Resort Thread Jambo! Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

[mmouse50]

Going in February booked a resort view room 2 queens. Which trail would be the closest to The Mara? If I get a room on the opposite side of the resort from the pool and Mara how long is the walk?

 

[MyNameIsSonnyEclipse]

Going in February booked a resort view room 2 queens. Which trail would be the closest to The Mara? If I get a room on the opposite side of the resort from the pool and Mara how long is the walk?

If you're staying in Jambo, nothing is a particularly long walk. Zebra/Giraffe Trail is closest to amenities, but Jambo is not nearly as spread out as Kidani.

 

[Babsy]

Going in February booked a resort view room 2 queens. Which trail would be the closest to The Mara? If I get a room on the opposite side of the resort from the pool and Mara how long is the walk?

The closest trail is Giraffe trail. Ostrich trail is also relatively short so you wouldn't be extremely far. Both Kudu and Zebra trails are longer. AKL is a large resort and the hallways can be quite long. You could have as much as a five minute walk (or more depending upon how quickly you walk) to the lobby and then need to go down to the Mara on the ground floor. If you want to be close to the Mara, you could make a room request for that. However, some of the least desirable standard view rooms (IMO) are close to the Mara, so I wouldn't do that personally. If proximity to Mara is super important, I would consider the upgrade to a pool view room. Sometimes the price difference is not very much and all the pool view rooms are relatively close to the lobby and Mara.

 

[glocon]

So we decided today that we were coming to WDW next year in December to do all things Christmas.
We’d love to see AKL all decked out for the holidays and stop at Victoria Falls Lounge for a sip and a snack.
Does anyone here know what kind of food is available during the winter or holiday season?
Thinking of maybe making this dinner on our AK park day.

 

[eandt]

So we decided today that we were coming to WDW next year in December to do all things Christmas.
We’d love to see AKL all decked out for the holidays and stop at Victoria Falls Lounge for a sip and a snack.
Does anyone here know what kind of food is available during the winter or holiday season?
Thinking of maybe making this dinner on our AK park day.

This was the menu at VF a couple weeks ago. we have been there in December and don’t think it was changed much except for maybe a special cocktal . We shared a burger and slap chips as well as the spiced goat cheese dip. All were excellent as were the drinks.

 

[glocon]

This was the menu at VF a couple weeks ago. we have been there in December and don’t think it was changed much except for maybe a special cocktal . We shared a burger and slap chips as well as the spiced goat cheese dip. All were excellent as were the drinks.

Thanks!

 

[kdka421]

Just back from a stay at Kidani (our first stay at AKL). For curiosity sake, does anyone know what time in general they let the animals out onto the savannah?

We were in our room most days until around 9am, and maybe twice saw a giraffe or two right as we were leaving, but that's it. Saw a zebra far in the distance one day, and other than that we just saw (and heard) birds. I expected animals to be out and active early, although I had no real basis for thinking this. I am curious if the animals were avoiding the sunset savannah due to the construction noise/activity around Sanaa.

Was a bit of a bummer, but I know there's no guarantee to see animals, so it is what it is! Overall I loved the property as a whole and all it has to offer, especially by way of kids activities, next time I just won't spring for a savannah view.

 

[CarolynFH]

Just back from a stay at Kidani (our first stay at AKL). For curiosity sake, does anyone know what time in general they let the animals out onto the savannah?

We were in our room most days until around 9am, and maybe twice saw a giraffe or two right as we were leaving, but that's it. Saw a zebra far in the distance one day, and other than that we just saw (and heard) birds. I expected animals to be out and active early, although I had no real basis for thinking this. I am curious if the animals were avoiding the sunset savannah due to the construction noise/activity around Sanaa.

Was a bit of a bummer, but I know there's no guarantee to see animals, so it is what it is! Overall I loved the property as a whole and all it has to offer, especially by way of kids activities, next time I just won't spring for a savannah view.

The animals are allowed to spend the night on the savanna so might come and go or be seen at any time. However, in the morning they do spend some time in their houses for wellness checks and other routine activities. Or they wait for the food truck to come out so they can follow it. And I think some have favorite locations on the savanna where they hang out - for instance, our last stay there a few years ago, we had a zebra and her foal outside our room every morning, but we spent quite a lot of time there that visit, and now that I think of it, they appeared after we’d had breakfast. I don’t think we’d have seen as many animals if it hadn’t been a mostly-resort trip.

 

[kdka421]

The animals are allowed to spend the night on the savanna so might come and go or be seen at any time. However, in the morning they do spend some time in their houses for wellness checks and other routine activities. Or they wait for the food truck to come out so they can follow it. And I think some have favorite locations on the savanna where they hang out - for instance, our last stay there a few years ago, we had a zebra and her foal outside our room every morning, but we spent quite a lot of time there that visit, and now that I think of it, they appeared after we’d had breakfast. I don’t think we’d have seen as many animals if it hadn’t been a mostly-resort trip.

That's great information, thank you!!

I totally agree, I feel like if we were around the resort more it would have been a very different experience. I definitely know animals are unpredictable, and I am realizing that believing they'd be out in the mornings was just a misinformed expectation on my part.

 

[eandt]

Just back from a stay at Kidani (our first stay at AKL). For curiosity sake, does anyone know what time in general they let the animals out onto the savannah?

We were in our room most days until around 9am, and maybe twice saw a giraffe or two right as we were leaving, but that's it. Saw a zebra far in the distance one day, and other than that we just saw (and heard) birds. I expected animals to be out and active early, although I had no real basis for thinking this. I am curious if the animals were avoiding the sunset savannah due to the construction noise/activity around Sanaa.

