The Lodge is 6 stories tall. You enter the expansive lobby on the 3rd floor of the resort.  There is a huge picture window which looks out upon 30 acres of land. From here, you can walk out onto an elevated viewing area (Arusha Rock) and enjoy the roaming animals.

All three savannas are special areas built specifically for the AKL and are separate from Disney's Animal Kingdom.  There are over 100 Sand Live Oak trees and 35,000 shrubs in the savannas.  Seeds for many of the plants were supplied from Africa.

Throughout the rest of the lobby, there are examples of authentic architecture and design, from thatched ceilings to golden tones reflecting the richness and diversity of an African landscape. Rich wood tones surround a large mud fireplace and natural lighting will celebrate dawn and dusk with features that accentuate spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

In the hallways, there are alcoves with glass windows providing savanna overlooks.

What are the savannas like?

There are three separate savannas (approximately 10 acres each) that are open 24 hours a day.  Each savanna is closed daily for approximately two hours for cleaning and handling animals, in shifts. There will always be at least two savannas open at all times.  From left to right the savannas are named: Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima.

Each savanna has its own unique look and feel. Not all savannas have all the animals. For instance, ostriches can only be found on the Sunset savanna, zebras are only located on the Arusha savanna, kudu are only found on the Uzima savanna. Giraffes are the only animal found on all three savannas.

Each room has an animal viewing guide. You can also pick one up at the front desk.

At night, the savannas are illuminated by artificial moonlight as if a full moon were ever present.

"Safari Guides" are at the outside viewing areas and can answer your questions about the animals and birds.

Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly three dozen species populate the 33-acre area. The savannas surround the lodge on three sides. You can view the birds and animals from resort balconies or from several viewing points -- including a landscaped rock outcropping called the Arusha Rock kopje -- 24 hours a day.

Are the animals and birds on the savannas 24 hours a day? Where do they sleep?

The savannas are the actual home for the animals and birds. All animals inhabiting the savanna return periodically to an on-site animal care facility for feeding and routine care. Many of the species browse, as well, on savanna plantings that are part of their everyday diet and are continually replenished by horticulturists.

The animals sleep on the savannas, although they are generally much further back and therefore you can't see them sleep.

A number of the animals are nocturnal and so you may spot them in the middle of the night. (Deb Wills awoke one morning at 2 a.m. and found two zebras grazing right outside her balcony.)

What animals and birds might I see on the savannas?

Where did the animals come from?

Will I be able to touch or feed the animals? What responsibilities do I have regarding the animals and birds?

NO, you may not touch or feed the animals. If you attempt to do so, you risk expulsion from the resort.

Safety of both the guests and the animals is very important. As an in-room notice states: "To assist the animal care staff in maintaining the health and safety of the animals, please do not feed them or drop items into the habitats. Also, please do not attempt to approach or cross the barriers designed for guest and animal safety. If any guest attempts to harm the animals or their habitats, they will be immediately asked to leave the resort. During your stay you may notice cameras in and around the savannas. These cameras are for the protection and safety of our animals. For privacy, please close your drapes."

What types of accommodations are available?

The accommodations offered are finished in rich tapestries and vibrant colors. Guest rooms feature jewel tones and hand-carved furnishings. There is even a "Royal Suite" with a domed, hut-like living room fit for a king.

The following are the room types and numbers of rooms in each category: Standard View (facing the parking lot) 135 rooms; Pool View 136 rooms; savanna View 724 rooms; Deluxe Pool View 33 rooms; Deluxe savanna View 191 rooms and 55 Concierge rooms. The deluxe rooms are bigger than the standard rooms. There are also Presidential and Vice Presidential suites, as well as five one-bedroom suites and 12 two-bedroom parlor suites.

The standard rooms are on floors 1-4 and are 344 square feet.  Deluxe rooms are on floors 5 and 6 and are 381 square feet.  All rooms have balconies.

Some rooms feature one queen-size bed and bunk beds. Some rooms feature an additional dresser. There are 79 king bed rooms, and there are 65 accessible rooms with king bed, roll-in shower, accessible seat for toilet, TDD kit and ADA guide maps.

Concierge rooms have either savanna or a pool view.

Each room that is not ground level, no matter what the category or view, has a balcony that is long and narrow.

The suites are located at the end of the animal trails. From the outside of the Lodge, they are the ones located within the rounded parts of the building, with the curved balconies, topped with thatch. They are located on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors. Even the ones below 5th floor still have concierge access.

Can you explain more about the different views and room types?

Floors 1-2-3-4 have Standard Rooms with one of 3 views: Standard, Pool or savanna. The rooms can be configured with 2 Queens; 1 Queen and Bunk Beds; King Bed with Daybed; Handicapped Accessible with King Bed and Daybed.

Floors 5-6 have Deluxe rooms. Concierge rooms are the same as the Deluxe rooms. These have one of 2 views: Pool or savanna. The rooms can be configured as either 2 Queens; 1 Queen and Bunk Beds; King Bed and Daybed; Handicapped Accessible with King Bed and Daybed. The 6th Floor is exclusively Concierge.

