Just returned from AKV; Kidani's not quite ready for prime time

[Demosthenes]

We just returned from 8 nights at AKV. We had a nice time, and got to experience Kidani for the last 3 nights. The resort is nice, and the interior looks great. The Kidani pool is way better than Jambo's pool; in my personal opinion, Jambo has the worst pool of any DVC resort, and easily the worst slide. The pool at Kidani was very nice, and we were very pleased to not have to pool hop the last few days (we spent the first part of the week in Coronado's pool). The slide is very nice, and while pretty much another corkscrew slide (like many of the other DVC resorts), it is themed well, and was plenty long.

The restaurant was smallish..., and the store was as well. That is a little surprising considering the apparent size of the finished resort. It was no problem this week, but the place was pretty empty (rooms were booked to capacity, but CMs were telling us that there aren't that many rooms ready for use). The savannah feels more intimate and closer to the rooms and public areas than Jambo. I also like the parking; much of it is under the buildings, so you keep out of the heat (kind of like Vero, though the garage is more open).

A few things were disappointing this week. One thing that surprised me was how much the exterior public areas still lack to be finished. None of the Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) walls in the parking garage area were painted. That is normal for a parking garage, but this is open to public view. It looks really distracting, and if it isn't on a punch list, it needs to be added. It looks really tacky. Also, as you approach the building, the siding has no trim nor design of any sort. I have to believe this will be changed later; it looks like a metal fabricated building, and is not very attractive. They may think that one day the vegetation will block the eyesore view, but it looks awful right now. All around the resort, there is a lot of construction debris, building materials, mulch, tools, etc. The site really needed another week to be properly prepared for guests to arrive. This was not in the savannah areas, but in and around the rest of the resort it looked this way. It was very bad show on Disney's part. My wife was shocked by it; as was I (I am a commercial builder, and I've never turned over a hotel in such a state before; they clearly were struggling to make substantial completion).

I really hope they work out the busses as well. Since we were at AKL all week, we saw the resort with Jambo only, and with Kidani. With only Jambo, the busses were significantly more efficient. When Kidani was added to the loop, efficiency was really hampered. It takes 6 minutes to get from the Jambo bus stop to the Kidani bus stop (seems long, but I timed it on multiple trips; part of the problem seems to be some sort of direction the drivers have been given to crawl down the streets once inside the resort). Also, many times when you take the Epcot bus from the park , and always for the MGM bus from the park, you go to Blizzard Beach, and sometimes also to AK during the slower parts of the day. It takes forever, and would seem interminable if you were the going on to Jambo house. Also, for some reason, all busses from theme parks go to Kidani first, then Jambo. That would be fine, except that without a walkway from Jambo to Kidani, your only means of transport from Jambo to Kidani is the Downtown Disney Bus, which seems to be the least frequent of all the busses. It works fine going from Kidani to Jambo, because you can catch basically any bus; the problem is coming from Jambo to Kidani. I waited 40 Minutes on Friday night to get from Jambo to Kidani after dinner at Boma. That was ridiculous. I think they should make it so that Epcot and MK go to Kidani first, and AK and DS go to Jambo first. That way the internal transportation would be greatly improved. I know they will have to work out details, but this is one they have to work on, and soon.

I don't want to sound all negative. We did enjoy our stay. Our 5 year-old loved looking for the animals each day, and while his mother and I hated the Jambo pool, he loved it (though he too preferred Coronado's pool). We also really enjoyed the Mara and Boma (breakfast and dinner). I love the exotic smells coming from the kitchens of Jiko and Boma each time you walk into the resort. I also loved the CMs out at Arusha Rock and the storytelling (BTW, at Kidani, the stories are told in the library overlooking the savannah, not outside). We also loved Zawadi Marketplace; that store has more unique items than any other resort store we've been to before.

I'll post some pictures when I get them uploaded, but if anybody has any questions, feel free to fire away.

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Fascinating trip report from a builder's perspective!

The other report I just read was completely different; their POV was more of a "romantic getaway without the kids at Kidani", and I'm betting that all those adult beverages kept them from noticing AKL wasn't finished...:thumbsup2

[El&Asmom]

When we went to visit on Saturday, we were told that to get to Jambo from Kidani, you had to take the DTD bus. From Jambo to Kidani you could take any bus.
Also when we came from AK we stopped at Jambo first and then went over to Kidani. I wonder why what the deal is. I think it would be nice if all the busses stopped at Kidani first and then you could hop on any bus to get to Jambo. I would think with a lack of a CS at Kidani, there would be more DVC people wanting to get to Jambo for meals at Boma or Mara. It seems there would be less reason for Jambo people to go to Kidani except for the pool. :confused3

[pumpkinfish]

Thank you for the info on your stay at Kidani. Glad to know you did like the pool. Hope they get the bus system kinks out soon as the summer crowds start pouring in during the next month.

[Demosthenes]

I think it would be nice if all the busses stopped at Kidani first and then you could hop on any bus to get to Jambo.

All but DTD do stop at Kidani first. The transport from Kidani to Jambo is great; from Jambo to Kidani is awful. I think they should divide it up, or put in an internal bus/van that makes constant trips. The problem is that, as you say, lots of us in Kidani go to Jambo for meals; but we all have to get back! And they didn't think that part through.

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Thanks for the trip report, we'll be at Kidani in July.

[jodifla]

Can you just drive to Kidani from Jambo??

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

Can you just drive to Kidani from Jambo??

That's an interesting question.

I don't have the answer however but I wish I did. I am interested in knowing because we will be at Kidani in late June and I will have a car at Disney for the first time.

I'm thinking that you don't have to pass thru security to drive from Kidani to Jambo and back again but I could be wrong.

[Demosthenes]

Can you just drive to Kidani from Jambo??

Yes. There is no additional security, and there is self parking, or valet parking (free to DVC members).

[gkrykewy]

They REALLY need to finish the landscaped walkway between Kidani and Jambo. Like, yesterday.

We love the Jambo pool though - don't care about slides.

[lugnut33]

Just got back last night at 1am, will have a big report coming... with photos.

The one thing I've learned about staying at Disney over these years.. always rent a car. We had a breakfast ressie at Boma and driving over and back was no hassle at all. RENT A CAR PEOPLE!!!!

[Demosthenes]

The one thing I've learned about staying at Disney over these years.. always rent a car. We had a breakfast ressie at Boma and driving over and back was no hassle at all. RENT A CAR PEOPLE!!!!

I agree; having a car is the only reasonable option at AKL right now. It is just a shame that this is the case. It shouldn't be that you need your own car to get around your resort; especially not when the problem is so easily solved.

