Staying in Disney World’s Best Resort - Honest Review

[@flacht_6]

Honestly, I’m loving having these book sponsorships. It’s so unique and I just love the sponsorship of smaller folks rather than a big company!

[@rowanalexandriabennett]

Thanks for the kind words, both for me and for Jake! I hope you give my book a shot.

[@lanneren]

@@rowanalexandriabennett I picked it up! Can't wait to read it!

[@rowanalexandriabennett]

@@lanneren Selfishly, great to hear it! I hope you enjoy

[@ageoflove1980]

Completely agree. This is what you would expect as a theme park hotel: An extention and continuation of the park itself, not just a place to sleep.

[@328am]

I 100% agree, but pour people like me just need a place to sleep 😂

[@ageoflove1980]

@@328am Haha yeah I know, its a bit above my budget as well. But at least you seem to get an actual experience for your money instead of just a slightly fancier hotel room.

[@blacksage2375]

"a place to sleep" That's the thing when you're hauling 2-3 kids most in elementary school on a trip you're only doing once in your life and have jam packed your schedule accordingly... a place to sleep IS all you are getting out of a hotel for Disney World. The only difference between on park and the Marriott is getting on the monorail an hour sooner so Disney just starts making Marriotts.

[@Skip_Andrew]

As someone who has worked at this resort, thank you so much for referencing the cast and especially our wonderful cultural representatives! They are truly what makes this resort so special. One thing I'd love to add for anyone interested, the art you mentioned is something we love to represent and we actually hold tours regularly showcasing them. Apparently, it's the largest collection of African art on display in the entire country (though the Smithsonian does have us beat but we actually display all of ours) so definitely check out as much as you can since it truly is authentic pieces from Africa!

[@sarapocorn]

I also really appreciate the mention of the cultural representatives, the laughs captured at 09:27 really warmed my heart. I‘ve had the privilege of studying in South Africa for a bit, making great friends there, and visiting its neighbouring countries with them on my subsequent visits. One thing is clear to me: As much warmth as the different forms of African art radiate, it is dwarfed by the warmth and joy expressed by the people I‘ve met in Southern Africa.

[@halfghostgirl]

I think one of the things that makes this Disney hotel the best is the lack of Disney in the hotel.

[@ReddOchober]

Wrong. The best thing is that this resort is a representation of Disney theming. It is the gray washed refurbished Disney resorts without “Disney” in them that are boring.

[@mr.pencilsharpener8004]

I see your point, but if “Disney” means creative and captivating storytelling rather than characters, you can argue it’s the most Disney hotel on property.

[@derekconstantino7759]

​@@ReddOchober wrong. Disney blows

[@michaelp.3485]

​@ReddOchober Wrong! Disney does not own African culture because last time I checked, THAT is what Animal Kingdom Lodge is themed after and NOT Mickey, Goofy, Moana, or other IP owned by Disney.

[@michaelp.3485]

​@@mr.pencilsharpener8004 I think they mean the lack of Disney IP/characters used for decorating the property.

[@kittylaroux17]

I will likely never stay at a Disney resort, yet I will watch every review video Bright Sun puts out.

[@kellychuang8373]

I can feel you too then again highly doubt most people these days can get there let alone want to and also don't know about that book advertised but I think I may give it a try. Then again can't have guarantees and I may have just blundered.

[@ohreolli9202]

Sameeeee!!

[@kellychuang8373]

@@ohreolli9202 That's also a good response there then again can't blame you it's really bad out there and the inflation really makes things even worse. Also just heard the 99 Cents Only Stores are going bust who knows Jake may want to get there as well though in some future episode around Bankrupt I say and soon.

[@matthias8161]

only one i stayed was aulani but that was when i was 8 but i had tons of fun

[@0763142233]

Same, I would never but I watch them all. They're oddly interesting and relaxing to watch, thanks for great videos!

[@rowanalexandriabennett]

So glad for my book to be a small part of the Bright Sun family again! What stands out about these truly excellent Disney products is their intentional restraint of using IP, just letting good things stand on their own. I feel Disney has trouble differentiating between inspiration and wallpapering these days.

