Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House DVC Villas — Walt Disney World

Welcome to Jambo House and its Disney Vacation Club Villas! 

Welcome to Jambo House!

Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House Villa Highlights:

  • View live safari animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes from many rooms and resort overlooks
  • Amazing food! Widely described as one of the best foodie resorts.
  • Villa Style Accommodations when booking Disney Vacation Club rooms

What is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge ?

Animal Kingdom Lodge comprises two unique areas, Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House (the original Animal Kingdom Lodge) has both Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rooms and regular guest rooms. Kidani Village has only DVC-type rooms. Each area has its own check-in lobby, but the split Resort shares all other facilities. The term “Disney Vacation Club Villas” refers to the Disney Vacation Club accommodations at both Jambo House and Kidani Village.

For more information on Kidani Village, check out our fact sheet. 

Wait – I am not a DVC Member. Can I stay here?

Yes! Anyone can stay at a DVC Resort or in a DVC Villa Room as long as there is space available. You can book it like any other Disney hotel room — either on Disney’s website, calling Disney’s Reservation Line, or with a travel agent.

Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House Lobby at Night

JAMBO HOUSE VILLAS ACCOMMODATIONS 

There are four types of Villas available: Studios, One Bedroom Villas, Two Bedroom Villas, and Three Bedroom Villas.

Beyond the type of villa, three different price categories are available: Value, Standard, and Savanna.

Club Level Rooms are available for various Villas as well. These are all Savanna or Pool View rooms.

Studio Accommodations:

  • Sleeps up to four adults
    • One Queen Bed
    • One Double-Size Sleeper Sofa
    • One Bathroom
    • Kitchenette with wet bar, mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
    • Private balcony
Studio Villa

For more photos of a Jambo House Studio Villa, check out our photo gallery.

One Bedroom Villas:

  • “Value” One Bedroom Villas Sleep four
    • 1 Bedroom with a King Bed
    • 1 Queen Sleeper Sofa in Living Space
  • Standard and Savannah One Bedroom Villas Sleep Five
    • 1 Bedroom with a King Bed
    • 1 Queen Sleeper Sofa
    • 1 Twin Pull Down Bed
  • All One Bedroom Villas Have:
    • Full Kitchen including dishwasher, stove, coffee maker, and microwave
    • Full bathroom including tub
    • Laundry with washer and dryer
    • Private Balcony
One Bedroom Villa

For more photos of a Jambo House One Bedroom Villa, check out our photo gallery.

Two-Bedroom Villas:

  • Sleeps up to nine adults
    • King Master Bedroom
    • Queen Bedroom with Double Sleeper Sofa
    • Queen Sleeper Sofa in Living Area
    • Single Sleeper Chair
  • Two Full Bathrooms
  • Full Kitchen including dishwasher, stove, coffee maker, and microwave
  • Laundry with washer and dryer
  • Private Balcony
Villa Bathroom

Three-Bedroom Grand Villas:

  • Sleep up to 12 adults
    • King Master Bedroom
    • 2 Bedrooms with 2 Queens Each
    • One Queen Size Sleeper Sofa
  • Four Bathrooms
  • Full Kitchen including dishwasher, stove, coffee maker, and microwave
  • Large Dining Table
  • Laundry with washer and dryer
  • Three Private Balconies
Jambo House Grand Villa

For more photos of the Grand Villa, check out our photo gallery. 

How much does it cost to stay at the Jambo House (DVC) portion of Animal Kingdom Lodge if I am not booking with DVC Points?

Walt Disney World Resort rates vary by season (there are nine seasons now) and also by day of the week. The holiday season is the most expensive time of the year. It runs from mid-December to early-January as well as during Easter week.

The rates for a:

  • Studio — Value: $403 – $752
  • Deluxe Studio — Standard: $474 – $864
  • Deluxe Studio — Savanna: $597 – $1009
  • One-Bedroom — Value: $657 – $1020
  • One-Bedroom — Standard: $706 – $1195
  • One-Bedroom — Savanna: $881 – $1275

Is there a fee to park at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Villas?

Disney Vacation Club Members will not be charged for standard overnight self-parking when staying at a DVC Deluxe Villa, regardless of whether they use vacation points or another form of payment. Members also will not be charged to park when using vacation points to stay at another Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Click here for current pricing and other parking-related information.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Tell me more about the look and feel of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is six stories tall. You enter the impressive lobby on the third floor of the Resort (though you won’t be climbing three flights of stairs — the Resort entrance is elevated).

Animal Kingdom Lodge

There is a huge picture window at the far end of the lobby that looks out over 30 acres of land. From here, you can walk out onto an elevated viewing area called Arusha Rock and enjoy the roaming animals.

Looking out onto Arusha Rock paths and overlooks

All three savannas are specially-built areas that are just for AKL and are separate from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are over 100 Sand Live Oak trees and 35,000 shrubs on the savannas. Seeds for many of the plants were supplied from Africa.

