Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection?

Choosing between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t an easy task. Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you to stay at the hotel that is best for your family!

Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. The best way to tackle such a massive decision like this is with as much logic as possible, so we broke down this comparison into five categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food, and Transportation.

Let’s get started on your vacation research.

COMMON GROUND

Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge have in common. First, both offer Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa accommodations with a similar resort layout. The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. You’ll discover luxurious amenities and unique themeing at both hotels. Plus, both boast many of the same perks. 

The most expensive rooms at both resorts are large villas. And standard hotel rooms are approximately 344 sq. ft.

For the Wilderness Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $453 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,128 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)

Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

THEME/ROOMS

These are not your standard hotels. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll discover an exotic African escape with safari animals! A stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge transports you to a Northwestern National Park Lodge.

But whether your stay takes you to the exotic savanna or to the rustic wilderness, you’ll find that both of these options provide delightful Disney amenities.

Wilderness Lodge

Welcome to the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. At Wilderness Lodge, you’ll discover towering redwoods, pristine free-flowing creeks, artifacts, and monuments to American history and its inhabitants. The inspiration for this resort is pulled from various lodges and resorts of the national parks like Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park. Guests feel the full majesty of nature once they enter the grand lobby — soaring ceilings, the massive 82-foot tall Grand Canyon-inspired fireplace, and 55-foot totem poles.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays).

The deluxe Wilderness Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic.

Wilderness Lodge also has two different Disney Vacation Club accommodations, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, which include villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room cabins overlooking Bay Lake.

Some of these cabins face the Contemporary Resort and may provide some obstructed views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jambo! And welcome to Animal Kingdom Lodge! This is more than your typical hotel, and honestly, it’s beyond the standard of a typical Disney hotel. Definitely, the only Disney resort where you can wake up and view some giraffes out your window, and drink coffee or snack on some Zebra Domes on your balcony while watching real-live zebras.

Disney also brings in Cultural Representatives from countries around Africa to share their countries’ unique stories, culture, art, and history. Off of the lobby, there is an observation room where guests can appreciate artifacts from African exploration or just sit and enjoy the animals on the savanna.

Results

Animal Kingdom Lodge transports you to the African continent, while Wilderness Lodge delivers a Northwestern escape. Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes. So, this really could be down to what type of vibe you want on your vacation. Speaking to room decor, we like the updates at both resorts. 

For overall theme, we have to give the edge to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Every nook and cranny showcases exotic decor, artwork, and furnishings. Plus, how can we forget that there are roaming animals!

PHOTOS: The Halls at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Are DECKED Out for Christmas!

POOLS

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, a vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

The Wilderness Lodge hosts two pools: the Copper Creek Pool and the Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a spring. Copper Creek is the main pool, complete with a water slide and the Copper Creek splash area.

Copper Creek pool overlooks the serene Bay Lake and resort-iconic geyser, Fire Rock Geyser, which spouts off every hour on the hour between 7am and 10pm. (But Cast Members will turn it off for inclement weather, including particularly windy days.)

Boulder Ridge pool is a quieter pool closer to the Boulder Ridge section of the resort with rusticly themed cabanas, and close proximity to the Geyser Point Bar & Grill.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

AKL (as we like to call it) is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools: the Samawati Springs Pool and the Uzima Springs Pool. Both pools have the exotic feel of swimming in a natural spring.

Uzima Springs pool is amazing. This oasis is 11,000 square feet. It includes a large free-form, zero-entry swimming pool (gradual like a beach where you can wade in slowly).

Samawati Springs Pool has a 67-foot water slide and a children’s wading pool. There are two private hot tubs, tons of seating in comfy loungers, and tables and umbrellas.

Oh, and of course, the Pool Bars are nearby for hydration purposes.

Results

Both have two, relaxing pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Again, it might boil down to just what your style is. Do you want to soak in a natural spring with lakeside views, a majestic geyser, and surrounded by serene, wooded trails? Or something a bit more exotic with roaming flamingos just steps away? These two really make the choice difficult!

If we had to choose, we’d pick Animal Kingdom Lodge as we find the pool areas to feel more secluded.

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

FOOD

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge has five dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill located near the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — is a unique space in that it offers two different kinds of service for guests… all in one cozy and lovely setting.

It blends two different dining styles (a Table Service lounge and a Quick Service walk-up counter) and two different menus. The Featured Cocktail list at the lounge boasts beverages unique to Geyser Point, featuring spirits from Northwest distilleries in keeping with the theme of the Resort. Hearty appetizers can be ordered from the lounge as well, while full entrees are available at the connected Counter Service.

The open-air restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views and a fireplace for cool evenings. And don’t sleep on Geyser Point, it’s a destination-worthy eatery with amazing burgers, queso, and unique cocktails, all in a serene atmosphere.

Formerly a signature restaurant, Artist Point’s setting and menu have been entirely transformed with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme for a different experience. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a Character Meal! Guests enjoy a prix-fixe meal and can look forward to Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy stopping by throughout the dinner. And The Evil Queen is even present for a unique photo opportunity.

Shhh…..don’t tell anyone our secret. Territory Lounge is one of our favorite hidden gems at Disney World!  If your idea of a good lounge is one with cozy seating, specialty cocktails (as well as beer and even wine flights), and some of the best lounge eats on Walt Disney World property, then Territory Lounge is your place.

Boasting its own unique menu of lounge noshes, the Disney Food Blog gives it a hearty thumbs-up. The Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a light dinner and drinks with friends in an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting.