[disneynutz]

Rent a car and don't stay at a new resort!

As good as Disney is, give the place time to let the paint dry before you stay there. Opening a new property is a daunting task to say the least. Let them finish their work, let the plants grow a little, and let them add additional animals on the savannas.

[Demosthenes]

As good as Disney is, give the place time to let the paint dry before you stay there. Opening a new property is a daunting task to say the least. Let them finish their work, let the plants grow a little, and let them add additional animals on the savannas.


If that's the case, discount the rooms or points. As long as Disney is charging full price, people should expect the full experience. Kidani isn't in bad shape right now; the interiors are beautiful, and the savannah looks great. But while expecting spit and polish may be too much, expecting clean and finished is reasonable. I've stayed in multiple hotels for opening nights (like I said in my first post, I build them), and the expectation of the client is always that the hotel never looks better than on opening day. That clearly wasn't the case here.

[december14disney]

I don't understand. I keep hearing that there IS a walkway between Jambo and Kidani and have read that people have actually walked it?! :confused3

[lugnut33]

I agree; having a car is the only reasonable option at AKL right now. It is just a shame that this is the case. It shouldn't be that you need your own car to get around your resort; especially not when the problem is so easily solved.


I could be staying at the Contemporary and I'd still rent a car. I like being in charge of getting around when and where I want to.

It's just like the Tree House Villas, you're going to need a car for easy transportation around the resort. One just needs to look at the size of the resort to know that.

Unless Disney wants to add a WEDway People Mover then easy transportation around a resort the size of AKL (or Saratoga/THV) will never be easy without the use of a car. I think DVC made the best use of what they could and you'll just have to be patient using the bus system if that's what you choose to use.

[gkrykewy]

I hate renting a car. I don't even OWN a car. Disney's bus system always works great for us, and we'll be walking from Kidani to Jambo (assuming a walkway exists).

I mean, really. DRIVING back and forth between these two buildings right here? The ones right next to each other?

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/81115AKV_Walkway.JPG

Only in America :rotfl::rotfl:

[holcomb-mania]

I'll need to walk off those two Boma meals I'm gonna obliterate in June. So I'll use the walkway to Kidani, rain or shine.

[ekball]

Fascinating trip report from a builder's perspective!

The other report I just read was completely different; their POV was more of a "romantic getaway without the kids at Kidani", and I'm betting that all those adult beverages kept them from noticing AKL wasn't finished...:thumbsup2

:lmao: Hehe....that was me. And yes, perhaps all of the beverages helped.

We had no problems walking between the buildings....10 minutes max. Not bad IMO, but there's also the bus if needed. (We never used the bus between the resorts and were over at Jambo 3 times in the 4 days we were there)

Yes, they are still working on the resort so there were definitely signs of construction still going on. I guess it just didn't bother us since we knew what to expect (it was never 'in your face'...at least not to me). It never took away from our 'experience', except maybe the wall out by the pool blocking the savannah. Again, I guess we just knew to expect some of these things.

[BEASLYBOO]

It may still remain romantic, but wait till the kids are out of school or till next spring break, that may give you a different perspective of Kidani when it's in full use!

[Jillpie]

I LOVE really good slides. Are there any great detailed slide pics yet anywhere? Like how long it goes etc? thanks!

[El&Asmom]

All but DTD do stop at Kidani first. The transport from Kidani to Jambo is great; from Jambo to Kidani is awful. I think they should divide it up, or put in an internal bus/van that makes constant trips. The problem is that, as you say, lots of us in Kidani go to Jambo for meals; but we all have to get back! And they didn't think that part through.

Hmm. I wonder if they changed it then. When we were there on 5/3, we took a bus from AK to Jambo, which then took us to Kidani. While at Kidani, we wanted to eat at Mara for lunch. We asked the front desk, and she said we would have to take a DTD bus to get to Jambo. We decided to just head back to AK to transfer to a BCV bus. We took an AK bus at Kidani that took us straight to AK. No stops at Jambo. They must have changed it up.

[lugnut33]

I hate renting a car. I don't even OWN a car. Disney's bus system always works great for us, and we'll be walking from Kidani to Jambo (assuming a walkway exists).

I mean, really. DRIVING back and forth between these two buildings right here? The ones right next to each other?

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/81115AKV_Walkway.JPG

Only in America :rotfl::rotfl:


If you have the time then walk. Not a problem. However, one could run into problems if you have to be at reservation... or if you're exhausted from a day of touring. If it's pouring then you're locked into the busses.

I don't mind walking, but I love having a car at WDW. I can come an go as I please, it's one less line to wait in, and I can head off site to eat. I am NOT a fan of the busses, but understand some people are so that's cool. To each his own.

[LvsTnk]

Having had a car(Jambo) and used the buses and also a few cabs....no busses for me anymore!!

I was soo late for a breakfast having planned for any delays it's just not worth the aggrivation and what if's.

Also, sorry but I would not want to walk in 90or so degree heat. I sweat enough in the park not interested to do that and then sit down for dinner.

I also thought Kidani was just beautiful! My DH is an electrician and has worked on many projects so I was prepared for what I might view. Obviously we all know the resort is not finished and in these economic times I could see them wanting to open ASAP. The little things were not an issue at all, soo happy we have the option to stay there this early in the year.

[BEASLYBOO]

The little things were not an issue at all, soo happy we have the option to stay there this early in the year.
It's also nice to stay in something that is brand spanking new and fresh! I envy all of you who were there even if things aren't perfect yet!

[CarolA]

If you have the time then walk. Not a problem. However, one could run into problems if you have to be at reservation... or if you're exhausted from a day of touring. If it's pouring then you're locked into the busses.

I don't mind walking, but I love having a car at WDW. I can come an go as I please, it's one less line to wait in, and I can head off site to eat. I am NOT a fan of the busses, but understand some people are so that's cool. To each his own.

I walked it today.

If you walk to the end of Kidani you are BASICALLY at Jambo. As a matter of fact you are closer to Jambo then to the main building or bus stops at Kidani! (Granted you have to go out via the laundry work area LOL!)

(for those of you who whine about the hallways at BWV. Strat prepping yourself. This place will send you RIGHT over the edge! For the rest of us, it's really an easy walk and it's hot today)

[gkrykewy]

Also, sorry but I would not want to walk in 90or so degree heat. I sweat enough in the park not interested to do that and then sit down for dinner.

To each their own, but I say again, only in America :lmao:

[Demosthenes]

I don't understand. I keep hearing that there IS a walkway between Jambo and Kidani and have read that people have actually walked it?! :confused3

There is, though it was closed until late Saturday. The walk is about 15 minutes from lobby to lobby.