Was a bit of a bummer, but I know there's no guarantee to see animals, so it is what it is! Overall I loved the property as a whole and all it has to offer, especially by way of kids activities, next time I just won't spring for a savannah view.

During our recent trip there were birds and wildebeest out early but watched them release giraffes every day at 0800 sharp

 

[eandt]

That's great information, thank you!!

I totally agree, I feel like if we were around the resort more it would have been a very different experience. I definitely know animals are unpredictable, and I am realizing that believing they'd be out in the mornings was just a misinformed expectation on my part. …

 

[eandt]

Breakfast at Saana is a great place to see the animals as well

 

[Best Aunt]

Just back from a stay at Kidani (our first stay at AKL). For curiosity sake, does anyone know what time in general they let the animals out onto the savannah?

We were in our room most days until around 9am, and maybe twice saw a giraffe or two right as we were leaving, but that's it. Saw a zebra far in the distance one day, and other than that we just saw (and heard) birds. I expected animals to be out and active early, although I had no real basis for thinking this. I am curious if the animals were avoiding the sunset savannah due to the construction noise/activity around Sanaa.

Was a bit of a bummer, but I know there's no guarantee to see animals, so it is what it is! Overall I loved the property as a whole and all it has to offer, especially by way of kids activities, next time I just won't spring for a savannah view.

Was it cold when you were there? I think they keep the giraffes inside when the temperature drops below a certain level.

 

[kdka421]

Was it cold when you were there? I think they keep the giraffes inside when the temperature drops below a certain level.

It was - I wondered that too. At one point we talked with a CM at one of the overlooks and they said the animals didn’t really mind the cold, but you’re right that doesn’t necessarily mean they keep to the same behaviors.

 

[Best Aunt]

It was - I wondered that too. At one point we talked with a CM at one of the overlooks and they said the animals didn’t really mind the cold, but you’re right that doesn’t necessarily mean they keep to the same behaviors.

I think there is a special rule (regarding the cold) for giraffes.

 

[CarolynFH]

It was - I wondered that too. At one point we talked with a CM at one of the overlooks and they said the animals didn’t really mind the cold, but you’re right that doesn’t necessarily mean they keep to the same behaviors.

Well, let me say that I know where the entrance to the giraffe house from the safari ride is because we rode once when it was about 40°-50°, and the giraffes were all clustered there, very obviously saying “Let us in!” So it’s likely the weather played a part in your not seeing many animals.

 

[kdka421]

I think there is a special rule (regarding the cold) for giraffes.

Well, let me say that I know where the entrance to the giraffe house from the safari ride is because we rode once when it was about 40°-50°, and the giraffes were all clustered there, very obviously saying “Let us in!” So it’s likely the weather played a part in your not seeing many animals.

Thanks all! This definitely makes sense.
Won't plan my next AKL stay during the winter

 

[mrsap]

Refurbishment Details Announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas​

The refurbishment project is anticipated to kick off in October 2025 and will be completed in phases over 8-9 months. Here’s how the process is expected to roll out:


• Kidani Village will be the first to undergo refurbishment. The updates will include enhancements to the lobby and Community Hall, alongside the room updates.

• Once work at Kidani Village is complete, the focus will shift to Jambo House, ensuring minimal disruption for guests during the refurbishment period.

This phased approach is designed to preserve the guest experience while bringing much-needed updates to this fan-favorite resort.

Murphy-Style Pull-Down Beds Coming Soon​

One of the most exciting updates is the confirmation that Murphy-style pull-down beds will be added to rooms where wall space allows. This upgrade is already popular across other Disney Vacation Club resorts, offering better functionality and flexibility for families. It’s great to see Disney incorporating these modern features into the resort!

A “Brighter” Look for Animal Kingdom Villas​

Perhaps the most significant announcement is that the color scheme of the resort will undergo a noticeable transformation. As confirmed by Allison Armor, the resort will receive an overall “brightening” of its interior spaces. While the current dark and earthy tones align with the theme, they can make the rooms feel a bit dim and dated.

This is a change Amy and I personally welcome after visiting the resort just last month. As much as I adore the intricate theming, the rooms could benefit from a fresher and more vibrant aesthetic. A brighter color palette could balance the resort’s immersive theming with a more modern, inviting feel.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Love the idea of the Murphy Beds. But very concerned about the term 'brighter' look for the villas. I have this nightmare that they turn out with a poorly themed bright white, or something along those lines - and we really hope that's not the case. It would ruin the resort for us. We don't find the place to be 'dark' as some say, but more calming and traditional. Hopefully, the brighter look and color scheme still fits the theming that makes this our favorite resort anywhere, not just WDW.

A bit disappointing they're basically pushing much of this into 2026, but should have figured that would be the case when no actual dates were previously announced for earlier in 2025. Guess we look forward to later in 2026 when it's all fixed up and construction crews are done!

 

[mrsap]

Love the idea of the Murphy Beds. But very concerned about the term 'brighter' look for the villas. I have this nightmare that they turn out with a poorly themed bright white, or something along those lines - and we really hope that's not the case. It would ruin the resort for us. We don't find the place to be 'dark' as some say, but more calming and traditional. Hopefully, the brighter look and color scheme still fits the theming that makes this our favorite resort anywhere, not just WDW.

A bit disappointing they're basically pushing much of this into 2026, but should have figured that would be the case when no actual dates were previously announced for earlier in 2025. Guess we look forward to later in 2026 when it's all fixed up and construction crews are done!

Our family feels the exact opposite and think it would be a welcome change! We stay CL there often, but we honestly feel so gloomy when we’re there. Between the darkness and the repetitive music, that plays in the lobby (especially around Christmas), I’m not sure what’s worse.