The most peaceful—and most unique—resort area at Walt Disney World.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more immersive resort experience at Walt Disney World, the Animal Kingdom Resort Area offers something completely different from the rest of Disney property.
This is where you’ll find incredible theming, savanna views with real animals, and some of the most relaxing resort environments anywhere at Disney.
But there’s a tradeoff—and it’s an important one: transportation.
Let’s take a closer look at what this area offers and whether it’s the right fit for your trip.
Quick Facts About the Animal Kingdom Resort Area
- Location: Western side of Walt Disney World near Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Resorts: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resorts
- Resort Categories: Deluxe, Moderate, Value
- Transportation: Bus transportation only
- Best For: Relaxation, theming, value stays, quieter environments
- Eligible for Military Discounts: Yes (availability varies by resort and season)
Location Overview
The Animal Kingdom Resort Area is located on the western side of Walt Disney World property, centered around Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
While that might sound convenient, it’s important to understand that proximity to Animal Kingdom does not mean easy access to the other parks.
This area is more spread out and less connected than others, like the EPCOT or Magic Kingdom Resort Areas. That’s part of what makes it feel quieter and more relaxed—but it also affects how you get around.
Transportation: What “Bus-Only” Really Means
All resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area rely exclusively on Disney bus transportation.
There is no Monorail, Skyliner, boat, or walking access to any theme park from this area.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- Animal Kingdom: Short bus rides (typically the closest park)
- Magic Kingdom: Longer bus rides compared to other resort areas
- EPCOT & Hollywood Studios: Moderate bus travel times
Disney’s bus system is reliable, but it does require more planning and patience compared to areas with multiple transportation options.
For some families, this is not a big issue. For others, especially those who like taking mid-day breaks or park hopping frequently, it can be a deciding factor.
The Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
This is one of the most unique resorts at Walt Disney World—and arguably one of the most immersive hotels anywhere.
Guests can view giraffes, zebras, and other animals right from the resort’s savannas, creating an experience you won’t find anywhere else on Disney property.
The theming, dining, and overall atmosphere are top-tier, even among Deluxe resorts.
The tradeoff is transportation. You’re relying entirely on buses, and the resort is farther from most parks.
Best for: Guests who value experience and atmosphere over convenience
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs is a Moderate resort with a unique blend of resort-style theming and convention hotel features.
The addition of Gran Destino Tower has elevated its overall feel, making it one of the more upscale Moderate options on property.
It’s a large resort, so internal travel time can add to your day, but it often offers strong value for the price.
Best for: Moderate pricing with upgraded amenities
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
A Value resort with bold Disney theming and budget-friendly pricing, ideal for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.
Best for: Budget-conscious families
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Music is similar to Movies, but with the added benefit of Family Suites that can sleep up to six guests.
Best for: Larger families on a budget
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Often the most affordable of the Value resorts, with a sports-themed atmosphere.
Best for: Lowest-cost stays on Disney property
Who Should Stay in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area?
This area is best suited for a specific type of Disney trip.
You should strongly consider staying here if:
- You want a quieter, more relaxed resort environment
- You value theming and atmosphere over transportation convenience
- You are looking for strong Value or Moderate pricing
- You don’t plan to return to your room frequently during the day
- You are comfortable relying on buses
You may want to consider another area if:
- You want the fastest possible transportation to multiple parks
- You plan to park hop frequently
- You want easy mid-day breaks
- You prefer having multiple transportation options
Military Discount Considerations
All resorts in this area are eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discount, though availability varies.
For military families, this area often offers some of the best availability and value.
- All-Star Resorts: Frequently among the lowest-cost discounted options
- Coronado Springs: A strong Moderate value with upgraded amenities
- Animal Kingdom Lodge: Occasionally a great Deluxe value when discounts are available
If your goal is to maximize savings while still staying on Disney property, this area is often worth a close look.
If you want help comparing options, we recommend working with a military-focused Disney travel specialist:
The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists
Final Thoughts
The Animal Kingdom Resort Area offers one of the most unique and relaxing experiences at Walt Disney World.
While it doesn’t provide the transportation convenience of other areas, it makes up for it with atmosphere, value, and a slower pace.
For the right trip, that tradeoff can be well worth it.
Have you stayed in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area? Which resort is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Read about all the Disney Resort Areas:
- How Disney World Resort Areas Work
- Magic Kingdom Resort Area Hotels
- EPCOT Resort Area Hotels
- Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
- BoardWalk Area Resorts
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Area Resorts
- Disney World Monorail Resorts
- Disney World Skyliner Resorts
Walt Disney World Resort Overviews
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Do WDW Room View Categories Matter?
- MDT Tested & Approved Resorts
- Walt Disney World Resort Guest Benefits
- Walt Disney World Resort Theming
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
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