yacht club vs animal kingdom lodge

Disney World Resort Comparison

There’s certainly no shortage of places to stay at Disney World. In total, there are thirty-four resort hotels on Walt Disney World property, ranging from inexpensive budget accommodations to luxurious, no-expense-spared resorts. You are sure to find a resort that fits your budget and vacation goals. But how do you narrow down the choices with so many options? Keep reading our Disney World Resort Comparison page to find the answer.

Explanation of the table:

Click the green button (+) to see each resort’s cost, location, transportation, dining, number of pools, maximum occupancy, and our rating. Click “next” to see more resorts.

Here we compare each of Disney World’s resorts to help you determine which hotel is best for your next vacation. We highlight key features of the resorts, such as the category, location, and some of the resort’s noteworthy advantages.

Keep in mind that all guests staying at a Walt Disney World on-site property can typically make their reservations – including Dining reservations and Lightning Lane passes – before non-Disney resort guests.

Watch The Vacationeer on YouTube for more Disney Resort information. We rank it #1 on our Best Disney World YouTube Channels list so we definitely recommend checking it out!

A Guide to Disney World Resorts

With so many choices, we thought it would be helpful to do a comparison of Disney World resorts. Hopefully, this Disney resort guide will help you choose the best in-park hotel for your family vacation.

To start with, Disney classifies its resorts into three basic categories—Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.

There are also a number of Disney Vacation Club Villas and even campsites.

Disney World’s resort hotels are found in five specific regions of the park – the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, the Epcot Resort Area, the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, the Wide World of Sports Resort Area, or the Disney Springs Resort area.

All of Disney’s Deluxe resorts have earned a AAA Four-Diamond rating, but the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is considered by Disney as their highest-tier, luxury flagship resort.

As you may have guessed, Disney’s Value Resorts are geared towards families on a budget and offer fun and fully-adequate in-park accommodations.

Disney’s Moderate Resorts fall somewhere between Value and Deluxe in terms of cost, room size, transportation options, and other amenities.

With that background information out of the way, then let’s now review the hotel properties in greater detail with this Disney World Resort Comparison guide.

Disney Value Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area

All-Star Movies pays homage to all of Disney’s film legends from Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, and more.

• World Premiere Food Court
• Pool themed after Fantasia
• Movies Under the Stars
• Perks like Early Theme Park Entry, earlier reservations for dining and pay-per-ride Lightning Lane selections, convenient (and free) transportation around the park, etc.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

All-Star Music is a fun resort that pays tribute to the music industry.  The hotel offers 1,600 rooms w/ 214 large family suites.

• Intermission Food Court
• Pool shaped like a guitar
• Family Suites

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

All-Star Sports is a Disney resort that celebrates the world of competitive sports, including tennis, baseball, football, basketball, and surfing.

• End Zone Food Court
• Surfboard Motif Pool

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Art of Animation is an enchanting Walt Disney World resort themed after Pixar classics like The Little Mermaid , Cars , Finding Nemo , and The Lion King .

• Dog-Friendly Rooms
• Family Suites Available
• Disney Skyliner Transportation
• Disney World’s largest pool
• Landscape of Flavors

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Pop Century Resort pays homage to the decades of fashions, fads, dances, and toys of American pop culture.

• Everything Pop Shopping and Dining
• Pool w. Water Jets

Disney Moderate Resorts

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness have an American Frontier theme. They are secluded on 700-plus acres of Disney wilderness but have all the creature comforts you desire.

• A good way to “rough it” without sacrificing comfort
• Bus service throughout, plus golf carts for rent
• Dog-Friendly
• Kitchenettes to cook at home
• Pool w/ water slide
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue show

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Epcot Resort Area

Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical beachside oasis situated along the 45-acre Barefoot Bay.

• Old Port Royale

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

This American Southwest-themed hotel, set on a 22-acre lake, invokes the spirit and romance of Spanish-colonial Mexico.

• A “Reimagined” Resort
• Fitness Centers
• Club-Access Benefits
• Award-winning dining at Toledo (Tapas, Seafood & Steak)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney Springs Resort Area

Discover this New Orleans-inspired Resort, set along a winding river road and picturesque waterways.

• Nightlight at Scat Cat’s Club
• Horse-drawn carriage rides

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Port Orleans Riverside is a delightful waterfront hotel that makes you feel as though you are on a Mississippi River cruise.

