Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge vs the Other Disney World Deluxe Hotels

With over 30 resort hotels located on Walt Disney World property, it can sometimes be difficult to choose which one you should stay at during your vacation. While all of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels are held to high standards and come with staple amenities and recreational options, the Deluxe Resorts have the most to offer to guests.

One of the most unique Deluxe Resorts is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This African-themed resort houses four open savannas, is home to hundreds of wild animals, has unique dining offerings, and has special recreational activities. However, even though this resort can sell itself, some guests want to know how it compares to the other Deluxe Resorts on property. In this article, we’re going to go over the similarities and differences between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and the other Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts, to help you decide if this resort is right for you.

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Consider the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation vs Other Deluxe Resorts

Complimentary transportation is one of the best perks of staying on property at Walt Disney World. Through multiple transportation systems, guests are transported to different destinations across property, including the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

The main form of transportation at Walt Disney World is the bus system. However, some resorts also have other options. Depending on which resort you stay at, you may also have the option to travel via boat, monorail, or the Disney Skyliner.

Many guests prefer these alternative travel methods over the buses. They are generally less crowded, have lower wait times, and get guests to their desired destinations faster. Because of this, guests often choose their resort hotel based on the transportation options that are available at that resort.

When it comes to transportation, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge takes the backseat to other Deluxe Resorts, since the buses are the only transportation offering here. Other resorts, such as Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is located on the Skyliner route, or the three monorail resorts – Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – easily trump Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in the transportation department.

Location is Important

Since Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge only has bus transportation available, it’s important to note that it’s pretty far away from some of the desired locations on property. If you’re not a fan of the buses, you won’t want to book a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, just to find that it can take upwards of 25 minutes to get to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom.

Even though the resort is located near Animal Kingdom, guests still have to load a bus to get to the park. At other Deluxe Resorts, guests are able to walk to the theme park that they are closest to. For example, guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa can use a walking path to get to Magic Kingdom. Likewise, those staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can all walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

What are the Room Types Like?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has a wide variety of room types, which helps it stand out as a great option within the Deluxe Resorts. When booking a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll have the option to choose from the following room types: Standard Room, Club Level Room or Suite, Deluxe Studio, Club Level Deluxe Studio, Villa, or Club Level Villa. With so many room types, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge can accommodate both small and large parties and give guests an ample amount of space to spread out.

While Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge doesn’t have unique lodging options, such as the cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or the over-water bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, it does have a sufficient number of options. This is more than can be said for other resorts, such as Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, which is only equipped with Standard Rooms and Club Level Rooms and Suites.

Special View Option at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Now, let’s go back to my previous statement where I said Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge doesn’t have unique lodging options. While this is true, it does have an extremely special Room View that no other resort has.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is designed to look like a traditional African kraal. Therefore, the building is shaped like a horseshoe. Within this crescent shape, lie the 4 savannas where over 200 hoofed animals and birds live.

Since the resort encompasses these savannas, guests are able to book Savanna View rooms. When staying in these rooms, guests have the opportunity to see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelope, and more from the comfort of their room. No other resort on Walt Disney World property has such an opportunity.

How Does the Pricing Compare to Other Deluxe Resorts?

Since Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Deluxe Resort, it is expensive. Standard Rooms range from $506 per night for a Resort View to $1,231 per night for a Savanna View.

That being said, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has the average lowest pricing out of all the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts in 2025. It even averaged lower pricing than the Family Suites over at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which is in the Value Category.

If you know that you want to stay at a Deluxe Resort, but pricing is something that you need to consider, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great option.

The Pool is Ok, But There's Better

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has two zero-depth entry pools that both have a waterslide. Surrounded by a large canopy of trees, both of these pools are designed to resemble an African savanna. The resort also features a water playground for children ages 4 and older. The water playground has 3 zones, which allow kids to play according to their age range.

While the pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are sufficient and provide everything necessary to have a good day at the pool, there’s nothing particularly spectacular about them. There are other Deluxe Resorts that have much more elaborate water play areas.

One of the best pools at Walt Disney World is Stormalong Bay, which is shared by Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. At this 3-acre water area, guests can enjoy a sand-bottomed pool, one of the highest water slides at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels (230-foot long), a lazy river, 3 whirlpool spas, an elevated tanning deck, and a children’s pool with a miniature waterslide. Additionally, the two resorts also share 3 leisure pools.

If you’re looking for an amazing pool experience during your Walt Disney World vacation, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t the resort for you. Other Deluxe Resorts on property have much better pool offerings.

Is Theming Important to You?

All of the resort hotels at Walt Disney World have their own unique theme. However, within the Deluxe Resorts, there is a distinct difference between the relaxed and casual themes and the more upscale and proper themed hotels.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge falls within the relaxed atmosphere. Even so, it does have amazing and immersive theming. With its landscaping, architecture, traditional artwork, dining, and recreational offerings, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge effectively captures the spirit of Africa.

If you’re looking for more of a sophisticated and refined feel from your hotel, you’ll want to look at places such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, or Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Unique, Yet Comparable Dining Options

Staying true to its theme, many of the dining locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge focus on the flavors of Africa, incorporating African and Indian dishes into the menus. Guests can even try drinks, such as African wines, during their visit to this resort.

When looking at the types of dining locations, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, refreshing drink, or fine dining experience, you’ll be able to find it here.

However, even though Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge does have a nice selection of dining options, I wouldn’t say that the dining is any better here than at the other Deluxe Resorts. Most of the Deluxe Resorts have great dining options. I wouldn’t use the dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge as my deciding factor when trying to pick a resort, unless I was specifically looking for African flair within my meals.

Is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Right for You?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great resort, but is it what you’re looking for in your stay? When making your decision, it’s important to think about your priorities and what’s important to you in a hotel stay. If Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a resort you’re considering, I would recommend thinking about two specific factors – transportation and pricing.

Some guests do not enjoy the Disney buses and will avoid them at all costs. If this is you, I recommend choosing a different Deluxe Resort. There are many other resorts that provide guests with access to other forms of transportation. One of these resorts would be a better fit for you if you’d prefer to ride the Disney buses as little as possible.

The other important thing to consider is price. When looking at Deluxe Resorts, you’re already looking at the most expensive resorts on property. If you’re wanting to splurge on a Deluxe Resort, but are still working within a budget, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great option, since it’s one of the cheapest Deluxe Resorts on property.

Everyone’s interests and priorities will vary. After looking at the different aspects of the resort, you should have a good idea if Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a good fit for you, or if you’d be happier at a different resort. No matter which Deluxe Resort you choose, you’ll be enjoying the top-tier hotel experience that’s available at Walt Disney World.

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