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Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge FAQ

 

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How can I book a room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?
To book a room, click here.

Where is the Animal Kingdom Lodge?
In the Animal Kingdom Resort area.

Do all rooms offer savanna views?
No, there are a few standard rooms that don't offer views of the savanna. Savanna view rooms are slightly more expensive, so make sure you book the savanna room if a view of the animals is important.

What will I find in my guest room?
Each room has two queen-size beds, one king-size bed or one queen-size bed and bunk beds, table and chairs, ceiling fan, bathroom with private wc, in-room safe, voice mail, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and 27" television. Coffeemaker and refrigerator available upon request.

What are the deluxe rooms?
Deluxe savanna view rooms are slightly bigger, and have a second phone, and make-up mirror.

Which floors are the deluxe rooms on?
Standard rooms are on floors 1-4, deluxe rooms are on floors 5 and 6.

Where are the best room locations?
Rooms overlooking the Arusha Savanna are good, on the Kudu or Zebra Trails.
Rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors have the best views across the savanna, but are still low enough to get a good view of the animals. If you want to be right up close to the animals, request a 1st or 2nd floor room.
For a view of the sunset, request a room on the Kudu Trail overlooking the Sunset Savanna.
Rooms at the far end of the Kudu and Zebra Trails are a long walk from the lobby.
Rooms on the Giraffe Trail overlook the pool area and parking lot.
A small number of rooms have beams just outside the balcony, which can partially obstruct your view of the savanna. If you find this is a problem when you check-in to your room, you could try requesting a different room.

What are the benefits of the concierge rooms?
The rooms are the same size as the deluxe rooms.
Concierge service includes curbside check-in, robes, make-up mirror, turndown service, and lounge with Continental breakfast, midday snacks, evening beverages, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Click here for more details.

Where are the concierge rooms?
They are located on the 5th & 6th floors, with the concierge lounge on the 6th floor. They overlook either the pool or one of the savannas.

What is the Sunrise Safari?
It's a special program available only to Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge guests. Click here for more details.

Are newspapers delivered to the guest rooms?
There is complimentary daily newspaper delivery to each guest room.

Are smoking rooms available?
Yes, there are a number of smoking rooms. However, smoking is prohibited on any balcony.

What happens at check-in?
You'll receive your room key (plastic card), a small 'guidebook', park maps, and a copy of 'Habari', the resort's newsletter. You'll also have the option of leaving credit card details so that you can charge anything you purchase during your stay to your room card.

What floor is the lobby on?
The lobby is actually on the 3rd floor. The restaurants are down on the first floor.

Are there childcare facilities?
Simba's Cubhouse provides supervised activities for children aged 4 - 12 years, which include classic Disney films, arts and crafts.
Kindercare offers in-room babysitting. Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance. Call 407-827-5444.

Is there a games arcade?
Yes, Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade is located next to The Mara restaurant. It features legendary arcade favourites along with some of the newest video games.

Is there a playground?
Yes, Hakuna Matata Playground is located next to the pool and overlooking the flamingo area and savanna.

What other activities are on offer at this resort?
A nightly African story-telling is held around the firepit near Arusha Rock. A guided tour of the lodge is held daily, enquire at Guest Services for details and times.

Can I pet or feed the animals?
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is designed to encourage observation of Africa's amazing wildlife from either the comfort of your room or common vistas throughout the resort. Please refrain from feeding the animals or dropping items into the habitats. Please do not attempt to cross the barriers designed for guest and animal safety.

What's the best time of day to see the animals?
More animals will be out and about early morning, and at sunset. The animal carers come out and feed the animals at these times, so you're more likely to see the animals from your room then. The animals do sleep out on the savannas, but usually far away from the hotel building so you probably won't be able to see them.

Will I see the same species of animal on each savanna?
No, some animals are not on all savannas, so if there's a particular animal you would like to see from your room, make sure you check before you request a room on a certain trail.
Sunset Savanna - Bongo, Male Giraffe, Ostrich, Impala, Thompsons Gazelles, Ankole Cattle, Waterbuck, Stork, African Crown Cranes, Blue Cranes.
Arusha Savanna - Giraffe, Pelicans, Zebra, Geese, Ankole cattle, Wildebeast, Eland, Gemsbok.
Uzima Savanna - Bongo, Giraffe, Impala, Thompsons Gazelles, Kudu, Blesbok.
See the Wildlife Field Guide for information on the animals.

Where can we best view the animals?
Watch the animals from your savanna-view room, or from one of the overlooks.
Sunset Overlook - located in the main lobby.
Uzima Overlook - located at the Uzima Pool area.
Arusha Rock - located on the second floor adjacent to the main lobby.
A great, up-close view of the animals can be found at Arusha Rock, where you'll also find 'safari guides' to tell you about the animals.

Are the savannas always open?
The savannas are only closed in turn for a couple of hours each day for cleaning. So there will always be at least two savannas open.

Can we feed the animals?
No, it's strictly prohibited. This is because the animals follow a carefully balanced diet.

How can I learn more about African culture?
Please stop by and talk to our Lobby Greeters, Savanna Guides or Restaurant Greeters, as they are Cultural Representatives from Africa and would love to share more about their homeland!
Also, there are activities throughout the resort to allow you to learn more - contact Guest Services for more information on these activities.

What is the large, brightly coloured object in the lobby?
That's called the 'Igbo Ijele mask'.

I noticed a camera on the outside of the building, can they see into my room?
The CCTV cameras are there to monitor the animals. The Resort therefore advises that guests close the curtains in their rooms for privacy.

