kimmar067
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- Mar 7, 2001
What's the address and contact info for Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas?
The hotel's address is: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830.
Main phone number is: 407-938-3000
Fax number is: 407-938-4799
Zahanati Fitness Center phone number (to schedule spa treatments) is: 407-938-4715
Resort Itinerary Planning Office phone number is: 407-938-4755
Is there a list of distances between AKL and other Disney properties?
If you have a car, you'll have no problem. You can get to anywhere on Disney property from AK in under 20 minutes in a car/taxi. The Disney transportation busses go to all parks, including water parks and Downtown Disney--and they don't share transportation with any other resort, unlike other deluxe resorts--but you have the standard problems with them (can only go to a park and then have to transfer to get to another resort, etc.).
Here are some basic distances from google maps:
Disney's Hollywood Studios- about 5 miles
Blizzard Beach - about 2.5 miles
Disney's BoardWalk - about 5 miles
Disney's Animal Kingdom - about 1 mile
Epcot - about 6 miles
Typhoon Lagoon - about 6 miles
Downtown Disney Area - 2.2 miles
Magic Kingdom - about 8 miles
SeaWorld Orlando - about 10 miles
Discovery Cove - about 12 miles
Universal Studios Florida - About 15 miles
Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Information
View of Lobby Picture Window from Zebra Trail Room
Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Room Basics
Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts 1,293 guest rooms--all with private balconies--offering choices of Savanna, Pool, or Standard views. All rooms are located on one of four "trails," which are essentially hallways off of the main lobby: Giraffe Trail, Kudu Trail, Ostrich Trail, and Zebra Trail. Rooms usually contain two queen beds, but are also available with one king bed or one queen bed and a set of bunk beds! Also available are one- and two-bedroom suites, and Vice Presidental and Presdential suites.
Per night room rates range from $240 for a standard-view room, up to $2,000+ for the Presidential Suite.
Guests are also able to book on the Concierge-Club level, receiving upgraded amenities (such as turn-down service and complimentary bathrobes); access to the Kilimanjaro Club, serving snacks throughout the day and offering an evening wine and cheese reception; the opportunity to venture on the Sunrise Safari, including breakfast and a private Kilimanjaro Safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park; and the chance to participate in the Wildlife Discovery Excursion--an exclusive guided tour of Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Finally, remember that you can also book Disney Vacation Club "villas" at the Animal Kingdom Villas, which offer studios (with kitchenettes), one- and two-bedroom villas (with kitchens), and Grand villas.
All rooms contain in-room safes, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, coffee makers, and refrigerators. Cribs are available by request, and high-speed internet is currently available for a charge of $10/day.
A Few AKL Room Tips and Tricks
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a large resort, and views and room locations can make a big difference to the enjoyment level of your overall stay. Also, don't forget to check the Animal Kingdom Lodge room rates to determine costs for different room types.
VIEWS:
Because the hotels biggest draw are its animals, your room view weighs heavily on your room cost. Savanna views include great views of one of AKLs three savannas, pool views include a view of the main Uzima Poolor any roofs or trees around the pool area, and standard views constitute everything else: parking lot views, dirt trail views, or evenif youre luckya less-than-perfect view of a savanna.
AKL has been knownespecially after the events of 9/11 when tourism slowed significantlyto give free upgrades to savanna view rooms when available. This hasnt been seen anecdotally for a few years, now, but its always a gamble some folks are willing to take.
ROOM LOCATION:
Because AKL is large and has several different room view types, the location of your room really does matter. And because the resort is far away from most of Disney Worlds attractions, travel times can be extensive--a drawback to staying at AKL. This is why many Disneyphiles only consider AKL worth their money if theyre staying in a savanna view room. Here are our top picks for room location, in order of importance:
Savanna ResidentSavanna View: You should weigh your priorities here. Some folks really love the atmosphere and away-from-everything location of AKL, making the less expensive standard view and pool view rooms worth their cost. Others consider the remote location of the hotel to be a drawback and will only consider staying at AKL if they have a great view of the animals.
Arusha Savanna View: There are three different savannas at AKLSunset, Arusha, and Uzima. We like the Arusha savanna because it gives us a backdrop view of the beautiful lobbys picture window. The Arusha savanna is also the hotels main savanna, located right off the lobby; because of this, you can be assured that there will always be a wide variety of animals on this savanna. It can however, be the savanna that offers the least privacyat any given time hotel visitors will be oohing and aahing over animals at the public viewing areas, most of which look out onto the Arusha savanna.
Zebra Trail: There are four trails that make up the resorts four architectural arms: Zebra, Kudu, Ostrich, and Giraffe. Only Zebra and Kudu offer views of the Arusha savanna, and the Zebra trail offers the added benefit of being closer to the pool and restaurants.
