There are a LOT of options (well over 20, in fact!) when it comes to choosing your Resort hotel for your Disney World vacation.

Do you prefer being on “Island Time” or would you rather go back in time? Are you looking for whimsical surroundings or are you considering something more sophisticated? Would you like to stay near Magic Kingdom or perhaps closer to EPCOT?

With so many choices, we’ve found it helpful to take things one at a time. Well, okay… technically we’re taking things TWO at a time as we compare TWO Disney World Resort hotels to help you get an idea of which might be right for you. So here we’re exploring both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Yacht 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 Yacht 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 at select theme parks on select nights, as this perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests.)

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

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 Yacht Club, for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $537 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,877 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, 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

Yacht Club Resort

First, let’s set sail towards Disney’s Yacht Club Resort!

New England-style yacht clubs serve as the inspiration for Disney’s own Yacht Club Resort. 

Deep blues and rich woods help to establish the classic nautical setting.

The Yacht Club is the sister Resort to the attached Beach Club Resort.

Disney’s Yacht 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 2 Bedroom Suite which sleeps up to 6 adults).

For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Water View, or a Garden View.

Though there is an option for a Suite, we should note here that the Yacht Club does not offer Disney Vacation Club Villas (even though its sister Resort, Beach Club, does). So that is one difference from…

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.

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.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features standard guest rooms and Villas in the main building, Jambo House, 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.

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! And let’s face it… that’s pretty sweet!

Results

You’ve likely noticed that we focused a LOT more on Animal Kingdom Lodge when it comes to theming. But it’s next to impossible to not be entirely WOWED by the incredibly immersive and unique feel of this special Resort. The Yacht Club is certainly lovely and has a wonderfully classic atmosphere; however, when it comes to theming there are just a select few Resorts that can go toe-to-toe with Animal Kingdom Lodge. And when it comes to room logistics, Animal Kingdom Lodge also presents more options thanks to the addition of Disney Vacation Club Villas. So this round is going to Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Pools

Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club has some serious bragging rights when it comes to Stormalong Bay! This 3-acre water recreation area is available exclusively to both Yacht and Beach Club guests.

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!

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.

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

Animal Kingdom Lodge

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, due to aspects like the zero-entry wade-in and 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!

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)!

Results

I do love a nice lounge by a relaxing pool like Uzima or Samawati Springs at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I mean, who doesn’t? But there is simply nothing like Stormalong Bay at any other Disney World hotel, so we’re giving this round to the Yacht Club!

Check out our video on the 10 BEST POOLS in Disney World!

Food

Yacht Club Dining

Guests at Yacht Club have a wide array of dining options to enjoy, from a Signature steakhouse to Quick Service restaurants to relaxing lounges, and beyond!

Yachtsman Steakhouse delivers a Signature Dining option to Yacht & Beach Club guests.

This craftsman-inspired dining room caters to all tastebuds with a variety of dishes, incredible sides, and amazing, cut-in-house steaks.

Ale & Compass Restaurant is the table service component of the Ale & Market dining concept in Disney’s Yacht Club, which also includes The Market at Ale & Compass along with the refreshed Ale & Compass Lounge.

The atmosphere offers a gastropub ambience while comfort food (New England-inspired) is featured on the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Simple convenience is the name of the game, with a focus on grab-and-go items at The Market at Ale & Compass.

However, hot sandwiches, specialty desserts — and even a coffee bar — round out the options nicely.

Ale & Compass Lounge is located just off the lobby of the Yacht Club.

It’s an ideal spot to relax with a night cap while winding down for the evening, or to grab a bite or two from their substantial appetizer menu.

Crew’s Cup Lounge is a favorite cozy spot of ours!

Along with a full-service bar (featuring a wide selection of Single Malt Scotch), guests can also order select items from the full Yachtsman Steakhouse menu.

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

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 Disney Beach Club Resort are easily accessible to Yacht Club guests! These include:

• Cape May Cafe (featuring buffet dining and a Character Breakfast)
• Beaches and Cream (classic diner eats and MAMMOTH ice cream sundaes!)
• Beach Club Marketplace (Quick Service options)
• Martha’s Vineyard (evening lounge)

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

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.

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

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Results

I would love to hand you a clear winner here. But alas… no can do! Great options abound at both Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Yacht Club (though Yacht Club earns its place with thanks in no small part to its easy access to TWO more Deluxe Resort hotels and all of their dining options). So here it’s best to consider what YOU want the most from your dining options. Lots of variety? The Yacht Club is likely your better bet. Restaurants featuring unique flavors and dishes that you won’t find elsewhere? You might prefer Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Transportation

Like all Disney World Resort guests, Yacht Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge guests have access to free Disney World Resort transportation.

Yacht Club

A very rare perk is that, from the Yacht Club, guests have a 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 Beach Club Resort, to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and to all of the dining and shopping along Disney’s BoardWalk.

Yacht 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!

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).

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.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

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.

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 it should be said, 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.

Results

This one’s easy-peasy! We’re giving it the Yacht Club. 

The Winner!

“Aaaand the winner is”... whichever Resort YOU think it is for your group’s needs and desires. Since Yacht 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, Yacht Club Resort might be your best bet due to better transportation and close proximity to TWO theme parks. 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 Yacht Club Resort

• Contemporary vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide
• Grand Floridian vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide
• Polynesian Village vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide

Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you

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

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