Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Covers hotels, areas and trip planning: rates for real dates, resort and parking fees, and transport.
UpdatedThis page carries dated prices or seasonal dates checked on the date above, and that window has now passed. Re-check the sources at the foot of the page before you book anything.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is the Disney Deluxe hotel built around its own savanna. The rooms that overlook it are the reason to stay here. On Disney's booking page on September 22, 2026, a savanna view room was $771 on November 17 and $890 on December 8; a resort view (parking lot or rooftops) was $521 and $658, before tax.
It has the full Deluxe perk set, including Extended Evening Hours. It does not have a monorail, a boat or the Skyliner: every park trip is a Disney bus. And Disney is refurbishing Jambo House guest rooms from May 2026 through January 2027.
At a glance
- Rate we saw
- Nov 17, 2026: $521 resort view to $790 savanna view. Dec 8: $658 to $908. Before tax
- Park perks
- 30-minute early entry, Extended Evening Hours, Lightning Lane purchase 7 days before arrival
- Parking
- Overnight self-parking free; valet $42 a night plus tax; theme park parking included
- Getting there
- Disney buses only: no monorail, boat or Skyliner
- Refurbishment
- Jambo House guest rooms from May 2026 through January 2027
In this guide
Rooms and what they cost
Disney's rate page, one night, two adults, before tax. The room names describe the view:
| Room | Nov 17, 2026 | Dec 8, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Resort View (rooftop or parking area) | $521 | not offered |
| Resort View, King | $540 | $658 |
| Water View | $657 | $742 |
| Savanna View | $771 | $890 |
| Savanna View, King | $790 | $908 |
| Savanna View, Club Level | $992 | not captured |
The step from resort view to savanna view was $250 on November 17 and about $230 on December 8. That premium is the whole product. A resort view room here is an expensive bus-served hotel room.
Disney's rate page showed no separate resort fee.
Getting to the parks
Disney's buses serve all four parks, both water parks and Disney Springs, starting 45 minutes before a park opens and running until an hour after it closes. There is no other option here. Animal Kingdom is the easy one. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are the long ones, and on an Extended Evening night at those parks you ride the last buses home.
With a car, parking is simple: overnight self-parking at Disney Resort hotels is complimentary, and standard theme park parking is included for registered guests.
The perks, checked on Disney's pages
- Early Theme Park Entry: 30 minutes, every day, every park, through 2027.
- Extended Evening Hours: yes, as a Deluxe hotel. Inside the Magic reported in March 2026 that Disney brought the evening hours back to Animal Kingdom from May 4, 2026, running 6 to 8 p.m. on select nights, which is the park closest to this hotel. Check Disney's calendar for your dates.
- Lightning Lane: buy 7 days before check-in for the whole stay.
- Valet: $42 a night plus tax.
Jiko, and the refurbishment
The hotel's signature restaurant is Jiko - The Cooking Place, with its African-inspired menu and a South African wine list. It is worth a dinner even if you stay elsewhere.
Disney's notice: from May 2026 through January 2027, guest rooms at Jambo House are being refurbished, guests may see or hear work, and most amenities stay open. If you book in that window, ask which building your room is in; the Kidani Village villas are a separate building and not named in the notice.
Who should book it
Book a savanna view if waking up to the animals is the trip's highlight, especially with children and an Animal Kingdom-heavy plan. Skip it if you would book the cheapest room: at $521 to $658 a night you are paying for the lodge, not a view, and Pop Century at $238 to $318 has the Skyliner to two parks. For monorail convenience at a similar top-end price, see the Polynesian.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Animal Kingdom Lodge per night?
On Disney's booking page on September 22, 2026: $521 to $790 on November 17 and $658 to $908 on December 8, 2026, before tax, depending on the view.
Is a savanna view worth it at Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Yes, if you are staying here at all. It cost about $230 to $250 more than a resort view on the dates checked, and the view is the reason this hotel exists.
How do you get from Animal Kingdom Lodge to the parks?
Disney buses only. There is no monorail, boat or Skyliner. Buses start 45 minutes before park opening and run until an hour after closing.
Is Animal Kingdom Lodge being refurbished?
Yes. Disney says Jambo House guest rooms are being refurbished from May 2026 through January 2027, with most amenities open.
Do Animal Kingdom Lodge guests get Extended Evening Hours?
Yes. It is a Disney Deluxe resort and on Disney's Extended Evening Hours list. Dates and parks vary; check Disney's calendar.
Further reading
Official sources
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Room rates (official) – Rates for November 17 and December 8, 2026; Jambo House refurbishment notice. Checked September 22, 2026.
- Walt Disney World - Extended Evening Hours (official) – Animal Kingdom Lodge on the eligible list; benefit continues through 2027.
- Inside the Magic - Extended Evening Hours return to Animal Kingdom – From May 4, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m. on select nights.
- Walt Disney World - Resort transportation (official) – Bus service hours for resort guests.
- Walt Disney World - Parking (official) – Free overnight self-parking; valet $42 plus tax.
- Walt Disney World - Lightning Lane passes (official) – 7-day purchase window.