• Royal Guest Rooms
• Award-winning Boatwright’s Dining Hall
• Dog-Friendly accommodations

Our favorite Disney World YouTube channel, The Vacationeer , has a great overview video comparing the two sides of Port Orleans.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guests of this African-lodge-style resort hotel can watch exotic animals roam free around the 43 acres of tropical grassland.

• Exotic animals
• Award-winning dining options

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beach Club is a fun and relaxing lakeside hotel that is themed after a beachside Eastern Seaboard of yesteryear. It shares its pool complex, Stormalong Bay, with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and was voted #1 in our Best Pools at Disney World article.

• Massive outdoor water recreational area
• Cape May Café
• Ship Shape Health Club
• Minnie’s Mother’s Day Chocolate Party

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

BoardWalk takes its inspiration from the beachfront grand resorts of 1940s Atlantic City. This elegant lakeside hotel is situated at the center of Disney’s BoardWalk, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

• Lively nightlife
• Signature Dining at Flying Fish

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The monorail runs right through the lobby of this lakeside Resort. Contemporary Resort is located in close proximity and against the backdrop of Magic Kingdom.

• Resort monorail
• On the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Award-winning California Grill
• Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration

Disney’s Dolphin Hotel

Disney’s Dolphin (and Swan) is an elegant water-themed hotel designed by noted architect Michael Graves.

• Shula’s Steak House
• Mandara Spa
• Supervised Children’s Activity Center

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style hotel celebrating the Sunshine State’s golden era. This hotel is considered Disney World’s flagship resort.

• World-class health club, spa, and salon
• Award-winning dining
• Next to Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom
• A monorail stop
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Pool W/ water slide

We rank the Grand Floridian #1 on our Best Hotels at Disney World list.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Polynesian Village is a relaxing resort that captures the culture and atmosphere of the South Pacific.

• On the Resort Monorail
• On the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Disney’s Swan Hotel

Disney’s Swan (and Dolphin) is an elegant water-themed hotel designed by noted architect Michael Graves.

• Il Mulino New York Trattoria

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge is a lakeside log-cabin-style resort that takes its inspiration from the grandeur of National Park lodges.

• Exquisite pools
• Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Yacht Club Resort is themed after a Martha’s Vineyard-style grand hotel. Located on Crescent Lake, Yacht Club is designed with authentic nautical details and upscale, classy charm. It shares its pool complex, Stormalong Bay, with Disney’s Beach Club Resort and was voted #1 in our Best Pools at Disney World article.

• Outdoor Water Recreation Area
• Dog-Friendly Accommodations
• Award-winning dining at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Here’s an in-depth look at the Deluxe Resorts on the monorail loop!

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House

Jambo House is an African lodge-style villa situated amidst a 38-acre wildlife preserve where 30 species of animals roam free.

• Extra space
• Award-Winning restaurants
• Exotic Animals

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Set near a vast animal reserve, this African lodge-style hotel offers kitchenettes/kitchens and multi-bedroom units.

• Home of Sanaa,  Indian-influenced African dishes with views of the wildlife

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower is a modern and luxurious experience with dramatic views of the park.

• Award-winning dining at California Grill

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Boulder Ridge Villas harnesses the majesty of the Pacific Northwest and its outdoorsy elements.

• Storybook Dining at Artist Point w/ Snow White

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is a lakeside log-cabin-style resort that takes its inspiration from the grandeur of National Park lodges.

• A Disney Vacation Club Resort
• Quietly situated among the pines yet close to the action of Magic Kingdom
• Access to 2 beautiful pools

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Beach Club Villas is an elegant lakefront New England-inspired resort hotel.

• A large water recreation area

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

BoardWalk Villas is inspired by a 1940s Atlantic City seaside resort.  Experience the charm and romance of this lakeside BoardWalk hotel.

• Disney Skyliner
• Signature dining at Flying Fish

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney Spring Resort Area

With gingerbread accents and pastel colors, Old Key West Resort is a Victorian-themed resort that conveys a sense of relaxation.

• R.E.S.T Beach fitness center
• Olivia’s Café

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

• Disney’s Original Island Escape
• Savor the Succulent Tastes of the Islands

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort celebrates the grandeur of Europe and offers a full range of accommodations – from cozy Tower Studios to spacious 1Br, 2Br, and 3Br Villas.

