Ashlyn Rimsky
We were promised an early check in at 3:30 AM after a 20 hour drive and did not get a room until about 3 PM (12 hours later), causing us to sleep uncomfortably/awkwardly in the lobby. The staff member we talked to basically shrugged her shoulders and said oh well. No pixie dust for us, I guess!
The hotel itself is nice and the rooms are large and clean. The animals out on the shared deck are beautiful. Outside of the check-in desk staff everyone was nice. Our room was right above the construction zone, so the noises and views werent what you'd imagine for animal kingdom. All of the staff for the bead activities were amazing, and that was a cool perk of the hotel. They have pottery painting which is reasonably priced and was fun. The pool and hot tub are nice. However they close promptly at 10 PM - we wish they were open a little later like the pools at Saratoga Springs. You have to pay for or sign into a Disney+ account to watch Disney shows and movies which felt crazy.
All in all it is a nice hotel and we enjoyed our stay, but the start of our stay put a bad taste in our mouth. We would have gotten a separate hotel for the first day if they had not promised an early check in over the phone.
Diane Norris
Animal Kingdom is my new favorite among the Disney deluxe resorts. Previously, we've stayed at the Polynesian, Boardwalk, Beach, and Yacht resorts with my favorites being the Poly and Boardwalk. I found this trip that I prefer the relaxed vibe of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am an animal lover and could spend a day or so at the resort just watching giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, etc. Loved our Savannah view room looking over the Ostrich path area. We were able to relax and watch so many animals casually strolling in and eating under our balcony. Mara is a very convenient quick service restaurant with some interesting choices. We had our car and could easily get to all the parks. So, I can't comment on the efficiency of the bus service. The resort is themed so beautifully. When we stayed at the other resorts, we always had our kids with us. This time, it was just my husband and I are our kids are grown now. If we were still wrangling children around the resort and parks, I may have still favored Poly or Boardwalk for the convenience of monorails, boats, and walking. But, Animal Kingdom Lodge fit perfectly for a couple.
Joe Anthony
Our booking was originally for the renovated Royal rooms at Port Orleans Riverside but due to some delays with renovation we were moved over to AKL. Was super excited to stay at this property after having visited Sanaa the year prior. We had planned this trip a year prior but it came at a time when a loved one became gravely ill. They passed the evening we arrived. Unbeknowst to me at the time, my wife had approached the front desk to see if there was anything that a castmember could do just to try and lift my spirits the day following. We arrived back at our room that evening to find they had left me a two AKL coffee mugs, a stuffed elephant and a card offering condolences. It is gestures such as this that give me unwavering confidence in humanity and I cannot thank the staff enough for helping to lift me when I was experiencing a low. You make a difference! Please keep being you.
The grounds and rooms are lovely as well. The hype around eateries at AKL is real as well. If you are a more adventurous foodie you’ll love some of the more exotic flavors on offer here.
Jennifer Larson
Maybe I don’t get Disney, but I’m very underwhelmed by this hotel. If you’re used to staying at nice 4 star hotels you will be disappointed staying here. Walls are thin, it’s extremely crowded, kids screaming down the hallway - for reference I’m here on a Tuesday thru Friday last week in Jan. It’s allegedly a less busy time but feels very crowded. We have a Savannah view room and it’s fine I guess, but it’s certainly not worth what we paid. It’s nicer than looking at a parking lot but it’s not like elephants and tigers are roaming around. Expect to see some zebra, cool but also kinda meh after the 10th one. People love it here but I don’t get it. Feels really basic and dated. Haven’t had any interaction with staff, checked in through the app. It’s my daughter’s first visit which we indicated on the app and on all dinner reservations & no one has mentioned it. We don’t feel any magic. If you’re not a Disney head stay off property. It’s just .. too much.
Heidy Perez
We stayed here for a weekend for a much needed staycation. We chose this hotel for
It’s more cozy atmosphere and the animals. It’s a beautiful relaxing resort. The Savannah room view is so nice to just sit and watch the animals roam. We enjoyed the food at Boma and jikos and highly recommended this for couples for a getaway. The only thing is that it is the farthest resort and you can only get to the parks on a bus or drive.
My Booking
