BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kissimmee, Florida
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Spa Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Disney Deluxe resort near Disney's Animal Kingdom with savanna views and family-focused activities; read this if you want deluxe Disney theming, on-site wildlife and easy Disney transportation. Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl is a large Kissimmee vacation-home style resort with an on-site water park and family amenities; read this if you want home-size units, a resort water park and extra on-site activities outside the Disney bubble.

Updated

Giraffe on the savanna with resort rooms in the background at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Deluxe Disney hotel · Savanna views & wildlife · Close to Animal Kingdom

Best for travelers who want Disney-themed, deluxe hotel service, on-site savanna wildlife viewing, and complimentary Disney bus transport to the parks.

See rooms & suites
Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl, Kissimmee, Florida

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl

Big vacation homes · On-site water park · Family resort near Disney

Best for larger groups or families who prefer renting multi-bedroom houses with private pools plus a complimentary on-site water park and resort activities.

Quick Verdict: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl

When Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge wins: choose Animal Kingdom Lodge if you prioritize the Disney Deluxe experience—savanna views and wildlife, Disney bus transportation, signature restaurants (Jiko, Boma), and Disney-branded pools and recreation.

When Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl wins: pick Encore when you need a multi-bedroom house or private pool, want on-site water-park amenities and kid-focused programming, or prefer a resort layout with more independent vacation-home conveniences.

Bottom line: both serve Disney-area families, but Animal Kingdom Lodge sells a Disney-branded, upscale hotel stay with unique savanna viewing and easy park access, while Encore offers roomy private homes and resort water-park features for groups looking to stay a little more independently near Disney.

Call +1 (888) 605-1350Book Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl
CategoryDisney's Animal Kingdom LodgeEncore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl
Overall vibeDisney Deluxe resort with African-inspired design, savanna wildlife and curated Disney servicesLarge vacation-home resort: multi-bedroom houses, family activities and a water park
LocationOn Walt Disney World property near Disney's Animal Kingdom (about 1 mile from the park)Kissimmee — within a 15-minute drive of several Disney parks and Disney Springs
Size (rooms/units)About 1,293 guest rooms across Jambo House and Kidani VillageListing shows 800 individually decorated guestrooms/units (multiple large homes)
Ages / family-friendlinessAll ages — children's club, supervised childcare options, playgrounds and family activitiesAll ages — children’s club (free), family programming and a water park
Pools & water featuresTwo themed pools (Uzima Springs and Samawati Springs) with waterslides, water-play area and pool bars; pool access limited to registered guests with MagicBand/room keyOutdoor pool, waterslide and complimentary access to an on-site water park; lifeguards on site
Restaurants & barsMultiple venues including The Mara (quick service), Boma (buffet), Jiko (signature) and pool barsTwo on-site restaurants (eg. Finns Restaurant) plus a bar/poolside snack options and room service during limited hours
Spa & fitnessZahanati Massage & Fitness Center (spa treatments, sauna/steam, 24-hour fitness access)Full-service spa and fitness facilities listed; fitness classes and spa reservations available
Known forSavanna wildlife viewing and Disney Deluxe services (theming, transportation, signature dining)Large multi-bedroom homes with private pools and a family-focused water park
Transportation to parksComplimentary Disney bus transportation to all four Walt Disney World parks and Disney SpringsComplimentary theme-park shuttle to Disney parks; on-site parking and shuttle convenience
Meeting / event spaceLimited meeting space; primarily focused on resort/dining and leisureConference center and meeting room(s) with roughly 835 sq ft of event space

A Look Inside Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: pools & beachPools & beachDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: diningDiningDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
See all photos →

Location: Adjacent Disney immersion vs Kissimmee convenience

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Location

Animal Kingdom Lodge sits inside the Walt Disney World area with direct Disney benefits and immediate access to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

  • About 1 mile from Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park; Disney bus transportation to all parks included
  • On-property Disney location gives access to Disney perks like Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
  • Nearest major airport is Orlando International (MCO); roughly a 30–40-minute drive

Choose Animal Kingdom Lodge if proximity to Disney parks and Disney-branded transport/perks matter most.

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl – Location

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl is in Kissimmee with driveable access to Disney parks and a range of local attractions.

  • Within a 15-minute drive of Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs; property lists distances to multiple golf courses and attractions
  • On-site free theme-park shuttle service to Disney and free self-parking for guests
  • Closer to independent attractions like Reunion Resort Golf Course and Island H2O Live! compared with staying on Disney property

Pick Encore when you want convenient driving access to parks and local non-Disney activities, or when travel by car is part of your plan.

Rooms: Hotel rooms & villas vs multi-bedroom homes

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Rooms

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers standard rooms, suites, club-level rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas across two sections.

  • Approximately 1,293 guest rooms across Jambo House and Kidani Village, including club-level options
  • Room types include Savanna View, Water View, Standard and multi-bedroom suites and villas
  • Complimentary Wi‑Fi, 24-hour room service and club-lounge access for Kilimanjaro Club guests

Animal Kingdom Lodge suits guests wanting hotel-style rooms with Disney services and themed views.