[@meggy0]

I luckily worked for a Disney subsidiary years ago and got a massive discount on my stay at Animal Kingdom lodge, I never would have been able to afford it otherwise. It truly is a beautiful hotel, and seeing the animals at sunset is magical, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it too, was nice to feel like I was back there.

[@UchihaKat]

My epxerience seeing this video: *Sees headline* Okay... Sure. *glances at picture and realizes which resort it is* Oh, you made the correct choice. Animal Kingdom Lodge is def the most amazing of the disney resorts. Though Yacht and Beach Club will always have a special place in my heart for their amazing pools and boardwalk location.

[@John_Locke_108]

I get so excited when there's a new Bright Sun Travel video. These never dissapoint.

[@ldmc2924]

My family stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in 2013. We booked one of the non-savanna rooms, and while I'm sure it wasn't cheap, I'm pretty sure that it was in the $300-$350 range (else we wouldn't have stayed there. +$500 a night for a room? No way). Well, some weeks or month before vacation, my father called to see if we could add two days (he was able to get off work earlier), and we did. So we arrived, checked in, and the cast member mentioned something like "oh cool, so you're staying in a savanna room?" and we were like, "uh... we are?" Somehow our added-days update caused some weird magic that upgraded our room and not the cost. Although it stormed about half the late-afternoons that we stayed (and I was terrified of storms back then), it was an absolutely amazing experience. Chances are we'll never stay there again, but that's solely because of its cost now and not its quality. End of story. Amazing video. Big fan. So long and thanks for all the fish!

[@RankingTheMouse]

Jambo House Lobby is truly one of the greatest hotel lobby's in the world. While the rooms aren't elite, the rest of the resort more than makes up for it, & it's one of the very few theme park resorts where you could EASILY fill multiple full days without ever stepping foot in the Parks. As always, great review Jake 👏 your honesty & transparency with the bad makes the praise that much more beautiful

[@angelicaperez8566]

I think you make excellent points about all the hotel amenities! The only thing I disagree with is your opinion on carpets in hotel rooms. I know it's not as cozy, but it I think it's a much more hygenic option.

[@AV-sw7bj]

He's Canadian they still do carpets and wallpaper

[@BrightSunTravels]

I disagree on that point. Would you call the carpets at a Four Season hotel room unhygienic?

[@angelicaperez8566]

@BrightSunTravels Based on the name of the resort, I would like to say no. Because the Four Seasons is a top-notch luxury chain. But at the same time, I know that behind the scenes, the hospitality industry really puts pressure on its staff to turn over rooms really quickly. If guest Check Out is 11am, and news guest arrive for 4am check in that doesn't leave a lot of time to wash the carpets. Vacuuming, yes, absolutely time for that. But I always pack a pair of sandals for hotel stays so I don't walk on hotel carpets.

[@daphne8406]

I agree, here in Norway carpeting in hotel rooms has almost died out completely. Only if a hotel is willing to assign a much longer cleaning time and thus spend more money on housekeeping as the staff will clean fewer rooms per staff member, yeah they can put in carpets I guess. But if you don’t want to give your staff adequate time to thoroughly clean a carpet in between guests, you cannot sell the room as allergy friendly at all and over time improperly cleaned carpeted rooms are just really dusty and gross 🤢 (also in Norway weather is a factor, snow and ice make lots of dirty and muddy shoes and not everyone is as diligent in taking their shoes off when entering their room 🤷‍♀️) Vacuuming and quickly mopping a wood floor is a much faster way to clean than to have to deep clean/vacuum carpets.

[@perpelle]

In order to get a carpet clean you need to soak it in a detergent and suck it up or use a steamer. There's no way that it's done on a regular basis due to time constraints. As a person above said, in a TOP NOTCH hotel it's probably and hopefully not an issue but for 99% of all other hotels it is.

[@liannemk7411]

Will confirm that Jiko is one of the finest restaurants in Disney, with an excellent South African wine selection if you’re into wine. Well worth the “special occasion” pricing.