• Stylish and artistic touches
• Full range of accommodations
• Dining at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This relaxing lakeside hotel brings the spirit of Saratoga, New York horse racing into the Disney Springs section of Walt Disney World Resort.

• Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Campgrounds at disney’s fort wilderness.

The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

The Campsites at Fort Wilderness offer plenty of activities on the 700+ acre, American Frontier-themed resort.

• Campsites are rustic but fully-equipped
• Bus transportation throughout w/ golf cart rentals available
• Pet-friendly accommodations
• A unique way to stay on Disney property

Enjoy your Disney World vacation!

We hope our Disney World Resorts Comparison page has helped you narrow down your hotel choices.

For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on MagicGuides  like our How to Plan a Disney Vacation , Club Level at Disney World , Disney World History , Walt Disney Quotes , Disney World Strollers , and  RunDisney Marathon articles.

If you need help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World vacation, then please contact the Disney travel agents at   The Vacationeer . Their services are always helpful and totally free of charge!   Click  HERE  for a free, no-obligation price quote .

Thanks for reading and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation!

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Yacht Club vs Animal Kingdom Lodge room size

• Thread starter MichelleB
• Start date Apr 5, 2002

DIS Veteran

• Apr 5, 2002

What are the differences in room size at AKL and YC? Anyone know the sq. footages? Anything else I should know? Thanks!  

I can give you the square footage. YC-380 SQ FT and the AKL-340 SQ FT in the standard size room.  

Earning My Ears

Just back from the Yacht Club and had a wonderful stay. Location is great. Rooms were very roomy and attractive. Loved it!!  

Thank you! Where did you find square footage? I've looked all over for this information.  

• Apr 6, 2002

If you are a DVC member, there is a document on that website that lists the room sizes of all the WDW resorts.  

I am! I'll try there! Thank you again.  

Ok, I hate to appear stupid, but I've been to the DVC site and can't find the sq. footages. Where is this located?  

All the floor layouts are drawn at each resort!  

I went to Iowa once, and it was closed.

MichelleB, you are not stupid. You are just one of many victims of the web-site design dilemma -- sites are designed by computer wizzards who haven't the foggiest idea about what people are actually looking for or how to make it easy for them to find it. Once you are on the members site after signing in, click on the following: 1. "Understanding Your Membership" (left hand column) 2. Then at next page, "Member Benefits and Privileges" (also left hand collumn) 3. Then at the next page, "The Disney Collection Program" (in the middle of the page) 4. The rooms with sguare footage will be on the second page of the document that comes up.  

Drusba, your post is too funny and too true! Thanks for the chuckle (and for answering MichelleB's question).  

I just copied an old post of mine where I had gathered info regarding Disney resort room sizes and number of rooms. Here it is again: - - - - - - - I grabbed the following info from the DVC Members Only website: DISNEY Resorts (Worldwide) Hotel / Number of Rooms / Approximate Room Size Animal Kingdom Lodge / 1,293 rooms / 344 Sq. Ft. Beach Club Resort / 583 rooms / 381 Sq. Ft. Caribbean Beach Resort / 2,112 rooms / 340 Sq. Ft. Contemporary Resort / 1,020 rooms / 436 Sq. Ft. Coronado Springs Resort / 1,924 / 315 Sq. Ft. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa / 839 rooms / 340-400 Sq. Ft. Polynesian Resort / 853 rooms / 391-483 Sq. Ft. Port Orleans Resort Riverside / 2,048 rooms / 315 Sq. Ft. Port Orleans Resort French Quarter / 1,008 rooms / 315 Sq. Ft. Yacht Club Resort / 512 rooms / 381 Sq. Ft. Ft Wilderness Resort & Campground (Wilderness Homes & Cabins) / 400 rooms / 504 Sq Ft Disneyland Hotel – California / 1,131 rooms / 407 Sq. Ft. Grand Californian Hotel - California / 751 rooms / 353 Sq. Ft. Paradise Pier Hotel - California / 502 rooms / 350 Sq. Ft. Disneyland Hotel – Paris / 550 rooms / 365.84 Sq. Ft. Hotel New York (Disneyland Paris) / 574 rooms / 333.56 Sq. Ft. Newport Bay Club (Disneyland Paris) / 1,098 rooms / 290.52 Sq. Ft. Sequoia Lodge (Disneyland Paris) / 1,011 rooms / 290.52 Sq. Ft. - - - - - - -  

WDW is my Shangrala...and I'm going...life is bett

All I know is I used to be able to find the room sq ft without a problem and now a days I find it difficult to find them sometimes...  