Hmm. I wonder if they changed it then. When we were there on 5/3, we took a bus from AK to Jambo, which then took us to Kidani. While at Kidani, we wanted to eat at Mara for lunch. We asked the front desk, and she said we would have to take a DTD bus to get to Jambo. We decided to just head back to AK to transfer to a BCV bus. We took an AK bus at Kidani that took us straight to AK. No stops at Jambo. They must have changed it up.

That would be wonderful, though it was definitely not that way on Sunday morning, and the signs still read that you should take the DTD bus from Jambo to Kidani, and all theme park busses from Kidani to Jambo.

I think DVC made the best use of what they could and you'll just have to be patient using the bus system if that's what you choose to use.

I don't buy that. This is just too easy to fix. If it was the best use, they would divide the bus patterns in half. This is so simple it seems silly to have not done it in the first place. I always have a car, whether I drive my own, or fly and rent, and I agree that it is typically more convenient to drive, but there is no excuse for putting in a demonstrably inefficient system that would require somebody to drive when it just isn't necessary. I'm sure DVC doesn't want all those extra cars on the road just so people can get a bite to eat without waiting forever for a bus every morning, afternoon and night; fixing this is so simple, and from what El&Asmom saw on Sunday, maybe they've already started to do so.

[LvsTnk]

To each their own, but I say again, only in America :lmao:

Exactly I'm pushing a wheelchair as well so the car is a godsend. But praise to you for walking!! Only in America!!:thumbsup2

I am glad to hear how close the ends of these buildings are, as I may get to walk it one day....

[SaratogaShan]

Exactly I'm pushing a wheelchair as well so the car is a godsend. But praise to you for walking!! Only in America!!:thumbsup2

I am glad to hear how close the ends of these buildings are, as I may get to walk it one day....



:hug:

[LisaS]

I don't understand. I keep hearing that there IS a walkway between Jambo and Kidani and have read that people have actually walked it?! :confused3We just spent two nights at Kidani. We walked between Kidani and Jambo several times. It took us 7 minutes but we were on our way to Boma and were very hungry! We strolled back and that took 10 minutes but I stopped three times to take pictures so that slowed us down a bit. It's an easy walk and I would only take the bus if it was pouring rain.

If you are staying in the south wing, there were a couple of places you could exit the building that lead to the walkway to Jambo House. We were in the north wing, just a few rooms from the end of Phase 1 so we had just about the longest possible walk to Jambo and it was a breeze.

[bjakmom]

Is there still construction/ noise, etc, noticeable when staying at Kidani? I am still trying to decide whether to spend one night (following a convention in Orlando) at Jambo or Kidani. We have a dinner ADR at Sanaa and late breakfast at Boma before leaving for the airport, so we'll get to see each. I have stayed AKL several times, but my BFF has never been to WDW and I want to show AKV off - I know she's going to love spending a day relaxing there:thumbsup2

[Dean]

I don't buy that. This is just too easy to fix. If it was the best use, they would divide the bus patterns in half. This is so simple it seems silly to have not done it in the first place. I always have a car, whether I drive my own, or fly and rent, and I agree that it is typically more convenient to drive, but there is no excuse for putting in a demonstrably inefficient system that would require somebody to drive when it just isn't necessary. I'm sure DVC doesn't want all those extra cars on the road just so people can get a bite to eat without waiting forever for a bus every morning, afternoon and night; fixing this is so simple, and from what El&Asmom saw on Sunday, maybe they've already started to do so.Easy is relative. At all resorts with multiple stops (OKW, SSR) Disney puts some people in a position to be able to get to the main area by buss but not get back without taking the internal/DD bus. They provide an option for both directions, just not a very workable one for one direction. At OKW you can short circuit it by walking across to another stop and there is a short cut at SSR to get to the farthrest buildings. The buses will only go ONE direction other than the Internal/DD option. There are certainly other options they could use such as a van or golf cart but that'd have to apply to all such resorts and I don't see DVC going that direction.

My guess is they don't want to particularly encourage a lot of traffic of any type to preserve the Jambo experience for the guests there. I'm thinking they did it this way on purpose and that's why there is a store and restaurant. They could easily have built a raised walkway connecting the two buildings at their closest point.

[gkrykewy]

We just spent two nights at Kidani. We walked between Kidani and Jambo several times. It took us 7 minutes but we were on our way to Boma and were very hungry! We strolled back and that took 10 minutes but I stopped three times to take pictures so that slowed us down a bit. It's an easy walk and I would only take the bus if it was pouring rain.

If you are staying in the south wing, there were a couple of places you could exit the building that lead to the walkway to Jambo House. We were in the north wing, just a few rooms from the end of Phase 1 so we had just about the longest possible walk to Jambo and it was a breeze.

So the longest possible walk took 7 minutes. Perfect! That's what I was hoping. Thanks for the confirmation.

[Demosthenes]

Easy is relative. At all resorts with multiple stops (OKW, SSR) Disney puts some people in a position to be able to get to the main area by buss but not get back without taking the internal/DD bus. They provide an option for both directions, just not a very workable one for one direction. At OKW you can short circuit it by walking across to another stop and there is a short cut at SSR to get to the farthrest buildings. The buses will only go ONE direction other than the Internal/DD option. There are certainly other options they could use such as a van or golf cart but that'd have to apply to all such resorts and I don't see DVC going that direction.

My guess is they don't want to particularly encourage a lot of traffic of any type to preserve the Jambo experience for the guests there. I'm thinking they did it this way on purpose and that's why there is a store and restaurant. They could easily have built a raised walkway connecting the two buildings at their closest point.

What I am saying applies at all resorts. It is poor planning to have all busses but one run in the same direction. For no cost, and no added traffic. You could make it so that 2 of the 5 bus loops go counter to the other three, making internal transportation much easier. At SSR and OKW this would be more difficult than AKL because of the bus stops on fixed sides of the road, but at AKL that issue does not exist. I don't buy that the resorts would try to "preserve the experience" with fewer guests traveling back and forth. Disney wants to sell food and merchandise to whomever wants to buy it. They'll take their captive audience at a secluded resort like AKL. If they wanted to discourage intermingling of Jambo and Kidani, they wouldn't have built a walkway or had a bus option (albeit a poorly executed option).