Where can I dine?
Boma, "Flavors of Africa," captures the essence of a vibrant African marketplace. Savor the unique African dining experience, influenced by many cultures, in this family restaurant. Offering a buffet for both breakfast and dinner, Boma features an exhibit kitchen, wood-burning grill and rotisserie, all under traditional thatched roofs.
Jiko, "The Cooking Place," is a casual restaurant that features Modern African Cuisine with a vibrant stylish atmosphere and an exclusive South African wine list. Focusing on simple and light cuisine, Jiko exudes spirit and refinement with an emphasis on the freshest ingredients. With twin wood-burning ovens as its icon, Jiko's design represents an abstract perspective of Africa.
The Mara - if you're on the go, or relaxing poolside, stop by The Mara and get great food, fast. From morning until night, The Mara cooks up delicious meals and snacks for the whole family.
Victoria Falls - overlooking Boma, Flavors of Africa is Victoria Falls Lounge, the perfect spot to enjoy specialty coffees, teas, and a variety of beverages throughout your stay. Relax with family and friends in these spirited surroundings and soak up the rich heritage of Africa.
Uzima Springs - At Uzima Springs, "The Watering Hole," you can quench your thirst with a variety of frozen African specialty drinks. This relaxing pool bar is the perfect place to pull up a chair and take a break from the sun.

How do I get to Mara?
To get to Mara you need to go down to the first floor, exit through the doors between Jiko and Boma, turn left and walk down the pathway to Mara.

Is room service available?
Yes, the Animal Kingdom Lodge has one of the best room service menus I've seen!

Where can I buy refillable mugs?
Refillable mugs are available from The Mara.

Is there a character breakfast or dinner?
No, not at this resort. However, you'll find wonderful buffet meals at Boma.

Where is the bus stop located?
The bus stop is located outside, adjacent to the front entrance. From the entrance of the lobby, exit the building. Follow the covered walkway on your left to the bus stop.

How do I get to the Disney parks?
Transport to the four main Disney theme parks, and Downtown Disney is by bus. To get to other Disney Resorts, go to Animal Kingdom and catch a bus from there.

Is it possible to walk to the Animal Kingdom park?
No.

Is there a swimming pool?
The Uzima pool is the largest on Disney property. Uzima means "clear water" and there is plenty of it to enjoy in the 11,000 square-foot pool featuring a 67-foot-long water slide, and zero-entry. There's also a kid's pool and two hot tubs.

Do I need to take towels from my room to the pool?
Pool towels are provided at the pool for your convenience.

What time is the pool open?
It is open 24 hours a day, but the slide closes when the lifeguards go off duty at 10pm.

Is there a fitness center?
Yes, Zahanati Spa offers a full range of Cybex equipment, and also offers massages and skin treatments. Click here for more details and prices.

Where is the nearest ATM located?
There is an ATM located in the main lobby next to the Sunset Overlook to the right of the front desk.

Where can I buy groceries?
Basic grocery items are available at Zawadi Marketplace, and snacks at The Mara.

What time is check-in?
Check-in time is after 3:00pm. For early travellers, every effort will be made to get you settled in as soon as possible.

What time is check-out?
Check-out time is before 11:00am. Late check-out may be available on request. Express check-out is available to guests with American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Disney Credit Card, Discover, Diners Club or JCB.

Where do I get...?
Extra pillows & blankets, bed rails, side rails, extra hangers, refrigerators are available on request from Housekeeping.

Where do I find the ice machines?
Located adjacent to elevators and at each atrium.

Is there a dry-cleaning service?
Yes. Laundry bags and lists are located in the closet in your guest room. Same day service is available if laundry is picked-up by 8:30am.

Is there a guest laundry?
Guest laundry rooms are located on the second floor of the Kudu trail and on the first floor next to Simba's Cubhouse.

Is luggage assistance available?
Yes, through Bell Services. When you arrive at the resort, someone from Bell Services will assist you to your room with your luggage. When you are ready to leave, just touch the LUGGAGE/VALET SERVICE button on the in-room phone. Gratuity not included.

Is there valet parking?
Yes, Resort guests can pay $6 a day for valets to park and retrieve your car throughout that day.

If I use the package delivery service in the parks, where do I pick them up?
If you shop at any merchandise location at the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or the Downtown Disney area, and choose to have your packages delivered back to your resort, they can be picked up the following day at Zawadi Marketplace, or delivered to your room on request.

Does the Resort have wheelchairs available for guest use?
Yes, a limited number of wheelchairs are available at Guest Services. There is no charge, but a credit card guarantee may be required. A limited number or wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are available to rent at the theme parks.

Where can I purchase stamps and where is the mailbox?
Stamps can be purchased at Zawadi Marketplace, located in the main lobby. You can also have your mail metered or send packages at the Front Desk. There is a mailbox located in the main lobby next to the Sunset Overlook.

Where can I make Priority Seating arrangements and purchase park tickets?
Priority Seating for most Walt Disney World restaurants can be made by touching the Dining Options button on your guest room phone, or by visiting Guest Services. Theme park tickets are also available at Guest Services.

Is it possible to store our luggage since our flight does not leave until late in the afternoon?
Your luggage may be held in the luggage room until your departure. Showers and changing areas are available at the Uzima pool.

Can I visit the Resort even if I'm not staying there?
Yes, visitors are welcome at the Lodge. When it first opened, access was restricted, but the restrictions were soon lifted.

 

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