Hearty comfort food in a warm, rustic setting…. Welcome to Roaring Fork! Roaring Fork offers a variety of hearty entrees and counter service basics (along with grab-and-go options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a serene atmosphere, with seating both indoors and out.

Guests will even find specialty coffee drinks available, and fans of Disney cupcakes will often find some really fun and unique options here that change with the seasons.

The other Table Service option at the Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon Cafe is one of Disney World’s “funnest” restaurants ! With a crew of wayward servers intent on making you laugh and all-you-can-eat down home grub served skillet-style (guests may also choose from a la carte selections), this restaurant is a great one to book for a casual good time — especially if you’re with a group!

Whispering Canyon is renowned for its raucous hijinks like wooden pony races, massive straw drops, and tables overloaded with ketchup bottles. It is one of Disney’s dining options that put the fun front-and-center, and also provides some consistently tasty eats.

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge has some very unique restaurants!

A Table Service option at the Jambo House is Boma. Boma continually emerges on the “favorite restaurants” lists of many Disney guests! The popular buffet at Boma gives visitors the opportunity to sample flavorful African dishes while also dining on some American favorites during breakfast or dinner.

We give two thumbs up to this restaurant, and we always find something new to try here!

And the pièce de résistance: Jiko. Jiko — The Cooking Place is a Signature Dining Experience (which is Disney-speak for fancy, schmancy), hands-down, one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants on Disney World property. We can highly recommend this one if you enjoy excellent, gourmet food and a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Sharing tastes of Africa with a special Jiko flourish, this restaurant doesn’t offer a great view or any characters, but it does showcase truly beautiful food — and the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna is right outside.

Maji Pool Bar is located near the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village, and Uzima Springs Pool Bar is over at the Jambo House pool. Both are pretty standard pool bars with some unique African beers and tasty nibbles, but nothing truly destination-worthy.

The Mara is named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa. This quick service restaurant located in Jambo House is sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located next to the Resort’s Uzima Springs pool area. Guests can dine indoors or take their meals poolside, or to a small area offering shaded tables outside.

Unique items, including Bobotie and Breakfast Quinoa are served alongside classic Disney dishes like Mickey Waffles for Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner feature the truly tasty African Potjie (a flavorful stew) among the options, which also include counter service favorites like Chicken Nuggets, Burgers, and Flatbreads.

The “Grab & Go” market area features snacks, desserts (including the spot’s famous Zebra Domes!), bottled drinks, breakfast pastries, specialty coffees, and fruit. The Mara also offers a selection of African and international wines, beers, cocktails, and even choose-your-own-flavor smoothies.

Tucked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village, 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. While Sanaa is a table service restaurant serving lunch and dinner, the spot offers the Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast in the mornings — a quick-service experience for which reservations are not required.

The best part: the view from the restaurant is of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunset Savanna — enjoy the ever-changing scenery of some of the most beautiful African plains animals you’ve ever seen.

P.S. Don’t miss Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service, served with NINE different dipping accompaniments!

Victoria Falls and Cape Town Lounge are cozy lounges in Jambo House near Boma and Jiko. Enjoy a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer, or mixed drink. It’s a great place to hang while waiting for a table at Boma or Jiko. Or just stop in before you head to (or after you return from) the parks to grab a quick bite from the unique appetizer menu, including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.

Cape Town Lounge serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more. Guests may also order from the full Jiko menu and dine at the bar.

Best Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

Results

The Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge list some unique menu items and you’ll find quality at both locations. Wilderness Lodge offers a more casual vibe with Whispering Canyon Cafe and character dining at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, while Animal Kingdom Lodge offers signature dining at Jiko — The Cooking Place. And we love the peaceful retreat, Geyser Point Bar and Grill!

Yet, Boma hosts our favorite breakfast buffet. Sanaa has become a cult classic with its epic bread service and just as epic savanna views. And Jiko offers a menu, including that tender filet, that makes our mouths water just thinking about it. Clearly, Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the top dining destinations at Walt Disney World. 

We advise looking at the menus to see which resort has more food that appeals to your traveling party.

TRANSPORTATION

Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Wilderness Lodge

If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is boat transportation that sails through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. There is also a bus option at peak times or when the weather doesn’t permit boat travel.

If EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you to these locations.

For complimentary Walt Disney World transportation, guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to rely primarily on bus and boat transportation. However, it is possible to boat to Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, then take the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, you can transfer to an EPCOT-destined monorail.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you want to visit any of the Disney Parks (even the nearby Animal Kingdom), the only option for free Disney transportation is a bus.

Now, Animal Kingdom Lodge is already the furthest resort from the Disney Parks (except Animal Kingdom) and relying solely on bus transportation makes it feel every inch of that distance. And no one really looks forward to standing in those lines at the end of a park day only to be packed in like sardines with your fellow Animal Kingdom Lodgers once that bus does arrive. However, the remote location does add to the resort’s ambiance.

Guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can also use ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

Results

Unless you are spending most of your time at your resort, Wilderness Lodge boasts a more central location including boat service to Magic Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom is in a remote location and relies on bus transportation to all destinations.

HOW in the world do I get around the WORLD?

THE WINNER!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! You’ll need to decide which theme, dining, pools, and transportation best suits your next vacation to Walt Disney World.  Since their price point is similar and both resorts are popular, we don’t envy your decision.

We love both resorts, but we give a slight edge to Disney’s Animal Kingdom due to dining, pools, and one-of-a-kind themeing.

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What do you think? Which lodge is the best choice for your family? Let us know in the comments!

The post Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.