[gkrykewy]

What I am saying applies at all resorts. It is poor planning to have all busses but one run in the same direction. For no cost, and no added traffic. You could make it so that 2 of the 5 bus loops go counter to the other three, making internal transportation much easier. At SSR and OKW this would be more difficult than AKL because of the bus stops on fixed sides of the road, but at AKL that issue does not exist. I don't buy that the resorts would try to "preserve the experience" with fewer guests traveling back and forth. Disney wants to sell food and merchandise to whomever wants to buy it. They'll take their captive audience at a secluded resort like AKL. If they wanted to discourage intermingling of Jambo and Kidani, they wouldn't have built a walkway or had a bus option (albeit a poorly executed option).

I do not believe that the majority of guests will be traveling between Kidani and Jambo by bus once everything settles in.

[Dean]

What I am saying applies at all resorts. It is poor planning to have all busses but one run in the same direction. For no cost, and no added traffic. You could make it so that 2 of the 5 bus loops go counter to the other three, making internal transportation much easier. At SSR and OKW this would be more difficult than AKL because of the bus stops on fixed sides of the road, but at AKL that issue does not exist. I don't buy that the resorts would try to "preserve the experience" with fewer guests traveling back and forth. Disney wants to sell food and merchandise to whomever wants to buy it. They'll take their captive audience at a secluded resort like AKL. If they wanted to discourage intermingling of Jambo and Kidani, they wouldn't have built a walkway or had a bus option (albeit a poorly executed option).I don't think there's necessarily a right or wrong answer here, but I am pointing out it's a decision that was made long before AKV was on the boards at resorts that pose a larger need than does AKV. I do not think there will be a lot of traffic back and forth overall but I'm sure there will be some. About the only reasons to do so are for the restaurant options. I will say that I don't think this is truly fixable with the regular bus system. While it may sound simple to have buses go both directions or alternate routes, it's not really workable for the current buses due to costs, schedules and the need to minimize variables. Many resorts handle such situations with a van or golf cart or they could do a much smaller bus for the AK park plus AKV/AKL but unless they do that for other options, it's hard to have a route that's so limited by the bus type. Free ME has shifted the % of people without a car so it would be reasonable to re-eval the entire system with these issues are part of the equation. I am sure they could come up with a solution if they saw it as a real problem but they have not so far.

[hakepb]

I think saying it is easy to have 2 park bus routes change directions in resort is failing to take into account the added training/mistakes of the hundreds of buses and drivers. Busses are not dedicated to a resort or park, they go on whatever assignment they are given when they arrive at a park. You could not sucessfully train all of the bus drivers to always remember, I'm on a MK run so I go Kidani first or I'm on a EPCOT run, so I go Jambo first.. It could be done, but it would require a full-time security van (Like the MK entrance) pointing the drivers to the correct stop first

To emphasize bus driver reality, I was at OKW for 4 days (2 weeks ago) and the South Point stop was moved to an earlier temporary stop (because the normal bus turnabout was closed due to building rehab) They had well placed and lit signs pointing to the new temp stop, yet I was on 2 busses that missed those signs for their new stop, then had a sloooooow trip through the last turnabout that was not intended for bus use. Another bus driver mentioned this was his first OKW trip with the temp stop (so I new it was communicated) and hoped he'd get it correctly (and did)

[Teancum]

I think saying it is easy to have 2 park bus routes change directions in resort is failing to take into account the added training/mistakes of the hundreds of buses and drivers. Busses are not dedicated to a resort or park, they go on whatever assignment they are given when they arrive at a park. You could not sucessfully train all of the bus drivers to always remember, I'm on a MK run so I go Kidani first or I'm on a EPCOT run, so I go Jambo first.. It could be done, but it would require a full-time security van (Like the MK entrance) pointing the drivers to the correct stop first


I don' think this argument holds water. They're already doing it already with the DTD bus (which, like the theme park routes, are assigned on-call); clearly you could successfully train the bus drivers to remember their route.

[CMedley78]

I'll need to walk off those two Boma meals I'm gonna obliterate in June. So I'll use the walkway to Kidani, rain or shine.

I am right there with you!!! When we stay at SSR I refuse to take the bus to DTD because, well, it is right there!! What is a five, maybe ten minute, walk?:confused3 Not much to me, and you get to enjoy the beautiful weather. I can't imagine waiting 40 minutes for a bus when it would take me a fraction of the time to walk it.

[Dean]

I don' think this argument holds water. They're already doing it already with the DTD bus (which, like the theme park routes, are assigned on-call); clearly you could successfully train the bus drivers to remember their route.I think they try to minimize right angle turns due to the mechanics of how a bus turns and the increased risks in doing so. Personally I don't see it as needed, don't think it's reasonably fixable with the regular bus system and don't believe Disney sees it as an issue either. With over 1300 bus drivers, I think it'd be far too risky and confusing telling them to go one way one time and the other another time. They don't have regular routes and get sent all over. I bet they have to remind them pretty regularly with the internal routes that are different and still they sometimes miss the extra stop..

[jerseygal]

Corkscrew slide! How fun! Can't wait to see more pics of the Kidani pool!:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

[christa112]

Am I missing something. I thought Kindani was opening May 1, but not the entire resort was going to open until later in the year. If this is true, it would make complete sense on why they are still working on things.

[ftballfan7]

When we went to visit on Saturday, we were told that to get to Jambo from Kidani, you had to take the DTD bus. From Jambo to Kidani you could take any bus.
Also when we came from AK we stopped at Jambo first and then went over to Kidani. I wonder why what the deal is. I think it would be nice if all the busses stopped at Kidani first and then you could hop on any bus to get to Jambo. I would think with a lack of a CS at Kidani, there would be more DVC people wanting to get to Jambo for meals at Boma or Mara. It seems there would be less reason for Jambo people to go to Kidani except for the pool. :confused3

Except of course for the Kidani people who want to return to their resort after eating at Jambo.

[hakepb]

Except of course for the Kidani people who want to return to their resort after eating at Jambo.

I think the prototypical Disney experience is go from your room to dining (either breakfast or an after nap-time lunch or dinner) then a park and the bus system was setup with the "prototypical" experience in mind.

But I will completely agree with you that they did not take into account the number of DVC'ers that will go from Kidani to Jambo, eat at the outstanding Jambo dining, then back to Kidani (for the day or to get back to the feature pool)

[gkrykewy]

I still think we are overstating the proportion of guests who will plan to wait 10 minutes for a bus rather than walk for ~8.

[Stinkerbell317]

We went over to check Kadani out this past weekend. As others have said the pool area is fantastic. I love the splash park areas for the kids. However I have a complaint. NO ICED TEA!!!!! Isn't this Florida? Land of the Arnold Palmer??? And no iced tea AT ALL at either Kadani drink station? That's my "morning coffee". I won't be staying there if I have to bus all the way to Jambo every morning to get a drink. Seems trivial I'm sure to most people but I'm a creature of habit and can't function without caffeine in the morning.