[@arianamaria_]

I haven’t seen anyone talk about this but I absolutely LOVE that you were sponsored by an author/book. It’s just really refreshing to be advertised something that someone truly put their heart and soul into rather than some sort of cash grab or disingenuous company. I wish it was a more popular sponsorship option

[@rowanalexandriabennett]

As said author, that warms my heart! If you're into fantasy books, I hope you give mine a shot :)

[@amandavanderzee9716]

I stayed here with my grandparents and cousin in 2006. It was the most magical hotel experience I have ever had. We spent the first hour and a half just looking at all the art and details around the hotel. I had previously stayed at the Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge was just a way more fun experience.

[@CourtCarter83]

We have not stayed there, but have dined there many times. I will never forget taking my parents there in 2023. They had not been to Disney in over 20 years, and had only ever been to two parks. My husband and I took them to AKL to have breakfast at Boma. It was in early January, so the tree was still up. I will never forget the shock on their faces as they stepped out of that foyer into the lobby. They literally both stopped in their tracks and looked up. You could see the awe in their faces. We spent quite a bit of time roaming around after our breakfast. It's a truly gorgeous resort.

[@Tonymanero1960]

I understand why the price you pay affects how you rate any hotel. My girlfriend and I recently spent 2 nights (midweek/offseason) at a popular Mid-Atlantic oceanfront beach hotel. The cost was $99 per night,.....but goes up to $599 per night in the summer. So,..obviously, we just ignored any imperfections.

[@atsunome]

Me: “Woah, this resort is so cool and detailed, it’s hard to believe that this is a Disney-“ Jake: “And high prices” Me: “there it is.”

[@jec6613]

As someone married to a South African and who has been to Africa multple times, I can attest to AKL being the closest thing in North America to actually being in Africa, and the new rooms bring it even closer. Also that if you go to the more adventurous stations at Boma, they do taste accurate to how they taste in a high-end resort on the continent. The most obvious miss is really that they don't sell biltong!

[@Trair82]

Dude, I'm an orlando local and there's so many of these hotel review channels. I clicked on this expecting to flip through it just for screenshots but you write a great script. I have some journalism experience and I loved this video. Excited to check out the rest of your work!!

[@BrightSunTravels]

That’s really kind of you, thank you

[@richardvlogsdisney]

I think for all the (mostly justified) criticism Disney gets, it’s worth remembering that they build, even today, some incredible stuff that no other company could even attempt. Not always priced properly, but that’s another story. Another great video!

[@davidh8271]

I really enjoy it when this channel has these kinds of glowing, positive reviews. Glad you had a good stay.

[@Boppsta712]

Ey, dude has a way of conveying his feelings through his vocal tones~

[@ecksdee8129]

I don’t really travel at all, let alone to luxury experiences, but your channel is fascinating to me all the same. You have a great way of presenting facts and opinions in a balanced format.

[@JohnScaer]

Places like this are why I think I could vacation to Walt Disney World for two weeks without getting bored. Slowing down and just walking through so many of these hotels would be nice.

[@Sig_P229]

I usually go for 10 to 14 days. We have been doing that every year or every other year since 1990. We never get to do everything in on trip. Especially in modern times with insane lines and crowds.

[@yuzugrove]

I'm so glad the art was such a big part of your review! I got to stay at AKL this past February & we happened to go on the lobby art tour with one of the cultural representatives. We learned so much about each piece in the lobby and it was a great experience. I highly highly recommend it if anyone ever has the chance.

[@tamara8349]

I definitely want to do this tour the next time we stay here!

[@Nobrabra16]

I hope the animals can sleep at night with those spotlights on them lol

[@CannabisTechLife]

and why blue light of all light colors? Why not warm or red?

[@Spin1nfern0]

@@CannabisTechLife maybe to mimic the natural light of the moon?

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

Not all of the Savanna is lit up, if they don't want to be in the light they can go elsewhere. But I really think the animals ham it up for the guests.

[@woodduck2178]

​@@CannabisTechLifeRed light is terrible for animals at night.

[@ReddOchober]

The Savannah is dark at night.

