Animal Kingdom Lodge

Fast Facts: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guide Review: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge: architecture

Must be seen to be appreciated. (Click here for photos.)

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Savannas

Make sure your balcony looks out on the savannas:  30 acres of land where 100 animals roam. Also, visit the Arusha Rock viewing area, where signs -- and often a human guide-- help you identify animals and birds. At dusk, head to the Sunset Viewing room and balcony where you can ask a wildlife guide about the animals.

Animal Kingdom Lodge: stunning interior

Animal Kingdom Lodge was designed by architect Peter Dominick, known for the Fort Wilderness Lodge; in both, the lobby vaults six stories up to the ceiling. Animal Kingdom Lodge has a massive mud fireplace, huge carved wood pillars, and giant showcase window facing the savanna. In the lobby are fascinating artifacts: be sure to take a tour, offered daily at 3:30 by a gracious "cultural representative" from Africa.  (See pictures.)

Special for kids:

• WDW's largest pool,  Uzima Springs, with waterslide
• kiddie pool and playground
• scheduled activities for kids such as brass rubbings
• Simba's Clubhouse kids' club for ages 4 to 12
•  storytelling at night at outside or inside firepit or the outdoor Arusha firepit.