[BEASLYBOO]

I still think we are overstating the proportion of guests who will plan to wait 10 minutes for a bus rather than walk for ~8.
Absolutely! Imagine Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Baby/Stroller and another couple of toddlers, for the most part, they aren't walking! Add to that the typical summer rain storms! It's not a matter of fitness, lazyness etc., it's convenience and/or personal choice. DIsney may have to review the bus situation when Kidani is operating at full capacity!

[LisaS]

So the longest possible walk took 7 minutes. Perfect! That's what I was hoping. Thanks for the confirmation.I just want to clarify that when Phase 2 opens, the longest possible walk will be longer, probably 3 or 4 minutes longer. Also, when we did it in 7 minutes, we were walking quite fast (we were running late for our Boma ADR). Our 10-minute leisurely pace would probably be a better estimate for most people.

For guests staying in rooms in the south wing, there are two parking lot elevators along the south wing that allow you to exit the Kidani bldg and join the walking path to Kidani. I believe they are called the Timon elevator and the Zasu (Zazu?) elevator. There is at least one more elevator in the south wing but it doesn't go below the 2nd floor so you have to take an elevator that goes all the way to the parking level (and the signs next to the elevator will tell if you they do).

I also timed the walk from the Kidani lobby to the end of the south wing and it took me 5 minutes. It is a very long hallway. We're in BWV at the moment near the very end of its very long hallway and the BWV hallway seems shorter to me than the Kidani hallway. As others have posted, if you are at/near the end of the south wing, you are probably as close to the Jambo lobby as you are to Kidani's lobby!

[LisaS]

I still think we are overstating the proportion of guests who will plan to wait 10 minutes for a bus rather than walk for ~8.Particularly for those staying more than halfway down the south wing, the walk from the Jambo lobby to the Jambo bus stop plus the walk from the Kidani bus stop to their room in Kidani may be just as long as the walk from the Jambo lobby to their Kidani room. So either way, they will do just as much walking, but going by bus will take 3 or 4 times as long.

[ekball]

Particularly for those staying more than halfway down the south wing, the walk from the Jambo lobby to the Jambo bus stop plus the walk from the Kidani bus stop to their room in Kidani may be just as long as the walk from the Jambo lobby to their Kidani room. So either way, they will do just as much walking, but going by bus will take 3 or 4 times as long.

Totally agree!!! I'm not sure I understand why this walk is so daunting to so many - it's truly nothing compared to the walking you are doing everyday around the resort, the parks, down to the pool, down to the lobby. Now I DO understand that for some it is a mobility issue (I get the bus concern for those people). And then there's the issue of the summer downpours. Otherwise, speaking from experience (I walked it round trip 3 times last weekend), this walk is NOT a big deal. Really. Like I said, it is nothing compared to the walking you are doing daily in WDW - in your resort, parks, etc. It is just not that long - and I stayed in one of the farthest possible rooms that was open (last room on the hall, 2nd building to the left of the lobby, 4th floor). Maybe the 'artists rendering' makes the walk look longer than it truly is??? :confused3

[drusba]

I also timed the walk from the Kidani lobby to the end of the south wing and it took me 5 minutes. It is a very long hallway. We're in BWV at the moment near the very end of its very long hallway and the BWV hallway seems shorter to me than the Kidani hallway. As others have posted, if you are at/near the end of the south wing, you are probably as close to the Jambo lobby as you are to Kidani's lobby!

The BWV walk to the end rooms (historically mentioned on this sight as the "extremely long walk") is actually somewhat shorter than the walk to the end of one of the Jambo wings from its lobby. The south wing of Kidani is longer than either of the Jambo wings. What I am waiting to see here is a report on the walk from the end of the northern wing of Kidani to the lobby since that wing is so long it could be in two counties.

[HayGan]

It is a big resort. I would expect things not to be right next to each other. Quite frankly, I don't get all the anxiety over the walk. Then again I have walked from the last building in the Grandstands at SSR to T-Rex Cafe in DTD so I might not be the typical guest :rotfl:

[gkrykewy]

Absolutely! Imagine Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Baby/Stroller and another couple of toddlers, for the most part, they aren't walking!

I disagree. For the most part, Disney resorts are large, sprawling, and require a significant amount of walking. Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, Coronado Springs, All Star... the list goes on. If you are staying on Disney property, you are usually walking a good bit, and it's often outdoors on landscaped paths between buildings, to the pool, to the lobby/arcade, etc. This is really no different at all.

In fact, I just measured it in Google Earth, and the outdoor walk between the Kidani and Jambo lobbies is roughly equivalent to the walk between some of the more distant Caribbean Beach buildings and the main central pool - about 1,700 feet.

Add to that the typical summer rain storms! It's not a matter of fitness, lazyness etc., it's convenience and/or personal choice. DIsney may have to review the bus situation when Kidani is operating at full capacity!

I can assure you that DVC did not intend for buses or cars to be the primary means of transportation between Kidani and Jambo. One look at the site plan should tell you that.

[Demosthenes]

I can assure you that DVC did not intend for buses or cars to be the primary means of transportation between Kidani and Jambo. One look at the site plan should tell you that.

Ok, though that's frankly irrelevant. The question is why is it inefficient, not why would somebody use the system. Like Dean, you may argue it is inefficient to discourage the use of the busses for internal transportation, and maybe that's the case, but it is inefficient. Many people on the boards take a "holier than thou" approach that people are lazy or stupid, or whatever, but we don't know why someone would prefer the bus option, I frankly don't think we should judge them for using it. I do think it is reasonable to point out inefficiency in certain aspects of a resort, especially when it is new and the tweaks are being made; how else will Disney know to make those tweaks?

[hakepb]

I don' think this argument holds water. They're already doing it already with the DTD bus (which, like the theme park routes, are assigned on-call); clearly you could successfully train the bus drivers to remember their route.
As I pointed out (now more specifically) I was just at OKW 4 days, bussed by South Point (going back from the parks) 8 times and I think construction was "only" 3 days, 6 times.
In my experience, 25% or 33% of the time the bus drivers did not follow the internal resort signs and did the wrong route by South Point.

Do you want to get onto a park bus at Kidani to get to your Boma or Jiko reservation and 25-33% of the time wind up going to a park instead of Jambo because the bus driver got it wrong?