Thank you all so much for your help!!  

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Beach Club vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023

By Wendy Leave a Comment

Choosing which Disney World Resort hotel to stay at during your Walt Disney World vacation is one of the most fun parts of planning! That said…

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

…it can also be one of the most confusing factors at the same time when you’re dealing with such a wide array of options . To that end, we’re hoping to help you out by doing a little of the comparison work for you. Today, we’re talking about TWO Deluxe Resorts: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge versus Disney’s Beach Club Resort !

We’re going to tackle this topic with help from a few chosen categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food, and Transportation . Let’s go!

Common Ground

So, what do Animal Kingdom Lodge and Beach Club Resort share in common ? For starters, they both fall into the highest category of Disney Resort hotels. Categories are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe , and both of these are Deluxe Resorts , so room sizes and guest perks are fairly comparable. (For instance, both are eligible for Extended Evening Hours held on select theme parks on select nights, as this perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests.)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Additionally, both offer Deluxe Villa accommodations . The Disney Vacation Club Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests.

Both offer close proximity to at least one of Disney World’s four theme parks : Beach Club Resort is closest to EPCOT , but also boasts a walking path to Disney’s Hollywood Studios . Animal Kingdom Lodge is closest to… wait for it … Disney’s Animal Kingdom . 😉

Entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Prices for both of these Resorts are in a similar range; however, you’ll find that Animal Kingdom Lodge is the slightly less costly option overall:

For the Beach Club , that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,763 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)

For the Animal Kingdom Lodge , that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $469 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,792 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.)

Theme/Rooms

Beach club resort.

If you believe “Life is better at the beach,” then you may want to explore Disney’s Beach Club Resort ! Seaside New England serves as the inspiration for this EPCOT-area Resort.

Disney’s Beach Club

The Beach Club is the sister to Disney’s Yacht Club . However, the Beach Club distinguishes itself with its more laid-back and breezy beach vibe .

That light and airy feel extends, of course, to the guest rooms throughout the hotel.

Beds at Beach Club

Disney’s Beach Club features standard guest rooms with either 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, as well as Club Level Rooms (up to a Presidential Suite which sleeps up to 7 adults). For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Resort View, a Water View, or a Deluxe Room .

Beach Club Villas

Beach Club Villas have villa-type accommodations with studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to eight) layouts. (Be aware, though, that Villas are currently being refreshed with a planned completion estimated for late 2023 .)

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s gorgeous Animal Kingdom Lodge is unlike any other in Walt Disney World — or anywhere else, for that matter. What truly sets this Resort apart are the over 200 animals and birds that call the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge “home!”

As Disney shares, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge invites you into the “heart of Africa,” with four savannas housing over 200 hoofed animals from over 30 species and birds offering a truly stunning and unique feature of the Resort.

Many activities offered at the Resort are entirely unique to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests have several opportunities to interact with Cultural Representatives and Animal Specialists in fun, family-friendly programming .

Wildlife Spotting Guide

While the savannas alone offer plenty of reasons to enjoy the Resort’s outdoor settings, the Resort also presents “one of the largest collections of African art in the United States,” according to Disney.

Jambo House

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features standard guest rooms and Villas in the main building, Jambo Hous e, along with options for rooms featuring Savanna views , as well as rooms with Club Level Concierge services . Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers Disney Vacation Club accommodations at Kidani Village , with villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room villas overlooking their own animal savanna.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna

I REPEAT: “OVERLOOKING THEIR OWN ANIMAL SAVANNA.” Though not all rooms offer savanna views, many guests are thrilled to book this unique option, enjoying their morning coffee while watching giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more!

It’s true — we just dedicated much more time to exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge because it is so unique and entirely immersive when it comes to theming , so it does tend to edge out most of the other Disney Resorts on property — Beach Club included. However, there are several other factors we still need to consider…

Oh, boy… pools are a GREAT topic when it comes to the Beach Club , thanks to Stormalong Bay ! This 3-acre water recreation area is available exclusively to both Yacht and Beach Club guests.

Stormalong Bay

Seriously, Stormalong Bay is a destination all its own. This pool complex is practically its own mini-water park , with sand at the bottom, a lazy river, 3 whirlpool spas, and a tanning deck!

