Is Animal Kingdom a Deluxe Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you might be wondering if Animal Kingdom is a Deluxe Resort. The answer is no, Animal Kingdom is not a Deluxe Resort. However, it still offers many amenities and benefits that make it a great choice for your stay.

What is a Deluxe Resort?

Before we dive into why Animal Kingdom isn’t considered a Deluxe Resort, let’s first define what exactly a Deluxe Resort is. At Disney World, there are three tiers of accommodations: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The Deluxe Resorts are the most luxurious and expensive options and offer the highest level of service and amenities.

Some of the features that qualify a resort as Deluxe include:

– Spacious rooms with high-end furnishings
– Multiple restaurants on-site
– Room service
– Upscale pools with water slides and hot tubs
– Fitness centers and spas
– Club-level lounges with complimentary food and drinks

Now that we know what makes a resort “Deluxe,” let’s take a look at why Animal Kingdom doesn’t quite fit the bill.

Why isn’t Animal Kingdom considered a Deluxe Resort?

One of the main reasons that Animal Kingdom isn’t considered a Deluxe Resort is because it doesn’t have as many on-site amenities as some of the other resorts in this tier. For example, while there are several dining options available at Animal Kingdom Lodge (the official name of the resort), there aren’t as many as you’ll find at other resorts like the Grand Floridian or the Contemporary.

Additionally, while there are two pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge (one of which has a water slide), they may not be quite as elaborate or luxurious as those found at some of the other Deluxe Resorts. And while there is an on-site fitness center, there isn’t a full-service spa like you’ll find at some other resorts.

That being said, there are still plenty of reasons why Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great choice for your stay at Disney World.

What makes Animal Kingdom Lodge special?

One of the biggest draws of Animal Kingdom Lodge is its theming. The resort is designed to look like an African savanna lodge, and it features beautiful architecture and artwork inspired by African cultures. Many of the rooms even offer views of the savanna, where you can see animals like giraffes, zebras, and gazelles roaming just outside your window.

In addition to the theming, Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers several unique dining experiences. Jiko – The Cooking Place is a signature restaurant that features African-inspired cuisine and an extensive wine list. Sanaa is another popular option that offers Indian and African fusion dishes with stunning views of the savanna.

Finally, Animal Kingdom Lodge is also home to one of Disney World’s most popular attractions: the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride in Animal Kingdom park. Guests can easily access this attraction from the resort via complimentary shuttle buses.

Conclusion

While Animal Kingdom isn’t considered a Deluxe Resort due to its slightly more limited amenities, it’s still a fantastic choice for your stay at Disney World. With its unique theming, excellent dining options, and proximity to one of the park’s top attractions, you’re sure to have a memorable stay at this beautiful resort.