Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Value View Room Tour

Jambo, friends!  Discover the magic of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, located at Walt Disney World.  Let’s explore my Animal Kingdom Lodge Value View Studio at Jambo House, along with a quick tour of the resort!

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Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is probably my favorite resort on all of Walt Disney World property. Upon walking in, you’re greeted by its expansive and stunning lobby!  Towering roofs, intricate wooden carvings, and expansive windows frame breathtaking views of the resort’s savanna, where guests can often spot exotic wildlife.

A comfortable seating area with couches, chairs, and rockers, offers a relaxing atmosphere, along with a welcoming fireplace. The lobby sets the stage for an unforgettable safari adventure that you’re about to embark on! 

You’ll hear the beautiful sounds of traditional African music, featuring it’s vibrant and energetic beats. Another thing to notice is the lovely smells of sandalwood, vanilla, and burning wood. But the most enchanting and the sights are breathtaking. 

Everything about this Deluxe villa resort is so magical, and that magical-ness (making this a word, sorry spell check!) continues on into your room.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Value View Room Tour

The room I booked is located at Jambo House, the main building on the property of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Jambo House houses both hotel rooms and DVC Villas.  

There is another building on the same property that strictly houses Disney Vacation Club Villas, called Kidani Village.  There is a walking path that takes you from Jambo House to Kidani Village and takes about 10 minutes.

My Value View Studio is located on the 5th floor in the Giraffe Trail section, room number 5006 . Upon walking into your room, you are immediately greeted with the same warm, woody tones that you see in the lobby. Browns, neutrals, and warm oranges surround you, it’s very charming and calming.

On your left hand side, you’ll see the small kitchenette that features a mini fridge (NOT a beverage cooler like you’ll see at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort), a microwave,  coffee maker, a toaster, and paper/plastic dishes and flatware.

If you’re interested in seeing a more detailed room tour, watch my video tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I think it’s important to note, that this room has a 12 cup coffee maker.  Coffee is always essential to every trip I take, whether solo or with my family.  That’s generally one of the first things I research when staying somewhere:  “What is the coffee situation?” This coffee maker uses a basket filter, so it’s wise to bring a handful of filters and ground coffee from home.  

Bathroom in a Value View Room

Across from the kitchenette, is the bathroom.  I really appreciate that Disney has their bathrooms broken up into two sections.  This allows one person to be getting ready at the vanity/sink, while another person can be using the shower.  

Because this is a DVC room, they provide extra towels for your use.  Mousekeeping (housekeeping) does not give you new towels every night of your stay.   Rather, Towel & Trash service is provided on Day 4 of a 7 night stay.  Meaning, they will take out your trash and give you fresh towels on day 4 of your stay.  

You’ll want to re-use your towels or you can use the Laundry Facilities on property if you have a Studio Villa.  If you booked a One-Bedroom DVC Villa or larger, you will have a stacked washer and dryer in your room.

Living Space in a Value View Studio

The main living room includes sleeping accommodations, such as a queen-size bed and a pull-out sleeper sofa or a queen-size bed with a pull-down bunk bed. The bedding is adorned with colorful African patterns, adding to the immersive experience.  The space is actually quite roomy which is great for larger parties.

TV and Dresser

Directly across from the couch, is a wardrobe closet with hangers and extra pillows and blankets. Next to that, is your large mounted TV and dresser cabinet with four standard size drawers and a larger cabinet area on the bottom for shoes or small suitcases.

The counter on the dresser does have two outlets to charge your devices.

Disney TV Channels

Did you know that Disney is trying to change over to interactive TV’s? I didn’t either lol! I love turning on the TV, knowing that I’ll see that big blue screen with the amazing instrumental background music. It’s something I always have on while I’m getting ready to head out to the parks or the day, or to wind down at night. But, alas. That is no more.

If you watch my Animal Kingdom Studio Room Tour video, you’ll see my failed attempt in trying to locate that channel.  But you’ll also get to see all the changes that they’ve made which is pretty impressive.  However I do wish they would make put that channel music somewhere on the menu as an option. 

Desk Area in a Value View Studio

There is a small table with two chairs that are provided for you to work or eat at comfortably. 