Third or Fourth Floor: Being on the third or fourth floor offers just about the perfect animal viewing level; floor 2 feels too low, giving you a less expansive view of the whole savanna and decreasing your ability to spot animals farther away, and floors 5 and 6 can feel so high that its hard to get a close-up, intimate look at the animals on the ground.
Halfway Down the Trail: This is very much a matter of preference. The Zebra and Kudu trails are very long and it can take several minutes to walk to an end-of-the-trail room depending on your speed. This walk gets frustrating at the end of a long day in the parks, if youve forgotten something in your room and have to run back for it, or if you have mobility concerns. We like to be situated about halfway down the trail, as many of the animals dislike venturing very close to the lobby/public viewing areas and tend to stay further out on the savanna.
Kilimanjaro Club Concierge Accommodations
Concierge-level accommodations, called "Kilimanjaro Club" at Animal Kingdom Lodge, are located on the upper floors of the resort (5th and 6th) and include some regular-sized rooms as well as all Suite-level rooms: one- and two-bedroom suites, the Royal Kuba Vice Presidential Suite, and the Royal Assante Presidential Suite.
Kilimanjaro Club rooms have Savanna views. One-bedroom suites and the Royal Kuba Suite sleep 6 people; 2-bedroom suites and the Assante Suite sleep 8 people.
Concierge-level costs a bit more (usually around $140 per night more for a standard room, significantly more for a suite), but includes Kilimanjaro Club lounge access; complimentary snacks, breakfast, wine and cheese receptions, etc.; turndown service; and specialized concierge service, including any help you may need with reservations, tickets, and other bookings. Click for a full list of sample Concierge menu items.
Another perk of staying at the Animal Kingdom concierge level is the opportunity to book one of two once-in-a-lifetime experiences: the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure and the Wildlife Discovery Excursion.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants and Dining
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has two of Walt Disney World's most highly reviewed restaurants: Boma, AKL's African buffet, and Jiko--The Cooking Place. The Mara is AKL's counter service restaurant. NOTE: Because the resort guests are actually entering a wildlife preserve, AKL has disallowed the presence of balloons, plastic straws and cup tops, etc., because of their potential to hurt the animals. Mercifully, they have brought back the cardboard straws (which went AWOL for a couple of years--what a horrible time that was for we uncoordinated folks!).
Boma is available for breakfast and dinner and highlights all-you-can-eat food with an African flair, including spiced and crusted meats, African soups, and an assortment of hummus. Jiko, open only for dinner, offers delicious dishes and tastes of the exotic, including an appetizer that features ostrich meat and entrees flavored with olives, preserved lemons, figs, and other African and Mediterranean flavors. Jiko also offers the nation's largest assortment of South African wines.
Also, be sure to head over to Sanaa in the Animal Kingdom Lodge's dedicated Disney Vacation Club area, Kidani Village. This Indian- and African-inspired restaurant offers guests a casual, table-service restaurant with an incredible view of the savanna and its animals.
All of AKL's dining establishments have an element of the African to them, so prepare picky eaters to possibly try new tastes. Jiko, Boma, and Mara are located on AKL's main building ground floor--below the lobby--and have views of the pool area.
Sanaa is located in Kidani Village, a short walk from the main building of Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Prior to dinner, be sure to visit Victoria Falls Lounge for a cocktail.
Resort Activities
Settle in for Some Storytelling at the Fire Pit
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a destination unto itself; there's plenty to do, and even with the theme parks beckoning, you'll find yourself wanting to schedule "resort-only" days whenever you can! While AKL boasts the standard Disney Resort activities--a huge, zero-entry pool; jacuzzi hot tubs; a top-notch spa and fitness center; and a tricked out arcade, it also offers some one-of-a-kind attractions that you can't find anywhere else (Psst! Check out some of AKL's activities on our Printed Materials page)!
At Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can try your hand at night-vision animal watching--complete with night-vision goggles, head out on an exclusive safari, do rubbings of some of the authentic carved bronze artwork around the resort, sit around a bonfire to hear tales told by African story-tellers, listen to African ambassadors talk about their home countries, attend free wine-tastings at Jiko--The Cooking Place (home of the largest North American collection of South African wines!), and more. Be sure to ask at the front desk about Animal Programs!
Don't forget, if you'd like to spend a quiet evening sitting by the fireplace in the lobby, sipping wine at Victoria Falls Lounge, or sharing a special room service dinner on your balcony with your partner, Simba's Clubhouse--AKL's childcare center--is ready to entertain your kiddos for the evening!
Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade
Pumbaa's Fun and Games is AKL's Arcade is full of the latest games--video and otherwise! It can be found on the ground floor of the resort, next to the pool and The Mara quick service restaurant.
The arcade runs on an Arcade Cards system, as do most Disney arcades, and you must purchase points to play. $1.00 will buy you 50 play points, $5.00=250, $10.00=500, $20.00=1000, and $25.00 will buy you 1250 play points. Cards can be recharged throughout your stay.
