6 Best Hotels in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Orlando

Entering the vast atrium lobby of this African-inspired lodge is like entering a cathedral with a roof formed of thatch instead of stone; giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife roam just outside the windows of the resort, designed to resemble an African kraal (animal enclosure). It is worth it to pay for the Safari view, which means your balcony will overlook the savanna where the animals roam. 

Scenes and characters from favorite Disney movies dot the grounds of this large, value-priced, family resort—101 Dalmatians of all sizes scamper along railings, Mickey, in his Sorcerer's Apprentice robes commands the waters at the Fantasia pool, and a larger-than-life Woody cavorts with his Toy Story pals.

Music rules in this colorful, value-priced, family-centric resort that resembles a Florida beach hotel of the 1950s. Each section of the resort rocks to a different genre of popular music—country, jazz, rock and roll, calypso, and show tunes.

Stay here if you want the All-American, sports-mad, Disney-with-your-kids experience, or if you're a couple to whom all that pitter-pattering of little feet is a reasonable trade-off for a good deal on a room, albeit a small one.

Most of the suites here accommodate five people, though there are smaller options, too. Although it shares a bus route with the Animal Kingdom lodge and offers animal viewing (for an up charge), Kidani is a separate entity, with its own check-in, pool area, and fantastic restaurants.

Popular with convention goers and families, this colorful, Southwestern-style property has a lively food court, an elaborate swimming pool, and a moderate price for a Disney resort. For the best experiences, stay in the Grand Destino Tower, where rooms have great views and amenities are close at hand.