The major con I’ve found in this room is the lack of outlets provided.  I couldn’t locate any available outlets near the nightstands near the bed.  Which in my opinion, there should always be one for those that like their phone next to them or if they’re using a medical device like a CPAP.  

The View from a Value View Studio

The view from my Value View Studio was quite a score! I had a view of the Uzima Springs Pool off the my right, and directly below me was the roof of Boma and the small stream that runs alongside Jiko.  I actually loved keeping my door open a crack for the ambiance coming from the pool area.  It was not loud, but provided great background noise while getting ready for my solo dinner at Jiko. 

Typically, a Value View room gives you views of landscaping or a parking lot view.  But based off the room location, I might have actually been given a small upgrade to a Standard View room.  Standard View can either be a garden/landscape view, parking lot view, or a pool view, which is what I had!  

Overall Thoughts on Animal Kingdom Lodge Value View

My Animal Kingdom Lodge Value View Studio couldn’t have been more perfect!  If you’ve ever stayed at either Jambo House or Kidani Village, you know that the hallways can be LONG.  And after a long, hot day in the parks, the last thing you want to think about is making that treacherous walk back to your room. This was NOT the case for my room.  My room was located directly above Jiko (Jiko is ground floor), and pretty much right off the elevators. This also makes for easy access to shopping, dining, and the main bus stop.  It couldn’t have been more perfect.  

I’ll admit upfront, we are DVC members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I’m partial to this resort. The location of the resort is pretty fantastic!  It’s about a 5 minute bus ride from Animal Kingdom Park, and 10-15 minutes to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The lodge itself houses some of the best restaurants on property including Boma and Jiko!  I highly recommend making a breakfast reservation at Boma and dinner at JIKO.  Both restaurants are incredible!

During the Christmas season, you’ll see the most magnificently gorgeous Christmas tree!  Adorned with African themed ornaments and African Christmas music piped in, creates the most incredible ambiance. If you ever have the chance to experience this resort, even if only for a day to look around, I would absolutely recommend it!  

To learn more about what Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has to offer, keep on reading!

Dining Options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several dining options, each with its own unique atmosphere and cuisine inspired by African and Indian flavors. Here are some of the dining options available you can find at both Jambo House and Kidani Village:

Bars and Lounges

• Maji Pool Bar – Maji Pool Bar is located near Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. The bar offers a selection of beverages, including specialty cocktails, frozen drinks, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic options. Guests can also find snacks like sandwiches, wraps, salads, and chips to enjoy while lounging by the pool. The hours are daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Uzima Springs Pool Bar – Uzima Springs Pool Bar is another option for guests looking to grab a drink or snack by the pool. It is located near the Uzima Pool at Jambo House and offers a similar menu of beverages and snacks as Maji Pool Bar. Guests can relax in the sun and enjoy their favorite drinks and snacks while taking in views of the pool area. It is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Victoria Falls Lounge – Victoria Falls Lounge is a charming lounge located near the lobby of Jambo House. It’s named after the nearby Victoria Falls, a picturesque feature in the resort’s lobby area. The lounge offers specialty cocktails like a Mt. Kilimarita, which is their take on a margarita, and a Savanna Rains, a yummy rum-based drink.  They also have a small, “Light Bites” menu that seasonally rotates.  It is open daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
• Sanaa Lounge – Sanna Lounge at Kidani Village offers a selection of beverages and appetizers for those looking for a more casual dining experience or simply wanting to enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. It is located right next to Sanaa and is open daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Quick Service

• The Mara – The Mara, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Jambo House serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with Grab’n’Go items. They have everything from Kilimanjaro Breakfast Bowls, Chermoula-spiced Shrimp Bowls, Tamarind BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Fire-roasted Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread, and the famous Zebra Domes.  Although, I think the Nyala Brownie is the best dessert option!  They are open daily from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. 

• Sanaa To-Go – Sanaa offers a Quick Service option in the morning for breakfast and a Table Service for lunch and dinner. There are no reservations for breakfast and there is Mobile Order available for breakfast.  Find delicious options such as Shahi Tukra French Toast (with Saffron-scented Sultan Raisins, Whipped Chai Cream, and Almonds) or The Boere Breakfast Plate (Two Cage-free Eggs with African Home Fries, House-made Boerewors Sausage, Bacon, and a Coconut Drop Biscuit).  There is also traditional breakfast fare like Eggs Benedict and Mickey-shaped Waffles. The hours are from 7:30 am to 11:00 am.

