The entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, featuring lush foliage, leads to the thatched-roofed main lobby. Take a step inside and be transported to another continent. Experience the artistic beauty and warmth of hand-carved furnishings, African artifacts, and a view of the savannah. The 1,293-room deluxe resort showcases the wonder and romance of Africa, from the gourmet cuisine served in its three restaurants to the splendor of a 33-acre savannah around the resort where animals roam freely.
"We’re trying to capture an image that is not only symbolic of Africa but is culturally relevant," said project manager Jim Kwasnowski of Walt Disney Imagineering.
In fact, Disney Imagineers visited more than 20 African lodges for inspiration and research. What they created is amazing.
Here’s a quick tour:
Namukelekile! (Zulu - nã mu ke’ le ke le): Welcome All of You!
The lodge’s shape -- resembling a horseshoe -- is based on the traditional kraal (pronounced "crawl"), or corral, a design used in African villages to keep homes and livestock safe from harm.Designed by Peter Dominick (who also designed Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort), the six-story resort features towering thatched roofs complemented by rich woods and golden tones. The grand lobby features a large, mud fireplace, natural lighting and giant dormer windows that provide spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets over the animal-filled savannah.
At night, incandescent lighting twinkles, resembling fireflies and soft-glowing campfires. Just outside the lobby, an elevated kopje, or rock outcropping, puts guests within 15 feet of the animals, and gives an extraordinary, near-panoramic view of the animal reserve.
Guest Rooms: Handcrafted Beauty
Nestled on 74 acres west of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is built in the middle of its own savannah, providing most of the rooms views into the animal sanctuary, with other rooms offering views of the Uzima Pool and Springs. Guestroom balconies overlooking the reserve put guests within 30 feet of the rich grasslands.Each of the lodge’s 1,293 rooms feature handcrafted furniture and art -- much of it made in Zimbabwe. Rich woods and vibrant colors showcase the art of African craftsmanship. For instance, some headboard designs have been inspired by "butterfly" masks. The Royal Asante Suite features a domed, hut-like living room that’s truly "fit for a king" with a kitchen, office, dining room and sweeping porches offering spectacular views of the savannah.
Accommodations range in size from standard rooms, to one- and two-bedroom suites. Concierge-level rooms also are available. Each room sleeps four to eight guests with a variety of choices. King-size beds, queen-size beds and bunk beds are available in rooms throughout the resort.
A World of Amenities
Famous Disney service and deluxe amenities combine to create an unforgettable adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The resort features a 9,000-square-foot, themed feature pool -- which offers a poolside view of the savannah -- as well as two bubbling spas. The Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center offers facials, body treatments and massage therapy. Featured for the younger set: Simba’s Cubhouse, a children’s activity center; Pumbaa’s Fun and Games arcade; a pool; and the Hakuna Matada Playground.