Zahanati Spa and Fitness Center
Zahanati massage and fitness center is located near the Uzima Springs pool. It offers massage services and a full collection of cardio and cybex weight-training equipment. Men's and women's locker rooms, steam rooms, shower facilities, and saunas are available.
Zahanati is open from 6am to 9pm, and is available to all resort guests aged 14 and up (NOTE: guests aged 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult). Personal training appointments are available in the facility or in-room.
If you are not a guest of Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas, you can use Zahanati facilities for $12/day.
Massage and spa services start at $50 and are offered by appointment.
The center is operated by Niki Bryan spa; click here for Zahanati information, including hours, spa services, and more.
To schedule personal training or spa services, contact Zahanati at: 407-938-4715.
Amenities
Drop Your Kiddos Off For an Evening of Fun! Animal Kingdom Lodge offers just about everything you'd need for a wonderful vacation. In addition to the activities and dining listed on other pages, AKL also has offerings for your practical needs.
On the ground floor of the resort, near the Arcade, the Pool area, and The Mara, you can find one guest laundry facility--available to guests for use and well-equipped with washers, dryers, and vending machines for soap and dryer sheets. Washers and dryers are standard size and cost $2 each per use. Soap and dryer sheets are $1 each. The second laundry facility available to Lodge guests is on the second floor, Kudu Trail. Disney Vacation Club members have access to a free laundry facility on the 5th Floor, Zebra Trai.
Across the hallway from the laundry facility is AKL's well-appointed childcare center--Simba's Clubhouse (actually, it's "Cubhouse," but it's usually not pronounced that way).
Clean Clothes...For Eternity
This large room holds toys, activities, and games to delight your kiddos--from doll houses and board games to a whole row of video game consoles! And kids can watch the animals on the savanna while they're at Simba's! Childcare is available for a fee from 4pm-12midnight, and kids 4 and up (3 if they're potty trained) are welcome.
Note that, with the addition of Kidani Village next door, Animal Kingdom Lodge has added two new kids' activity programs. Neither are full child care like Simba's Clubhouse, but they might appeal to your little ones!:
Camp Kidani: available to kids ages 6-12 years, 7 days per week from 6-8pm. Cost is $30 per child, and $28.50 for each additional child. Kids in this program work with a guide to achieve a goal pertaining to the culture and animals of Africa. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations (suggested, though same-day reservations may be available). There is a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Bush Camp: available to kids ages 6-14 on Saturdays from 3-5pm. Cost is $30 per child, with $10 being donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. The program includes an exploration of the resort's savanna, where kids will learn about African culture through activities, crafts, and taste testings. You can book this program by calling 407-WDW-PLAY; there is a 24-hour cancellation policy and DVC members get a 10% discount.
DVC Animal Kingdom Villas
One Bedroom Villa
Wondering whether you should choose Kidani Village or Jambo House for your next DVC stay? Check out the following:
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas is the Disney Vacation Club property at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney Vacation Club, commonly known as DVC, is Disney's timeshare component, comprised of seven Disney World properties (including Animal Kingdom Villas and Bay Lake Tower housed at the Contemporary Resort), two external properties (Hilton Head, NC, and Vero Beach, FL), and a network of partner properties all over the world.
The Animal Kingdom Villas is made up of two areas:
Jambo House, located on floors 5 and 6 of the main Animal Kingdom Lodge, has been open since 2007 and was the initial phase of the Villas' construction.
Kidani Village, a completely separate construction next to the existing Animal Kingdom Lodge complex, opened in May 2009 and houses several extra amenities, including the Villas' Johari Treasures Gift Shop, Sanaa Restaurant, Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center, and Safari so Good Arcade.
Also available to guests of Kidani Village and Jambo house are the Villas' Community Hall; barbecue pavilion; and shuffleboard, tennis, and basketball courts.
Finally, Disney has added a signficantly sized zero-entry pool--Samawati Springs--with slides, the Uwanja Camp wet activity play area, two whirlpool spas, and the Maji Pool Bar.
The Animal Kingdom Villas accommodations options include studios with kitchenettes, one- and two-bedroom villas with kitchens, and Grand Villas.
Kid-focused activities include Camp Kidani, available to kids ages 6-12 years, 7 days per week from 6-8pm. Cost is $30 per child, and $28.50 for each additional child. Kids in this program work with a guide to achieve a goal pertaining to the culture and animals of Africa. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations (suggested, though same-day reservations may be available). There is a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Note that laundry facilities are free for DVC members. If you are staying in a studio in Jambo House, laundry facilities are located on the 5th Floor, Zebra Trail. If you're in a studio at Kidani Village, laundry facilities are on the lobby floor. For guests with a one-bedroom or larger villa, you will have a washer/dryer in your villa.
Hope all is well. Are you staying dry?
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