Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

Written by Tim Krasniewski | September 13, 2007

Resort Information

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
2901 Osceola Pkwy
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 938-3000
Fax: (407) 938-4799

Check-in: After 4pm (arriving guests may check-in earlier and access will be granted if the room is ready to be occupied)
Check-out: 11am

Original Opening Date: July 2, 2007
DVC Contract End Date: January 31, 2057

Buildings: 2
Units per building: 134 Jambo House; 324 Kidani Village (scheduled opening May 1, 2009)

"Catch the spirit of the savanna as it comes alive in this vibrant community immersed in the art and culture of Africa. Relax by the sparkling pool, embark on expeditions around the animal reserve or explore our one-of-a-kind artifacts collection."

Resort Amenities

Dining

Boma - Jambo (Table Service dining; Lunch and Dinner)

Boma means "Flavors of Africa."  This popular buffet serves breakfast and dinner cuisine with an African influence.  The kitchen is in full view of diners as many buffet selections are prepared to order.

Advanced Dining Reservations are available and encouraged.

Jiko - Jambo (Table Service dining; Dinner)

Jiko means "The Cooking Place."  Taste creative American cooking that is a unique blend of multi-cultural influences — from the Mediterranean coast, India and Europe. Savor seafood, steak, chicken and vegetarian offerings infused with the vibrant flavors and fragrant spices of Africa.

Advanced Dining Reservations are available and encouraged.  Business casual attire is required.

The Mara - Jambo (Quick Service dining; 7am to 11:30pm)

The Mara offers a variety of quick service items which may be consumed either in its dining area or taken to go.  Multiple stations are offered featuring fresh baked cookies and pastries, prepared sandwiches and salads, as well as warm entrees made to order.

A selection of grocery items is also available featuring staples such as milk, soda, alcohol, cereal and frozen foods.

Sanaa - Kidani (Table Service dining; Lunch and Dinner)

Indulge your senses! Sanaa, meaning "work of art," defines the atmosphere and the cuisine at this restaurant — with beautifully prepared food and an atmosphere simmering with style. Wait for your table in the comfortable 24-seat lounge that is adjacent to the spacious dining room.

Advanced Dining Reservations are available

Recreation

Uzima Pool - Jambo (Hours: 10am to 10pm; slide open only when lifeguards on duty)

At over 11,000 sq ft, the Uzima Pool is one of the largest on Walt Disney World property. The pool features a 67 ft long slide, zero entry area and a wading pool for infants and toddlers.  Nearby Uzima Springs Pool Bar serves cold beveraes, while The Mara is only steps away for those seeking a quick snack.  Also in the neighborhood are two whirlpool spas, the Hakuna Matata Playground and the resort's fitness center.

Towels are provided.  Lounge chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Life jackets may be borrowed (free.)

An additional pool complex, Samawati Springs, is planned for the Kidani Village resort area.  This complex will include a 4,700 sq ft pool with slide, 2 whirlpool spas, a 4,200 sq ft water play area called Uwanja Camp and the Maji Pool Bar.

Samawati Springs Pool / Uwanja Camp - Kidani

Cool off in this zero-entry pool that features a 128-ft. long water slide. Take relaxation to a whole new level in one of the two whirlpool spas near the main pool, or refresh at Maji Pool Bar.

Climb elevated-rope bridges, dash through geyser jets, or relax in the waterfall lagoon or beneath the shade of the camp cabanas in this village playground themed as an animal observation site known as Uwanja Camp — uwanja means "play area." Explore three distinct zones in this children's interactive water-play area — the base camp, the departure zone and the observation station; each area has its own character and activities for age-specific groups.

Savanna

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas has three different savannas (Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima) that can be viewed not only from Savannah View villas, but also from a variety of public overlooks and hallway windows. Each savanna has its own unique residents (kudu, ostrich, zebra) as well as a selection of species which roam from freely between the savannas  (angoli cattle, bongo, giraffe.)

The Arusha Savannah is the largest of the three. Arusha also has the most public viewing areas including Arusha Rock, the largest and most popular public animal observation spot. The public viewing areas have signs which describe the different species contained within each savanna.  Disney employs a number of native African Cast Members at the Animal Kingdom Lodge who are more than happy to talk to guests about their experiences in Africa.

Sunrise Safari

Take a 30-45 minute safari to get an insider look at the animals, the grounds and the operation of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. After the safari, savor a lavish breakfast buffet at Pizzafari. Subject to availability, Park admission is required but not included. This tour is exclusive to Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Concierge Guests only. Call 407-938-4755 for details or reservations.

Wanyama Safari

Available to all Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas guests, this three-hour safari-dinner adventure is a recreation of a true African afternoon game drive. Spend time with members from the Animal Programs team to learn about the natural history and management of the animal collection. Enjoy incredible photo opportunities of the animals and the architecture of the Resort. Conclude the experience with a multi-course meal at Jiko — The Cooking Place. Subject to availability. Guests must be 8 years of age or older.  Call 407-938-4755 for details or reservations.

Wildlife Discovery Excursion

Venture off the trail of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve during this one-hour adventure led by a seasoned Safari Guide and animal expert. Stop at special observation areas for unique photo opportunities. Park admission is required, but not included.  This tour is exclusive to Concierge Guests only. Call 407-938-4755 for details or reservations.

Other Recreation Options

Fitness center
Arcade
Animal programs
Playground
Tennis courts (Planned for Kidani Village)
Basketball court (Planned for Kidani Village)
Shuffleboard court (Planned for Kidani Village)

Transportation

* Animal Kingdom Lodge / Villas has dedicated busses; service is not shared with any other Walt Disney World resorts.

Driving directions TO Animal Kingdom Villas
Driving directions FROM Animal Kingdom Villas

Note that all pool and restaurant hours are subject to seasonal adjustments.  Lifeguard schedules may change in the event of inclement weather.