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club

Kiddos (and adults) can take on the 230-footlong ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide , while Shipwreck pool with its own mini waterslide is available just for the little ones.

Stormalong Bay Shipwreck Waterslide

Oh, and guests who prefer a little more quiet can take advantage of any of the 3 additional leisure pools.

Guests can enjoy the spacious Uzima Pool (complete with a waterslide) at the Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. Each are accompanied by two whirlpool spas.

Uzima Springs is lovely, and, even though it is obviously a popular spot as the Resort’s main pool, it still somehow manages to feel like a relaxing oasis, perhaps due to the lush greenery surrounding the area. It’s also incredibly roomy at 11,000 square feet.

Samawati Springs Pool also offers a fun waterslide. But the big boast here is Uwanja Camp , which is an “animal observation site-themed water playground” featuring three zones complete with a rope bridge and water cannons!

Samawati Springs Pool

And guess what? Disney shares that this camp is made for “kids of all ages” (though do note that select areas are designated for specific ages)!

Though I truly do love the escape provided by the pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge, this round is simply OWNED by Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club , considered by many to be the best Resort pool in Disney World!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Beach club dining.

Guests at The Beach Club have an array of dining options to enjoy, from  Disney Character Dining  to  Quick Service restaurants  to a  relaxing lounge , and beyond!

Donald Duck at Cape May Cafe!

Cape May Cafe  features an  all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet  with  Disney pals!   Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast  is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks.

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast

Though Disney characters are not present during  Dinner , the evening buffet meal serves up something unique, too, as all-you-can-eat  surf-and-turf  gets the spotlight with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy!

Cape May Cafe plate from the buffet

Ah,  Beaches and Cream … THIS is the place to go for  classic diner eats  and  GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes  in Walt Disney World!

The Famous KITCHEN SINK at Beaches and Cream!

Tucked between the  Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts , this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox. And it’s possibly best known for being  home to the famous  Kitchen Sink : an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house!

Beach Club Marketplace  is the quick service location AND gift shop at the Beach Club.

Beach Club Marketplace

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Beach Club Marketplace has a limited menu of hot meals along with some stellar grab-and-go and pastry options.

Martha’s Vineyard  is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours.

Martha’s Vineyard

Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. The cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings.

Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill  is the Pool Bar for Stormalong Bay!

CHEERS from Hurricane Hanna’s!

Thankfully a few substantial entrees (like burgers and chicken nuggets) are on the menu along with the drinks, because you won’t want to leave this amazing pool area!

And remember, all of the restaurants at the Yacht Club Resort are easily accessible to Beach Club guests ! These include:

• Yachtsman Steakhouse  (Signature Dining)
• Ale & Compass Restaurant  (Casual Table Service)
• The Market at Ale & Compass  (Quick Service)
• Ale & Compass Lounge
• Crew’s Cup Lounge

But that’s not all… because ALL of the dining options along Disney’s BoardWalk are a quick stroll away , too!

Disney’s BoardWalk

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts!

Animal kingdom lodge dining.

Guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge also have a wide array of dining choices, too, from  fine dining  to  quick service  to  relaxing lounges , and beyond! In fact, with all-you-care-to-eat dining options and fine signature dining, Animal Kingdom offers several of our favorite Table Service (sit-down) restaurants  in all of Walt Disney World!

Boma   gives visitors the opportunity to sample a wide variety  African dishes  while also dining on  American favorites  during  breakfast or dinner .

Boma Buffet

Jiko — The Cooking Place ,  the Lodge’s  Signature Restaurant , comes highly recommended if you enjoy excellent gourmet food in a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko

Sanaa , which means  “Work of Art” in Swahili , is a beautiful restaurant serving a  fusion of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. (You’ll find Sanaa in Kidani Village.)

Sanaa Bread Service

Named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa,  The Mara  is a  quick service restaurant  that’s sure to please all appetites with  a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites , for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Victoria Falls  is a relaxing oasis perched above  Animal Kingdom Lodge’s   Boma  restaurant. Enjoy a glass of  South African wine,  or indulge in your favorite  martini, beer or mixed drink .

Victoria Falls Lounge

Or just stop in on your way out for the evening to grab a quick bite from the  unique appetizer menu  including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.

