Review: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge–Jambo House

By Dave Shute

OVERVIEW: DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Note: guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are eligible for Disney World’s Early Entry program, and have the ability to pre-book as early as seven days before check-in Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass rides. They are also eligible for its Extended Evening Hours.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge opened in 2001, and was renamed “Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge” with the opening of the nearby Disney Vacation Club property Kidani Village in 2009. Recent Disney usage seems to be reverting to the old Animal Kingdom Lodge lingo, so I’ll mostly use that here.

For reviews I count three separate properties here:

Jambo House, the topic of this review
The Disney Vacation Club (“DVC”) villas at Jambo House, reviewed here, and
The DVC villas at Kidani Village, for which see this for a review.

We’ve stayed here nine times, most recently in April. Whatever I call it, the key is this: Jambo House/Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place for first time visitors to stay, bested only by Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

You can have a wonderful visit at any Walt Disney World resort hotel.

However, this site recommends that first time visitors to Walt Disney World who can afford it should stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, a deluxe resort, and that those who can’t should stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a value resort.

(It also suggests that first time visitors should avoid the moderate resorts, while noting that these resorts are wonderful for visits after the first. See this for why.)

Compared to other Walt Disney World owned and operated resorts, the deluxe resorts are distinguished by having (on average) the most amenities, nicest views, best dining options, best transport options, largest rooms, best service, and highest prices.

Among the deluxe resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge stands out for having stunning kid appeal, so-so convenience, smallest rooms, and moderate prices (prices are very low for not-recommended “Standard View” rooms–at Jambo House, you want a more expensive Savanna View).

(See this for much more on resort distinctions by price class–value, moderate, deluxe, etc.)

This review of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has

ACCOMMODATIONS AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Standard rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are tied with those at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as the smallest deluxe rooms on property. Rooms at the Animal Kingdom are slightly different than those at Wilderness Lodge–the connecting door and coffeemaker/mini-fridge are in opposite positions.

The bedroom component of these rooms is smaller than even those at the moderate resorts, being almost a foot narrower and, on the long side, 2.5 feet shorter.

(On average, Animal Kingdom Lodge bedrooms are about 9 inches shorter than moderates, counting both the moderate’s shorter and longer sides. See this for more on comparative Disney resort room sizes.)

Most of these rooms sleep four–two each in two queens.

Rooms with a queen and two bunk beds are also available. I measured the bunk bed mattresses as 72 inches long and 36 inches wide. Because of the frame, the top bunk sleeps a little shorter than that, though the lower frame has toesies gaps that let me stretch my 5’11” out fine. Both cushions are 8″ deep. (Bunk bed rooms are more expensive than two-queen rooms.)

Rooms with one king bed are also available.

You can add to this capacity of four a child younger than three who sleeps in a crib.

Partly because of these room sizes, and partly because it is not directly accessible to a theme park, standard view rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are among the least expensive of the deluxe resorts.

More on accommodations at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is here, and a photo tour of a standard room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is here.

Note that these rooms saw a light refurb in 2019-2020. I’ll post updated images and floor plans shortly.

THE POOL AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Note: see the top of this page for the closure of this pool from early September to early December 2018!

The Uzima Springs pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge combines fun play and a water slide for kids with hidden nooks and a fun bar for adults.

One of my favorite pools at Disney World, there’s more on Uzima pool here.

DINING AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

The Animal Kingdom Lodge has two great restaurants, Boma for families and Jiko for couples, plus a strong quick-service offering.

Sanaa at nearby Kidani Village is one of my favorite restaurants at Disney World.

There’s more on dining at the Animal Kingdom Lodge here.

KID APPEAL AND CONVENIENCE AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Resorts are ranked on this site for first time visitors based first on their kid appeal, and then on their convenience.

On this basis, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the third-best resort for first time family visitors to Walt Disney World.

Kid Appeal.

Three of the deluxe resorts–the Wilderness Lodge, the Animal Kingdom Lodge itself, and Polynesian Resort, in that order–have spectacular kid appeal.
None of the moderates do.
All of the value resorts–Disney’s All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and All-Star Movies, and its Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort–have strong kid appeal.

The kid appeal of Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge comes from its sense of exotic African adventure.

The architecture of the resort recalls the great national park lodges of East Africa, and the resort itself is filled with wonderful authentic and replica artifacts, and instances of Sub-Saharan African art.

This architecture is crowned by Jambo House’s magnificent lobby, stunning in its own right, but also reminiscent of that of the Wilderness Lodge. (Peter Dominick was the architect of both.)