Table Service

• Sanaa – Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is inspired by the diverse cultures and flavors of Africa. Sanaa means “work of art” in Swahili, reflecting the artistic and culinary creativity that defines the food.  One of the most unique aspects of Sanaa’s theming is its breathtaking views of the resort’s Sunset Savanna, where guests can dine while watching African wildlife roam freely outside the windows. This immersive experience allows diners to feel as though they’ve been transported to the heart of the African wilderness.  One of their most popular items is their bread service that comes with 5 different types of bread and 9 accompaniments.  For mains, their Butter Chicken is delectable.  They also offer seafood curry, grilled lamb chops, pork vindaloo, and New York Strip Steak.  Sanaa is open daily for lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Reservations are recommended.
• Boma – Boma-Flavors of Africa is a vibrant and immersive dining experience that offers guests a taste of African flavors in a lively setting. It’s an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet that offers both breakfast and dinner. The cost is $37 per adult and $22 per child for breakfast. At dinner, the cost is $56 per adult and $33 per child. Boma is open daily from 7:30 am – 11:30 am for breakfast and 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm for dinner. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Signature Restaurant

• Jiko – Jiko – The Cooking Place is an upscale dining experience, that offers a unique blend of African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors in a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of the highlights of Jiko is its wood-burning oven, which imparts a unique flavor to many of the dishes on the menu. This oven is used to cook everything from flatbreads to meats, adding depth to the flavors. Jiko offers tantalizing dishes such as the Peri Peri Chicken (served with Rice Pilau, Candied Kumquat Relish, Sorghum Reduction) and Oak Grilled Filet Mignon (served with Four Cheese Macaroni, Seasonal Vegetable, Chocolate-Red Wine Demi-glace). And you’ll want to grab a glass of wine (or two!) since Jiko has the 2nd largest selection of South African wines in the world. 

If you are dining solo (or have a small party of 2 or 3), I recommend asking to be seated at the chef’s counter.  Here, you can watch some of the chef’s prepare appetizers, salads, and pizzas.  They even interact with you from time to time!

Jiko is open daily from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm, and advanced reservations are highly recommended. There is also a relaxed dress code, meaning you can wear Disney park attire if you’d like, but no swimsuits are allowed.  

Transportation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several transportation options for guests to travel to and from various destinations within the Walt Disney World Resort:

Disney Bus Transportation

Complimentary Disney bus transportation is available for guests between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), as well as to Disney Springs and the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon). 

The bus station at Jambo House is located to the left of the lobby (when exiting the lobby going outside).  At the bus station you will find TV displays that will give you real-time transportation updates, including estimated arrival times for buses to different destinations within the Walt Disney World Resort. While travel times may vary, here is an estimated time frame for how long it takes to get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to various theme parks:

• To Animal Kingdom Park – approximately 5-10 minutes.
• To EPCOT – approximately 12-15 minutes.
• To Disney’s Hollywood Studios – approximately 15 minutes.
• To Magic Kingdom – approximately 20 minutes.
• To Disney Springs – approximately 15 minutes.

While you can walk back and forth between Jambo House and Kidani Village, there is also an internal shuttle running between the two every 10-20 minutes.  You can find them out front of each of the lobbies.  

Minnie Van Service

Want to ride around the Walt Disney World Resort in style?  Disney’s Minnie Van Service, which is operated by Lyft, uses polka-dotted vans or traverses to transport you around the Disney resort.  The service can be accessed via the Lyft app.

Activites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers lots of fun activities for both adults and children! Take a break from the parks, and enjoy your day at the resorts with these fun options:

Pool and Water Time

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features two large pools for guests to enjoy during their stay, along with a few kids playground areas.  Both pools and jacuzzi spas are open daily, weather permitting, from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.

• Uzima Pool –  Uzima Pool is the main pool area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It features a zero-depth entry and a 67-foot-long waterslide. Surrounding the pool are lush tropical landscaping, lounge chairs, and shaded areas, with the nearby Uzima Springs Pool Bar for your bites and sips. 
• Samawati Springs Pool – Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Samawati Springs Pool offers another relaxing oasis for guests. It features a zero-depth entry and a 128-foot waterslide. For some drinks and food, head to the nearby Maji Pool Bar.
• Uwanja Camp – This fun child-oriented water play area, is a kids dream come true!  Here you’ll find splash zones, water cannons, slides, and themed play structures.  

