Smores over the fire pit at Animal Kingdom Lodger

Unique things to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

2 min read

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is much more than just a place to sleep, for many guests it’s a bucket-list Disney World destination - not least for the resident wildlife.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, entertain the kids, or enjoy special recreational experiences, Animal Kingdom Lodge has you covered. 

Here’s a closer look at everything this unique hotel has to offer.

Pools, splash-play, spa and gym

The Uzima Springs Pool is described as a tropical oasis. The beach-like ‘zero-entry’ pool, which faces the resort’s wildlife ‘savanna’, is perfect for guests young and old. 

No oasis is complete without refreshment and nourishment, and Uzima is no different with the Uzima Springs pool bar there to serve up the drinks.

At the Samawati Springs pool, located close to the resort’s Kidani Villas area, there’s a smaller but lively pool area that features a waterslide and the Uwanja Camp splash-play area.

For guests who want a bit of fitness in their holidays, Animal Kingdom Lodge has the Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center which has a range of spa services and a fully-equipped gym​.

Activities for guests of all ages

Little guests love Simba’s Clubhouse, where kids can enjoy supervised activities like arts and crafts, games, and movies. Open to children aged 3 to 12, the club does require a reservation and an additional cost. 

Then there’s the Hakuna Matata playground, a large outdoor play area, or for more screen-based play time there’s Pumbaa’s Fun & Games Arcade, which offers a range of video games to entertain guests of all ages​.

Wild About Painting, meanwhile, is a premium activity unique to Animal Kingdom Lodge - it is a Disney art class, costing around $35 and suited for guests older than 12 years of age.

All the animals

The top activity at Animal Kingdom Lodge is the resort’s flagship Savanna Overlook, where guests can observe over 30 species of animals, including giraffes and zebras. To get more involve guests can book a spot on guided tours and educational experiences, with animal experts are available.

Other highly rated things to do are the nighttime campfire storytelling (and smores) and the movies under the stars outdoor cinema experience, which are found at resorts all across Disney World.

Nighttime entertainment and shopping

As the day winds down, head to the Uzima Fire Pit for evening storytelling or grab a drink at Victoria Falls Lounge, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. 

If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, stop by Zawadi Marketplace, which offers a variety of African-inspired souvenirs, Disney merchandise, and even some necessities​.