This architecture alone would be enough to put Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge near the top of Walt Disney World kid appeal.

Add the animals, and you have something even more special.

The Animal Kingdom resort is surrounded by savannas, each of which is populated by dozens of wild African mammals and birds.

Most rooms have a view of these savannas…and waking up to a giraffe outside your balcony is a very cool way to start your day! (All animal shots in this review are zoomed.)

Savanna views are also available from many public spaces.

Other wonderful elements both big and small continue the African theme, from art objects…

…to wonderful designs–some as simple as repeating forms.

Jambo House Convenience.

Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is least most convenient of the deluxe Disney Resorts

It is distant from all the theme parks other than Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and you can’t walk to the Animal Kingdom–all theme park transport is by bus.

Buses from the Animal Kingdom Lodge do not serve any other Disney resorts, but there are two stops–Jambo House and sister DVC resort Kidani Village.

BEST PLACES TO STAY AT JAMBO HOUSE

This site suggests that first time visitors stay in standard rooms, not preferred rooms.

This is because they won’t be spending much time in their rooms.

The single exception is for visitors to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, who should always pay for savanna views.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is on the right on the map–Kidani Village is the undulating structure on the left. Rooms fronting Arusha savanna are the most popular–and $30 per night more expensive. Arusha savanna is in the middle of the “arms” of the Lodge–the part that looks like a tilted half-circle.

For most first time visitors, the extra cost of Arusha is probably not worth it. But if you do sign up for Arusha, request a “Zebra Trail” room (the Lodge is laid out in “trails”)–this will put you closer to the pool and restaurants.

But be sure to reserve a savanna-view room, whether Arusha or not!

Also request a third or fourth floor room, about halfway down the trail. The third and fourth floor rooms have the best views, and halfway down the trail gives the best balance between quiet and walking distance.

BEST FOR:

Any first time family visitors who can afford it, and prefer its theme to those of the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge.

WORST FOR:

Families too large to fit into its 4 person rooms. See this for more on large families at Walt Disney World.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND THEMING AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

This review continues here.