(I think the DTD "reverse" problems might be less a current issue as they might be dedicated DTD busses, but I'm not certain on that guess)

[gkrykewy]

Ok, though that's frankly irrelevant. The question is why is it inefficient, not why would somebody use the system. Like Dean, you may argue it is inefficient to discourage the use of the busses for internal transportation, and maybe that's the case, but it is inefficient. Many people on the boards take a "holier than thou" approach that people are lazy or stupid, or whatever, but we don't know why someone would prefer the bus option, I frankly don't think we should judge them for using it. I do think it is reasonable to point out inefficiency in certain aspects of a resort, especially when it is new and the tweaks are being made; how else will Disney know to make those tweaks?

I'm sorry if you think I'm being "holier than thou" - I'm trying to just be reasonable, rational, and pragmatic. My point with the line you took issue with is that if Disney did not intend Disney buses to be used as a main mode of transport between the two buildings, then it's not an issue of efficiency, it's a question of people trying to shoehorn the buses into regular use for a purpose for which they are not intended.

I think if the walk is THAT big a deal, then you should just stay in Jambo, frankly.

Now if I'm mistaken and there are signs (for example) promoting the buses for transport back and forth, then my perspective would certainly change.

[Demosthenes]

I think they try to minimize right angle turns due to the mechanics of how a bus turns and the increased risks in doing so. Personally I don't see it as needed, don't think it's reasonably fixable with the regular bus system and don't believe Disney sees it as an issue either. With over 1300 bus drivers, I think it'd be far too risky and confusing telling them to go one way one time and the other another time. They don't have regular routes and get sent all over. I bet they have to remind them pretty regularly with the internal routes that are different and still they sometimes miss the extra stop..

I just can't believe that the average bus driver is too stupid to know how to figure this out, especially since they already have to do this to accommodate the current internal transportation system. FWIW, what I'm suggesting doesn't add more right angle turns; it remains constant no matter where they pick-up or drop-off first. One thing we can definitely agree on is, Disney doesn't think its an issue, for anybody concerned with it, that's the problem.

[Demosthenes]

I'm sorry if you think I'm being "holier than thou" - I'm trying to just be reasonable, rational, and pragmatic. My point with the line you took issue with is that if Disney did not intend Disney buses to be used as a main mode of transport between the two buildings, then it's not an issue of efficiency, it's a question of people trying to shoehorn the buses into regular use for a purpose for which they are not intended.

I never accused you of being holier than thou...

I think if the walk is THAT big a deal, then you should just stay in Jambo, frankly.

Until now.;)

There are, in fact, signs for this.

[ekball]

I do think it is reasonable to point out inefficiency in certain aspects of a resort, especially when it is new and the tweaks are being made; how else will Disney know to make those tweaks?

Because one can't 'hear' the tone of my post, let me just say that I don't mean this to sound snarky in any way...

Can I respectfully ask, what the 'inefficiency' is? And more importantly, what would the fix be in your opinion? A dedicated bus between Jambo and Kidani? I can't imagine Disney would ever do that. They are offering some sort of bus service between the two locations, they run similarly to other resorts that have multiple stops, so they really have offered Kidani/Jambo guests the same service as any other Disney owned resort. Why would we expect anything different at AKV? Now, if the complaint is that the busses are running very slow, than that's a whole other story. But that's one that's relevant to all resorts, not just AKV. And most likely, as usual, it's all about timing....when you happen to hit the bus stop....right before a bus comes, or right after one leaves. And that's just the luck of the draw. I was at Kidani last weekend, like you, and I guess we were lucky because we seemed to catch the busses at the right times. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus.

I guess I'm just wondering what the solution would be for those who are so worried about the bus situation. And I don't mean that in a 'holier than thou' attitude or tone, just pure curiosity. I felt like we were offered multiple solutions for going back and forth between Jambo and Kidani - walk over or take the bus, but just like any other bus trip you may need to wait a little bit. It's what I have come to expect when I'm at Disney and if I ever get too tired of it, I guess I'll rent a car.

[gkrykewy]

There are, in fact, signs for this.

Well then there's the problem :lmao:

what would the fix be in your opinion? A dedicated bus between Jambo and Kidani?

NO THANK YOU. That cost would come right out of our dues.

[Demosthenes]

Because one can't 'hear' the tone of my post, let me just say that I don't mean this to sound snarky in any way...

Can I respectfully ask, what the 'inefficiency' is? And more importantly, what would the fix be in your opinion? A dedicated bus between Jambo and Kidani? I can't imagine Disney would ever do that. They are offering some sort of bus service between the two locations, they run similarly to other resorts that have multiple stops, so they really have offered Kidani/Jambo guests the same service as any other Disney owned resort. Why would we expect anything different at AKV? Now, if the complaint is that the busses are running very slow, than that's a whole other story. But that's one that's relevant to all resorts, not just AKV. And most likely, as usual, it's all about timing....when you happen to hit the bus stop....right before a bus comes, or right after one leaves. And that's just the luck of the draw. I was at Kidani last weekend, like you, and I guess we were lucky because we seemed to catch the busses at the right times. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus.

I guess I'm just wondering what the solution would be for those who are so worried about the bus situation. And I don't mean that in a 'holier than thou' attitude or tone, just pure curiosity. I felt like we were offered multiple solutions for going back and forth between Jambo and Kidani - walk over or take the bus, but just like any other bus trip you may need to wait a little bit. It's what I have come to expect when I'm at Disney and if I ever get too tired of it, I guess I'll rent a car.

Frankly, when I go with just my wife and child, it doesn't make much of a difference. I'd walk. We take one trip a year with my mom who, while not confined to a wheelchair normally, rents one in the parks. For her it would be hard. My proposed solution is simple: Right now, the 4 theme park busses go to Kidani first, then Jambo, while the DTD bus goes to Jambo first, then Kidani. The simple solution to me would be to have one of the theme park buses stop at Jambo first as well. That way, there would be two busses from Jambo to Kidani, and three busses from Kidani to Jambo...for NO MORE COST you could have added benefit of a more efficient system.

[BEASLYBOO]

I disagree. For the most part, Disney resorts are large, sprawling, and require a significant amount of walking. Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, Coronado Springs, All Star... the list goes on. If you are staying on Disney property, you are usually walking a good bit, and it's often outdoors on landscaped paths between buildings, to the pool, to the lobby/arcade, etc. This is really no different at all.

In fact, I just measured it in Google Earth, and the outdoor walk between the Kidani and Jambo lobbies is roughly equivalent to the walk between some of the more distant Caribbean Beach buildings and the main central pool - about 1,700 feet.