Tucked into the entrance of the Table Service restaurant,  Sanaa , the exotic ambiance of the  Sanaa Lounge  is the perfect setting before or after visiting the savanna overlooks at the Kidani Village.

Sanaa Lounge

With  dim lighting and cozy banquettes , this is an intimate watering hole with  specialty beverages, wine flights, and signature appetizers . (You can order Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service here, too.)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers several lovely respites, and among them is  Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar  located en route to the main dining room at the Resort’s signature restaurant,  Jiko — The Cooking Place .

Cape Town Lounge

This wine bar serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more.

The  Uzima Springs Pool Bar  is a relaxing oasis at the pool at Jambo House, complete with a thatched roof and surrounded by lush foliage.

Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Did you know that Maji is Swahili for “water”?

Maji Pool Bar

Luckily, the  Maji Pool Bar  at Kidani Village in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge serves other liquids as well: cocktails (served frozen and on the rocks), wine, and draft beer, including Safari Amber.

We chat about  the BEST Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants HERE .

Eeesh … this one is TOUGH . If we were strictly comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge to JUST the Beach Club, then this would be an easier call for the Lodge, thanks to gems like Boma and Sanaa, and a great mix of classic options and unique dishes that you won’t find elsewhere on property (even though Beach Club boasts its own Character Meal and longtime favorite Beaches & Cream).

But, when it comes to dining at Beach Club, you have to also consider the incredibly easy access to all of the dining options at the attached Yacht Club and along Disney’s BoardWalk . It’s really a THREE -fer. I would say that if you think your traveling group would be more pleased with LOTS of options, this round goes to the Beach Club. But if you’re bigger desire is having access to truly memorable and unique dining, Animal Kingdom Lodge is your best bet.

Boma vs. Sanaa vs. Jiko: Comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

Transportation.

Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge guests have access to free Disney World Resort transportation .

A very rare perk is that, from the Beach Club, guests have a very short walk to get to EPCOT’s International Gateway (between the park’s United Kingdom and France pavilions). Folks can also walk to the connected Yacht Club Resort,  to the  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels , and to all of the dining and shopping along  Disney’s BoardWalk .

Yacht and Beach Club signage

Beach Club guests can also  walk along Crescent Lake to Disney’s Hollywood Studios ; however, due to the longer distance to Hollywood Studios, other forms of transportation to Hollywood Studios are provided. For instance, you can take a Friendship Boat  down Crescent Lake to   Disney’s Hollywood Studios !

Friendship Boat

The Friendship Boat also makes stops at EPCOT, BoardWalk Inn, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

The International Gateway also hosts EPCOT’S Disney Skyliner  Station. From EPCOT, the Skyliner has a stop at  Disney’s Riviera Resort  and continues  directly to  Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (which serves as the Skyliner Hub). From Caribbean Beach, it’s a simple transfer to  Disney’s Hollywood Studios   (or to  Disney’s Pop Century  and  Art of Animation Resorts ).

EPCOT Skyliner Station Entrance

And, of course, there is complimentary access to  Disney Bus Transportation to and from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom , the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and Disney Springs .

Guests staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge have complimentary access to  Disney Bus Transportation  to and from all  four theme parks ( Magic Kingdom ,  EPCOT ,  Disney’s Hollywood Studios , and  Disney’s Animal Kingdom ), water parks, and  Disney Springs .

Disney Bus Transportation

Aaaaand … that’s it. 😉 Though it is nice to know that the ride is very quick to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to aim for that first ride on Avatar — Flight of Passage (and since Animal Kingdom typically opens — though alas, also closes — earlier than the other parks, that sure doesn’t hurt in the morning)! The flip side of that coin, however, is that Animal Kingdom Lodge is also that much farther away from the other three theme parks.

We don’t even have to say it, do we? Beach Club is the clear winner when it comes to park proximity and transportation.

The Winner!

“Aaaand the winner is”. .. whichever Resort YOU think it is for your group’s needs and desires. Since Beach Club vibes are very different from Animal Kingdom Lodge’s atmosphere, you may have one that already jumps right out at you. If not, you might find it most helpful to consider your group’s park touring M.O. above other factors. If you plan on making the theme parks the focus of your vacation, Beach Club Resort might be your best bet due to better transportation. If you’re planning on soaking up the setting at your Resort, you honestly can’t go wrong with either choice… but Animal Kingdom Lodge offers the more unique experience.

