Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village Review
Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a villa-style hotel, and is one of the best-themed resorts at Walt Disney World. This review features room photos, thoughts on the ambiance, and our opinion on for whom these Deluxe-tier accommodations are best suited.
We won’t bury the lede: Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our top picks for places to stay at Walt Disney World. We do a lot of resort rankings, and it’s claimed the crown as the #1 Deluxe Hotel at Walt Disney World.
On our more comprehensive Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Hotels from Worst to Best, Animal Kingdom Lodge scores similarly. More subjectively, we also love Animal Kingdom Lodge and routinely remark that the two lodges are our favorites as places to stay at Walt Disney World.
With over 30 different on-site resort options and hundreds of hotels in and around Walt Disney World in Orlando (we’ve reviewed all of ’em), choosing the best resort can be overwhelming–especially since it varies with each party’s priorities. As with all of them, there are pros & cons to staying at Kidani Village–including deal-breakers for some guests!
While I prefer staying in the main lodge, Kidani Village is a great alternative that offers most of the same upsides as the main building while having some unique characteristics of its own. It’s also a great use of Disney Vacation Club points, which can make it a great option if you’re renting DVC points. (See How to Save Money Renting Disney Vacation Club Points.)
One thing to note before we get going too far is to explain the distinction between Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House and Kidani Village. This review concerns the latter, obviously, which is the Disney Vacation Club wing of the larger lodge. The two are located in separate buildings, with Jambo House having nearly 1,200 rooms whereas Kidani Village has 458 rooms.
Kidani Village and Jambo House are a short walk from one another, so all of the amenities each offer are easily accessible from one another. Kidani Village benefits from its more intimate size while still having a fairly robust slate of amenities, but isn’t as ‘grand’ in scale as Jambo House.
Another thing we should start by noting is that the guest rooms at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are undergoing refurbishment from now through May 2026. The good news is that the first of these rooms have started to reopen as of mid-December 2025, and can now be requested! (Just keep in mind that the number of redone rooms is low right now, but will progressively increase into Winter & Spring 2026.)
During the refurbishment, guests may see or hear construction work in the area. All amenities will remain available throughout the refurbishment. Once this update is completed, construction crews will move on to Jambo House to redo the rooms there from May 2026 through January 2027. We’ve heard a few reader reports that Animal Kingdom Lodge is in rough shape right now.
We covered what to expect from this construction at length in Room Reimagining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Through 2027. What’s still unclear about this project involves the hotel side of Animal Kingdom Lodge, or just the Animal Kingdom Villas. The latter is the DVC side of the resort, and what is overdue for a refurbishment. Even so, by the time the DVC work is done in 2027, the hotel rooms might be due for another refresh.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village…
First up is the (non-literal) elephant in the room: location.
I love Animal Kingdom Lodge. Every time we arrive at Animal Kingdom Lodge, I ask myself why we don’t stay there more often. Then by the end of the stay, I’m reminded of reality.
Animal Kingdom Lodge’s location relative to the majority of Walt Disney World (save for Animal Kingdom) is inconvenient. This is an unfortunate but necessary reality, as the unique characteristics of the Lodge simply wouldn’t be possible if it were in the heart of the action.
In actuality, this is probably better characterized as a transportation problem.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the few Deluxe Resorts that is reliant on all-bus transportation to every single theme park at Walt Disney World. It’s not served by a sidewalk to any park or any novel mode of transportation that’s like an attraction unto itself, such as the Skyliner, monorail, boat, etc.
This can be a problem because bus transportation is tedious, less predictable (or more inconsistent), and just not as fun as other modes of transportation. If you’re reliant on Disney transportation, having access to one or two parks without getting on a bus is a breath of fresh air and a nice change of pace. The value of this cannot be understated.
However, that’s assuming you’re reliant on Disney transportation. If you have a rental car or vehicle of your own, this really isn’t that big of a deal. If anything, the location issue is overblown, as commute times from AKL to the parks average out to be…pretty average! This is precisely why it’s actually a transportation–and not a location–issue.
Those with their own vehicles might actually favor Kidani Village since it offers convenient, covered parking. Back when we were Central Florida locals, Kidani Village was actually one of our favorite places to stay for this reason.
Just something to consider as there’s a big difference here for guests reliant on Disney transportation versus those with vehicles. Other reviews tend to gloss over this distinction, having only considered the resort from one perspective or the other.
When viewed in (figurative) isolation, I absolutely love Animal Kingdom Lodge. And a big part of that appeal is the literal isolation.
For first-time visitors to Walt Disney World who want to accomplish a lot or those who will need to take afternoon breaks, Kidani Village might be an impractical choice.
