Animals in the Savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge; giraffe
  • On Aug 7, 2025
    Robert from NY Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are planning a trip to WDW in March 2026. We are planning to stay at AKL, Savanna Room. Seeing the animals is our primary goal for choosing AKL. Which Savanna and which rooms would be best for prime viewing of the animals? Thanks for your help!

    Welcome back to planDisney, Robert! I'm so glad to be able to answer a question for you today. You're in for such a treat on your vacation next spring. Staying in a Savanna View room at Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique Disney Resort Hotel experience that everyone needs to try at least once. The great thing about these rooms is that every single one in the Savanna View category overlooks where the animals roam freely, so no matter where you're placed, you'll have a chance to spot some incredible wildlife. 

    The animals have plenty of freedom to explore, so your prime viewing can change from day to day, or even hour to hour. One morning, you might wake up to see a giraffe nibbling on leaves just a few feet away, and the next afternoon, you might spot zebras lounging under a shady tree across the savanna. That unpredictability is honestly one of the most magical things about staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You never know what you're going to see when you pull back the curtains!

    I recently stayed on the Kudu Trail and had amazing sightings of zebras, giraffes, and gazelles, sometimes all at once. But I've also heard great things from guests who've stayed in other areas, like the Zebra Trail, and had equally wonderful animal encounters. My personal opinion is that rooms on the Kudu Trail or Zebra Trail, closer to the lobby, overlooking the Arusha Savanna tend to have my favorite vantage point since you can see more of the open space, but that's just my take. Every Savanna View room has the potential to be a perfect animal-watching spot.

    No matter which section you're in, I definitely recommend spending some time on your balcony in the early morning or around sunset. That's when the animals often seem most active, and you're more likely to catch them grazing, wandering, or interacting with each other. And don't forget: there are plenty of public viewing areas around the resort too, so you can explore different perspectives and maybe even spot a few animals you didn't see from your room. If you want a closer view of the Savanna, you can also check out the Starlight Safari: a tour of the reserve in an open-sided safari vehicle!

    The bottom line is: there's really no "bad" Savanna View room at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You're going to have an unforgettable front-row seat to the magic of the natural world no matter where you are!

    Have a magical day, Robert!

    Jessica
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Meet the Panelist: Jessica, Texas

I'm a data scientist and lifelong Disney enthusiast who’s been visiting Walt Disney World Resort since I was a baby. My Disney travel style combines stunning lounges and world-class dining with the joy of hidden entertainment gems and my all-time favorite attractions. Whether it’s a foodie-focused couples' getaway or a fabulous girls' trip, I believe the magic starts with planning, and I'm passionate about crafting unforgettable adventures. Learn More About Jessica

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