Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge, also known as the Jambo House, opened in April 2001 offering an experience that is wholly different from Disney World's other resorts: A chance to experience the culture of another continent through all of the senses. More than 20 African lodges were visited by Disney's Imagineers for inspiration before recreating a slice of Africa here in the Orlando area, complete with thatched roofs, mud fireplaces, traditional art, food, music and a 43-acre wildlife preserve.

The Animal Kingdom's preserve, featuring more than 30 species of animals is what the resort is most beloved for. Many of the animals are visible from guestroom balconies and special viewing areas, including an elevated kopje (or rock outcropping) that puts guests within 15 feet of the animals. In addition, in-room Wildlife Field Guides provides a checklist with identification pointers and behavior tips on everything from ankole cattle to okapi, red river hogs and zebras.

Important Note on Animal Kingdom Lodge
While many past guests refer to the six-story Animal Kingdom Lodge as "the lodge," the lodge is actually the first four floors of the property, while the fifth and sixth floors are known as Jambo House Villas. Why? When Animal Kingdom Lodge opened in 2001, demand was so great that Disney added a sixth floor and converted most of the fifth floor rooms into studio, and one-, two- and three-bedroom Disney Vacation Club villas and then added another set of villas, a short walk away, called Kidani Village.

Now both the lodge building and the villas located within it are referred to as Jambo House, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge moniker refers to both Jambo House and the Kidani Village villas.

To read full reviews on the properties, see Jambo House for details specific to rooms, dining and activities available at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House and Jambo House Villas. See the Kidani Village review for details, as many of Kidani's amenities are available to Jambo House guests.

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