I’ve visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge many times over the years. I go to soak in the ambiance and enjoy the incredible dining. Finally getting the chance to stay at this Disney Deluxe Resort made a dream come true. For this trip, we booked a Savanna View room—and it delivered everything we hoped for and more.
Savanna View Magic from Our Balcony
One of the biggest highlights of our stay was the start of each morning. We would wake up, make a cup of coffee, and step out onto the balcony. Peaceful views of the African savanna greeted us. The view came complete with roaming giraffes, zebras, and Ankole cattle. It was unlike anything else you can experience at Walt Disney World.
We stayed in a standard 2-queen room with plenty of space and comfort.
Jambo House vs. Kidani Village
Animal Kingdom Lodge is split into two distinct areas: Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House is home to the grand lobby, the main pool, and several dining locations including Boma and Jiko. It also offers Club Level rooms, which include access to concierge services and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day.
Kidani Village is a bit more peaceful and residential in feel. Kidani Village features villa-style accommodations and hosts Sanaa, one of our favorite dining spots. This section is part of the Disney Vacation Club. Kidani Village offers studio rooms as well as 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens and in-room washers and dryers. Perfect for longer stays or bigger groups.
Unforgettable Dining: Boma & Sanaa
We made time to dine at both Boma – Flavors of Africa and Sanaa. Each offered a completely different, but equally memorable, experience.
Boma is located at Jambo House and serves breakfast and dinner buffet-style. Breakfast included everything from fresh pastries and custom omelets to unique African-inspired dishes. It’s an excellent way to start your day, especially if you’re not heading into the parks right away.
Sanaa, located in Kidani Village, is a table-service restaurant with bold flavors influenced by Indian cuisine. We enjoyed dinner here and of course, ordered the famous bread service. The bread comes with a variety of dips and sauces. The restaurant overlooks the savanna, so if you dine before sunset, the views are just as impressive as the food.
For those looking to relax in their room, Sanaa also offers mobile to-go orders. So, you can bring that delicious bread service back to your balcony.
Additionally, Jambo House is home to the signature dining table service restaurant- Jiko-A Cooking Place. We have eaten at this amazing restaurant in the past and it’s one not to be missed. It offers the wide selection of African wines and dishes that are so full of flavor, it really is an experience.
Activities, Art, and Ambiance
Animal Kingdom Lodge is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a destination. The resort features one of the largest collections of African art outside of the continent, and many Cast Members are African nationals who love to share their personal stories and knowledge about the Lodge’s design and cultural inspirations.
You’ll also find quiet walking paths, animal-viewing areas like the flamingo pond, and plenty of serene spots with water features and fire pits to unwind.
The Uzima Springs Pool at Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani are both relaxing and fun for families. Pool bars offer quick bites and refreshing drinks, and for even more convenience, there’s The Mara at Jambo—a solid quick service option with grab-and-go items.
The Starlight Safari: A Unique After-Dark Adventure
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Starlight Safari is a nighttime tour on the resort’s private savanna. You ride in a safari truck equipped with night vision goggles to observe the animals after dark. This is a limited-capacity experience and does require reservations, but it’s a fantastic way to see the animals in a totally different light.
Why We Fell in Love with Staying Here
We’ve long considered Animal Kingdom Lodge one of the most immersive resorts at Walt Disney World, but staying here deepened our appreciation tenfold. It’s quiet, relaxing, and inspiring—perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the magic in a different way.
Whether it’s the animals, the food, or the stories being told through the art and culture, this resort is unlike any other.
Ready to Book Your Stay?
If you’re dreaming of waking up to giraffes or dining with a view of the savanna, let’s make it happen. Contact DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin for help booking your next Disney World vacation. I’ll help you find the perfect room, dining experiences, and extras that make your trip unforgettable.
And don’t forget to check out our full video review on YouTube at KC’s Corner Views for a firsthand look at our stay!