[@dyj321]

I stayed here for my honeymoon in 2018. It was amazing! We had only stayed at the all star resorts and it was a massive upgrade. While we booked a standard room, we were given an obstructed view of the savanna, which was hardly obstructed! We also came back from the parks one day to find chocolate covered strawberries and zebra domes on our bed! There was amazing service at Bona (free spiked jungle juice) and just the best atmosphere we could have asked for! I always think fondly of it. I doubt there's so much free stuff given it now, but it truly made that stay special. Please review the Gran Destino tower, too!

[@rb5078]

This is the only deluxe Disney World resort I would stay at. That room is gorgeous. The wood flooring is much better than carpet in my opinion. The resort itself is stunning. My jaw was on the floor this entire video. Definitely a bucket list stay for me.

[@vanvorst1999]

I was fortunate 20 years ago to book a savannah view room for $200/night for several nights. It was an amazing stay with lots of activities with knowledgeable hosts and savannah guides. The expansive, zero-depth-entry pool was open around the clock - unavailable at any other Disney resorts. The zebra domes dessert is a must-have treat! I could have made this my destination activity without visiting any theme parks. Would like to revisit in the next few years and hope they don't renovate the lobby and rooms!

[@eleanorelmore]

My fave has always been the Wilderness Lodge which shares the same architect with Animal Kingdom Lodge in Peter Dominick! That guy really knew how to design a hotel!

[@Azureblue25]

I think it’d be awesome if Wilderness Lodge added an animal viewing area similar to Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you see animals like Bison, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn & Maybe Mustang Horses, because Wilderness Lodge was inspired by Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park (Peter Dominick sure picked a great place to get inspiration from honestly), and the animals I mentioned feel pretty synonymous with Yellowstone & the American West in general, plus those particular species I mentioned can thrive off fairly hot temperatures so they could be fine even with the Florida heat, also fun fact: Bison & Elk used to be so widespread in the U.S. to the point they could even be found in Florida, maybe even include Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Cougar & Bald Eagle exhibits as stand alone exhibits that can be viewed at the Lodge for added diversity. Man-made geyser & hot spring features would be cool to see as aesthetic features that are reminiscent to geysers like Old Faithful and the colorful Hot Springs that you can see in Yellowstone, a tall waterfall feature would be cool to see as well if it’s inspired by Lower Falls which is in Yellowstone as well.

[@jacquelinekenknight9280]

I also adore the Wilderness Lodge. That lobby area is breaktaking ❤

[@mattmoore6218]

We will be staying here in August and after watching this video, makes my hyped to experience this place for myself.

[@Andronos]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this resort, I would like to add that even the resort soundtrack is super unique and I've found myself listening to it at home to just relax

[@ridley1230]

When I was a kid, my entire family saved up to go here and it was probably the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve always been obsessed with animals and stay at a hotel surrounded by them was a dream come true. I have a lot of reservations with Disney as a company but I would love to go back someday

[@ryukagesama]

I'm a big fan of Disney World vacations, and I regularly hear that this is people's favorite resort at Disney. I'm a huge fan of pretty much everything this hotel has to offer. I still prefer Wilderness Lodge for mostly subjective, aesthetic reasons and it being a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, but I've loved all the time I've spent at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

[@kaitdonthate2446]

Definitely one of my favorite Disney Hotels. Walking around you’re so immersed, every detail matters and is gorgeous. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge are my go to for enjoying the actual resort.

[@Avg-Usr]

Great review. AK is definitely my favorite resort in Disney World. We got the safari view last time and its surreal to see the animals roaming around just outside the balcony in the middle of the night. The one drawback is the loooong hike to the elevator and room, especially after you spent the day at the parks and your legs are basically about to give out. Jiko is my favorite resort restaurant because it has some of the most unique offerings out of all Disney restaurants (i ate venison last time i was there) and the flavors are outstanding.

[@jeffdurling100]

Stayed here multiple times and always my favorite resort. The Room finder tip is really worth it too. I have used it multiple times to get a obstructed room with a savannah view. So what I always get is the last room in the wing. The side of your balcony will have a wall over to the side of it (not immediate) and you get 80% of the savannah view at a much, much lower cost.

