Animal Kingdom Lodge FAQ

With sweeping views of the 33-acre savanna that features free-roaming animals and birds, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge celebrates not only Africa's wildlife, but also its art, food and culture.  Discover authentic African architecture and design, from thatched ceilings to hand-carved wooden furniture.  The lobby showcases a large mud fireplace and natural lighting design, which accentuates, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.  At night, the Savannah is lit by artificial moonlight.

African story-telling takes place each night around the firepit at 7:30 p.m.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is now offering a Bush Camp for kids, with games, activities, food tasting, and crafts, as well as the chance to explore animals on the savanna and play with a character from the Lion King. The camp is offered on Saturdays,
1-4 p.m. at Simba's Cubhouse, and costs $70 plus tax ($20 goes to Wildlife Conservation Fund). You can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Table of Contents

1. Room Rates 
2. Can I pet or feed the animals?
3. Where is the nearest ATM located?
4. How can I learn more about African Culture?
5. Where can I purchase stamps and where is the mailbox?
6. Where is the Bus Stop located?
7. Where can I make Priority Seating arrangements and purchase Park tickets?
8. Do I take towels from my room to the Pool?
9. Is it possible to store our luggage since our flight does not leave until late in the afternoon?
10. Where can we best view the animals?
11. Zawadi Marketplace 
12. Tipping
13. Wake up calls
14. Weather 
15. Wheelchairs 
16. Dining 
17. Uzima Pool
18. Zahanti Massage & Fitness Center
19. Hakuna Matata Playground 
20. Pumbaa's Fun & Games Arcade
21. Simba's Cubhouse
22. Check-In and Check-Out
23. Can I send a fax (facsimile)?
24. Film Developing 
25. Credit Cards and Check Cashing
26. Dining Around the World
27. Disney Dollars
28. Gasoline
29. Housekeeping 
30. Merchandise Delivery 
31. Notary Public
32. Pager Rentals
33. Pets 
34. Character Appearances
35. Number of rooms and occupancy
36. What amenities are in the rooms?
37. Are there rooms for disabled guests?
38. Concierge rooms
39. Address and phone number of Animal Kingdom Lodge
40. Guest Review 
41. Resort Pictures 

Room Rates

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.  While at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, please do not attempt to cross the barriers designed for guest and animal safety.  If any guests attempt to harm the animals or their habitats, they will be immediately asked to leave the resort.

There are three separate savannahs.  These savannahs can be viewed from Sunset Overlook, an overlook near Uzima Pool, alcoves along Kudu Trail (second floor, rocking chairs, high-powered binoculars) and Zebra Trail, and the Kopje (a large observation area that extends into the savannah. 

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Where is the nearest ATM located?

There is an automated teller machine (ATM) located in the main lobby next to the Sunset Overlook to the right of the Front Desk.

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How can I learn more about African Culture?

Stop by and talk to the Lobby Greeters, Savanna Guides or Restaurant Greeters, as they are Cultural Representatives from Africa and 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.

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Where can I purchase stamps and where is the mailbox?

Stamps can be purchased at Zawadi Marketplace, located in the mail 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 to the right of the Front Desk.

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Where is the Bust Stop located?

The Bust 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.

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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 telephone or by visiting Guest Services.  Theme Park tickets are also available at Guest Services.

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Do I take towels from my room to the pool?

Pool towels are provided at the pool for your convenience.  If you need extra towels in your room, touch HOUSEKEEPING/MAINTENANCE on your guest room telephone.

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Is it possible to store our luggage since our flight does not leave until late in the afternoon?

Your luggage may be held in our luggage room until your departure.  Visit Bell Services or touch LUGGAGE/VALET SERVICE on your guest room telephone.  Showers and changing areas are available at the Uzima pool.

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Where can we best view the animals?

There are great viewing opportunities throughout the resort:

    Arusha Rock - located on the second floor adjacent to the main lobby.

    Sunset Overlook - located in the main lobby.

    Uzima Overlook - located at the Uzima Pool area.

