic preparations. Many of the ingredients are crafted in-house including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.  

Trattoria al Forno

So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!

Click HERE to find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

Results

While the variety of dining at BoardWalk Inn is no slouch, it does lack a food court with indoor seating. And the restaurants aren’t quite as iconic as the ones at Animal Kingdom Lodge. However, if your family is looking for more quick bites rather than table service, BoardWalk might be the better choice.

Jiko

Boma hosts our favorite breakfast buffet. Sanaa has become a cult classic with its epic bread service and just as epic savanna views. And Jiko offers a menu, including that tender filet, that makes our mouths water just thinking about it.

Clearly, Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the top dining destinations at Walt Disney World. 

Jungle Juice at Boma

Still, we advise looking at the menus to see which resort has more food that appeals to your traveling party.

Transportation

BoardWalk Inn provides bus transportation to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Animal Kingdom relies on bus transportation to all destinations.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you want to visit any of the Disney Parks (even the nearby Animal Kingdom), the only option for free Disney transportation is a bus.

Disney Bus Transportation from Magic Kingdom

Now, Animal Kingdom Lodge is already the furthest resort from the Disney Parks (except Animal Kingdom), and relying solely on bus transportation makes it feel every inch of that distance. And no one really looks forward to standing in those lines at the end of a park day to be packed in like sardines with your fellow Animal Kingdom Lodgers once that bus does arrive. However, the remote location does add to the resort’s ambiance.

Guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can also use ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We love walking to EPCOT’s International Gateway. Not having to worry about fighting EPCOT’s post-fireworks crowds? Yes, sign us up, please.

Friendship Boat

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

Skyliner

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, BoardWalk guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Results

BoardWalk Inn wins in this category due to its proximity to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Plus, there is the Disney Skyliner for visiting other resorts!

Learn all about WDW Transportation

The Winner!

So, where do we think you should stay? Sorry, that decision has to be up to you. It depends on the people in your traveling party and what your plans are during your stay at Walt Disney World.

If you’re wanting to stick to a stricter budget, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge might be the deluxe resort to book! BoardWalk Inn is the winner of the Transportation category, so if your priority is to keep traveling between parks easier, BoardWalk might be the standout for your family.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Your hotel at Walt Disney World will either be a place just to sleep or a hang-out in between touring the parks. If you’re seeking relaxation and don’t feel the need to rush to the parks, then Animal Kingdom Lodge provides an excellent respite from the crowds.

Polynesian Village vs. BoardWalk Inn Disney World Resort Guide 2023

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