[@dextokuyasu]

While the times I’ve stayed at Disney we always stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, we ALWAYS have dinner at least once at BOMA Flavors of Africa because my God do the chefs and staff over-deliver. Plus just walking around and hearing legit African music playing, seeing the pool with its sand, and just how peaceful it was made me want to stay there so much. It was just a little out of our price range. Animal Kingdom Lodge was the cheapest of the Expensive tier resorts, but just not enough for me to justify the cost. I still hope someday to go, just for the resort itself at least

[@Rick-vm8bl]

100% agree on the review, ALK is unquestionably the best hotel, not just at Disney World that I've stayed at and am always itching to stay there again. One of the best experiences we've actually had at WDW was being stuck in the resort for 4 days after we should've flown back to the UK. It was during Huricane Frances and the resort staff were absolutely fantastic and made what could've been a nightmare into a great few days.

[@n00dl3gal]

Boma's breakfast buffet was AMAZING. A fantastic mix of Africian dishes and more traditional breakfast fare, wonderful staff (at least when I went in 2017), and great ambiance. There was this sweet potato dish that I can't remember the name of but I ate SO MUCH OF IT. The plaintains were good, too. Plus- afaik- it's the only place at Disney World you can get Mickey AND Simba waffles, so that's some fun novelty.

[@lisamasi7947]

We are DVC members with AKL as our home base. Never once regretted the decision. It's a beautiful resort and you truly feel that you have been transported to Africa every time you enter the awesome Jambo House lobby.

[@byronjohnston1421]

I’d really love your perspective on wilderness lodge as it’s been my wife and I’s favorite place at Disney forever, with AKL right next to it for me, they definitely resemble one another other quite a bit for sure but yeah AKL’s renovated rooms are like at least 10 times better than wilderness and those Savanna’s are just incredible!

[@MGAFFY]

Holy shit Animal Kingdom resort was opened in 2001? I remember being in Florida as a kid looking at one of Disney's booklets that they left in the room talking about the new resort with all the artists renderings and drawings. Can't believe it's been that long

[@traciecombs7030]

Agree 100% we make it a point to eat here & visit every time we are in the parks- even if we are not staying here! It's just perfect on every level.

[@oliviaoverboard]

My family stayed here in 2002/2003 (can’t remember exactly) and I was 8 years old and this literally felt magical as a kid and I loved the safari view. My dad and I also went on the safari tour which was so fun. That being said I did lose my favorite stuff animal in thst hotel bed and was devastated. My mom was taken to a giant room filled with lost stuff animals hoping to find mine but no such luck. Even tho I was only 8 years old I still remember how good the food was at the hotel.

[@friendlynightmares]

carpeted hotels would be so terrible to clean, so I can see why they prefer hardwood floors

[@moonmoon11111]

i agree - they age well and can be quite unsanitary.

[@amycampbell7561]

@@moonmoon11111🤢

[@Annabelle-fq1ln]

LOVED this resort. I'll probably never go again because it was INSANELY expensive even in 2019, but it was absolutely unforgettable. The service there went above and beyond, too. Without the staff, I seriously wouldn't have as many amazing memories!

[@alexbaker2494]

My family keeps coming back to this resort and we were sad it wasn't back open on our last trip in 2021. We're going back next month and i'm glad to see it back in full swing. The Mara is also amazing for a tiny quick service spot, they share the kitchen with Boma and often will serve extra food from up there (good tip if you wanna try some without paying for the buffet). Unique experience, quiet, truly feels nicer than the chaos of the resorts closer to the parks. Also the restaurant on the DVC (Kidani) side of the resort, Sanaa, is amazing.

[@countlitmogaphil392]

I dont even like travelling but my loyalty to jake from his BSF days and his always amazing content compels me to keep coming back

[@tamara8349]

What does BSF stand for?

