Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation Guide (With Practiced Tips and Advice)
Transportation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is pretty simple to figure out. It’s simple because, unfortunately, the resort only offers one mode of transportation: Disney buses.
However, we’ll give it a little slack since the resort’s home to multiple savannas with numerous species of African animals. No other place provides such a unique vacation experience as the Animal Kingdom Lodge. That said, there are still a few things you’ll want to know transportation-wise when planning a stay here. So, in this article, we’ll look at how transportation works at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, including both Jambo House and Kidani Village.
We recommend reviewing this entire guide in preparation for your vacation. You can save it to your favorites for quick access during your vacation. But if you’re already there, here are a few quick links to some of the main destinations at Walt Disney World.
In addition to these major destinations, we’ll discuss the bus schedule and hours at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Then, we’ll review a few tips for traveling from the Animal Kingdom Lodge to another resort using complimentary transportation provided by Disney.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Magic Kingdom
You’ll need to take a bus from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Magic Kingdom. Each resort (Jambo House and Kidani Village) has a bus stop outside the front entrance. The bus to Magic Kingdom picks up at Kidani Village and then stops at Jambo House before heading to Magic Kingdom.
On the return trip from Magic Kingdom, the bus driver will drop guests off in the same order. So you’ll want to pay attention and get off at the right stop. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but when you’re tired from a long day in the parks (and it’s dark outside), you might automatically think it’s time to exit when the bus finally stops.
*You may not always stop at both resorts during busier times. We’ll discuss this and more need-to-know details about Disney bus transportation in a separate section below.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Epcot
Take a bus from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Epcot. This bus travels in the same direction we discussed for Magic Kingdom. It will stop at Kidani Village, Jambo House, and then continue to Epcot. On the return trip, the bus will drop off guests at Kidani Village before Jambo House.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Hollywood Studios
Take a bus from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This bus travels in the same direction we discussed for the other locations. It stops at Kidani Village, Jambo House, and then continues to Hollywood Studios. On the return trip, the bus will drop guests off at Kidani Village before Jambo House.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Animal Kingdom
Since Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is near the Animal Kingdom theme park, it’s a short trip to the theme park. However, you cannot walk between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Buses pick up in the same order we’ve already discussed: Kidani Village, Jambo House, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s a short, approximately five-minute ride to the park. However, the extra stop at Jambo House will take a few minutes if you’re coming from Kidani Village.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney Springs
This route travels in the opposite direction. Disney Springs buses pick up at Jambo House and then travel to Kidani Village before heading to Disney Springs.
On the return trip, the bus driver will drop off guests at Jambo House and then Kidani Village. An announcement plays over the intercom, letting guests know which bus stop. But it’s often hard to hear the announcement if the bus is crowded.
While you’re at Disney Springs:
*If you would like to visit one of the resorts near Disney Springs, you can take a bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney Springs. You’ll have these options:
- Walk or take a water taxi from the Disney Springs Marketplace to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.
- Take a water taxi from the Disney Springs Marketplace to Old Key West Resort, Port Orleans-French Quarter, and Port Orleans-Riverside.
If you do not want to walk across Disney Springs and boat to these resorts, an alternative would be to take a bus from the Animal Kingdom Lodge to any theme park (during hours of operation) and then take a bus to the resort you desire.
Related: Disney Springs Transportation Guide
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney’s Water Parks
Occasionally, Disney offers direct bus service to and from the resort to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. However, that is rare. When you reach the bus stop, the electronic sign will indicate which bus to take to which water park.
Guests usually must take the bus to Disney Springs when traveling to Typhoon Lagoon. When you reach Disney Springs, you’ll exit that bus and board a transfer bus. Someone will be in the area to direct you to the correct bus stop. It’s not far.
However, when you leave Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll have to walk further to find the resort bus stop at Disney Springs. So you’ll want to make sure to have a change of clothes for the return trip.
For Blizzard Beach, you’ll take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and then board a nearby transfer bus to Blizzard Beach. You’ll then return in the same manner.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Monorail Resorts
Additionally, most guests will want to visit the monorail resorts for dining or touring. To do this, you can take a bus from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Magic Kingdom.
From there, you will have to walk through security at Magic Kingdom. Then you can walk, boat, or monorail to the following resorts:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (walk, boat, monorail)
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (boat, monorail, technically can walk via the Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom)
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort (walk or monorail)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney’s Boardwalk
You can travel from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn or the other Epcot Resort Hotels (Beach Club, Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin) by taking a bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Hollywood Studios.
From Hollywood Studios, you can walk to the Boardwalk or take a Friendship Boat. You’ll want to return to Animal Kingdom Lodge in the same manner. However, if you’re staying out past theme park hours, you might have to order a car service (i.e., Lyft, Uber, Taxi, or Minnie Van) if the buses are no longer running.
Those would be pretty late hours to keep. But the Boardwalk does have a few places geared toward adults that are open relatively late.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness
Additionally, you can take a bus from Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom for Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Once you arrive at Magic Kingdom, take a bus or the red flag boat to either resort.
*During inclement weather, you will have to take a bus from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness. Hopefully, you’ll get to take the boat, though. It’s a pleasant ride and part of the fun.
Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Skyliner Resorts
If you want to ride the Disney Skyliner (for leisure), take a bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and board the Skyliner. We have a separate guide that details the Skyliner’s route. Stops on the Skyliner include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of Animation, Pop Century, Riviera Resort, and Epcot’s International Gateway.
*Remember these tips are subject to Disney’s transportation hours of operation.
