Animal Kingdom Lodge also has Disney Vacation Club accommodations over at Kidani Village, with villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room villas overlooking their own animal savanna.

Kidani Village rooms look out onto the Sunset Savanna, and Jambo House rooms look out onto the Uzima and Arusha Savannas. All the savannas have giraffes and zebras, and a plethora of other beautiful animals.

Saratoga Springs Resort

Saratoga Springs has a main building called the Carriage House, where you’ll find check-in, the two main food service locations, the gift shop, and access to the resort golf course (oh, it’s that kinda hoity-toity place with a golf course!). 

All of the rooms are spread out in out-buildings with names themed after the sport of horse racing, The Grandstand, The Springs, The Carousel, The Paddock, and Congress Park. Each collection of outer buildings has its own pool area and pool bar (except for the Carousel section).

Saratoga Springs offers villa-type accommodations with studio, 1-bedroom (sleep up to five), 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom layouts. Furnishings are generally a little bit more on the higher end.

Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).

Studios have two beds and a kitchenette. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, washer, and dryer. If you’re looking for convenience, these amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier!

Both are large resorts with beautiful landscaping, but they do have some differences!

First, this is a Deluxe Villa Resorts offering many of these perks. This hotel can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. Here, you’ll escape to a 19th century equestrian resort, although there aren’t any horses! Opened in May 2004, the quaint gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere.

Studios at this resort are smaller providing a queen bed and pull-down bed. Two bedrooms sleep up to 8 people.

However, the unique but very remote treehouse villas can accommodate up to nine guests.

Results

This could boil down to your preference. Are you looking to explore the adventure of the African savannas? Or do you want something a bit more contemporary? Do you want to look out your window at exotic animals on a savanna? Or peer out on pristinely manicured golf course greens? Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes. If you want some extra space in your room or accommodations for up to nine, Saratoga Springs is the one for you. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has the edge rooms overlooking the savanna and breathtaking views of the exotic wild animals of Africa. So this one is a tie — do you want space or an immersive theme?

Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

Animal Kingdom Lodge

AKL (as we like to call it) is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools as well: the Samawati Springs Pool and the Uzima Springs Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a natural spring. Uzima Springs pool is smashing. This oasis is 11,000 square feet. It includes a large free-form, zero-entry swimming pool (gradual like a beach, you can take one centimeter at a time getting in).

Samawati Springs Pool has a 67-foot water slide, a children’s wading pool, and kids’ life jackets in several sizes. There are two private hot tubs, tons of seating in comfy loungers, tables and umbrellas, and unlimited towels.

You can build a herd of towel animals if you want. Oh, and of course, the Uzima Springs Pool Bar is for hydration purposes.

Saratoga Springs

This resort has two feature pools — High Rock Spring Pool and The Paddock Pool. 

High Rock Spring just completed a little renovation and touch-up, so it’s in tip-top shape for those looking to cool off or sunbathe. High Rock Spring offers a fun atmosphere with waterfalls, zero-depth entry, and a 128 ft. slide. You’ll find two whirlpool spas at this location. Got kids? They’ll love the Donald Duck splash area with a fun kiddie-sized slide.

The zero-depth entry Paddock Pool showcases a slide that starts at the top of a water tower and provides 146 feet of fun! Kids can splash in the aquatic play area showcasing two small waterslides. Nearby, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool offers a nice respite.

Leisure pools with whirlpool spas can be found at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park, and The Grandstand.

Results

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Animal Kingdom Lodge!

While Saratoga Springs has more pools, we prefer the theme, detail, and beauty of pools and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Plus, being that close to Zebra Domes has its advantages, but we’ll get to that in the next section!

10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools

Food

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge has nine(ish) dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

Maji Pool Bar is located near the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village, and Uzima Springs Pool Bar is over at the Jambo House pool. — and both are a pretty standard pool bars, but with some unique African beers and some tasty nibbles, but nothing truly destination-worthy.

The Mara is named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa, this quick service restaurant located in Jambo House is sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located next to the Resort’s Uzima Springs pool area. Guests can dine indoors or take their meals poolside, or to a small area offering shaded tables outside.

Unique items, including Bobotie and Breakfast Quinoa are served alongside classic Disney dishes like Mickey Waffles and more for Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner feature the truly tasty African Potjie (a flavorful stew) among the options, which also include counter service favorites like Chicken Nuggets, Burgers, and Flatbreads. The “Grab & Go” market area features snacks, desserts (including the spot’s famous Zebra Domes!), bottled drinks, breakfast pastries, specialty coffees, and fruit. The Mara also offers a selection of African and international wines, beers, cocktails, and even choose-your-own-flavor smoothies.

Victoria Falls and Cape Town Lounge are cozy lounges in Jambo House near Boma and Jiko. Enjoy a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer, or mixed drink. It’s a great place to hang while waiting for a table at Boma or Jiko. Or just stop in before you head to (or after you return from) the parks to grab a quick bite from the unique appetizer menu, including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more.

Cape Town Lounge serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more.  Guests may also order from the full Jiko menu and dine at the bar.