[@countlitmogaphil392]

@@tamara8349 Bright Sun Films, Jake's main channel

[@cg6711]

There have literally been some times on Disney visits where I have gone to Animal Kingdom Lodge for the day instead of Animal Kingdom… and honestly? Sometimes those are better than the AK park visits. It’s truly a masterfully designed hotel (the waterfall/river my favorite!!) with great amenities and it fills like you get your own personal Kilimanjaro Safaris without paying for Animal Kingdom admission. So much love for AKL, I think you covered it perfectly Jake 🙌

[@erikjoha]

We stayed here for a week a whie ago in a 2 bedroom DVC room. We loved a lot about the resort - but the reason we never went back was that our room was the last room in a hallway, making it an insane walk from everything and it turned us off from the resort - spending the day at the parks, getting food, and then we all dreaded the walk to the room. Similarly, the distance from the other parks was not our favorite. But the theming is awesome, the views are great, and it has a lot of positives. Perhaps I should give it a try again.

[@LindsayPrice13]

Can you please come review the Disney Aulani resort here in Oahu?

[@Talonmurray]

I would love for you to look at the Lake Louise Farmont, my cousin worked at both mountain fairmonts and that was her absolute favourite

[@taylorsloan5538]

I prefer the hardwood flooring in the rooms. It’s more on theme for what the place is supposed to be. Great video and review

[@jh6031]

Stayed there years ago. Loved it. One of the best vacation hotel experiences that my family still talks about today.

[@Train115]

2:46. The headboards were already there. They just moved them up more and removed the bug netting, so no, they didnt get replaced.

[@keithdosik]

This is a good resort! I am looking forward to another “worst” video, those are fun.

[@rjgmedia6298]

We stayed there back in 2006 for our honeymoon, and it was a wonderful hotel, but we did notice a huge downside was the distance to the parks, and also back then at least food was Manimal, they didn’t have the quick service restaurant and all they had the fancier restaurant and limited “regular” food. Glad they fixed that at least because it really is one of the nicer ones.

[@Mizuuu1]

your videos are very comforting and cozy while also being entertaining and informative, love to see it!

[@Rollermonkey1]

We have Kidani Village as a DVC home resort for our biggest share, and "comically long walk to rooms" is the biggest understatement in this whole video. If you can't find a "good" parking spot along the south wing of Kidani, and your room is near the end of the north wing, This results in a walk from car to room that is significantly farther than the one from the EPCOT monorail station to the American Adventure Pavilion. Worst part is that once you do finally get to the lobby, you have to walk AWAY from your room over 250 yards before the wing starts curving back to those farthest rooms. A walk from that north wing to the restaurants in Jambo house is under 2 km, or about a mile. Not exactly fun after a day at the parks.

[@wpaunan]

We stayed there 2019 during Christmas (their tree was enormous and beautifully decorated!) and it was simply magical. Our views were to the pelicans and it was an absolute joy to watch them going about their daily routines like walking to their watering hole and then roost every night. The food from all the restaurants were amazing and delicious. It truly was the best resort I’ve ever stayed in. I am hoping Disney doesn’t do anything to change this experience.

[@thunderczar9272]

Man, this hotel reminds me of my late father. My brother and I would alternate between Universal and Disney vacations every year for our birthdays and each year we went to Disney, Dad would make sure we would get a savanna room. Pretty sure we started doing this when the hotel was brand new to the parks and we started out with the rooms that had the bunk beds in them! It's kind of incredible to know that after all these years, the experience is still pretty stellar. As much as I have my gripes with Disney as a company, I can't fault them for having this awesome hotel experience that brings back amazing memories with my Dad. Good stuff!

[@doc2w534]

DAKL is still my fav property at WDW. And didn’t realise it was becuase it hasn’t been touched by the IP refurb until Jake mentioned it. I love the art and the cultural ambassadors that make it feel like a departure from typical Orlando. If you have time, take the Cast-led tour. My only gripe is that The Mara has significantly declined in choice and quality after COVID restrictions lifted. Sanaa’s menu also suffered.

[@Sig_P229]

The only reason I stay away from the lodge is because it is too remote and off grid compared to some other resorts that have you walking to the main parks. Additionally, my kids enjoy the animals, but enjoy Mickey and Minnie more. Those aspects aside, it is a newer and nicer accommodation than some of the 80s and 90s resorts.