The best way to understand the various views is to compare them to the seating in a theater or stadium. For example, I would equate a savanna view room to the orchestra and box seats: you have a close and personal view of the event, in which you are totally immersed in the action and sometimes even feel like they are playing just for you. The pool view rooms are similar to the mezzanine or club level: you still have good seating, but you are not as close to the action and are much more aware of your surroundings. And standard view rooms? They would be akin to the upper, upper deck, or the back of the highest balcony. You are there and can enjoy the experience, but you are much further removed both emotionally and physically.

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are now smoke free. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

What type of amenities are offered?

The rooms have a small safe in the closet to store valuables. It's big enough for your plane tickets, cash/travelers checks and maybe some jewelry, but not much more. For storing larger valuables inquire at the front desk. In addition, you'll also find a hairdryer, small coffee maker with packets of coffee and tea, iron and ironing board, a crib, and a small refrigerator. Valet parking, voice mail, and room service are also available.

What time is Check-in/Check-out?

Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.

What kind of concierge service is available?

AKL's concierge rooms are located on part of floor 5 and all of 6. The actual lounge and staff are located on the 6th floor. The concierge rooms are identical to the deluxe rooms in terms of size and amenities (with a few extra). You can not book a specific concierge view... they are either a pool view or Sunset or Arusha savanna view. For some odd reason, the lounge was not built with a savanna view and instead opens to the lobby on the 6th floor.

The lounge is wonderful, large and the food quite good. You also have a selection of South African wines to try as well. The Cast Members can assist you in dining, entertainment or just about any Disney plans you might want to make.

AllEarsNet.com staff rates AKL's concierge lounge as one of the best at WDW.

What is the Sunrise Safari?

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is available only to concierge guests on Sundays and Thursdays. You meet in the concierge lounge at 6:30 a.m., then departure from the lodge to Animal Kingdom is at 7:30 a.m. The tour, along the Kilimanjaro Safari ride path in Animal Kingdom, lasts about 45 minutes and includes multiple stops so that you can stand up and take pictures. Each of the animals along the way is described in great detail, since there is plenty of time.

After the Safari, you go to the Tusker House for a breakfast buffet, which includes both standard American and African items. Each person also gets a FastPass to Kilimanjaro Safari to experience it "the regular way".

Hours: Sundays and Thursdays, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Cost: Adults is $55.00 and for children (3-9) it is $27.50. NOTE: Park admission NOT included. A credit card is required at the time of booking to guarantee the reservation (this number will be used as a guarantee only, as the safari is charged to your room the day of the event).

Reservations: This event can only be booked by contacting the Animal Kingdom Lodge Itinerary Planning Office. Note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. The safari can be booked 180 days out from the day of the event.

Bill Leska writes: We just returned from a six night stay at AKL, where we did the Sunrise Safari twice. It was that great! Here are a couple of updates you may want to consider: The fact sheet said that there was a limit of 28 persons. This wasn't the case for either of our safaris. One of them had 55 people and the other had about 50. However, there does appear to be a limit to the number of people: We went on the safari on a Saturday and like it so much, we booked it again. As the Concierge was setting things up, he mentioned that it looked good, because there wasn't anyone on the waiting list. (Having a waiting list indicates to me that there is a limit of some kind.) As I mentioned, we had a great time on the safari and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari. The Sunrise Safaris were the highlight of our trip.

Sharon Lowe writes: This is my daughter's favorite thing to do at Disney and we're starting the celebration of her 8th birthday on the Sunrise Safari this year. The Wanyama Safari at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in the afternoons is for concierge guests 12 and older and is reserved for Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge guests.

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure Photo Gallery

What is the Sunset Safari?

The Sunset or Wanyama Safari is exclusively offered to Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge Guests. It is approximately 1 1/2 hours long and takes place on the savannas of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is meant to be a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive and is an opportunity to spend time with members from the animal programs team learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas. Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at Jiko, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you.

Hours: Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays about 1 1/2 hours before sunset at the lodge's Porte Cochere.

Age Requirement: Must be 8 years of age or older.

Cost: $150 per adult (ages 10 and up), tax and gratuity included; $75 per child ages 8-9.

Reservations: This event can only be booked by contacting the Animal Kingdom Lodge Itinerary Planning Office. Note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. The safari can be booked 180 days out from the day of the event.

NOTE: Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room as admission for each safari is limited to only eight participants.

Sunset Safari Photo Gallery

Is it better to be out on the wings vs near the lobby area for views of the savanna? Does the configuration take into consideration sunrise and sunset angles for picture taking? Are views better as you go up in floors?

There is a Sunset savanna and also a Sunset savanna viewing room/balcony that is open to everyone. It was designed specifically for viewing at sunset. The balconies are all decent size so that a tripod will fit out there for photo taking.

On the lower floors you are closer to the animals, on the upper floors you have more of an expansive view...different people will prefer one over the other and it will differ.