Hungry giraffe on the Kidani Village savanna

Throughout 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.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Architecture

Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to the largest collection of African art in the world outside the continent of Africa. You’ll see pieces throughout the lobby, restaurants, and hallways.

Artwork from African artists can be seen throughout the Resort.

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

Viewing alcove

Next to Animal Kingdom Lodge is Kidani Village (opened May 1, 2009), a Disney Vacation Club Resort. Kidani has its own parking, restaurant, and pool. It shares the Sunset Savanna with Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and has its own savanna (opened fall 2009) called Pembe.

How does check-in work?

Online Check-in is available through the My Disney Experience App. Look for the special Online Check-in line at the resort’s front desk.

Check-in is at 4PM. Upon arrival head to the front desk to check-in. Rooms are not guaranteed to be available until 4PM, but you can request Early Check-in when you do Online Check-in.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Front Desk

Early check-in allows you to leave luggage with bell services, get your Magic Bands (if you don’t already have them) and head off to the parks or relax around the resort. You will be get a notification on My Disney Experience when you Room is ready. You will then be given your room number and your Magic Band will open your door! You can also use the app on your phone to open your door.

Check-out time is 11AM. Express Check-out is available to all guests paying with a credit card, arrange for this service at check-in. A detailed hotel bill is delivered to your door by 7AM. If the bill is correct you simply leave. Your Magic Band serves as a Disney souvenir. Late Check-out of noon can be requested without additional cost (very limited availability). If you need Late Check-out, request it at Check-In and as soon as possible the morning of check out (the number of eligible rooms are limited).

Resort Airline Check-In Service at your Disney Resort is only available if you are flying domestically (includes Puerto Rico) on specific airlines It is a complimentary (free) service and allows you to check your luggage.

I hear that there are no more room key cards at Disney resort hotels. How do I get into my room?

Walt Disney World has converted their room keys and admission tickets from plastic cards to MagicBands, flexible plastic wristbands, resembling a watch or bracelet, that use Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Your MagicBand is linked to your My Disney Experience (MDE) account and acts as your Disney resort room key. Simply touch the Mickey symbol on your MagicBand to the RFID reader near your room door to gain entry. Read about using MagicBands for park admission, FastPass+ and more.

Magic Bands

Your My Disney Experience app may also be used to open your Resort hotel room.

How does the Housekeeping work in Disney Vacation Club resorts?

Housekeeping is different than when you pay nightly for a hotel room.

Trash & Towel Service

For stays of seven or less nights, Trash & Towel Service is provided on day four. With Trash & Towel service, Housekeeping will: Empty trash and replace liners in trash bins, provide fresh bathroom linens, replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap, replenish facial tissues, paper towels and toilet paper, replenish coffee, sugar, cream and sweeteners, replenish dishwashing liquid, dishwashing detergent, sponges and laundry detergent as needed in one-, two- and three-bedroom Vacation Homes.

Full Cleaning Service

For stays of eight or more nights, Full-Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash & Towel Service is provided on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full-Cleaning service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash & Towel Service, plus:

  • Change the bed linens
  • Vacuum and dust
  • Clean the bathroom(s)
  • Clean the kitchen/kitchenette
  • Wash the dishes

You may also choose to pay for daily housekeeping or have additional towels, toiletries, etc. Check with the front desk for information and pricing.

Studio – Queen Sleeper Sofa

What kind of concierge service is available for Club Level Rooms?

The lounge is wonderful and large and serves usually tasty food. 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.

Concierge Lounge

How do I get to…?

All available transportation from Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge is via bus. The bus stop is outside the main lobby and to the left.

Describe the restaurants that are at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is widely considered one of the best “foodie Resorts.” Reservations for the Resort’s Table Service dining are highly recommended.

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 menus reflect a blend of sweet and savory international tastes.

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Jiko is a Signature restaurant serving dinner that features a taste of Africa in an atmosphere shaped by traditions and customs. The design represents an abstract view of Africa, with twin wood-burning ovens as the restaurant’s icon. Jiko consistently ranks among the best Walt Disney World restaurants in both food and service.

JIko Oak Grilled Signature Filet

Boma

Boma — Flavors of Africa is a very popular buffet restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Boma captures the essence of vibrant life in the African marketplace. This buffet has great variety and is known for its carved meats, various soups, and one iconic dessert: Zebra Domes.

Zebra Domes

The restaurant showcases an open kitchen, and a wood-burning grill and rotisserie fills the Resort lobby (located two floors up) with intoxicating aromas. The dining stations at Boma are under thatched roofs.

Boma

Mara

The Resort’s Quick Service restaurant, Mara is open morning to night and offers great food and poolside dining.

The Mara

Browse Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant menus here!

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a mezzanine lounge overlooking Boma that serves specialty coffees and teas and a variety of beverages at night.

Victoria Falls

Uzima Springs

Uzima Springs is Jambo House’s poolside bar.