[@SpeezMultimedia]

Was planning on staying here in June but we switched to wilderness Lodge as the location was more convenient. Hoping I don't regret it as this does look like a great here

[@WDWCentral]

This resort is incredibly well designed

[@scott_lego_city]

Always a good day when a BSF Disney episode is here!

[@moosethedude]

Hey Jake, would you ever do a review of the Fantasyland hotel in the West Edmonton Mall?

[@luminous2216]

i stayed in a good handful of resorts in my visits to disney when i was younger. The one thing i would never forget was when i woke up to my dad going "WAKE UP THERE IS A GIRAFFE OUTSIDE THE WINDOW" i am obsessed with giraffes, easily my favorite animal, so i was THRILLED. I also vividly remember the design of the tile that me and my sister danced on outside the front while we waiting for the bus to take us to one of the parks.

[@Realidyne]

I agree. This is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. The attention to detail, cleanliness, atmosphere at every corner...absolutely amazing.

[@tamara8349]

This is the best themed resort on Disney property and we love it! The only downside is that all you have for transportation are the buses and we've had some very long waits for those. I think it would be a great mini vacation for a trip when you don't plan to go to the parks at all but instead stay and enjoy the resort, animals, restaurants (Boma and Jiko are both amazing) and one of the best pools on property.

[@BD-zg7is]

i get irrationally angry when the fountains never get repaired and just sit there looking dumb. happens at so many hotels.

[@seaz9992]

Why, in all things holy do you want carpet in your hotel room?? Dust, dirt all get trapped - people walking in their shoes. It is so much harder for staff to clean.

[@draketungsten2854]

That one lobby shot with the shields fanning out from the top of those tall columns reminds me of a similar design used in the Cheesecake Factory restaurants. (LOL)

[@martinconley9832]

Great video. We love the Animal Kingdom Lodge especially the restaurants Jiko and Sanaa. If you liked the Animal Kingdom Lodge then you need to check out our favorite Walt Disney World hotel the Wilderness Lodge. The theming and rooms are as nice as the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it’s super convenient to the Magic Kingdom.

[@therecordbreakerphd]

I think you should do a pricing video like you did for Disney at Universal, would be pretty interesting to see the differences considering Universal is quickly passing Disney World as the best resort in Orlando.

[@davekimball3610]

I love that hotel. Next time you get down there Jake, hit up Jiko. I know it's very expensive, but in WDW terms, it is by far the best restaurant they have. Not including V&A. But still, an amazing meal.

[@kojinaoftheinvertedeye810]

Lol me and my beautiful gf played the mancala in the gift shop, I also bought myself a wee drum, best Disney resort, we loved it, she didn't like how far it was, which tbh me too but it was worth it, it even stormed and omfg, it felt like when I was a kid, seeing Hogwarts at Halloween, the warmth, magic, really lovely place, Animal Kingdom lodge is beautiful! I can't stop singing it's praises, one of my favourite things we did while I was in Florida, granted we didn't sleep there but still, it was great!

[@dawnpowers7626]

The one thing you left out is the only free transportation this hotel offers to the parks is the buses, same as the value resorts. All other hotels at this price point offer more direct access to the parks via monorail, boat, or skyliner. I understand it's because of where it's located, but it's still a factor to consider.

[@smithtown00]

My understanding is that the reason this hotel is much further away is so the animals are not frightened by the fireworks at the other parks.

[@Brandis13]

AKL is also one of my favorite hotels at WDW. I actually like it’s remote location, it feels even more authentic. And I prefer uncarpeted floors in the room, it‘s much more sanitary. Thanks to the DVC, I was able to stay here several times already, which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I had to pay those room rates.

[@ChickenxBoneless]

I remember first seeing this resort on the travel channel in the 2000's. Glad to see it's just as cool today.

[@Nimbkoll]

I stayed there a couple weeks ago and I absolutely loved it from the moment the porter opened the taxi door for me to the moment I leave. The cast members talked to me as if they actually cared about my trip and my experience, like it matters to them personally, it’s amazing hospitality. The hotel is so grand and so unique. I can spend so much time just exploring it. My biggest complaint would be the lack of room service and spa. It would be so nice and luxurious to have food wheeled to my balcony where I can enjoy it with the view of the animals.

