Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
- With animals living on-site, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most uniquely themed hotels in the US.
- Part of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers prime access to the Animal Kingdom theme park. Staying here is an adventure in itself.
- I've visited the hotel four times and always splurge on a Savanna View Room. It's not cheap but feels like I'm sleeping inside the Animal Kingdom theme park.
There's something about the curation, uniqueness, and hints of whimsy in a themed hotel that reaffirms I am indeed on vacation. If well-executed, a themed hotel can offer an out of the box
I recently stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for the fourth time and can vouch that the hotel consistently delivers on all of the above. The sprawling resort has quickly become one of my favorite themed hotels for its concept, design, and amenities, all inspired by a continent thousands of miles away. It's so convincing, I forgot I was staying in central Florida.
While not cheap, the four-star Animal Kingdom Lodge is ideal for families or discerning adults who yearn for something beyond a bed, bathroom, and four walls. The hotel is for the Walt Disney World visitor looking to sprinkle even more magic into their trip and views their hotel choice as part of the entire experience.
Indeed, the hotel grounds are filled with over 200 animals and birds from zebras to giraffes and exotic birds. Opt for a Savanna view room and you'll see them from your bedroom window.
Rooms without the Savanna view are the most affordable, ranging from $300 to $722 a night, depending on the season. Late August when the weather is incredibly hot and humid will allow for the cheapest prices. Christmas week will not: a Savanna room can jump to a range of $573 to $950 during the holiday period. The property also is home to Kidani Village, a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) branded villa collection, which is open to the public and includes perks like kitchens and laundry facilities, and are ideal for families and extended stays.
I've stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge four times and think each visit was worth the money. Here's why I'll keep going back, and always for a Savanna view.
- The first impression
- The room
- On-site amenities
- What's nearby
- What others say
- What you need to know
- The bottom line
- Book the Animal Kingdom Lodge starting at $300 per night here
Keep reading to see why I was so impressed by the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
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