I can assure you that DVC did not intend for buses or cars to be the primary means of transportation between Kidani and Jambo. One look at the site plan should tell you that.

and I'm sure that's why so many people take their cars to the pools and the restaurants and the buses/cars to HH at OKW to get coffee in the morning. I love to walk, I don't have any issues but many will at Kidani, just like SSR and OKW. Another issue at Kidani is the lack of a food court, there isn't a Mara at Kidani for the simple reason that DVC doesn't put in food courts at DVC Resorts, the villas have kitchens, hence SSR, OKW, VB, HH. Hotels have food courts, the Boardwalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge etc. For some the walking is going to be an issue and those people will choose to stay at Jambo. Just like the pools, Jambo's pool services both hotel guests and DVC members, that's why it's always so crowded, now the Kidani pool won't just service DVC customers, I'm sure lodge guests will use it too.

Those DVCr's that don't like the remoteness/ accessability to food & services of SSR and OKW will not like Kidani for the same reason and will prefer Jambo. By the same token I will prefer Kidani to Jambo for exactly those reasons.

[gkrykewy]

and I'm sure that's why so many people take their cars to the pools and the restaurants and the buses/cars to HH at OKW to get coffee in the morning.

"So many" = "the minority"

But they're certainly entitled.

Frankly, when I go with just my wife and child, it doesn't make much of a difference. I'd walk. We take one trip a year with my mom who, while not confined to a wheelchair normally, rents one in the parks. For her it would be hard. My proposed solution is simple: Right now, the 4 theme park busses go to Kidani first, then Jambo, while the DTD bus goes to Jambo first, then Kidani. The simple solution to me would be to have one of the theme park buses stop at Jambo first as well. That way, there would be two busses from Jambo to Kidani, and three busses from Kidani to Jambo...for NO MORE COST you could have added benefit of a more efficient system.

I agree that your solution sounds practical on the surface, and I'm all for it if it can be done at no cost :surfweb:

[laughinplace199]

We just returned from 8 nights at AKV. We had a nice time, and got to experience Kidani for the last 3 nights. The resort is nice, and the interior looks great. The Kidani pool is way better than Jambo's pool; in my personal opinion, Jambo has the worst pool of any DVC resort, and easily the worst slide. The pool at Kidani was very nice, and we were very pleased to not have to pool hop the last few days (we spent the first part of the week in Coronado's pool). The slide is very nice, and while pretty much another corkscrew slide (like many of the other DVC resorts), it is themed well, and was plenty long.

The restaurant was smallish..., and the store was as well. That is a little surprising considering the apparent size of the finished resort. It was no problem this week, but the place was pretty empty (rooms were booked to capacity, but CMs were telling us that there aren't that many rooms ready for use). The savannah feels more intimate and closer to the rooms and public areas than Jambo. I also like the parking; much of it is under the buildings, so you keep out of the heat (kind of like Vero, though the garage is more open).

A few things were disappointing this week. One thing that surprised me was how much the exterior public areas still lack to be finished. None of the Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) walls in the parking garage area were painted. That is normal for a parking garage, but this is open to public view. It looks really distracting, and if it isn't on a punch list, it needs to be added. It looks really tacky. Also, as you approach the building, the siding has no trim nor design of any sort. I have to believe this will be changed later; it looks like a metal fabricated building, and is not very attractive. They may think that one day the vegetation will block the eyesore view, but it looks awful right now. All around the resort, there is a lot of construction debris, building materials, mulch, tools, etc. The site really needed another week to be properly prepared for guests to arrive. This was not in the savannah areas, but in and around the rest of the resort it looked this way. It was very bad show on Disney's part. My wife was shocked by it; as was I (I am a commercial builder, and I've never turned over a hotel in such a state before; they clearly were struggling to make substantial completion).

I really hope they work out the busses as well. Since we were at AKL all week, we saw the resort with Jambo only, and with Kidani. With only Jambo, the busses were significantly more efficient. When Kidani was added to the loop, efficiency was really hampered. It takes 6 minutes to get from the Jambo bus stop to the Kidani bus stop (seems long, but I timed it on multiple trips; part of the problem seems to be some sort of direction the drivers have been given to crawl down the streets once inside the resort). Also, many times when you take the Epcot bus from the park , and always for the MGM bus from the park, you go to Blizzard Beach, and sometimes also to AK during the slower parts of the day. It takes forever, and would seem interminable if you were the going on to Jambo house. Also, for some reason, all busses from theme parks go to Kidani first, then Jambo. That would be fine, except that without a walkway from Jambo to Kidani, your only means of transport from Jambo to Kidani is the Downtown Disney Bus, which seems to be the least frequent of all the busses. It works fine going from Kidani to Jambo, because you can catch basically any bus; the problem is coming from Jambo to Kidani. I waited 40 Minutes on Friday night to get from Jambo to Kidani after dinner at Boma. That was ridiculous. I think they should make it so that Epcot and MK go to Kidani first, and AK and DS go to Jambo first. That way the internal transportation would be greatly improved. I know they will have to work out details, but this is one they have to work on, and soon.

I don't want to sound all negative. We did enjoy our stay. Our 5 year-old loved looking for the animals each day, and while his mother and I hated the Jambo pool, he loved it (though he too preferred Coronado's pool). We also really enjoyed the Mara and Boma (breakfast and dinner). I love the exotic smells coming from the kitchens of Jiko and Boma each time you walk into the resort. I also loved the CMs out at Arusha Rock and the storytelling (BTW, at Kidani, the stories are told in the library overlooking the savannah, not outside). We also loved Zawadi Marketplace; that store has more unique items than any other resort store we've been to before.

I'll post some pictures when I get them uploaded, but if anybody has any questions, feel free to fire away.

Thanks for your report. I'm glad you mentioned the garage because I was beginning to think I was the only one who had a problem with how it looked. We had dinner at Jiko on 4/28 and drove over to Kidani afterwards to see what it looked like. I was shocked at the way the garage area looked. I really hope that they're not done. I would expect at least a coat of paint on the ugly cinderblock walls. :confused3

We're thinking of staying there next year. The pool area sounds great! :thumbsup2

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Thanks for posting your review and honest thoughts on the resort. We are staying at Kidani in December and are hoping that the kinks, especially with the bus service, will be worked out by then.