Still, have a Resort decision to make? If you’d like to check out some more Resort comparisons, feel free to click on any of the links below:

More Resorts versus Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. BoardWalk Inn Resort Guide
• Contemporary vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Grand Floridian vs Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Polynesian Village vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Saratoga Springs vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Old Key West vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide
• Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide

More Resorts versus Beach Club Resort

• BoardWalk Villas vs. Beach Club Villas Resort Guide
• Contemporary vs. Beach Club Resort Guide
• Polynesian Village vs. Beach Club Resort Guide 
• Old Key West vs. Beach Club Resort Guide

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Beach Club or Animal Kingdom Lodge: Which would YOU choose? Please let us know with a comment!

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Who Does It Better? Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Village?

When looking to book deluxe rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort, two great locations are sure to stand out. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are both luxurious ways to vacation.

But which one is better than the other? Or IS one better?

The most important part of booking a place to stay is the room. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can find a wide range of rooms, depending on your budget, from standard rooms that can sleep up to four adults all the way up to two-bedroom suites with club level access that accommodate up to eight.

These rooms are full of different textures and colorful patterns in warm tones to give you a cozy feel. (Note: Both the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Village Resort also have Disney Vacation Club accommodations, but these are not taken into account for the purposes of this article.)

One of the best things about this resort, in our opinion, is that you can book a room with a view of the savanna, where you can spot a variety of animals, like zebras or Ankole cattle. Nothing quite beats waking up in the morning and watching the giraffes grazing just beyond your balcony!

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you can find rooms that sleep up to five all the way up to a one-bedroom suite with club level access that will also accommodate five.

The rooms have been refurbished and designed with hints of Moana . Rather than a bunk bed, some rooms are completed with a simple day bed.

These rooms are now much more colorful and you can spot some of your favorite characters in the movie throughout the details in this hotel room.

You can get a view of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle at this resort, which some might say is better than watching the animals grazing.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features just three different restaurants: the buffet, Boma – Flavors of Africa ; the upscale Jiko – The Cooking Place ; and the quick service The Mara . Where else can you eat then go to enjoy a view of Sunset Savanna (home to more than 30 different wildlife species)?

There are also several lounges and pool-side bars including Uzima Springs Watering Hole and Victoria Falls Lounge .

Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers a wine tasting and the Wanyama Safari and dinner to partake in.

Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there is a plethora of dining options. For a table service experience, there is the all-you-can-eat ‘Ohana , the attached Tambu Lounge , and Kona Cafe .

Some quick service and snack spots include Capt. Cook’s , Kona Island , Oasis Bar and Grill , Barefoot Pool Bar , and Pineapple Lanai (where you can grab DOLE Whip!).

There’s also the extremely popular Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto , with its unique interactive atmosphere.

You’ll find something special at either end of the day — start the morning with a character breakfast at ‘Ohana, or end the evening with a drink on the beach.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s so much to do, you’re sure to find at least one activity that your whole herd will love. For the grown-ups, there are the aforementioned lounges and special dining, plus there’s a fitness center, and spa services. For the younger set, Hakuna Matata Playground is great for little ones to burn off some leftover energy.

And the resort has a whole sheet filled with activities for young and old — from stories around the fire pit to arts and crafts to spotting animals with night-vision goggles, to fun in the Uzima Springs pool.

If you’re looking to stay fit, you’ll find a convenient gym or basketball and tennis courts. Don’t forget to roast some s’mores over at the campfire or catch a movie under the stars.  Remember to ask for an activity update at the front desk when you check in.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is also home to a handful of activities that are fun for the whole family. You can get your fitness itch scratched by playing a round of volleyball or heading out on a hike on the jogging trail. If the water is more your thing, go fishing or even rent a motorized boat. You can enjoy a campfire and a movie under the stars at this resort, too.

As a bonus for recreation, you can watch the Electrical Water Pageant without even leaving the resort — it passes by around 9PM every night.

There are plenty of things to do at all times of the day!

This category is technically considered recreation, but we always feel that the pools deserve their own section. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to Uzima Springs Pool, which is more than 11,000 square feet — one of the biggest pools on Disney World property. It is a “Zero-Depth Entry” pool, meaning there is a gently sloping entrance without steps that allows you to wade in as you would at the beach. There’s also a 67-foot long slide and a kid’s pool area.

Over at the Polynesian, you can find the Lava Pool. This zero-depth entry pool also features a sloping bottom for a beach-like atmosphere. You can take in the views of a volcanic waterfall or be adventurous on the 142-foot long water slide.