For frequent visitors, honeymooners, or retirees looking for a slower-paced trip or a resort that they can enjoy, I can’t think of a better choice at Walt Disney World. In fact, I can think of few better “hotel experiences” anywhere.
The biggest reason for this is the huge savanna outside the lobby, where 30 species of animals roam in the view of guests. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “sure, zebra and giraffe are dope, but ostrich are creepy and isn’t a kudu something from the mind of Stephen King?!”
Fear not, these species of antelope will not kidnap your children in the dark of night, although I think it is somewhat disappointing Animal Kingdom Lodge still hasn’t acquired some Tauntaun. It’d be great for synergy.
Seriously though, the savanna is incredible, and there are few things more relaxing than sitting in a rocking chair overlooking the roaming wildlife. It’s a nice change of pace from the normal frenzy of visiting the parks, and is far and away the top draw of both Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village.
This alone would be enough to rank Animal Kingdom Lodge near the top of Walt Disney World’s resorts, but it doesn’t stop there.
The rich theming throughout the lodge is one part stunning design crafted by the Imagineers and one part authentic pieces on display, including the largest African art collection in the United States. Wandering around the resort demonstrates quite clearly that the attention to detail put into Animal Kingdom was also put into the Lodge.
No other resort at Walt Disney World makes this kind of effort to inspire and educate guests about its source material. I really appreciate how there’s more to Animal Kingdom Lodge than theming that presents an idealized version of Africa; both Jambo House and Kidani Village aspire to more than simply transporting guests to a different time and place.
The presence of Cultural Representatives at Animal Kingdom Lodge really drives this home, and the free daily tour is a nice way to gain a greater appreciation of Kidani Village. In these regards, Animal Kingdom Lodge feels like EPCOT Center: The Hotel.
For me, those are the two greatest strengths of Kidani Village, and although I don’t think it feels quite as rich as the Jambo House, it is still impressive.
Likewise, the dining in Jambo House is superior, although Sanaa is arguably most underrated restaurant in all of Walt Disney World.
Ask 10 longtime Walt Disney World fans to name a trio of underrated table service restaurants, and there’s a good chance half of them put Sanaa on their lists. Like pretty much all Animal Kingdom Lodge dining, it’s beloved by diehards and overlooked by most regular guests.
Sanaa scores a lot of points for offering a unique and excellent menu, and for reasonable price points.
Sanaa also offers incredible ambiance, with views of animals grazing outside the restaurant. The out of the way location of Kidani Village is an asset here, as it means that Sanaa is rarely crowded, which adds to its intimacy and also means you will usually have an attentive server.
The menu at Sanaa is quite remarkable for a Walt Disney World restaurant, with a lot of options that might scare away the regular tourist who simply wants meat and potatoes. You can find options like that at Sanaa, but the majority of the menu is a bit more adventurous.
We love Sanaa. Everyone recommends the bread service, which is a must-order, but don’t sleep on the Potjie Inspired, Vegetable Curry, or Tandoori Chicken. As much as I love a good burger, I can never bring myself to order it here. Just too many great options at Sanaa!
To those of you anxiously awaiting my “Top 10 Places to Nap at Walt Disney World” you can rest assured this little fireplace area overlooking the savanna will make the list.
I’m happy to report that I found this to be an exemplary napping location after arriving at the hotel around 6 a.m. on the LAX redeye.
Beyond the savanna, art collection, and stellar napping corners, there are the expected amenities that you’d find at any Disney Vacation Club (or other) resort, from a pool with water play area, to guest laundry, a fitness center, etc.
If you’ve researched hotels at Walt Disney World, you know the basics. Since Kidani Village is fairly new in the grand scheme of Walt Disney World (built in the last 20 years, as opposed to 1971), all of the amenities are fresh and modern. There aren’t retrofits, like you’ll find at the monorail loop resorts or other hotels.
The Samawati Springs Pool is a sleeper favorite for a lot of families.
It’s a large, lush, and has a nice play area, but it leaves a bit to be desired as compared to the feature pools at many other Deluxe Resorts. It lacks a hook or defining characteristic that makes it stand out–despite the size it fails to impress. Perhaps Disney needs to stock it with some merfolk and sea witches to complete the “live animal” theme of the resort?
Joking aside, it’s fair to point out that Kidani Village is the DVC wing of Animal Kingdom Lodge and not a standalone resort. Given its status and room count, Samawati Springs Pool arguably punches above its weight. This plus the main pool at Jambo House (easily accessible from here) makes for a strong one-two punch!
Now let’s take a look at the room.