[@jeffdorst1390]

We stayed at the Jambo house for a week, our initial room had an unpleasant odor so they change us to another which also had an odor, the third room was fine. I really love the architecture, my wife who is African (Lesotho) enjoyed it as well. The activities and food were good however the pool area was a bit disappointing. I do not know if it was the time of year that we were there but the trees around the pool drop a small hard seed which is unpleasant to walk on. We had an unpleasant experience upon check out and we have not returned to this location and have preferred the Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian. However, consequent to this review I think we will have to consider it again. Thank you for the great and authentic video.

[@kyusshead]

The 2 br suite has a full kitchen and huge bathroom. Well worth it! Possibly the best room I have stayed in.

[@SpectralMagnolia]

I hate the Disney parks with a passion but I would genuinely listen to this man talk about anything.

[@LadyLakeMusic]

Hi Jake! Not sure how I missed this video but glad I caught it! What a beautiful hotel. Absolutely love the savanna and I think I would have padded the chairs myself lol just to sit out there and watch! The place is just fascinating for someone who loves art, architecture and culture. Great video as always! 👱‍♀️🌈 Cindy

[@CARTOONFAN1983]

Really would like to see a review at some point of Wilderness Lodge. Built around the same time and somewhat similar overall design concepts, let closer to Magic Kingdom, and curious to know how that compares.

[@SkegeeAce]

Love, love, LOVED staying at AKL! Seeing the wonder on my boys' faces when they kaid eyes on real animals in the morning off of the balcony was pure magic.

[@EthanStraus]

You would enjoy reviewing the TWA Hotel in New York. Love AKL!

[@jackiecabrera6548]

I love this resort, it's gorgeous and thankfully hasn't been as de-themed or had IP tossed all over the place. the touches are just so lovely and it's nice just to sit in the lobby and take in all of the decorations.

[@JDCorrigan]

In 2002, what I remember was how noisy it was. The sound from the great hall just traveled all the way down the long guest room corridors, but I am not seeing others talk about the noise, which is great! Maybe it was just packed with super loud people. Beautiful place though.

[@Amy-yh8kf]

We stayed at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House this past August 30-September 5th and absolutely LOVED it! We honestly never actually use the balconies, but we sat on the balcony at Animal Kingdom with some coffee everyday!

[@guswautier9410]

I personally think the wilderness lodge is the best one.

[@thespiritsafe]

Resto prices are astronomical.

[@marti6641]

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is by far my favorite part of Disney as a kid and now as an adult. I recommend visitors to take a couple days off from the parks and just enjoy the hotel and all it amenities. I could live there for a month if I could because there is so much to enjoy and experience. Every time I walk thru the halls there is something new I have never seen before after all these decades.

[@bloodysparkles5372]

jiko and sanaa are some of the best restaurants at disney food-wise imo. my parents swear by jiko, and sanaa's food is so good we changed our plans around entirely on the last day of our trip to fit it in again lol. also, when i was maybe six, my family - us, grandparents, and uncles - pitched in to get a two-story family suite in animal kingdom lodge. unfortunately we all got sick and decided never to do it again, but i remember it fondly, and the room itself was fantastic.

[@sarah66766]

I’ve stayed here once for 2 weeks and while the hotel was beautiful, the main problem was transport - we spent all our time waiting for buses. Our favourite hotel is definitely yacht club - well worth the money with its ideal location (5 minute walk to Epcot and 15 minute walk to Hollywood studios), gorgeous interior and best hotel pool in Disney!

[@depolignacs]

i wish this was closer to the main parks tbh, a year ago i stayed in the 3 bedroom grand villa w my family there was a pool table and everything, the view was sooo nice too but it's just so far from the park

[@AyySorento]

I'm not the biggest reader but I very much appreciate a sponsor spot going to a book recommendation over another service I don't exactly care for. I kind of skipped it in the Borders video but especially since I have some Amazon credit, now is a good time to crack out the old Kindle.

[@rowanalexandriabennett]

That makes me happy to hear! I sincerely hope you enjoy it. Any feedback is good feedback!