Animal Overlooks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests can enjoy several overlooks that provide stunning views of the resort’s lush savannas, where animals roam freely. These overlooks offer guests the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Here are the overlooks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

1. Arusha Rock Overlook: Located near the main lobby of Jambo House, this overlook offers panoramic views of the Arusha Savanna. Guests can watch animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
2. Sunrise Savannah Overlook: This overlook provides guests staying in select rooms at  Kidani Village with views of the Sunrise Savanna. Guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the savanna and watch the animals during the early morning hours.
3. Uzima Savanna Overlook: Situated near the Uzima Pool at Jambo House, the Uzima Savanna Overlook offers views of the Uzima Savanna, where guests can be able to spot  gazelles, ostriches, and cranes.
4. Pembe Savanna Overlook: Guests staying in select rooms at Kidani Village can enjoy views of the Pembe Savanna from this overlook. The Pembe Savanna is home to a variety of animals, including Ankole cattle, waterbucks, and wildebeests.

Campfires at Animal Kingdom Lodge

At both Jambo House and Kidani Village, you can enjoy campfire activities as part of the resort’s recreational offerings. 

At Arusha Overlook at Jambo House, head downstairs from the lobby area, to find the Arusha Rock Fire Pit.  If you’re at Kidani Village, head to the Pembe Overlook  Both campfires offer free marshmallows and roasting sticks.  If you’d like, you can purchase s’mores kits at the campfires for $6.00 per kit (includes chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers). Campfires are daily, weather permitting, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and no reservations are needed.

String of Memories at Animal Kingdom Lodge

String of Memories is a fun and free activity that kids can do around both Jambo House and Animal Kingdom! This activity consists of a series of hanging beads, each representing a memory or experience of the local African culture and wildlife.

These activities are hosted by African cultural representatives and at each of the 8 stations, you’re given a bead to place on a string.  Not only are you learning about the rich heritage of Africa, but you also get to take home a free souvenir! Be sure to check the monthly recreational guide at the resort upon check-in for exact times and locations.

Starlight Safari

Starlight Safari is a night tour of the outdoor animal areas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  This paid experience is led by knowledgeable guides, where guests board an open-air safari vehicle and traverse the African-inspired landscape of the resort.  

The tour is approximately an hour long, and you need to be 8 years or older to book this experience. There are two time slots that you can book: 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Currently, prices are $89.00 per person and can be booked online or through the My Disney Experience app. 

Outdoor Sports

Located at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will find basketball courts, tennis courts, and pickeball courts. You can also find shuffleboard located near the courts. Equipment can be rented free of charge at the Community Hall, located inside of the Kidani Village lobby. These outdoor areas are open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. 

Community Hall

The Community Hall located at Kidani Village is a large gathering place where guests can enjoy various activities and amenities. Community Hall hours are daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

• Arts and crafts – Guests can participate in organized arts and crafts sessions, where they can create Disney-themed crafts or other projects.
• Movies – The Community Hall often has a selection of Disney movies available for guests to watch. They may also host movie nights with special screenings.
• Games – There are usually board games and puzzles available for guests to enjoy, along with a pool and foosball tables.
• Video games –  XBOX and Playstation game consoles with popular games are available to play.
• Sports Equipment – Here is where you will rent sports equipment like basketballs and tennis balls and rackets to use at the outdoor courts.

Arcades

Both Kidani Village and Jambo House offer arcades for both kids, and kids-at-heart!  At Jambo House you will find Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade, and at Kidani Village is Safari So Good.  Both arcades run off of Game Cards, that you can purchase at the kiosks inside both arcade locations. They are both open daily from 8:00 am – 11:00 pm.

Shopping at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Zawadi Marketplace is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the resorts gift shop. At Zawadi Marketplace, you’ll not only find great souvenirs and items specific to Animal Kingdom Lodge, but you’ll also find pantry staples and sundries. 