This review takes a look at the Studio, but there are also 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas at Kidani Village. As you can probably deduce from the names, that list of rooms gets progressively larger.
The room is themed exactly as you’d expect based on the rest of Kidani Village, and I have to say that we are big fans of the style.
The rooms have a unique character of their own that stay true to theme without going over the top into garishness. There’s a lot of texture and patterning here, from the detail in the woods to the carpet and in the art on the walls. It all works really well.
It seems Disney is working on toning down the style of many of its rooms, and in so doing swings back too far in the other direction sometimes, making them a bit on the bland side. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Animal Kingdom Lodge. The rooms strike a good balance between character and class.
By Walt Disney World standards, the bed is very comfortable, but still below the comfort-level of what you’d expect from this caliber of hotel. The sofa sleeper was also fairly comfortable (for what it is).
Thematically, the bathroom also looked nice, and the split approach with the shower and sink in one area and toilet behind another door was a setup that works well.
Having the shower also behind a separate door would be ideal, but this wasn’t bad.
Directly across from the bathroom was a small kitchenette, as is the case with all Studio Villas. This includes a mini-fridge, sink, toaster, coffeemaker, and microwave. It’s a nice little plus if you want to make a small breakfast or snack, but obviously it’s not suitable for cooking Thanksgiving dinner or that sort of thing.
That is, unless you have worn out your copy of the Microwave Cookbook and memorized its teachings. (Now that’s my kind of cookbook!)
Overall, Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World. Thematically, it’s unrivaled, and the Imagineers deftly balanced culture and theme with quality and luxury, without making any compromises to either. The only compromise here is location, and that’s going to be a big one for some people.
Location is probably the main reason why Animal Kingdom Lodge doesn’t receive more accolades from Disney fans, because otherwise, it should be an easy pick for the best resort at Walt Disney World. While I prefer the main Lodge by a slight margin over Kidani Village for its more grandiose style and convenience to dining, it’s a 1b to Animal Kingdom Lodge’s 1a, in my opinion.
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Your Thoughts
Are you a fan of Kidani Village or Animal Kingdom Lodge? Why? Would you consider staying here in the future, or is it simply too far away from the rest of the action at Walt Disney World? Agree or disagree with our resort review of Kidani Village? Have other thoughts or questions? Please share in the comments below!
We have also napped in the Kidani fireplace roll after 6 am redeye flight from LAX! We have stayed in 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms and Grand Villa (all overlooking the savannah and the splurge we will always do when staying there!) We don’t mind the busses because they are not packed enough to pass us while waiting like at Saratoga, but the buzzkill is when our room is far from the lobby. That walk is killer! Happy that it is indoors but we clocked it at almost 15 minutes from the lobby in one stay!
(Fireplace room, not roll!)
I’m really pleased to read a clear review of Kidani Village. It really is off the beaten path and up until my visit last year somewhere I’ve never visited, in spite of many visits to the main Animal Kingdom Lodge. That said, my only visit to Kidani Village was completely accidental. Again, in spite of my many visits to WDW while driving into the resort I NEVER remember which one (Jambo House or Kidani Village) is the main building, so on my last visit I chose incorrectly and was surprised by the parking garage and tiny lobby. No big deal, since it is (as mentioned) a quick walk to the main building, and I’m really glad I was able to do a little more exploring in a new (to me) resort! After Wilderness Lodge the Animal Kingdom Lodge is second on my top “staycation” resort wish list. There’s SO much to do at the Lodges and they seem so removed from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and they’re just so jaw-droppingly beautiful and impressively themed. Knowing that Kidini Village has some good “nap nooks” is very helpful information!
Its not a bad walk to the main hotel – like 5 min and there is a shuttle which mocked me by routinely being faster.
Parking is under the building keeps your car cooler but I found it weird.
I part with Tom on the pool I found it pretty good – perhaps the landscaping but it was a little walk – the pool at the main hotel is much better.
Overall this a favorite
Unfortunately, we were extremely disappointed with Kidani Village. Our visit was for 6 nights in a 1-BR. We were sent a text our room was ready and we walked into a room that hadn’t been cleaned. We waited an additional 2 hrs before being given a room. We had stayed there on a previous visit and loved it. However, we discovered that Kidani rooms are in desperate need of renovation. The hallway carpets were faded (from the sun) and in some faded places looked like holes. The sofa bed was probably the worst sleeper sofa I’ve ever had in a room. Our son ended up pulling the cushions off and sleeping on the floor. The chair back cushion didn’t even match the chair upholstery. However, the bright spot was Saana, which was amazingly delicious and sitting out watching the animals.
