
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Best for travelers who want a deluxe Disney stay, African-inspired design, and free savanna wildlife viewing from the property.
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe, African-themed Walt Disney World resort with savanna views and on-site wildlife; read this if you want immersive theming, higher-end dining, and animal viewing. Disney's Art of Animation Resort is a brightly themed Disney value resort focused on animated-film family suites and pools; read this if you want a colorful, budget-friendly stay built for families with kids.
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Best for travelers who want a deluxe Disney stay, African-inspired design, and free savanna wildlife viewing from the property.

Best for families who want highly themed value accommodations, family suites, and multiple outdoor pools close to Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
When Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge wins: choose Animal Kingdom Lodge if you value upscale, resort-style amenities (full spa/fitness, signature restaurants like Jiko and Boma), savanna wildlife viewing, and a more tranquil deluxe atmosphere.
When Disney's Art of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation if you want lower-priced, family-sized rooms and outspoken Disney animation theming, easy access to Hollywood Studios/Epcot area attractions, and several outdoor pools for kids.
Bottom line: both are very Disney—pick Animal Kingdom Lodge for a higher-end, themed escape with live animals and stronger food and spa options; pick Art of Animation for a budget-friendlier, family-focused Disney experience centered on animated-film decor and pool time.
| Category | Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Disney's Art Of Animation Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Upscale, African-themed deluxe resort with a resort-safari feel | Playful, colorful value resort themed to Disney animated films |
| Location (to parks) | Adjacent to Disney's Animal Kingdom; quick bus ride to all parks | Near Disney's Hollywood Studios and within a short drive of Epcot and Disney Springs |
| Size / rooms | About 1,293 guest rooms across Jambo House and Kidani Village (includes DVC villas) | 2,104 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages; family-friendly with children's clubs and activities | |
| Pools | Two main themed pools (Uzima Springs and Samawati Springs) with waterslides, kids' water-play area | Three outdoor pools; family-friendly pool areas and a poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants including quick-service The Mara, buffet Boma, signature Jiko and several lounges/pool bars | One main restaurant plus a bar/lounge and poolside bar; quick-service and room service options noted |
| Spa & wellness | Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center (spa treatments, sauna/steam; 24/7 fitness) | Not published |
| Known for | Savanna wildlife viewing and African-inspired design and dining | Large themed family suites and vibrant animation-themed public areas |
| Transport perks | Complimentary Disney bus service to all four theme parks and Disney Springs; Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for resort guests | Complimentary theme-park shuttle; close to Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs by short drive |
| Price level | Deluxe (higher nightly rates typical) | Value–moderate price tier for Disney resort (lower than deluxe) |
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge sits inside Walt Disney World near Disney's Animal Kingdom with resort savannas and park-focused proximity.
Choose Animal Kingdom Lodge for proximity to Animal Kingdom and a resort experience tied to the park's wildlife theme.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort sits in the Lake Buena Vista area and is positioned as a family-focused Disney value resort.
Choose Art of Animation if you want budget-minded family accommodations near Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
Animal Kingdom Lodge mixes standard rooms, club-level rooms, suites, and DVC villas with savanna-view options.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is best if you want upgraded rooms, savanna views, or villa-style accommodations.
Art of Animation emphasizes family suites and standard rooms with strong animation-themed decor.
Art of Animation is practical for families who need larger economical rooms with kid-friendly theming.
Animal Kingdom Lodge provides a wider and more upscale dining mix, from quick service to signature restaurants.
Pick Animal Kingdom Lodge if on-site dining variety and upscale options matter to you.
Art of Animation focuses on casual, family-oriented dining with limited table-service options.
Pick Art of Animation if you want convenient, casual dining geared toward families and lower meal costs.
Animal Kingdom Lodge pairs savanna wildlife viewing with two large themed pools and a kids' water-play area.
Animal Kingdom Lodge blends wildlife viewing with resort-pool fun—great for families who want both animal encounters and pools.
Art of Animation centers on bright, kid-focused pool areas and multiple outdoor pools.
Art of Animation is aimed at families who expect frequent pool time and heavy Disney character theming.
Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a fuller wellness program with spa treatments and 24/7 fitness facilities.
Animal Kingdom Lodge fits travelers seeking spa services, a fuller fitness setup, and quieter evening options.
Art of Animation focuses on family entertainment and kid-centered activities rather than a full-service spa.
Art of Animation is better for families who prioritize playful activities for kids rather than spa or grown-up nightlife.

Animal Kingdom Lodge — free savanna viewing from the lobby and some rooms, plus paid Starlight Safari opportunities.

Art of Animation Resort — value pricing, many family suites, and playful animation-themed rooms.

Animal Kingdom Lodge — multiple table-service restaurants including signature Jiko and the family-friendly Boma.

Art of Animation Resort — multiple outdoor pools and very visible Disney animated-film decoration geared to children.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — it has on-site savannas visible from public overlooks and some rooms; Art of Animation has no live-animal viewing.
Art of Animation — it offers a high number of family suites designed to sleep larger parties at a lower price point.
Yes. Both resorts provide complimentary Disney theme-park shuttle service; check schedules on arrival as times can vary.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has broader dining options and signature restaurants; Art of Animation provides casual, family-oriented dining and quick-service options.
Explore how Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·