Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

My wife and I and two adult children went to visit Disney and chose to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House for this trip. Jambo House was built first, with 900+ rooms. Just down the street is the other part of this resort, the Kidani Village, which is all villas. Both resorts sit on savannas, three for Jambo and one for Kidani. The Jambo savannas surround the lodge and it’s so cool to see such a variety of African animals right outside the patio doors of your room. Jambo House is big. When arriving at the Lodge, you drive up a small hill to the front door area. Do not plan to unload your bags and bring them to your room yourself. This is pretty much set up for bellhop service. They will bring your bags to your room. There are several very large parking lots for guests close to the lodge, or use the valet service at the door. The lobby is impressive to say the least. African motif, four floors, a thatched roof looking arched ceiling and some of the most impressive hanging lamps ever. There are numerous sitting areas with couches and chairs to sit and take it all in. Check in was very smooth and easy. Lots of walking just to get to our room and the hallways seem to never end. Our room had two queen beds and for the short time that we were in the room, it was fine. Nice African decor with in room Keurig and mini-fridge. We had an outdoor terrace with a few chairs to sit and watch the wildlife. As instructed by the bellhops, we were to remain in our room until they arrived and they showed up a few minutes later. There are numerous places to eat in the lodge and I wrote another review of the Boma Buffet. We found a little grab and go place in the lodge that stays open late on the pool level that made small flatbread pizzas that were surprisingly good. During our stay, we met several workers, who came from Africa, that had set up small educational stands. They spoke perfect English and their strong accent was so cool to listen to. One day we learned about animal dung. Really? YES! Set up like a game, they explained how dung from various animals is used for different purposes in Africa and how vital it was for these animals to remain plentiful for people there to survive. On another day, we learned to play a very simple game, Mancala, which is very popular in Africa. I guess this was the predecessor to Xbox. Wonderful, pleasant, personable staff. This resort is very far from the theme parks, but transportation via the Disney bus service is top notch. Buses for the various parks arrive and depart regularly from stops outside the lodge. Signs are very clear on where to wait. Likewise, when leaving any park, signs and bus markings are very clear and easy to understand. No problems with getting around and no need to drive a personal vehicle from place to place and find parking. I strongly recommend the buses. Not wanting to use the bell staff on departure, my son went down and grabbed a cart and we took our own luggage out to the car which I carefully positioned along a curb just short of the valet/bellhop only lanes at the front door. The Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House has that Disney magic. It transports you to a place far away where you can relax after a day of park hopping, try unique foods and meet some great people. Read less

We had a room with a nice balcony so we could see the animals outside, which we loved. The hotel has the Africa/Animal theme and it is fun and beautiful too. The service was nice overall except for our check in woman who had a name close sounding to Rafiki from the Lion King story. She was rude and in a bad mood, and this can never exist at Disneyworld because it does not align with the brand. Also, some gift shop cashiers had no idea how to set up the Disney magic bands, The check in lady also did not tell us how to get magic bands even though I told her what we purchased online. Very unhelpful and unfriendly. They need to train their staff better. Read less

This is a nice hotel, but with everything else around Disney parks it is very busy. Lots of comings and goings, busy eateries and public areas. Best probably the reception area that is large and airy, very welcoming on a hot day! Room was average size with two large beds for a family of four. Room has small fridge, safe, coffee machine, and large wall mounted tv. Bathroom well equipped with two basins and shallow bath/shower (I understand some rooms only have a shower cubicle). Towels were changed daily as required, and beds made by housekeeping. Inside areas are kept well clean, although outside pool area did appear a little “tired”. Safety taken very seriously with two lifeguards, but pool at deepest less than 5ft, and very warm water. Staff very pleasant and friendly; only a couple of issues, but sorted by other staff (strange occasion of valet parking guy getting car, but not bringing key back……). I guess all Disney hotels will be similar, but numbers of guests definitely outstrip demand for service, whether food or assistance. Read less

We stayed here eight nights in a resort view room, which we ended up getting an obstructed Savannah view! It was not the first room that I was assigned, but they were very nice to reassign me to a new room, and this was perfect for me! As soon as I walked out, I had four giraffes there to greet me And it really made my whole trip. They were there every day in morning and a good hour or so late afternoon! The pools were amazing,both Kidani and Jambo! The resort is absolutely gorgeous. There’s so much to explore and look at ! The bus service for the most part was pretty good , at times I thought they really should’ve had a separate bus for Kidani. As much as I absolutely loved our stay here I’m not sure if I would be eager to go back. I think it’s more of a must do once for the experience! Read less