While it is super convenient to have Zawadi Marketplace so close for grocery items, it’s best to have groceries delivered or take a rideshare to purchase groceries off property.  Zawadi Marketplace is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

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Hotel Rooms versus DVC Rooms

You can book either hotel rooms or villa rooms and/or suites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. There are both pros and cons to booking either type of accommodation.  For instance, booking on the ‘hotel’ side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will give you daily housekeeping (unless you book a DVC Villa with cash, then you will also receive daily housekeeping.)  However, if you book a DVC room, you will only receive housekeeping every 4th day of your stay.  On that 4th day, you will get, “Trash and Towel” service, which gives you fresh towels for your bathrooms.  This is important to note as most guests enjoy coming back to their room at the end of the day with a made bed and clean room.  

The other main difference between hotel rooms and DVC rooms, is the kitchen area.  In hotel rooms, you are given a beverage cooler or a mini-fridge, along with a coffee maker.  In a DVC studio room, you’re given a mini-fridge, coffee maker, toaster, and a microwave.  This can be a major deal breaker for some families that are looking to save money and eat meals in the room.  Having the extra amenities like a toaster and microwave is very nice. 

Accommodations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Here’s a list of accommodations that you can find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

• Deluxe Rooms: These are larger than standard rooms and may feature additional amenities such as a separate sitting area or extra bedding options.
• One-Bedroom Villas – This villa offers spacious and luxurious accommodations designed to provide guests with a home-away-from-home experience. Kidani Village – One-Bedrooms at Kidani Villages gives you 807 square feet of room, two full bathrooms, and sleeps up to 5 guests plus 1 infant.  Jambo House – One-Bedroom villas at Jambo House gives you 710 square feet, one bathroom, and sleeps up to 4 guests plus 1 infant.  Both accommodations offer a full kitchen, a dining area, and a balcony or patio.
• Two-Bedroom Villas – All Jambo House two-bedrooms are Lock-Offs which is a Studio & 1-Bedroom with a connecting door. The studio has a queen size bed and a sleeper sofa, while the one-bedroom has a king sized bed.  This villa-type has two bathrooms.  In a two-bedroom at Kidani Village, offers both lock-offs and dedicated two-bedrooms.  The 2nd bedroom in the dedicated two-bedroom will have two queen beds.  This villa-type offers three full bathrooms. The difference between a lock-off and a dedicated room is a lock-off has a door that you can close to ‘disconnect’ the two rooms from each other.  This is nice if you are traveling with another group and want some separation, yet are still together. A dedicated villa  has no interconnecting door and is one large ‘suite.
• Grand Villas – These villas are perfect for larger families and parties up to 12 people. These suites include a master bedroom with a king size bed, two additional bedrooms with two queen beds in each bedroom, and a queen size sleeper sofa in the living room. There are four full bathrooms at Kidani Village (3 full bathrooms at Jambo House), a full kitchen, is two-stories, and is approximately 2200 square feet. 

Club Level Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Club Level Rooms: Guests looking for an extra level of service and amenities can choose to stay in Club Level rooms, which provide access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge. This lounge offers complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day, as well as concierge services to assist with dining reservations and other needs.

View Types at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests can enjoy several different view types depending on their preferences and room category. Here are the main view types available:

• Value View – Value View rooms may overlook areas such as parking lots, service areas, or landscaping. 
• Standard View – Standard view rooms offer views of the resort’s grounds, courtyards, or parking areas. While these rooms may not have direct views of the savanna, they still provide a comfortable and pleasant stay.
• Water View – Water view rooms provide views of the resort’s water features, such as ponds, waterfalls, or the Uzima Pool.
• Savannah View – Savanna view rooms offer breathtaking views overlooking one of the resort’s lush savannas. From these rooms, guests can often observe exotic animals such as giraffes, zebras, and gazelles roaming freely, creating a unique and memorable experience.

Pin it for Later!

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?  Are you currently researching for a future trip?  Leave me a comment below and let’s chat about it! 

Looking for other Walt Disney World Resort Room Tours?  Check these out next!

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort Room Tour
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Room Tour
• Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Room Tour
• Disney’s Riviera Resort Preferred One Bedroom Villa Tour
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Royal Guest Room Tour
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Deluxe Studio Tour
• Disney’s Copper Creek Deluxe Studio Villa Tour

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