Among Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts are a few that are just more iconic than the others.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of those resort icons! Here, it’s like you’re truly staying in a lodge located in the African Savanna, and the experience is only heightened by the fact that you can catch a glimpse of some REAL animals roaming around outside. Not only this, but resort guests will also have quick and easy access to some fan-favorite restaurants located at the hotel. However, there’s one problem that many guests encounter when staying at this resort.
The issue starts with the fact that Animal Kingdom Lodge is kind of off the beaten path at Disney World. It makes sense, though, because those animals have to have a peaceful place to roam! However, this typically means long bus rides to the other parks, and no Monorail or Skyliner access.
It takes a while to get to and from the parks!
On top of these lengthy bus rides, there’s also an internal loop with multiple stops once you arrive at the resort. So, even once you get back to the hotel, you might have to wait even longer to allow people to get off the bus, if your stop isn’t the first one.
While this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, it IS something to consider if you have tired little ones, get motion sick while on the buses, or just really want to be closer to the parks. However, if you’re seeking a quieter resort that’s a bit further away from everything, this could be the place for you!
Savanna View at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Don’t get us wrong, here, though. We LOVE staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge! But sometimes, you just have to choose if it’s worth it for you and your Disney group! We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and advice, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing.
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Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge? Let us know in the comments!
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My sister stayed there at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Their room was the furthest from the main lobby to the room! What a hike it was! We would never stay there for that and the cost they charge.
Harsh reality? You never want to leave??
I believe there are only 2 stops at Animal Kimgdom Lodge – Jambo House & Kidani Village.
There are not multiple stops in the internal resort loop, just the 2 stop unless I missed stops the times we have stayed at this resort.
What a lovely resort! We have stayed there, and the lodge and rooms are beautiful! But we would probably not stay there again as it IS very far away from most of the parks. We are going in November and will stay off site, but will be closer to the parks than AKL!
Animal Kingdom Lodge is not our favorite. Granted it’s beautiful and the dining is great, but it lacked the outdoor public spaces to walk around and explore. Those spaces are dedicated to the animals here so if you fancy an evening stroll around the resort it’s parking lots/roadways or hallways. It really wasn’t for us but I understand it has its perks.
You are not further away from every park at AKL. It’s a longer bus ride to MK from Saratoga Springs than from AKL. It’s also super handy for the 192. I really don’t know why there’s this perception about AKL. It’s not that far to the rooms either. Some people just won’t walk the length of themselves
I love this hotel and will be staying there next Easter with family, as it relies on the buses to the parks
( I’ve waited over an hour for the bus to MK why does Disney not put on more buses for this hotel to and from the parks, just a thought.
We are staying there next week and are really excited.
I’m staying here for 2 nights in January and I’m only going to Disney Springs and Animal Kingdom. Then I’m switching to another hotel closer to the other parks! 🙂
I have stayed there numerous times and I’m willing to put up with the distance from other parks because the animals needs the quiet. But I have reservations about going there again with some of my older friends. Last trip we were at the farthest point from the lobby and it did seem like a long walk. When we checked out the bell services man told us that some of their people had measured the distance. We were a quarter mile from the front lobby!
We’ve stayed at Kidani Village twice – 2 bedroom suite.. The rooms are nice size and I’ve liked that it has 3 full bathrooms. Bus service was very good- no instances of long wait times or having to wait for a second bus. Not sure if that would be true of Jambi House. Only downside for me was traveling to other resort restaurants- somewhat difficult.
We have stayed at AKL twice and never had issues with transportation. As everything else with Disney, if you plan correctly, the buses are not an issue.
Having said this, we split stay all the time and plan our parks where we stay.
We’ve split stayed at AKL for the last two years and both times it was amazing. From the animals, the food and the decor it’s amazing!!!
We’ve taken the buses to MK and it’s less than 30 mins and it seems the buses are never full. There are only two stops at AKL and we have never waited for a second bus.
As for the complaints about a walk to the far room, the are probably the closest out of all resorts.
This year (2024) it’s The Fort for us to experience the new cabins. But we will be back in 2025!!!
This by far my favorite resort. That smell of wood burning when you first walk in is awesome. I agree, the bus issue is real. Our solution is a split stay. That is part of the reason we bought a few DVC points for boardwalk. Do some time at a resort closer to Epcot/Hollywood or MK, the enjoy the beautiful Animals at AK
The bus issue goes away with a SKyliner extension.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has the *best* First Step Inside experience. Had to stop right there and take a picture. Then there’s all the other neat and nifty places inside the lodge. Certainly a good place to go and unwind.