TOPICS IN THIS REVIEW OF DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

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20 comments

1 Paul { 06.26.14 at 12:29 am }: Dave, our plans keep changing from one resort to another and now we are strongly considering AKL for our upcoming trip. But I have a few questions. We only need standard rooms and not villas, so am I correct in understanding that Kidani Village only has villas or suites? Therefore, when we book AKL at Disney’s website it will be Jambo House?
Also, the pool at Kidani village looks to be more young kid friendly as there is a water play area and smaller water slide. I know its a hike, but can guests at Jambo House use the Kidani Village pool?
Thanks so much for all of your help and information!
2 Dave { 06.26.14 at 8:22 am }: Paul, Kidani has only DVC villas and studios, while Jambo House has both those and also standard rooms. So long as your reservation does not say “studio” or “villa” you will be in a standard room at Jambo.
You can us either pool https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/animal-kingdom-lodge/pools-animal-kingdom-lodge/ but start at the Jambo pool. It’s terrific for kids, too, and much less of a pain to get to.
3 Paul { 06.27.14 at 12:50 pm }: Awesome
Thanks for clarifying that for me.
4 Ted { 08.06.14 at 4:28 pm }: trying to find information specific to the Animal Kingdom Club level… like floor plan for 1 bedroom, and other thoughts/notes/comparisons. What i keep finding looks to be standard rooms in AK. Thanks
5 Dave { 08.07.14 at 7:01 am }: Ted, as in most Disney resorts, AKL club level rooms (other than suites) are identical to standard rooms.
6 Debbie { 08.22.15 at 7:21 pm }: Have never stayed at AKL. What is the difference between a value studio room and a value standard room? How do the rooms compare to the All Star resorts? How long to get to Magic Kingdom from AKL? Thanks!
7 Dave { 08.23.15 at 8:22 am }: Gail, the rooms are larger and nicer than those at the All-Stars, and have balconies and queen beds. The value studios have a queen and a sofa bed instead of two queens.
8 Eric { 04.03.18 at 2:22 pm }: Hi Dave, although we have not even gone on our 2018 WDW trip yet, we’re starting to think about 2019. We’re going on a cruise in 2019 out of FLA (possibly Disney) and want to tack on a few days…ideally AKL. My question: We want to book a savannah view. Looking at 2018 prices (since 2019 is not avail), I could book a Jambo DVC, (Sav View) “standard” room for the same price as the non DVC (basic AKL) Sav view. By going with the DVC room, what are the differences? Are there any advantages or are they identical? I heard from a non-credible source that DVC rooms in Jambo are the top 2 floors across the board. Any truth?
9 Dave { 04.04.18 at 8:22 am }: Hi Eric, see the photo tour (and floor plan) of a Jambo DVC Studio here.
The essential differences: the second bed is a fold out couch, and you get a microwave and toaster.
Note that there’s a Studio class at Jambo called a “Value Studio”–avoid those as they are a bit small.
All the Jambo DVC rooms are on the 5th and 6th floor. 6th floor rooms are pretty much scarfed up by DVC point holders, so expect a fifth floor space.
Note that if you are willing to deal with some complexity and different terms (especially cancellation) you can save a lot by renting points instead of paying cash. See this (the numbers are out of date, but the relative savings are real).
10 Eric { 04.05.18 at 10:32 am }: Thanks Dave! A lot of useful info. I read through Mousesavers and also to their recommended site for renting points. Turns out we\’d save a little over $400 for a 5 night stay in a AKL DVC Jambo Studio vs AKL Jambo 2Queen room (both Savannah views). However, as you mentioned, renting points has different cancellation/modification policies. The difference: both are prohibited. So one must book and pay in full upfront (some vendors may do payment plans but you\’re still on the hook).
I then looked into trip insurance and it wiped away most savings. Decisions, decisions.
As always, very helpful. Thanks again!
11 Dave { 04.06.18 at 10:03 am }: Personally, Eric, I’d need a lot more savings (net of trip insurance) to bother with points…
12 Jenny { 07.25.18 at 4:45 pm }: Hi Dave, trust your opinion, so we are staying at AKL with 2 young children. I have never stayed there before but have been to Disney many times (trying different hotels)! As far as room request (location) what do you suggest? I have a standard room (don’t need Savannah view at all we are not that interested in the animals!)…but I want something that is close to the elevators (in and out), quiet noise? There are so many hallways and it gets confusing. I like to be near the entrance for pool and bus. We stayed at Beach Club once and I did NOT like it AT ALL! I did not like walking down the LONG air conditioned hallways in a wet bathing suit, freezing! Also, are bunk bed rooms considered standard? Any advice? Thanks for all you do and this website! You and Josh are great!
13 Dave { 07.27.18 at 12:25 pm }: Jenny, I think the best request for you will be higher floor, near the lobby. There are several elevator banks, including one on the lobby–being near the lobby will put you closer to that one, which is best for the pool and bus stop as well.
Bunk beds are a separate booking class–you have to book a bunk bed room to be assured you will get one.
14 Jenny { 07.30.18 at 2:09 pm }: Dave, Thank you so much for everything! I appreciate the advice!!!!
15 Ana { 03.26.19 at 8:19 pm }: Hello Dave,
I recently stumbled accross a post on instagram that showed a refurbished room at the animal kingdom lodge (Savannah view if my memory doesn’t fail me) but I can’t seem to find it anymore, do you know anything about it? A refurbed room is what I’m waiting for to book this amazing hotel.
16 Dave { 03.27.19 at 8:54 am }: Hi Ana, is it this?
This refurb has been very slow to come, and seems to be developing even more slowly. I quite like the looks of it, but have not stayed in a refurbed room yet.
17 luke { 01.02.20 at 12:33 pm }: Dave, Were looking into staying at AKL. Were going with a standard view room. Were looking to get close to bus stop. Can you suggest specific rooms numbers for me. Thanks
18 Dave { 01.03.20 at 3:17 pm }: Hi Luke. You want rooms to 1018 to 1030, 2018 to 2036, 3006 to 3036, 4001 to 4036, or 5003-5031. You also what to give Disney the “why” so that if for some reason these are unavailable, they can try to put you as near transportation as is possible.
In the image, these rooms are circled in red, and the bus stop in yellow.
19 Matt { 02.12.20 at 11:46 am }: Dave, I am going to be staying at AKL this coming March for my 50th birthday and plan to spend a lot of time in the room and at the resort. We have a Savannah view 2 queens reserved. I understand that Kudu trail Arusha view is the preferred section, but what room numbers should I request? I’ve heard being near the feeding spots is good. Do you have any recommendations on 2nd or 3rd choices in case there is no availability? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
20 Dave { 02.14.20 at 11:31 am }: Hi Matt, and happy almost 50th! I have never found that one Arusha savanna view is much better than another. The feeding areas are scattered out and the animals a bit unpredictable on top of that. I was just at AKL over the weekend, and from my balcony I could see none, a few, or many animals at various times.

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