Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Walt Disney World Dolphin

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

A deluxe safari-style resort where guest rooms and public spaces overlook savannas with African wildlife.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

A large Marriott-operated convention resort on Crescent Lake with Disney benefits and direct access to the Epcot-area walkway network.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Bus

  Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Walt Disney World Dolphin

• Walk

  EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Boat

  EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Bus

  Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Savanna views with real African animals from room balconies
• Unrivaled cultural and thematic authenticity among Disney resorts
• Outstanding dining lineup including Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa
• Largest African art collection in the United States on display
• Priced below most other Deluxe resorts for the quality offered

Walt Disney World Dolphin

• Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Can be booked with Marriott/SPG hotel points for potentially free nights
• Crescent Lake location with boat service and BoardWalk access
• Shula's Steakhouse and Il Mulino are top-tier dining options on property
• Often cheaper than equivalent Disney-owned Deluxe resorts

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Bus-only transportation to all parks, no monorail or boat options
• Feeling of isolation from other parks besides Animal Kingdom
• Hallways are extremely long, far walks from room to lobby
• Animals are not always visible from savanna view rooms
• Room construction noise may be ongoing during renovation periods

Walt Disney World Dolphin

• Not a Disney-owned resort, so no Early Entry or advance booking perks
• Resort and parking fees are high in addition to the nightly rate
• Dated exterior design with the iconic dolphin statues divides opinion
• Rooms were historically smaller and less updated than Disney Deluxes
• Bus service to non-walkable parks is less reliable than Disney buses

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Boma - Flavors of Africa

  Table Service

  African, American

  breakfast · dinner

  View menu

• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar

  Quick Service

  African

  snack

  View menu

• Jiko - The Cooking Place

  Table Service

  African

  dinner

  View menu

• Kidani Village Breakfast at Sanaa

  Quick Service

  African, Indian

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Maji Pool Bar

  Quick Service

  African, American

  snack

  View menu

• Sanaa

  Table Service

  African, Indian

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Sanaa Lounge

  Quick Service

  African, Indian

  snack

  View menu

• Sanaa To Go

  Quick Service

  African, Indian

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• The Mara

  Quick Service

  American, African

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Uzima Springs Pool Bar

  Quick Service

  American

  snack

  View menu

• Victoria Falls Lounge

  Quick Service

  American

  snack

  View menu

Walt Disney World Dolphin

• Bourbon Steak - A Michael Mina Restaurant

  Table Service

  American, Steakhouse

  dinner

  View menu

• Bourbon Steak Lounge

  Quick Service

  American, Steakhouse

  snack

  View menu

• Cabana Bar and Beach Club

  Table Service

  American

  snack

  View menu

• Fuel

  Table Service

  American, Quick Service - Coffee

  snack

  View menu

• Phins

  Table Service

  American

  dinner

  View menu

• Rosa Mexicano

  Table Service

  Mexican

  breakfast · lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Rosa Mexicano Lounge

  Quick Service

  Mexican

  snack

  View menu

• The Fountain

  Table Service

  American

  lunch · dinner

  View menu

• Todd English's bluezoo

  Table Service

  Seafood

  dinner

  View menu

• Todd English's bluezoo Lounge

  Quick Service

  Seafood

  snack

  View menu

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Animal Kingdom Lodge : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Tips : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Is Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort view worth it?
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Is the animal kingdom lodge worth it? : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Nothing beats the quietness of the animal Kingdom lodge ...
  r/WaltDisneyWorld

Walt Disney World Dolphin

• Dolphin or Swan : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Dolphin Resort and Upgrades : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Walt Disney World Dolphin : r/WaltDisneyWorld
  r/WaltDisneyWorld
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort Fees & Card Holds
  r/WaltDisneyWorld

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

• 
  Is Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge Worth It?

  DFBGuide

Walt Disney World Dolphin

• 
  Disney Swan, Dolphin & Swan Reserve FULL Resort Tours

  DFBGuide

• 
  Disney World Food Tour: Swan and Dolphin Resorts!

  DFBGuide