There are a lot of Disney World Resort hotels to choose from, but if you’re hoping to be close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, some hotels are better than others. The Walt Disney World property spans over 40 square miles, so where you choose to stay could mean that you’re really close to the park…or really far. And, the closer you are, the more time you get to spend in the parks without having to worry about long transportation times!

With five hotels near Animal Kingdom, you might be wondering how you choose the right one, what each one is like, and what amenities are offered when you stay. We’ve got all those details and more!

Choosing The Right Hotel Near Animal Kingdom

Choosing the right hotel near Animal Kingdom can be tricky. Each hotel is different in so many ways including price point, theming, and amenities. So, what are the big factors you should consider when making your decision? Here are a few things to consider.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Hotel Near Animal Kingdom

• Proximity to the Park: The closer the hotel is to the park, the more convenient it will be for you to get there. This will save you time (and potentially even money on transportation).
• Price: The cost of the hotel is also an important factor to consider – in fact, it might even be the most important factor for you. Be careful not to overspend on accommodation and then have to cut back on other parts of your trip.
• Amenities: The hotels near Animal Kingdom offer a wide range of amenities, and it’s important to know what’s important for you to have easily accessible at your resort. For example, Disney Value Resorts are more “no frills” accommodations, whereas the Deluxe Resorts offer multiple dining options and a more luxurious atmosphere.
• Extra Time In The Park: All of the hotels near Animal Kingdom offer Early Theme Park Entry, giving you 30 extra minutes in all four parks before they open every day of the week. However, some of the nearby hotels also qualify you for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, which allows you to stay late in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on select nights of the week. This can give you more time to explore the park and ride your favorite attractions without having to deal with crowds.

Top Hotels Near Animal Kingdom

So, what hotels can you choose from if you want to be close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? There are plenty of options available that are just a stone’s throw away from the park – here’s an overview of each one!

Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, you can’t go wrong with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is the closest resort to Animal Kingdom (it’s just a few minutes away!) and features its very own Savanna, where you can see giraffes, zebras, and other animals. You can sit out and watch the animals roam around in the common areas, plus some rooms even come with a private balcony view of the Savanna.

As a Disney Deluxe Resort, you’ll also be treated to larger rooms, multiple dining options (including fine dining restaurants), and top-tier customer service.

Moderate Resorts

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

If you’re looking for a more upscale option that’s not going to break the bank, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a great choice. This hotel is located near Animal Kingdom and features beautiful rooms, several pools, and the most dining options of any Disney World hotel. There’s also a convention center on-site, making it a great choice for business travelers.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort also recently expanded to include the Gran Destino Tower, which offers a taste of luxury on a budget. The tower is conveniently located near the bus stop and has its own set of dining options in addition to the rest of the resort.

Value Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

For a more budget-friendly option, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is a great choice. This hotel is located about 15 minutes away from Animal Kingdom and offers fun, music-themed rooms. There are also several pools, a food court, and a gift shop on site. It’s also important to note that this is the only Animal Kingdom area resort that offers Family Suites that sleep up to 6 adults and are more spacious than the standard room.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Another affordable option is Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. This hotel is also about 15 minutes away from Animal Kingdom and features sports-themed rooms and a variety of amenities, including sports-themed pools, a food court, and a gift shop.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is the third Value Resort near Animal Kingdom for families on a budget. This hotel is located about 15 minutes away from Animal Kingdom and features rooms themed after classic Disney movies. There are also several Disney-themed pools, a food court, and a gift shop on site.

Transportation Options To and From Animal Kingdom Hotels

When it comes to getting to and from your hotel near Animal Kingdom, you have a few options to consider. The most convenient and cost-effective option is to use Disney’s complimentary bus transportation. This service is available to all Disney Resort hotels, including those near Animal Kingdom.

If you’re staying at a hotel that’s not owned by Disney (which will be further from Animal Kingdom than the above options), you can still take advantage of the free Disney bus service by taking a ride to Disney Springs and transferring to a bus that goes to Animal Kingdom. However, keep in mind that this option may take longer and may not be as convenient as the direct bus service offered by Disney.

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car or use your own vehicle to get to and from Animal Kingdom. Just note that parking fees may apply if you’re not staying at a Disney-owned hotel. Or, you can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or take a taxi to get to and from your hotel.

Nearby Restaurants and Dining Options

When you’re staying near Animal Kingdom, you certainly don’t have to go hungry – there are plenty of dining options available to you! Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a more formal dining experience, what you have to pick from will depend on where you choose to stay.

If you want to have the most dining options available to you, we recommend staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. As a Deluxe Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge has two table service restaurants, a lounge, and a quick service restaurant. And, while Coronado Springs is a Moderate Resort, the hotel has more dining options because it is also a convention center. So, you’ll be able to choose from multiple sit-down restaurants, quick service options, lounges, and even coffee bars here.

The three Disney All-Star Resorts have the least amount of on-site dining options with each having only a food court and a pool bar available for guests. That doesn’t mean you should count them out though! The food courts are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer plenty of different flavors for any preference. A McDonald’s is also located near these hotels, though you will have to have your own transportation to get there.

And, of course, you’ll be near all of the restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during your stay! So, you can always head to the park for a bite if you’re craving something specific that’s not at your hotel.

Activities and Attractions Near Hotels Near Animal Kingdom

One of the great things about staying at a hotel near Animal Kingdom is that you’re still close to all the other attractions and theme parks in Walt Disney World! At all of these resorts, you’ll be able to take free Disney transportation to the other three parks, including EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. Plus, Disney buses will also take you to Disney Springs, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. And, you’ll also be close to Disney’s golf courses and miniature golf courses if you’re in the mood for a round or two!

Magic Kingdom hotels are also located about 15 miles from Universal Orlando and 11 miles from SeaWorld Orlando if you’re interested in visiting other Orlando area attractions.

Tips for Booking a Hotel Near Animal Kingdom

All of the hotels near Animal Kingdom are great options for your stay if you’re looking to be close to the park. However, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure that you book the one that you and your family will enjoy the most. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Consider the Location

While all of these hotels are very close to the theme park, some are still closer than others! For example, if you really want to be right in the action, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be your best option. However, if you’d prefer to still be relatively close to the other parks to cut down on transportation time to those, you may want to consider Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or the All-Star Resorts instead, as they are a bit more centrally located.

Check the Amenities

Before booking a hotel, make sure to check the amenities. With resorts in all three of Disney’s price points near Animal Kingdom, what you get with your stay and the size of your room can vary a lot. If you plan to spend a lot of time enjoying your hotel, you may find that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs are better options. However, if you’ll be soaking up as much time as you can in the parks, you may prefer booking an All-Star Resort to save some money.

Read Reviews

When choosing a hotel near Animal Kingdom, it’s important to read reviews from other travelers. Look for hotels with positive reviews, and pay attention to any common complaints. This can help you avoid any potential issues and ensure that you have a positive experience.

Compare Prices

Finally, be sure to compare prices when booking a hotel near Animal Kingdom. We also recommend that you check to see if there are any discounts or special offers available. Disney often offers discounts on hotel rooms, especially during off-peak times. You can also often save money by booking a package that includes your hotel room and park tickets. Just keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best, so be sure to consider all factors before making a decision.

So, do your research and book your next Disney hotel stay! Of course, there are plenty of other great hotels in and around Disney World to consider if you don’t mind traveling a bit further to get to Animal Kingdom as well. You can explore more options here at Eat Sleep Disney.

Comments

Do you like to stay at hotels near Animal Kingdom when you visit Disney World? Let us know which one is your favorite and why in the comments!