The savannas are designed for viewing from a variety of locations. At any given time, one view may be better or worse than another. The Animal Staff are out several times during the day to leave food and treats for the animals. They scatter them all over so that the animals will visit lots of different areas in the savanna.

There are a very few rooms on each floor near the end of the hallway that offer a semi-obstructed view of the savanna You must look through/past timber building supports and palm trees. Initially these rooms were coded savanna view; I don't know if this has changed.

What are the room prices?

Standard rooms have a maximum four-person occupancy per room. Prices are per room, and there is an additional adult charge of $25 per adult per night for more than two adults in a room.

How do I get to...?

All Disney transportation to and from AKL is via bus. As you exit the main lobby, the bus station is down to the left. There are several stops to take you to the Theme Parks, Water Parks and Downtown Disney. The buses that service AKL do not service other resorts.

Is morning coffee available?

Describe the restaurants that are at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The restaurants offer a blend of African, Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and French cuisine with a dash of English served with a hint of classical flair. The menu reflects the perfect blend of sweet and savory international tastes.

Jiko - The Cooking Place -- a casual restaurant, serving dinner, that features a taste of Africa in an atmosphere shaped by local traditions and customs. Focusing on simpler, lighter cuisine, it retains the spirit and refinement of a great restaurant while concentrating on the basics of cooking, with an emphasis on the freshest of products. The design represents an abstract view of Africa, with twin wood-burning ovens as the restaurant's icon. Reviews of Jiko.

Boma - Flavors of Africa, a very popular family restaurant open for breakfast and dinner, captures the essence of vibrant life in the African marketplace. This buffet provides guests the ability to savor the African experience, which has multicultural influences. The restaurant showcases an exhibit kitchen, wood-burning grill and rotisserie. The dining areas are under thatched roofs. Reservations for dinner are highly recommended! Boma Breakfast Reviews. Boma Dinner Reviews.

Mara, the quick-service restaurant, open morning to night, offers great food and poolside dining.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurant Menus HERE

Victoria Falls, a mezzanine lounge, serves specialty coffees and teas and a variety of beverages at night. This lounge overlooks Boma - Flavors of Africa.

Uzima Springs is the Poolside bar.

Disney Dining Experience card holders will be happy to know it is honored at Boma and Jiko!

My 13 year old daughter, her 13 year old friend and I will be having dinner at Jiko. I forwarded the menu to them and they were less than enthusiastic -- I however, was thrilled! Can they order the kids' meal instead or is there an age restriction and if so, what would you recommend for two very unadventurous diners?

YES, I checked with the manager at Jiko and kids accompanying their parent(s) who do not wish to eat from the regular menu can order off the kids menu. Typically children's meals are for those under 10; however in cases like this, it's no problem at all. As he said to me, "This is Disney!"

I'm interested in hearing about the food options for vegetarians.

There are LOTS of vegetarian options available both at Jiko, Boma and Mara! There were several items on the Jiko menu that would/could easily be adapted to vegetarian. The chefs are very tuned into special diets. At Boma -- ask the chefs at each of the pods and they will take care of you!

Vegans just showing up at Jiko or Boma will have a harder time, but if you CALL 24 hours ahead you will be well taken care of at either restaurant. If you are staying Concierge, ask the staff to assist you with your dietary concerns.

What is Zawadi Marketplace?

Zawadi Marketplace is the retail shop celebrating the romantic and adventuresome spirit of Africa through the stories and cultures represented in its merchandise. Disney sent a team of researchers to Africa to locate one-of-a-kind treasures to showcase amid the natural finishes, patterns and textiles featured throughout the marketplace. At nearly 6,000 square feet, Zawadi Marketplace will be among the largest retail shops at Walt Disney World Resort.

Featured marketplace items include: Zulu baskets, hand-loomed fabrics and textiles, hand-carved masks, beaded gourds, hand-carved chess sets and an assortment of authentic accents. The marketplace has items in store for the Disney collector as well, including distinctive headgear, T-shirts, picture frames and more featuring the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge logo.

What about Laundry facilities?

The laundry room is located on the first floor near Simba's Cubhouse. Washers and Dryers are $2.00 each. Soap is available for $1.00. There is a sitting room with TV for those choosing to wait for their clothes to finish.

Yes, there are a number of special programs offered throughout the day at AKL. Be sure to ask for a list when you check-in to the hotel. A sampling of the recent programs offered at the resort (all programs subject to change without notice):

--flamingo feedings at the Flamingo Pond
--animal tracking at Arusha Rock
--Music of the Savanna in the Sunset Lounge
--wildlife games in the Sunset Lounge
--African games and crafts on the Uzima Pool Deck
--cultural safari in the Sunset Lounge
--animal viewing with Night Vision
--Adventure Camp for children 6-14 that includes ostrich egg painting, private lodge tour and lunch overlooking the savanna.
--Cookie decorating at Boma

Outside, at the Arusha Rock, there is nightly African storytelling next to Ogun's Firepit. (Storytelling is held indoors in the event of inclement weather.) If you have the opportunity, take the time to speak with the storytellers.