Guest Room Refurbishment Scheduled for Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Beginning October 2025

Aug 01, 2025 in "Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge"

Posted: Friday August 1, 2025 2:00pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Beginning in October 2025, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village will begin a months-long guest room refurbishment project. The work at Kidani Village is expected to run through May 2026. Immediately following that, similar refurbishment work is set to begin at Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge overview

During both phases of the project, Disney has confirmed that all resort amenities, including dining, pools, and recreation, will remain available to guests. However, visitors should be aware that they may see or hear construction work during daytime hours in and around the affected areas.

These updates are part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to refresh accommodations across its resort properties. The scope of the refurbishments has not yet been announced, but the work is expected to focus on general room updates and maintenance.

Kidani Village and Jambo House are part of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge resort complex, known for its savanna views and African-inspired design.

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NottamusDec 20, 2025

Well, I’ll wonder no more ! Awesome, thank you for the link. Smaller Murphy bed was totally expected for room size. Keurig should be ok, although I liked the drip option in 1 br. I’ll adapt. lol

nickysDec 20, 2025

There are photos here, no video that I can find yet. https://dvcfan.com/dvc-resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/animal-kingdom-lodge-kidani-refurbished-deluxe-studio/

NottamusDec 20, 2025

Yes, as are super curious on what the AKL studios will be able to fit in the upgrade. We usually just do studios too. I’m booked for next November in Kidani, so unless someone posts a studio video, I’ll find out then!

NunuDec 19, 2025

Just two of us, so we stay at a Studio most of the time. I was relieved that the BLT Studios didn't lose the big dresser with the renovations. I'd be really annoyed at the lack of storage space if staying in a 1bdr.

nickysDec 19, 2025

It’s been the same issue with other refurbs where they’ve replaced the big dresser with the pull down twin bed in the living rooms. Such as at Saratoga and Bay Lake.

mattpetoDec 19, 2025

It looks great, but lack of storage looks to be a huge oversight I agree. Can they still "do something" about that?

Chip ChippersonDec 19, 2025

Agreed. This is a DVC refurb. Jambo's cash rooms were refurbed not too long ago. I remember this because it really annoyed me that the cash rooms got a refurb when the DVC rooms were already overdue for theirs (I know they are 2 separate "buckets" but it really showed either a lack of foresight or a lack of concern for DVC owners to do that).

nickysDec 19, 2025

Kidani is scheduled to run until May, then work will start at Jambo. Even the WDW website is vague about Jambo plans, so I’m not sure who can answer your question. The refurb was announced by DVC. My guess is that if the non DVC rooms were being done, Disney would have said so.

Tiki TravelerDec 19, 2025

Any updates?

NottamusDec 18, 2025

Never mind- I looked on bigger screen- looks like it’s both - Keurig and drip

NottamusDec 18, 2025

I couldn’t tell-coffee maker, is it still a drip coffee or a kuerig?

DisoneDec 18, 2025

There is some storage in the cabinets of the kitchen. And also there is the closet where the washer and dryer is at. It's not much though.. agreed. If you're there for less than a week I think it's just fine. If doing a longer stay.... Hummmmmm . Well you're on Safari. I guess you're roughing it a little bit 🙂.

AylaDec 17, 2025

The only storage is in the bedroom. Where is all your unrefrigerated food/snacks supposed to go in the kitchen? On the little counter space there is? Where are the people staying in the LR supposed to put all their bags/clothes/stuff? It's like the people that design these rooms have never stayed in a hotel before.

nickysDec 17, 2025

I assume they’ve done the same as at BLT, in which case that’s good to know. Both had the sleeper chairs before so they should have replaced like for like. 🤞 At the AKV Condo meeting last week they talked about the Murphy bed and the “child’s bed”, which is why I thought it was small.