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl – Rooms

Encore lists many large houses and multi-bedroom units with private pools designed for families and groups.

  • Room types listed include Luxury House, 4–13 Bedrooms, many with private pools (Eastside/Westside/Reunion Village)
  • Kitchen facilities, full-sized refrigerators/ovens and private furnished balconies or patios in many units
  • Housekeeping on request; extra-person and cleaning fees may apply depending on unit size

Encore is better if you need multiple bedrooms, in-unit kitchens and private pool space for a group.

Dining & drinks: Signature Disney dining vs on-site family dining

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Dining & drinks

Animal Kingdom Lodge emphasizes African-inspired restaurants plus quick-service and pool bars.

  • Jiko – The Cooking Place is a signature, AAA Four-Diamond restaurant; reservations recommended
  • Boma – Flavors of Africa offers buffet meals suited to families; The Mara provides quick-service options
  • Multiple lounges and pool bars (Cape Town Lounge, Victoria Falls Lounge, Uzima Springs Pool Bar)

If you want distinctive signature dining and Disney restaurant reservations, Animal Kingdom Lodge is the pick.

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl – Dining & drinks

Encore provides family-oriented dining, grab-and-go options and poolside service.

  • Two on-site restaurants (including Finns Restaurant) and a snack/coffee shop for lighter meals
  • Poolside bar and room service available during limited hours
  • Complimentary buffet breakfast served daily per property listing

Encore works well for families who want casual on-site dining and quick access to meals without leaving the resort.

Pools & signature amenity: Savannas and themed pools vs water-park fun

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Pools & signature amenity

Animal Kingdom Lodge's signature draw is the savanna plus two large themed pools with waterslides and family play areas.

  • Uzima Springs Pool (Jambo House) and Samawati Springs Pool (Kidani Village) each have waterslides and dedicated pool bars
  • Samawati Springs includes Uwanja Camp water-play area with tipping bucket and a 128-foot slide; Uzima has a 67-foot slide
  • Pools require a MagicBand or room keycard for guest-only access

Animal Kingdom Lodge pairs wildlife viewing with family-friendly resort pools and supervised kids' activities.

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl – Pools & signature amenity

Encore highlights an on-site water park, an outdoor pool and family water-play features included for guests.

  • Complimentary water park access listed; resort has waterslides, lifeguards and pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Outdoor heated pool, children's pool and poolside loungers with umbrellas
  • Resort programming includes an arcade/game room, playground and supervised children's club

Encore is designed for families who want resort-style water-park entertainment and kid-focused facilities on property.

Wellness & nightlife: Spas, fitness and evening options

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Wellness & nightlife

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers 24-hour fitness and a full-service treatment facility with age rules for spa use.

  • Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center is open 24/7 with treatment rooms, sauna and steam room; guests must be 14+ to use facility alone
  • Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center at Kidani Village is also open 24/7
  • Evening activities include nightly campfires, lobby fireplace seating and kid-friendly night programming

Animal Kingdom Lodge fits guests who want round-the-clock fitness and on-site spa treatments with family-friendly evening activities.

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl – Wellness & nightlife

Encore lists a full-service spa, fitness classes and on-site leisure offerings for families.

  • Full-service spa with massage and treatments (reservations recommended); fitness facilities and group classes like yoga available
  • On-site recreation includes tennis courts, basketball, volleyball and bicycle rentals
  • Evening options include a bar/lounge and on-site entertainment spaces like an arcade

Encore gives families and groups an array of wellness and active options without needing to leave the resort.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for Disney immersion & wildlife viewing
Wide view of the lodge lobby seating and high arched roof at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — unique savanna views, Disney theming and direct Disney transportation.

Best for large groups & private pools
Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl, Kissimmee, Florida

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl — multi-bedroom houses with private pools and in-unit kitchens.

Best for signature dining
Lobby interior with high windows, decorative lanterns, and seating at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jiko and Boma offer distinctive, reservation-friendly experiences.

Best for on-site water activities
Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl, Kissimmee, Florida

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl

Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl — complimentary water-park access, waterslides and lifeguarded pools.

Frequently asked questions

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Encore Resort and Water Park at Reunion by Rentyl: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which property is closer to Disney theme parks?

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is on Walt Disney World property and is closest to Disney's Animal Kingdom; Encore is a short drive away in Kissimmee.

Do either property provide shuttle service to the parks?

Yes. Animal Kingdom Lodge offers complimentary Disney bus transportation to all four parks and Disney Springs; Encore lists a complimentary theme-park shuttle to Disney parks.

Which is better for a large family wanting privacy and kitchen space?

Encore is better if you need multiple bedrooms, full kitchens and private pools in a single rented unit; Animal Kingdom Lodge provides suites and villas but is a hotel-style resort.

Can I see live animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Yes. Savanna viewing is a signature free activity at Animal Kingdom Lodge, visible from public overlooks and many Savanna View rooms.

More Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Comparison Guides

Explore how Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Resort pool and landscaped grounds at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge with lit walkway.
Book your stay

Savanna Views & Disney Bus Access

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Check availability Call 888-605-1350
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.
Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.
About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer