Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level Review

We love Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort. As one of our favorite Disney Deluxe Resorts, we knew that if we ever had the chance to get access to the Kilimanjaro Club Lounge we would! The atmosphere, the theming, the animals, the whole vibe is just perfect. So when we had the opportunity to stay here again, we were lucky enough to be able to score an Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Room on Hotels.com. Here are all the details on staying concierge level at Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level

Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World. In addition to regular rooms this resort also offers concierge level rooms that include access to the Kilimanjaro Club Lounge and concierge services.

It is also home to two sets of Disney Vacation Club rooms. Some are located at Jambo House while the others are at Kidani Village. If you never stayed here, each building has its own unique charm. And is one of the reasons we think Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect place for a Disney Resort Staycation Hotel. For the purposes of this post, we will be talking about Jambo House. Since that is where Kilimanjaro Club is located at Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

One of the biggest things we love about this resort is the array of things to do. You can enjoy animal watching on the savanna, or roasting marshmallows for s’mores on the terrace. Or perhaps take a look at all of the beautiful art. The ambiance at Animal Kingdom Lodge is perfect for when you just don’t want to go to the parks. There’s so much to do. And even if you choose to do nothing, this is the perfect place for that too.  So having Kilamanjaro Club level access here just makes sense when you’re planning for less time in the parks at more time at the resort!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club

Club Kilimanjaro access has been on our bucket list for a while and we really wanted to see what this was all about! From Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Savanna View rooms to the famous Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level breakfast, everything feels extra fancy. You’re welcome to help yourself with snacks and beverages that are available throughout the day. In addition to the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge club-level food, there is also a variety of packaged food and beverages to choose from as well.  And if you’d like an alcoholic beverage, the staff will get you beer or wine. And occasionally other alcoholic beverages upon request.

What is Club Level access at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge is like it is at all Disney resorts. When staying Club Level at Disney World, you simply need to book a Club Level Room, to get a variety of special amenities and perks, that you pay extra for. So while it’s not technically free, you don’t pay anything extra for it once you’re there.

• Top floor rooms, that are sometimes larger, with balconies, and suites are options.
• As well as “key card only access” in the  elevator and at floor level, giving you peace of mind that not just anyone is allowed on your floor. 
• All-Day Access to the Kilimanjaro Club Lounge with Food and Beverage Service offered multiples times a day. With movies, games, books, and alcoholic beverages too. 
• Access to the Kilimanjaro Club Concierge services which allows you extra support if you need things like dining reservations, transportation, ride reservations, or help celebrating a special event.   

Where is Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

The Kilimanjaro Club is found on the 6th floor of Jambo House. Even when not staying club level at Disney World, you’ll notice you don’t have access to these floors from the elevator or stairs without scanning in with your MagicBand. Club Level Guests, however, get access to these spaces when you buy a Disney Club Level Room. 

The Jambo House Club Level  lounge overlooks the lobby and has a great view of the stunning details of this resort. Since Kilimanjaro Club is located on the 6th floor of Jambo House you can see the entire lobby, as well as the multi-story Christmas tree if you stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge for Christmas. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level Rooms- Savanna View 

The Savanna View Club Level Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms are a great reason to stay here. Every Club Level Room at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Savanna View Room and there are a variety of room types.

Savanna View rooms, Standard and Savanna view 1 bedroom suites and 2-bedroom suites are all offered with club level access available. However,  the Animal Kingdom Lodge club-level rooms with Savanna view are the only traditional room type offered with club-level access. So keep that in mind when you go to book your trip. 

The Savanna View rooms are the coolest rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and also the most expensive outside of the suites.  They have balconies that face the Savanna and waking up to animals roaming outside of your room is truly magical if you’re an animal lover. And yes, they are more expensive but many fans of this resort will argue that it is well worth the upcharge. 

Can you See the Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge From your Room?

Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna View Rooms includes a balcony overlooking the savanna. Of course, we’ve stayed in the standard rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge before and got very lucky with a partial view. But you’re not always guaranteed a view of any kind with standard rooms and could very well get a view of the parking lot. So if you want to see the animals from your room, you’ll have to reserve a Savanna view room anyway.  We like to note this because it does make the sticker shock of club-level access much less when you realize that the Savanna rooms are already quite expensive. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Check In 

Just like any Disney Resort, you can check in for your room on the My Disney Experience App and head straight to your room. However, we usually recommend heading to the concierge desk in the lobby so that you can get a lay of the land if you’re never been there before. As a Disney Club Level Guest you always get a welcome letter and little welcome treat. We’ve previously gotten a large candy bar to share, decorated with animals, but sometimes it’s something more.

After you settle in, it’s time to head to Kilimanjaro Lounge. The club lounge has a front desk, that is staffed, so you can ask questions, and get any help you need. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level Cost

The upcharge on Disney Club Level access varies based on the season. During the value season, the upcharge is generally right around $160-$170 per night. During the regular season, its around an extra $185, and during high season and special holidays, it’s about $225. 

How much does it Cost to stay at Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

This always depends on availability and season. In 2024 Savanna Club Level Rooms start at $872 per night. Other rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge include standard rooms at about $487 per night ( not club, not savanna view) and $696 per night ( not club, savanna view)

Keep in mind that while these prices for a per night stay are close to debilitating, if you’re purchasing a Savanna View Room at Animal Kingdom Lodge anyway, adding the extra $176 dollars for Club Level may be worth it. Or, you can reserve a 1 bedroom villa with club-level access with prices starting in the low $900’s and reaching well over $1000 per night.  Keep in mind, these prices change a lot and you can even sometimes score a deal if they have rooms they can’t fill. It never hurts to check if club level rooms are included in Walt Disney World’s promotions.

Is Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge worth the price?

It depends! “Value” is always tough for us to give a definitive yes or no answer, so let’s break this down. If you’re traveling as a large family at Disney, then yes this could absolutely be worth it if it means that you don’t have to spend as much money on food. Or if you would normally spend a reasonable amount on alcohol, then again, this could be a great deal. As such Animal Kingdom Lodge makes our list of Best Disney Resorts for Adults. And, if you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort, then we do think this could be a good deal. However, if you plan to spend most of your time at the Parks, this will likely not pay off in terms of monetary value. And if you’re a single person, again this likely won’t be a great value where cost is concerned. You’d have to eat and drink a lot to make it worth it.

We didn’t personally think the food served could replace full meals. But that really depends on what and how much you’d normally eat. So try to keep that in mind as you may not necessarily be saving as much on food cost as you’d like. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Hours

 Club Level Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge is just like the other lounges across the Disney Deluxe Resorts, in that it offers concierge service all day. The Kilimanjaro Club Level Lounge is open from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm daily. You can visit to grab a bite, watch television, relax, or get a drink. The lounge will also sometimes have games available. And frankly , the Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Food is some of the best.  As you can see from this list, you are never without food options when staying club level at Disney World. 

• 6:30 am – 7 am Macheo (Sunrise Offering) Coffee and assorted juices
• 7:00 am – 10:30 am Miamko (Adventurous Awakenings) Fresh fruits, juices, muffins, pastries, and cereals.
• 11:30 am to 3:00 pm Vitafunio (Safari Snacks) African Snacks and beverages
• 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm Chai (Afternoon Tea) Loose leaf teas, assorted scones, desserts, cookies and biscuits.
• 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Kisikusiku (Twighlight Offerings) Assorted wines, hors d’oeuvres, and specialty appetizers from Boma & Jiko. Offerings vary daily.
• 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm Rehema (Evening Indulgences) Desserts and Cordials

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Food

On the Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Menu  you get access to a variety of foods, and beverages throughout the day. Food at each station is separated into themed sections, like entrees, sides, snacks, and beverages. And some even have catchy names! 

What is served inside Kilimanjaro Club at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

There are numerous things on the Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Menu,  in the way of meals, snacks, and drinks. But the menu changes frequently so we’ll share some of the things we had in this post. During all times of the day, you can find an assortment of small plate meals, packaged food, and drinks like lemonade, coffee from the Nespresso maker, hot teas, and alcoholic drinks. 

Macheo (Sunrise Offering) | 6:30am – 7am

One of the best things about having access to the Kilimanjaro Club Lounge is the early morning hours, when everyone is either still sleeping or getting ready. Serving Coffee and assorted juices only during the earlier part of the day allows you to grab a coffee, or juice before heading to the park. And sometimes even a mimosa. while the animal kingdom lodge club level breakfast foods are not usually out this early, it’s nice to have something you can grab, without having to wake up everyone in your room. simply head to the lounge and grab a coffee. It’s one of our favorite times of the day. 

Miamko (Adventurous Awakenings) | 7:00 am – 10:30 am

Miamko, or Adventurous Awakenings, or Breakfast at Kilimanjaro Club, is served from 7 am to 10:30 am. This is considered the breakfast period; and you’ll find pastries, muffins, meats and cheeses and a hot station. Hard-boiled eggs and smoked salmon are also available for those who need a bit more protein. The hot station switches up what they serve and during our stay there was French Toast Bread Pudding, along with bacon and a bagel station. POG juice is also served during this mealtime. And we do have to say it’s quite a treat for those familiar with the drink!

Vitafunio (Safari Snacks) | 11:30 am to 4:00 pm 

Vitafunio, Safari Snacks, is served from 11:30 am-4:00 pm. This is much what it sounds like. Mostly snacks, there are grab-and-go options too. Things like bags of chips and animal crackers can be taken with you to your room or to the Parks.  Pastries are also available and uncrustables seemed to be a popular choice here as well.  Cookies were a staple at this snack service, and they always kept the trays full of them. 

Chai (Afternoon Tea) | 3:00 pm– 4:30 pm

If you’re taking a break from the parks, or just need something to get you through the remainder of the day, you can head to Chai at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Serving Loose leaf teas, assorted scones, desserts, cookies and biscuits, you can save money on the Disney Snacks in the parks and just take advantage of your club level status instead. 

Kisikusiku (Twilight Offerings) | 5:00-7:00pm

Kisikusiku, Twilight Offerings, is served from 5:00-7:00pm. Appetizers are mostly served during this time. And we noticed this was also the busiest time to be in the lounge. Many people liked to stop up here for before dinner drinks and snacks.  Veggies and hummus can be found at this serving. And other small items like chickpea salad and shrimp with pasta are also available. 

Rehema (Evening Indulgences)| 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Rehema, Evening Indulgences, is the last serving period and runs from 8:00-10:00pm.  Dessert foods are traditionally served during this time. Cookies, bite sized cakes and tarts are available. There is also a liqueur tasting available during Rehema, and this is self serve. You can also get Mickey bars and ice cream sandwiches at this time. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level Perks

In addition to the amazing concierge level customer service, access to food and beverage throughout the day and amazing rooms, there are other perks to consider. Of course, not everything is about money. And this experience can lend value in other ways.  When you first arrive, even if your room is not ready, you will have access to the Club Kilimanjaro Lounge.

For those who have had long travel days, you know how nice it is to be able to find a comfortable place to relax before getting on with your day. The same goes for your last day at Disney too. You’re able to use the Kilimanjaro Club Lounge until you leave. Which is really nice for those waiting for airport transportation from the resort. Or maybe for those who don’t have a Park ticket on their last day and have limited plans. So it does have other perks that can’t really be measured by money. 

If you have a long vacation planned and know you’ll have non park days, being able to have somewhere at your resort that has constant food access is a godsend. Additionally, knowing there is a safe place for the kids to go and hang out offers peace of mind you won’t get elsewhere. And it’s always nice to have somewhere nearby to get drinks in the evening, and you don’t have to pay for them if you’re staying Club Level. 

Concierge Service at Kilimanjaro Club 

The concierge staff at Animal Kingdom Lodge is incredible. Every single cast member we interacted with went above and beyond. One Cast Member even took quite a bit of time showing us how to make the perfect cup of coffee in the Nespresso maker; and it very much reminded us of the Disney difference when it comes to service. 

Review of Kilimanjaro Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge

At first, we were pretty unsure of club-level access at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is quite a hike in price to book these rooms. And we weren’t really sure if we would use it enough to justify the cost. It was the weekend and we had planned to stay at the resort. The crowds at Walt Disney World have been pretty crazy and we wanted to avoid that. The first day of our stay, the lounge was super crowded and on occasion, there wasn’t any seating available. That was pretty disappointing, but it was also super hot and rainy that day, and that’s likely why the lounge was so crowded. Plus, I’m sure people were trying to avoid the Park crowds just like we were. 

Luckily though, you are able to take snacks back to your room. So we grabbed our drinks and snacks and ate them on our balcony. The very last serving of the day was not as crowded and it was nice to be able to relax in the lounge. The following day, it was practically empty and we really enjoyed being able to relax with coffee and watch Descendants, which was the movie playing for the morning. 

Is Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge good for kids?

Yes! I actually think club level at Animal Kingdom Lodge is great for those traveling with kids.  This is especially true if you’re not planning to go to the Parks, or planning for minimal Park time while staying here. They have grab-and-go snacks that can be taken with you, as well as lots of other kid-friendly options. Games are available, and the television is usually on with Disney channel favorites. The Club Level lounge offers a great place for the kids to settle in, without roaming the lobby. 

Staying Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Overall we loved the Club Level access at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s not something we will splurge on often. And will likely only do so when we know we will be spending most of our time at the resort. Have you ever stayed at a Disney Resort with club level access? If so, which one and what did you think of it? Take a look at our other Disney Club Level Reviews to get a feel for which resort may make your bucket list! Our stay at Club Level at Coronado Springs Resort offered an amazing experience, as the only Moderate level resort with Club Level options. And our stay at  Club Level at Wilderness Lodge was one of the best. Let us know your favorites!