Does anyone know if the employees play the drums and other instruments in the lobby at Kidani? That was one of my favorite parts of Jambo, walking in to the drums playing and kids dancing around. Really felt like I was in another world 🙂
I am so grateful for these comments and am looking forward to our stay in December. In looking at all the reviews, I can’t really tell which is better for viewing the animals from your room – Kidani or Jambo? I want to maximize that experience!! Thanks!
In case people aren’t into scrolling through older comments, let me agree with a previous poster that one of the VERY best things about Kidani is having 2 full bathrooms in the 1BR villas!! One is modest-sized, the other is huge. If it weren’t for the distance from the parks (your first point) I’d want to stay here every visit to WDW.
We are planning a trip in October and would like to stay at Kidani Village. We will have car so, given its location, would it be best to drive to each park instead of relying on Disney transportation? We will have children and older folks with us.
Thanks
I read a review somewhere else that said the longest bus ride they had was for MK and it was about 1/2 an hour in AM traffic. We are staying at Kidani in November and we are driving as well so I am continuously looking for information!
Enjoy your stay!=
I love Kidani because it has a lobby unlike most DVC resorts that share a lobby with their hotel. It is a real lobby with a shop, front desk, etc. We absolutely love the main lodge and have been there every trip no matter where we stay typically for dinner. BUT the main lodge can be LOUD. So if we are going to stay at the Animal Kingdom which is not convenient for the parks we want to feel like we are getting break from all the people and noise of the parks. We think we get that more at Kidani. After a long tiring time at the parks it is a nice break.
Kidani Village is the first resort I fell in love with for this reason. There’s something homey and welcoming about the wall of lanterns outside the front doors…it just feels cozy.
If only they could spruce up the pool a bit and add a proper counter service, it would be absolutely perfect!
Hello! I am staying at Kidani Village with my family in May. Could anyone tell me the best method of getting to the parks? How long are bus rides to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM? Do you take a bus to Animal Kingdom or is it walking distance? Thanks in advance for your responses!
Use the Lyft app to access the Minnie Vans. Absolutely worth the money. Saves time and is much more enjoyable than a bus ride.
I think it’s worth noting that the is a splash park at Kidani right by the pool. Yes, the pool is better at Jambo, but with small children we actually like the pool at Kidani better because of the splash park area. It’s pretty cute too. Maybe you could add a picture or two of that area to your post on the Kidani pool.
Question, is the shower and sink behind a door separate from the rest of the room?
We are DVC members and have stayed in both Jambo and Kidani. A slight advantage to Kidani (if you drive to WDW) is that you can park under the building near the elevator closest to your room. While it may still be a long walk, we find it less walking than Jambo House. Also there is a shuttle between Kidani and Jambo so you don’t have to make the trek between them. Of course, you still have to make the trek to the lobby to get the shuttle
Am I the only one laughing about the ‘elephant in the room’ line? Oh, okay.
A Magical Place for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Took our 6 year old niece and was amazed at how wonderful and nice the staff are. The African drumming was the most AMAZING thing that my niece has ever seen. IT WAS AWESOME !!!!! The Safari guides at the resort are bar-none the best in the world and very knowledgeable.
We just stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, club level, for the first time. I was not expecting to love the animals outside my room thinking we would be gone too much. But they were amazingly! Waking up to see them and at night before bed was incredible and relaxing. I will say it was the worst club level experience by far. The pool was uninviting. We loved the sounds at night. We really felt like we had gone to some far away place when we were in our room.
Is the pool better at the kidani or Jambo for toddlers? We are looking for a place to take our 2 year old in February to escape winter and be able to have him run around outside.
Hi was wondering What’s the difference between normal Savannah view booking and upgrading to club level what extra benefits do you get and is it worth the money drew money we are going in 2017 for 3 weeks any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Dale
I have been searching the internet to find if there are multiple viewing areas outside main entrance at Kidani. I have found vague references to supposed viewing areas but no supporting documentation. Can anyone advise?
Right outside the main lobby is a pathway that leads into the central Savannah area. It has rocking chairs and a fire pit. Pretty nice place to chill. There’s also an indoor library type area with a great view if you don’t want to go outside. My dad with leg issues hung out here a lot when we went as a family. He thought is was a very present place to relax outside of the room, which (in our case) had a savannah view.
We can’t wait to stay at Kidani. We stayed at Jambo and loved it! Both offer so much. Our girls love the activity center, night vision goggles, story tellers, King Pin, cookie and cake decorating, floor rubbings, bead collecting… The food at every restaurant is amazing!!! We ate lunch at Boma (April 2016) and there was a shuttle from Kidani to Jambo. Thanks everyone for the great advice.