If the Lava Pool isn’t relaxing enough on its own, there is a second option: the Oasis Pool. Here you can rent your own private patio that accommodates up to six guests.

Now that we’ve gone through this list of comparisons, we’re starting to wonder ourselves which resort is better. Could the Polynesian Village Resort actually be better than Animal Kingdom Lodge? Which one is your favorite and why?

Head over to our fact sheets for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort HERE and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge HERE to help you make up your own mind before you book your next trip. Don’t forget to check out what other readers have had to say by reading our Rate and Review section, too!

We also have a selection of resort videos that might help you decide which resort you’d prefer. Here are just a few:

Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel for reviews, news, information and more! 

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter  to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!

What do you think? Which resort is superior in your opinion? Let us know in the comments!

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Debra Martin Koma

Debra Martin Koma wrote about food, travel and lifestyle issues for a number of local and national publications before she fell in love with Walt Disney World on her first visit — when she was 34! She's returned to her Laughing Place more times than she can count in the ensuing years, and enthusiastically shares her passion with readers of AllEars.Net and AllEars®. Deb also co-authored (along with Deb Wills) PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, a travel guide designed for all travelers to Walt Disney World who may require special attention, from special diets to mobility issues.

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8 Replies to “Who Does It Better? Animal Kingdom Lodge or Polynesian Village?”

This choice is more subjective than “who is your favorite James Bond?” FYI- it’s the Polynesian and Roger Moore hands down.

We own DVC at the AKL, but my favorite is the Poly. I will say that I love them both for different reasons. The AKL feels like home and is so unique. The animals are amazing and offerings for things to do make a non-park day fun. The bus can be challenging if staying at Jambo. Mostly for early morning and end of day. It picks up first at Kidani and I have had to wait for several buses as it shows up at Jambo with only ability to pick up 1 or 2 people and if a scooter is there with all 15 family members, forget it. I have suggested they add dedicated buses to Jambo and Kidani just for park opening and park closing. The food is awesome at AKL if you want to try African.

I love the Poly because I love anything tropical. It is magical to walk around at night with the torches burning, the palm trees swaying and smelling the tropical flowers. Disney is the best about ensuring the look is authentic. They bring in actual flowers from Polynesia. They have authentic dancers at night for the torch lighting. They did put in a fake lawn, but that was because the traffic was killing the grass. So many more food options at Poly and on the monorail line. Easy access to TTC and MG. I have not experienced rude employees, although the concierge team was less then enthusiastic if you stay concierge.

I recommend staying at both if you are a frequent traveler. If your only trip it would depend on what you are looking for. Seeing African animals right outside your room/balcony could be a once in a life time. If your goal is to get in as much as you can, might go with Poly or other option.

AKL is far better than Poly. Sitting on your balcony watching the beautiful animals never get old. They have wonderful staff from all over Africa that even helped us plan a trip to Africa, writing down hotels, guides, etc.. The activities for kids are the best in the World. The pools are never too crowded due to size. I wish they had an outside running trail, but love everything else. Truly transforming. The Poly always feels fake to me. Your sitting in the pool looking at the GF is just weird and the pool is so small. Now we always have a car, so travel time is not really an issue. AK is our favorite theme park too, so this is the best location. If you are not an animal lover or you want lots of excitement, then Poly may be better. For runners, the trail from the Poly to the GF and back is nice but short. They share a work-out room with GF making it a pain to use the treadmill. AK has much better work-out facilities if you want to avoid Florida heat or for strength training days.

We were just at the Polynesian in December. It was horrific at best, rude, rolling eyes and very unhelpful employees. This was our 15th time in Disney and the last ever st the Polynesian We were treated better at all star movies.

Hey JG, we were there 1st week of Dec. and you must of had the same staff that we had. I think they put all the new non English speaking ‘cast members ‘ at the poly. I just rolled my eyes back at them and laughed in there face. Really? At these price$

Side note: AKL is removing the bunk beds from the rooms. ??

The Poly has the monorail and the Luau! I’m not crazy about spending half my vacation time on the bus. I’ll take the Poly over all the others any day!

Well the Polynesian has the monorail and animal kingdom has a half hour bus ride to Magic Kingdom/Epcot ( if your bus only loads/unloads 3 scooters) I will take the monorail.

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