Buses at Animal Kingdom Lodge
As we’ve discussed, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge comprises two resorts. The first is Jambo House, which falls under the category of a deluxe resort. Kidani Village is the secondary resort on the property. Kidani is a dedicated Disney World Villa Resort. Both resorts have their own bus stop. When you leave either resort’s lobby, you’ll turn left and take the walkway to the bus stop.
Bus Schedule at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Buses begin running approximately one hour before the theme parks open. That one hour includes early theme park hours for resort guests.
Buses continue to run up to an hour after the parks close. It has always been our experience that Disney will get you back to your resort at the end of the night. You do not have to be in a rush to leave the parks. Many gift shops stay open after the attractions cease to operate.
Bus transportation accommodates guests with accessibility needs. Disney provides an overview of each form of transportation on their website. Learn More: Transportation and Mobility Disabilities at Disney World
Wait Times for Buses at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge many times. My only complaint about staying here is that the bus service is usually slow. On the flip side, with the Animal Kingdom being so close, you can usually get between the resort and the park fairly quickly.
A few years ago, Disney installed signs that show the estimated wait time for the next bus. These times are based on the bus’s proximity to the resort via Wi-Fi. For example, you might see the wait for your desired location fluctuate.
That could be because the bus stopped in traffic or at a light, or other reasons. We have found that the posted arrival time is pretty accurate.
Shuttle Service Between Jambo House and Kidani Village
A shuttle runs between Jambo House and Kidani Village. You’ll want to let someone at the entrance of either resort know you’re taking it. A cast member will direct you where to stand and alert you when it arrives.However, a walking path is available between the resorts. It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from one resort’s lobby to the other.
Related: How to Get Between Kidani Village and Jambo House
Airport to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Lastly, when traveling from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ll need to arrange transportation to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Unfortunately, Disney no longer offers transportation between the airport and the Walt Disney World Resort.
Final Thoughts on Transportation at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Hopefully, this article gave you a few essential tips for getting to and from the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The resort is our choice for the best deluxe resort at Disney World. If you haven’t had a chance to stay here, it’s worth it. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is gorgeous and serene.
When tackling transportation at a Disney Resort Hotel, things can get confusing. If you want to learn more, our tips for each resort are listed in the following article: Transportation Options at Every Disney World Hotel
For more articles related to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you might enjoy the following:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
- Disney’s Kidani Village Review
- The Complete Restaurant Guide for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- The Two Pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
In the Comments
Did you find these tips for transportation at Animal Kingdom Lodge helpful? Will they factor into your planning a stay here? Please share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below. We value your opinion and can assure you other readers do as well.
This information is super helpful Amber! My family will be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge and we’re all very excited. What travel method/route would you recommend when we visit Epcot? We will have a rental car, but I can’t tell whether the bus would be the better option. We plan to rope drop at park open and come in through the International Gateway back entrance in order to beat the crazy crowds.
Hi, in order to enter Epcot through the International Gateway, you would need to already be in the area. The only parking lot for Epcot is at the front entrance. The IG is for guests coming from the Epcot Resorts and Skyliner Resorts. In this scenario, I would personally book an early morning breakfast reservation at one of the Epcot Resorts, for example, Ale and Compass. I would then park at the resort, enjoy breakfast, and continue on to the International Gateway.
Or…
If you take a bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll want to leave as soon as the bus starts operating, which is typically one hour before the early morning entry time. So if Epcot opens at 9:00 a.m., the park would open at 8:30 a.m. for resort guests (during this time) so the bus should start running at 7:30 a.m. (If you wanted to take advantage of early morning entry, this is probably the best scenario. Or you could always drive and park at Epcot.)
I usually prefer to drive, so I don’t have to wait for buses. But if I’m not in the mood to drive, I would take the bus.
Amber,
If staying at Kidani, would it be possible to make it to Epcot International Gateway early entry by taking a bus to Animal Kingdom and switch to a bus going back to reload passengers at one of the resorts/hotels near the entrance to the International Gateway.
We would like to start our day entering at the International Gateway because of the smaller crowd size and proximity to certain attractions.
Hi, I personally wouldn’t try that route so early in the morning. From my experience, the buses dropping off that early don’t always return to the same hotel. For instance, one morning, we did the same thing to get to an early dining reservation at the Contemporary. We had to take a bus to another resort on the monorail because the Contemporary driver wasn’t picking up.
If you wanted to do this, you could take a bus from Animal Kingdom Lodge to Hollywood Studios. Then boat, walk, or take the Skyliner. However, the timing might not work to your advantage first thing in the morning.
Additionally, all the above-stated transportation options will take some time, with various stops along the way. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Hollywood Studios to Epcot. We have a separate article that details how long it took us: Walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot
Edited: If it were me and I needed to get to the International Gateway at rope drop, I would take a taxi from Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Boardwalk and walk to the IG. It shouldn’t be more than $15.00 since they are within close proximity.
Hi Amber! Thank you for all the info!! We are staying at the AKL next week and I’ve been absolutely stressing about the whole transportation thing until I read your article. I see you mentioned in a reply that the buses start running an hour before the early entry. (I had no idea!) So the day we go to HS the early entry is at 8 am so the buses should start around 7 that means. Since we’re somewhat local, we are driving and had thought about taking our car to the park instead of waiting for the bus like you also prefer. However, my question is would the park let us in so early if we drove? Or if by taking the bus, that allows us to bypass all the car drivers? Our goal is to be like the first ones there lol.
Hi, Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with driving from a resort to Hollywood Studios for rope drop. (Because I am rarely up that early 😮)
But I did do a quick search, and this article here on Blog Mickey might be helpful for your circumstances: https://blogmickey.com/2022/01/our-experience-with-early-entry-at-disneys-hollywood-studios-while-rise-of-the-resistance-is-broken/
Good Luck!