Uzima Springs

Sanaa

Sanaa is a beloved Table Service restaurant located in Kidani Village. It offers full service lunch and dinner. This is an excellent restaurant — and is very underrated — therefore it’s usually easy to snag a reservation. Sanaa’s large windows offer a view of the Savanna.

Sanaa View of the Savanna

I’m interested in hearing about the food options for vegetarians and plant-based diners.

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

Mushroom Flatbread at Jiko

Is there a gift shop at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes there are two! In Jambo House, you’ll find Zawindi Marketplace. It has a combination of Disney souvenirs and artist creations.

Zawindi Marketplace

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.

In Kidani Village, you’ll find Johari Treasures, where you can purchase DVC Merchandise as well as some groceries for your villa.

What types of recreation are available?

Animal Kingdom Lodge has a themed pool, a kids’ wading pool, two outdoor spas (“hot tubs”) and a fitness center. There is also a kid’s playground.

The Uzima Springs pool is the third largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It is also a “Zero-Depth Entry” pool, a 67-foot long slide and kiddy wade pool area. There is no quiet pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Uzima Springs Pool

Jambo House are also entitled to use the amenities at Kidani Village.

Kidani Village offers an array of recreational activities and facilities, including Samawati Springs, the resort’s feature pool and two spas, and Uwanja Camp, a uniquely themed wet activity playground. In addition, the resort is planned to offer basketball and tennis courts, shuffleboard, arcade, outdoor pavilion, community hall, and fitness center.

Barbecue Pavilion – Fire up the grills, and picnic alfresco or in the covered area located near the sports courts of Kidani Village.

Basketball and Shuffleboard Courts – Shoot some hoops at the half-court, or slide on over for a gripping game of shuffleboard. Use of equipment is complimentary and available at Community Hall.

Community Hall – Looking for rainy day activities? Drop by for planned activities, arts and crafts, board games, table tennis, foosball, Sony PlayStation®2, or downtime TV viewing. Located on the 2nd Floor of the Kidani Village just off the lobby.

Johari Treasures – Find fascinating gifts, Disney Vacation Club logo merchandise, toys or various sundries and groceries you may need. Located in the lobby, this shop has what you are looking for — including complimentary DVD rentals for Disney Vacation Club Members.

Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center – Work out with weights or on treadmills, bicycles or elliptical cross trainers. Located near Samawati Springs Pool, this fitness center is open to all Walt Disney World® Guests over 14 years of age; an adult must accompany Guests under age 18 at all times. 24 hour access for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests.

Safari So Good Arcade – Test your arcade skills while you play classic and new games in this high-tech entertainment room located near the lobby.

Samawati Springs Pool – 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. Pool towels are provided at the pool.

Samawati Springs Pool

Tennis Court – Grab a partner and serve up some fun on the courts near the Barbeque Pavilion. Use of equipment is complimentary and available at Community Hall.

Uwanja Camp – 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.

Uwanja Camp

*Please note that features and amenities are subject to change, and some activities require a fee, need reservations, and/or have certain age requirements.

Is there a fitness center?

Zahanati Fitness Center is open from 6AM to 9PM at no additional charge to Animal Kingdom Lodge guests 14 and over. Those 14-17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Fitness Center

The Fitness Center has a full line of Cybex equipment, including a Smith machine. The cardiovascular area has Life Fitness Treadmills, Stairmasters, and Bicycles (regular and recumbent).

Zahanati Fitness Center is also a massage center. Spa services include massages and facials. It is recommended to book these in advance by calling 407-WDW-SPAS.

Any special programs at this Resort?

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.

Outdoor Fire pit

What safari experiences are available?

Sunset (Wanyama) Safari

The Sunset or Wanyama Safari 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. Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at Jiko.

For pricing and other details, visit the Wanyama Safari page.

Jiko is Jambo House’s Signature restaurant

Starlight Safari

The Starlight Safari is a safari only experience, where you’ll climb into a safari truck with guide and explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna. The experience is approximately one hour, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to Disney’s Global Conservation efforts. The cost is $74.17 per person and can be booked by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

What else do I want to know?

Bring binoculars for better animal gazing!

There is no pathway to Animal Kingdom, and there are no trams to Animal Kingdom either.

AKL does not allow balloons inside the Resort. Any balloons brought to the resort (from the theme parks, for example) will have to be checked with bell services for the duration of the guest’s stay. They will be returned upon departure. This information might be helpful to families with younger children, so there are no disappointments when returning to the resort.

To learn more about what Animal Kingdom Lodge has to offer, check out this AllEars TV Video!

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Address is: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830 The main number is 407-938-3000 and the fax number is 407-938-4799.

Places to Eat in Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House

Room Options (8)

  • Studio - Value
  • Deluxe Studio - Standard View
  • Deluxe Studio - Savanna View
  • 1 Bedroom Villa - Value
  • 1 Bedroom Villa - Standard View
  • 1 Bedroom Villa - Savanna View
  • Deluxe Studio - Club Level
  • 1 Bedroom Villa - Club Level