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Zawadi Marketplace

Zawadi Marketplace celebrates the colorful world of African art and culture.  Here, you can find memories of your journey and observe native artisans demonstrating their crafts in a rich, dynamic market atmosphere.  This shopping location is an attraction in itself, with authentic artifacts and handcrafted treasures that are displayed amid natural finishes, patterns and textiles.  Hour of operation:  7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

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Tipping

At the Walt Disney World Resort, it is customary to tip the following positions for exceptional service:

    bartender, bell services, cocktail server, food and beverage server, and valet parker

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Wake up calls with Mickey Mouse

Touch WAKE-UP CALL on your guest room telephone to have Mickey Mouse call and wake you up to start your day!

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Weather

For local forecast, touch 407-824-4104.

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Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available at the front desk.  Wheelchairs and a limited number of motorized wheelchairs are available at the entrances to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, Epcot, and Disney-MGM Studios.

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Room Keys

Your Resort identification cards can identify you as a guest of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Sign them immediately and carry one with you at all times during your stay.  With proper prior authorization, you may use this card to charge directly to your guest room account at most shops, restaurants and recreation facilities at the Disney-MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Resorts, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Downtown Disney Marketplace, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island, and Downtown Disney West Side.  It may not be used for charging in the Walt Disney World Swan or Dolphin Hotels.  Your card must be shown prior to participating in recreational activities and to receive your pool towel.  These cards will also provide you with complimentary parking at the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, or Disney-MGM Studios  If applicable, your Resort identification card may also be used as a valid admission media.  Please check with Guest Services for details.

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Dining

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.

Breakfast ($14.95 adults/$7.99 kids) is served from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  

Dinner ($21.99 adults/$8.99 kids) is served from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Priority seating suggested.  Call up to 120 days in advance.

Jiko - "The Cooking Place" is a casual restaurant that features Modern African Cuisine with 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.  Appetizers cost approximately $5.50 to $11.25.  Dinners run approximately $16.50 to $28.50.  Desserts are about $6.25.

The Mara - fast food from a food court.  You can get Tandoori chicken pizza, salads, sandwiches and other quick food items here.  Open 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Victoria Falls - Overlooking Boma, is 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.  Open 4:30 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Priority seating suggested.  Call up to 120 days in advance.

Uzima Springs - "The Watering Hole" - Here 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.  Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Private Dining - Room service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.  You may even pre-order from the menu and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise or sunset on your balcony.  Touch DINING OPTIONS on your guest room telephone.

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Uzima Pool

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.  For your safety and enjoyment, diaper-age children are required to wear swim diapers or rubber pants while using any pool at Walt Disney World Resort.  Swim diapers are available in the merchandise locations.  Hours of operation:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Guarded 24 hours.

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Zahanti Massage & Fitness Center

Maintain your fitness schedule with the latest in exercise equipment.  And don't leave out the pampering spa services featured here, such as facials, body treatments, and an array of massages.  Saunas and steam rooms are also available.  Note: There is a fee for use of the Fitness Center.  The Fitness Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Massages are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Touch MASSAGE/HEALTH CLUB on your guest room telephone.

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Hakuna Matata Playground

Located next to the pool and over-looking the flamingo area and savanna, this playground is the perfect place for younger guests.  Open 24 hours.

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Pumbaa's Fun & Games Arcade

Test your skills on some of the newest video games available, as well as some legendary arcade favorites.  Located next to the Mara Restaurant, the arcade is a challenge that can't be missed.

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Simba's Cubhouse

Kids love the activities here.  Children 4 to 12 years of age are supervised and treated to classic Disney films, and Arts and Crafts, among other activities.  Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance.  Touch DINING OPTIONS on your guest room telephone or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).  Hours of operation:  4:30 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

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Check-in and Check-out

Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m.  For early travelers, every effort is made to get you settled in as soon as possible.  Check-out time is before 11:00 a.m.  Express check-out is available to guests with American Express, MasterCard, Visa, The Disney Credit Card, Discover, Diner's Club or JCB.  On the morning of your departure, those with Express Check-Out will have a copy of your account delivered to you early in the morning.  Note that there is no late check-out at this resort. 

