Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the resort’s most popular hotels thanks to its breathtaking theming and the ability to get up close and personal with live animals. However, it’s missing a major Disney Deluxe Resort perk, which still bothers some guests.
The hotel, which opened in 2001, is located past the Animal Kingdom theme park (naturally) at the southwestern end of Walt Disney World property, meaning it’s relatively far from everything else on property, including the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, both water parks, and the rest of Disney’s hotels. That’s where the issue comes in…
As far as Disney transportation goes, Animal Kingdom Lodge is ONLY connected to the rest of Walt Disney World via the bus system. No monorail, no Skyliner, no boats. That creates an issue for guests, as it makes traveling practically anywhere on property take much longer than nearly any hotel, especially if they’re traveling to another Walt Disney World hotel to have a meal, etc., as it requires transferring at one of the parks or Disney Springs.
Of course, guests can use rideshare vehicles like Uber, Lyft, or Disney’s Minnie Van service. However, that also means budgeting aside more rideshare funds than they would need to while staying at another on-property resort.
Speaking of other resorts, the lack of transportation options beyond buses sets Animal Kingdom Lodge apart from all of Disney World’s other Deluxe Tier resorts, as it’s the only one of Disney’s highest price hotel tier that doesn’t have access to at least two methods of Disney transportation.
As a refresher, other Deluxe Resort transportation options beyond buses include: Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian on the monorail line as well as featuring water taxis, The Boardwalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club have the FriendShip boats as well as being within walking distance of the Skyliner’s EPCOT station, the Riviera has a Skyliner Station of its own, and even Saratoga Springs and Old Key West have the Sassagoula boats.
All that being said, there are some that say that Animal Kingdom Lodge being disconnected from the majority of the rest of Disney World — including being limited to bus service transportation only — is actually a good thing. Their argument is that said disconnection allows guests to really feel like they’re at an isolated, African Savanna resort.
Thanks to its immersive theming, dining options, and, of course, the animals, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a favorite Disney resort of many guests. The hotel’s singular transportation option still rankles some visitors. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney World’s hotels.
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Is Animal Kingdom Lodge’s lack of transportation options a dealbreaker for you? Let us know in the comments below.
We have never stayed at AKL but have gone there for dinner and walking around a few times (and swimming – back when any WDW resort guest could use any pool).
I do think what makes AKL so unique is it’s isolation, but I also agree transportation, especially as mentioned to another resort it a major pain. And that is why I do not think we would ever stay there as guests traveling from California. If we were DVC members and somewhat local then sure – staying there for a weekend would be great.
But the issue is – just what transportation could they add? It is way too isolated for a Skyliner terminal I would think, and it’s obvious WDW has no desire to expand the monorails. I would say only if they add a 5th park north of DAK would that even happen.
Yes, it is. Same with Coronado Springs. My actual preference is to walk from the hotels on Crescent Lake to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
As an owner at Kidani. I entirely disagree and would fight adding additional transportation methods. Its unique atmosphere makes it what it is. It also has the only covered parking on property. Rent-a-car. It’s cheaper than Ubers back and forth.
Well, AKL isn’t exactly all by it’s lonesome. The All Star Resorts are in the same area, only about 7 minutes from AK park and AKL by car. I think the isolation is a good thing though as mentioned in the article, as you are venturing to the most exotic resort on property.