Chasing EverAfter

Check out our review of our recent stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House

When considering which Disney resort to stay at, what things are important to you? If your answer includes dining, theming, atmosphere, views, and the overall experience, then Animal Kingdom Lodge might just be the right place!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is divided into two separate resort buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village. Having recently stayed at Jambo House, we wanted to share our experience, thoughts, and overall take on what makes this resort so special.

Animal Kingdom Lodge – or AKL as it will henceforth be called in this review – is part of Disney’s deluxe resorts collection, and stands out for its unique theming, affordability, and availability in comparison to other Disney deluxe resorts. And when we say unique theming – this resort fully stands out from any other Disney resort  – in a really cool way!

The resort consists of multiple savannas that are home to over 200 animals, expert cast members who can teach you more about the wildlife, and incredible rooms available to book that offer balcony views of the animals eating, sleeping, and living their best life right in Disney. Ever dream about having your morning coffee while you relax on a balcony, watching giraffes and zebras enjoy breakfast? This is the only Disney World resort that can turn that dream into reality.

With an African safari theme, AKL not only delivers on incredible views of wildlife at every turn, but it also offers a beautiful, relaxing resort atmosphere that is just Disney enough to make you feel like you’re always in the magic, without ever feeling overwhelming. Arriving at Jambo House was an experience all on its own, as the main resort building is astonishing both inside and out. Walking up to the lobby instantly fills you with the excitement of what’s ahead, and walking in will make your jaw drop. This resort is breathtaking to take in for the first time (and each time thereafter, too.)

Filled with African art and inspired by traditional South African wildlife reserve lodges, Jambo House let’s no detail go to waste. From the incredible chandeliers that resemble Maasai warrior shields and spears, the Great Window, a floor to ceiling glass wall at the rear of the lobby overlooking the Arusha Savanna, Ogun’s fire pit, a gorgeous indoor hearth, and an incredible suspension bridge on the 5th floor, offering an elevated view of the African-inspired architecture, Jambo House stands second to none in providing incredibly themed atmosphere.

The wonders don’t stop there however, as every section of this resort is brimming with African culture and Disney magic. Heading outside of the lobby, you will find yourself immersed in a beautiful savanna consisting of several dozen animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, ankole cattle, pelicans, and more. Looking to cool off from the Florida heat? Head over to the massive Uzima Springs pool, with a zero-entry section and a fun waterslide for the kids. Craving something special to satisfy your hunger? Check out one of the many fantastic dining options this resort offers, with unique African cuisine and more tame options for the picky eater in your group.

Speaking of dining – AKL has no shortage of options, and each one of them has something unique to offer. Stop by the breakfast buffet at Boma to get a new take on what it means to be in a food coma, or as it’s called here, the Boma Coma. Head over to the Mara to enjoy quick service meals and snacks that range from African offerings to grab and go options, perfect for a snack or a coffee fill-up before hitting the parks. Grab a drink at the Victoria Falls Lounge, or aim for something truly memorable by dining at AKL’s signature restaurant, Jiko – The Cooking Place. Maybe you’re wanting a wonderful view to go with your dinner? Over at Kidani Village, Sanaa offers the ability to dine while enjoying incredible savanna views and indulging in their Indian style bread service – which we would highly recommend for anyone who hasn’t tried it before.

Beyond the sights and delicious dining, this resort also offers all of your typical amenities; from beautifully themed rooms that are comfortable for families, couples, or single-rider resort goers, to a full fitness center for those looking to burn off the Boma cals, to bell services able to help you with inquiries and requests throughout your stay. On top of the typical amenities of staying at a resort, you also get the Disney perk amenities such as free transportation to and from the theme parks, as well as Disney Springs, free standard parking at all four parks, early park entry as a Disney resort guest, allowing access to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening, and as a guest of a Disney deluxe resort, extended evening hours in the park after they have closed for everyone else, on the nights this is offered. This is a fantastic perk and a great way to ride some of the highly sought after attractions without having to battle the larger crowds.

While transportation isn’t a highlight of this particular resort in comparison to those on the skyliner or monorail loops, you can still take the Disney buses to get just about anywhere you need to go within the Disney bubble for free, or you can reserve a Mini Van, Disney’s exclusive transportation option through the Lyft app, and enjoy being chauffeured around by a Disney cast member in style; Minnie Mouse style that is. And though this resort may be a little further removed from the rest of the Disney World parks, it is located right next to Animal Kingdom (surprise, I know) and is a great option for those who want to be stimulated while in the parks and relax when not.

On top of everything else, AKL also offers plenty of excitement for guests of all ages, without ever having to leave the resort during your stay. There’s an arcade to get your game on, nightly marshmallow roasting (completely free and with s’mores kits available to purchase,) movies under the stars on select nights each week, poolside activities and music, playgrounds, and themed resort activities such as the Jambo House lobby art tour. If you’re looking for something truly unique for your young ones, head over to the pool at Kidani Village (fully available to guests staying at AKL regardless of which building they choose) where they have the impressive Uwanja Camp water playground, which is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids. Truly – it’s like a little mini water park, stationed right next to a gorgeous pool equipped once again with zero-entry, a 128-foot water slide, and a small slide for the littles. But it gets better, it’s also right next to the Maji pool bar, so you can enjoy a cocktail and a gourmet grilled cheese while your kids soak up all the sun and all the fun.

So once it’s all said and done, how would we rate this resort? To answer plainly: quite high! We loved our stay at Jambo House from the moment we arrived to the moment we begrudgingly checked out. The overall aesthetic and theming truly amazed us, and between the incredible views of the animals (both from our balcony and from the many viewing areas throughout,) the endless activities, and the unique delicious dining options, we had a trip that will be remembered forever. The only negative thing we could honestly say was that the transportation was limited and that it was further from the other parks, but in reality we didn’t mind taking the buses to get around and with free parking, driving to the parks wasn’t a bad option at all, especially when utilizing early access and extended evening hours. That “far away” drive by the way, was a whole 15 minutes give or take – so nothing really to complain about. If asked, would we recommend this resort to others? 100% we would!

Regardless of whether you’re a frequent flyer in the Disney bubble or a newcomer looking for that once in a lifetime Disney trip, Animal Kingdom Lodge has something for everyone to fit your needs. So if you’re looking for a wild time that’s sure to be a roar amongst your pride, consider AKL for your next visit, we have a feeling you won’t regret it.