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Can I send a fax (facsimile)?

To send a facsimile, touch FRONT DESK on your guest room telephone.  Domestic is $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.  International fax is $8.50 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.

For incoming facsimiles, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge fax number is 407-939-4799, and the cost is $1.00 per page.

Copies can be made for $.25 each for 1-99 pages and double-sided copies are $.50 each..

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Film Developing

Quality color photo finishing services are available.  Call Zawadi Marketplace (7-4780) from your guest room telephone for drop-off and return times.

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Credit Cards and Check Cashing

For charges incurred during your visit, the following are accepted:  American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, The Disney Credit Card, traveler's checks, cash or Disney Dollars.  Personal checks drawn on United States banks only, with driver's license and current major credit card will also be accepted.

Guests may exchange international currency at the Front Desk.

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Dining Around The World

Resort guests may make priority seating dining for the same day and up to 120 days in advance at most locations in the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Resort table service restaurants.  For assistance, touch DINING OPTIONS on your guest room telephone or dial (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or stop by an Guest Services desk. 

Requests for Kosher, vegetarian or special dietary meals may be made at most full-service restaurants.  Request should be made 24 hours in advance.  Touch DINING OPTIONS on your guest room telephone or dial 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

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Disney Dollars

Disney Dollars, the official currency of the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland, are available at the Front Desk in $1.00, $5.00, and $10.00 denominations.

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Gasoline

Exxon has Tiger Marts at three locations - next to the Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza (407-824-8257); across the boulevard from Downtown Disney Pleasure Island (407-828-6146) and across the boulevard from Disney-MGM Studios (407-560-0467).  Each offers a convenience store/gift shop and self-serve gas..

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Housekeeping

For special services including bed rails, extra pillows and blankets, baby cribs or extra hangers, touch HOUSEKEEPING/MAINTENANCE from your guest room telephone

Note:  This resort does not have cots or rollaway beds.

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Merchandise Delivery

Shop at any merchandise location at the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, or Downtown Disney and have your packages delivered to your resort.  You can pick up your merchandise at Zawadi Marketplace.

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Notary Public

Service available at the Front Desk during regular business hours.

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Pager Rentals

Pagers are available for rental from the Front Desk or Guest Services.

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Pets

A kennel is provided next to the Walt Disney World Transportation and Ticket Center, at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and at each theme park.  Pets are not permitted (with the exception of service animals) in guest areas or rooms, and may not be left in vehicles.

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Character Appearances

Characters make an appearance at this resort on Sunday, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Main Lobby:  8:10 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.

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Number of Rooms and Occupancy

There are 1293 rooms in this Deluxe resort.  Rooms fit 4 to 5 people.

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What amenities are in the room?

The rooms contain hairdryers, in-room safes, turn down service on request, room service.  There is a kids pool.

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Are there rooms for guests with disabilities?

There are 66 rooms available for guests with disabilities.

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Concierge Services

Concierge rooms are available at this resort and are located on floors 5 and 6.  They are available in both pool and savannah views.  Choose between one-bedroom, two-bedroom and "royal" suites.  Only the sixth floor is key-protected.

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Address and Phone number

This resort is located at 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830.  The phone number is 407-938-3000.  The fax number is 407-938-7102.  For reservations, call Central Reservations at 407-934-7639.

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Guest Review

When we first checked in, we were inspired by the wonderful view that we had of the bridge when we walked in. The main lobby was very large and had a homey feel to it.  The cast members were very informative of the art works and all the amenities that the lodge had to offer... the thing that really choked us up was when we got to our room and our children found out that we had a bunk bed room. The look on their faces was priceless. We of course checked out the savannah view and low and behold right under our balcony, was some type of deer. Don't know which one though. We then went for a walk around the lodge and checked out the pool and the food court. Both of these were very nice.  

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