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

Well, we’re here to walk you through the similarities AND differences between Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Whether cost, 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 traveling party!

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’ll dive deeper into the details of these resorts by breaking down our analysis into five categories:

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

It takes a lot of research to plan a Disney vacation, but we’re here to help.

Common Ground

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Lodge 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. Each resort relies on WDW bus transportation, although Old Key West does have boat service to Disney Springs.

Both resorts have a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful landscaping. Landscaping is exotic at Animal Kingdom Lodge and tropical at Old Key West.

But what about cost per night? Price points are very similar.

For Old Key West, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $457 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,081 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

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)

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 Old Key West Resort.

But whether your stay takes you to the panoramic African savanna or to the romantic Florida Keys, you’ll find that both of these options provide top-of-the-line Disney amenities.

Old Key West

As a Deluxe Villa Resort, this hotel offers many unique perks. Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests, and because of the immense size of Old Key West, rooms are often available!

Opened in October 1991, Old Key West features a relaxed, beach vibe (minus the ocean). Picture yourself vacationing at a Caribbean-style guest house in small neighborhood-type structures. Exteriors are painted in soft hues reminiscent of the Florida Keys. Guests return here year after year because of the laid-back atmosphere and large rooms.

Yes, this resort offers generous square footage in each studio or villa. Studios are furnished with two queen beds and a kitchenette. Take note of that balcony! Two-bedroom villas sleep up to nine people. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, as well as washer and dryer. Rooms were last renovated in 2019.

Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).

If you’re looking for convenience, these amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier!

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 Africa to share their 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.

Results

What type of accommodations do you prefer? Both offer a relaxing atmosphere. Yet, there is a sense of Victorian community at Old Key West, especially with repeat Disney Vacation Club guests.

When it comes to immersive theming, the Animal Kingdom Lodge wins out.

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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. Some Disney resorts are so spread out that they also offer leisure pools. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa. Leisure pools are quieter than the more crowded and active feature pools.

Note that poolside towels are always complimentary.

Old Key West

Sandcastle is Old Key West’s feature pool near the Hospitality House. Here, a 125-ft. waterslide traverses through a large sandcastle. Guests will love the decorative dolphins that spout water into the large pool. There’s also a relaxing whirlpool spa as well as a dry sauna located inside the nearby lighthouse. Small children will enjoy the kiddie pool. Keeping with the Florida Keys atmosphere, there is also a sandy “beach”!

At this property, there are three leisure pools — Old Turtle Pond, South Point, and Miller’s Road.

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.

Results

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 a bus or boat 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.

Old Key West

Olivia’s Cafe is a relaxed and casual Table Service restaurant featuring flavors inspired by the Florida Keys.

It’s open for brunch and dinner.

Good’s Food To Go is Old Key West’s Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is unique with its outdoor setting made for more of a “to-go” style. However, Old Key West lacks a quick service food court with indoor seating!

The Conch Chowder is a guest favorite.

Gurgling Suitcase is a charming little bar where guests can also order full entrees from Olivia’s Cafe.

We love this little oasis.

Turtle Shack Snack Bar offers sandwiches, pizza, and salads to be enjoyed poolside.

Grab a bite and spend some time at the pool!

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Old Key West Resort!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

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

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 outdoor area offering shaded tables.

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

Results

First, we’re going to warn you — Old Key West has slim pickings, especially for counter service meals. However, you’re not far from Disney Springs, which has a ton of dining options. And if you are spending a lot of time out at the parks (or staying in a large villa so that you can prepare meals), this category might not be as important to you as others. If you plan on a vacation mainly at the resort and have no interest in Disney Springs, you may want to dine at the popular Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West, as it offers table-service for brunch and dinner.

When looking at the variety of choices and the quality of the meals, Animal Kingdom Lodge wins this category.

Transportation

Are there any transportation differences with these hotels? Both resorts offer bus transportation.

Old Key West

If you are driving to Walt Disney World or renting a car once you get to Florida, Old Key West offers the convenience of parking right in front of your villa. And with all the walking that you’ll do on vacation, this might be the right choice for your weary feet. This is especially helpful when traveling with grandparents, young children, or anyone with mobility concerns.

To all theme parks, you’ll have to take a bus. However, boat service is available to Disney Springs!

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.

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.

Find our Guide to Disney World Transportation HERE

Results

We’ll give a slight edge to Old Key West due to the convenient boat transportation to Disney Springs.

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 larger rooms or shopping at Disney Springs are important to you, opt for Old Key West. You may also want to consider that Old Key West (except for three buildings) does not have elevators. If this is an issue for you, perhaps you should choose Animal Kingdom Lodge.

If you’re seeking relaxation and don’t feel the need to rush to the parks, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Old Key West provide an excellent respite from the crowds. Overall, these are both wonderful resorts, although Animal Kingdom Lodge definitely has bragging rights for the overall theme as well as dining options.

Where did you decide to stay? Share with us and your fellow readers!