Tucked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village, Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant serving a fusion of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. While Sanaa is a table service restaurant serving lunch and dinner, the spot offers the Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast in the mornings — a quick-service experience for which reservations are not required.

The best part: the view from the restaurant is of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunset Savanna — enjoy the ever-changing scenery of some of the most beautiful African plains animals you’ve ever seen.

P.S. Don’t miss Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service, served with NINE different dipping accompaniments!

The other Table Service option at the Jambo House is Boma. Boma continually emerges on the “favorite restaurants” lists of many Disney guests! The popular buffet at Boma gives visitors the opportunity to sample flavorful African dishes while also dining on some American favorites during breakfast or dinner.

We always give two thumbs up to this restaurant, and we always find something new to try here!

And the pièce de résistance: Jiko. Jiko — The Cooking Place is a Signature Dining Experience (which is Disney-speakfor fancy, schmancy), hands-down, one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants on Disney World property. We can highly recommend this one if you enjoy excellent, gourmet food and a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

Sharing tastes of Africa with a special Jiko flourish, this restaurant doesn’t offer a great view or any characters, but it does offer truly beautiful food — and the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna is right outside…

Boma vs. Jiko vs. Sanaa: Comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants

Saratoga Springs

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an equestrian-themed resort, with dining options that are simultaneously relaxed and refined.

The Turf Club Bar and Grill features steaks and chops — along with pasta dishes — in a lovely atmosphere created with dark woods and forest greens.

You can also enjoy spending some time at the Turf Club Lounge. (Check out the Mint Julep — you won’t regret it) We want to note that the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs is only for dinner.

Backstretch Pool Bar and On the Rocks Pool Bar serve cold specialty drinks that are perfect for relaxing by the pool on a sunny day.

The Artist’s Palette is a Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spot made to resemble an artist’s studio in New York. The indoor seating is welcome on hot Florida days, chilly mornings and evenings, and rainstorms!

Fresh sandwiches, pizza, salads, and more are on offer, and the bakery case always boasts some fantastic and creative cupcakes.

The Paddock Grill is located by the Paddock Pool, offering substantial eats to enjoy poolside — even for the early risers at breakfast!

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort!

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you and your family love some more “unique” food, and options that vary away from the traditional comfort food of fried chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, and chicken nuggets, then the Animal Kingdom Lodge might be your jam! Menus are influenced by approachable African flavors and spices, and though not bizarre or untraditional, you’ll definitely find some creative takes on your familiar favorites.

While the variety at Saratoga Springs is rather slim, you’re not far from Disney Springs, which has a ton of dining options. So, if you’re not looking to board a boat, take a walk or a bus over to Disney Springs, then foodie fans should choose Animal Kingdom Lodge.

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Transportation

Do these deluxe resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is not on the Monorail loop. Or the Skyliner Route. Or even boat access. If you want to visit any of the Disney Parks (even the nearby Animal Kingdom), your only option for free Disney transportation is a bus.

Now, Animal Kingdom Lodge is already the furthest resort from the Disney Parks (except Animal Kingdom), and relying solely on bus transportation makes it feel every inch of that distance. And no one really looks forward to having to wrestle to get their stroller on and off the bus, or standing in those lines at the end of a park day to be packed in like sardines with your fellow Animal Kingdom Lodgers once that bus does arrive.

Guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can also use ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

Saratoga Springs

If you don’t mind a stroll, Disney Springs can be reached by walking. However, boat transportation is also offered.

This hotel is fairly far away from the Disney parks, so getting to and from places using Disney’s complimentary transportation can take a big chunk of your day. Keep in mind that Saratoga Springs is also a LARGE and SPREAD OUT resort, so that bus is gonna make quite a few stops before you get to your park for the day — or get to room after a long day in the park, so be prepared and set aside that time.

Results

Saratoga Springs wins in this category due to its proximity to Disney Springs. The Sassagoula Riverboats are a pleasant mode of transportation, except during inclement weather. And we love that boat ride. But this was a VERY narrow margin. Keep in mind, like we mentioned above, that the Saratoga Springs buses will make multiple stops around the resort before it leaves for the parks, which can sometimes add an extra 20 minutes to your travel time.

If you’re not planning to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs, and your focus is more on the Parks, then that ease of access to Disney Springs may not tip the scales for you, and you may want to go with Animal Kingdom Lodge, instead.

Learn all about WDW Transportation

The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. Saratoga Springs battle? Let’s recap!

Theme/Rooms: Tie — Animal Kingdom won the “theme” portion, but Saratoga Springs has the spacious rooms.
Pools: Animal Kingdom Lodge is the clear winner of the Pools category
Food: Animal Kingdom Lodge also got us craving some of our favorite snacks in the Food category
Transportation: Saratoga Springs edges out a win in this category with boat access to Disney Springs.

We hate to say it, but it depends! The two resorts both hold their own when it comes to food. When it comes to Theming, Food, and Pools, Animal Kingdom Lodge may seem like a clear choice with its immersive lobby and amazing savanna complete with animals!

If Saratoga Springs seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, that wins the Transportation battle, but it doesn’t have the same energy, food, or pools that the Animal Kingdom Lodge does. And the price difference between the two definitely gives the advantage to Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above.

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