Disney's Animal Kingdom LodgevsHard Rock Hotel Orlando
Both hotels are rated very highly by those who travel for a living. Overall, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge ranks marginally higher than Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge comes in at 87 with recommendations from 11 publications like The Telegraph, Michelin Guide and DK Eyewitness.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Show All Reviews
2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830
From $294/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"By far the most interesting Disney-run hotel—and the best choice for guests who aren't enamored of the company's mythology."
Fodor's
"Entering the vast atrium lobby is like entering a cathedral with a roof formed of thatch rather than marble." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The impressive glass wall in the lobby overlooks a vast savanna that allows for random sightings of birds, giraffe, and other wildlife."
Rough Guide
Star
"One of Disney’s most spectacular luxury hotels, where from some of the rooms... you can wake up to see wildlife grazing outside your window."
Michelin Guide
"When booking a reservation at this horseshoe shaped lodge, ask for a Savannah View room, which offers vistas of Animal Kingdom's grazing animals from its private balcony."
i
Ask for a Savannah View room, which offers vistas of Animal Kingdom's grazing animals from its private balcony.
Gayot
"Adjacent to the Walt Disney World theme park, the resort is set next to 33 acres of tropical savanna that's home to about 40 species of wildlife."
The Telegraph
9.0
"Africa comes to central Florida in this fantasy game lodge, where giraffes, zebras, and other grazing animals roam just beyond your window." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"From your balcony at this African-themed Orlando lodge, you just might spot a giraffe, bongo, or wildebeest roaming the surrounding savannah." Full review
i
Don't miss the safari at the resort's companion Animal Kingdom theme park.
Condé Nast Traveler
"About 200 animals live on the property—and yes, they're visible from the guest rooms and the public viewing stations." Full review
Frommer's
"No grander lodge ever existed on the African veldt, and the higher tariff returns to you in the form of a 24-hour safari." Full review
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Show All Reviews
5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
From $247/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
DK Eyewitness
"Mission-style architecture, an impressive collection of musical memorabilia, and an underwater sound system built into the impressive pool make this the hippest of Universal’s luxury resorts."
Rough Guide
"Stuffed with rock memorabilia, and with familiar tunes blaring out at poolside, this is the least tranquil of the park’s resorts – and the most popular with the younger generation."
Star Service
"Overlooking Universal Studios from its privileged locale inside the park, this hotel is situated on a waterway that connects it to its equally impressive siblings." Full review
Zagat
3.7
"Guests "have a blast" at this "lively", "upbeat" Orlando resort that's set in a "terrific" location within "walking distance of Universal's parks"."
Gayot
"California mission-style architecture, thoughtfully chosen music programming, an on-site concert venue and authentic rock-n-roll memorabilia make this resort an attraction all by itself."
Afar Magazine
"I walked into my hotel room and there on the bed was my personal invitation to rock." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"This ultra-hip deluxe hotel is themed as a rock star’s mansion and Universal Orlando Resort treats every guest like a VIP." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler
"With “thoughtfully designed” rooms and the “absolute best suites ever,” the Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like rock and roll royalty." Full review
Fodor's
"The Hard Rock is perfect for large multigeneration family trips and for smaller families looking to keep children entertained." Full review
i
Rooms have black-and-white photos of pop icons and 32-inch flat-panel TVs.
2010 Fodor's 100 Hotel Award Winner
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, but this is a fact the Hard Rock chooses to ignore (and we're glad they do!
Travel + Leisure
"Ever wondered what it feels like to live like a rock star? Find out at this upscale resort, which features 650 guest rooms, including the 2,375-square-foot Graceland suite" Full review