[Demosthenes]

Corkscrew slide! How fun! Can't wait to see more pics of the Kidani pool!:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

This is the best I can do:

http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0656.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0657.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=mediumhttp://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0658.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0659.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0660.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0661.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium

[TagsMissy]

Thanks for your report. I'm glad you mentioned the garage because I was beginning to think I was the only one who had a problem with how it looked. We had dinner at Jiko on 4/28 and drove over to Kidani afterwards to see what it looked like. I was shocked at the way the garage area looked. I really hope that they're not done. I would expect at least a coat of paint on the ugly cinderblock walls. :confused3

We're thinking of staying there next year. The pool area sounds great! :thumbsup2

There are environmental reasons for not painting concrete. I have no issues with a parking garage being concrete.

[GuySmiley]

We can't have bus drivers other than the DTD drivers go the opposite direction. You see, the DTD drivers are the best of the best, kind of the top-gun drivers of Disney drivers. They can handle complex instructions like, 'go opposite of all the other drivers.' If you gave those instructions to an Epcot driver, for instance, he'd probably just cry, at best, and worst, he'd run over children. Do you want the buses to run over children? I didn't think so. Its the same lazy attitude that makes you want to ride a bus instead of walk that made you over-look these facts in the first place!

[jade1]

We can't have bus drivers other than the DTD drivers go the opposite direction. You see, the DTD drivers are the best of the best, kind of the top-gun drivers of Disney drivers. They can handle complex instructions like, 'go opposite of all the other drivers.' If you gave those instructions to an Epcot driver, for instance, he'd probably just cry, at best, and worst, he'd run over children. Do you want the buses to run over children? I didn't think so. Its the same lazy attitude that makes you want to ride a bus instead of walk that made you over-look these facts in the first place!

popcorn::

[Demosthenes]

A few more pics:
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0666/web.jpg?ver=12418027470001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0675/web.jpg?ver=12418028000001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0676/web.jpg?ver=12418028080001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0677/web.jpg?ver=12418028130001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0678/web.jpg?ver=12418028220001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0679/web.jpg?ver=12418028270001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0681/web.jpg?ver=12418028390001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0682/web.jpg?ver=12418028450001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0686/web.jpg?ver=12418028710001

[lugnut33]

We can't have bus drivers other than the DTD drivers go the opposite direction. You see, the DTD drivers are the best of the best, kind of the top-gun drivers of Disney drivers. They can handle complex instructions like, 'go opposite of all the other drivers.' If you gave those instructions to an Epcot driver, for instance, he'd probably just cry, at best, and worst, he'd run over children. Do you want the buses to run over children? I didn't think so. Its the same lazy attitude that makes you want to ride a bus instead of walk that made you over-look these facts in the first place!

I drove our rent-a-car from Kidani to Jambo!!! Take that!!

Oh, and Epcot drivers only drive into the future, that's why they stop at Kidani first!!

[lugnut33]

A few more pics:
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0666/web.jpg?ver=12418027470001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0675/web.jpg?ver=12418028000001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0676/web.jpg?ver=12418028080001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0677/web.jpg?ver=12418028130001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0678/web.jpg?ver=12418028220001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0679/web.jpg?ver=12418028270001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0681/web.jpg?ver=12418028390001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0682/web.jpg?ver=12418028450001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0686/web.jpg?ver=12418028710001


Those are some pretty cool red x's they have at Kidani.



(I know you're trying, so thanks)

[Demosthenes]

We can't have bus drivers other than the DTD drivers go the opposite direction. You see, the DTD drivers are the best of the best, kind of the top-gun drivers of Disney drivers. They can handle complex instructions like, 'go opposite of all the other drivers.' If you gave those instructions to an Epcot driver, for instance, he'd probably just cry, at best, and worst, he'd run over children. Do you want the buses to run over children? I didn't think so. Its the same lazy attitude that makes you want to ride a bus instead of walk that made you over-look these facts in the first place!

LOL!

I can't believe my folly; I apologize for my short-sightedness.

[Demosthenes]

Sorry if there is a problem with the pictures not showing up; they show up on my browser. If anyone want to check out the photos, you can go here:
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090

[jns]

A few more pics:
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0666/web.jpg?ver=12418027470001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0675/web.jpg?ver=12418028000001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0676/web.jpg?ver=12418028080001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0677/web.jpg?ver=12418028130001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0678/web.jpg?ver=12418028220001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0679/web.jpg?ver=12418028270001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0681/web.jpg?ver=12418028390001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0682/web.jpg?ver=12418028450001
http://www.me.com/ro/pc_frailey/Galleries/100090/DSCN0686/web.jpg?ver=12418028710001
anyone else not seeing the photos
Thanks for your honest report :thumbsup2

[GuySmiley]

I drove our rent-a-car from Kidani to Jambo!!! Take that!!

Oh, and Epcot drivers only drive into the future, that's why they stop at Kidani first!!
LOL, yeah, but don't dare try to tell them to come back! Loved your trip report by the way. My wife and I are going to Kidani without kids in Oct also. But we are going back in Dec with them, so they can't feel too bad.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Sorry if there is a problem with the pictures not showing up; they show up on my browser. If anyone want to check out the photos, you can go here:
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090

Excellent photos. Thanks for posting the link!

[Demosthenes]

Corkscrew slide! How fun! Can't wait to see more pics of the Kidani pool!:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

This is the best I can do:

http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0656.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0657.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0658.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0659.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0660.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0661.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium

[Demosthenes]

A few more pics:

http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0664.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0665.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0666.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0674.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0675.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0676.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0677.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0682.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium
http://gallery.me.com/pc_frailey/100090/DSCN0686.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium

[AKV707]

How long is the walk from Kidani to Jambo? I have heard about 10 minutes. DW and I will walk. It is healthier for as long as we can do it.

[ekball]

How long is the walk from Kidani to Jambo? I have heard about 10 minutes. DW and I will walk. It is healthier for as long as we can do it.

10 minutes, unless you're racewalking, then I'd say 7. ;) It's a nice walk, and over before you know it. Much easier (IMO) than waiting for the bus, but the bus is there if needed.

[TK Brown]

Is there a place like Mara in Kidani? Ive been reading several posts and i dont see any mention of a place like that.

[Demosthenes]

Is there a place like Mara in Kidani? Ive been reading several posts and i dont see any mention of a place like that.

No. There is a menu at the pool bar (limited), though they don't yet take DDP.

[disney1474]

Absolutely! Imagine Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Baby/Stroller and another couple of toddlers, for the most part, they aren't walking! Add to that the typical summer rain storms! It's not a matter of fitness, lazyness etc., it's convenience and/or personal choice. DIsney may have to review the bus situation when Kidani is operating at full capacity!

I disagree about the wait for the buss. We just returned after staying 8 nights at Kidani. Everytime we went to get a bus to go to Jambo a bus was either there waiting or it came literally in 1 or 2 minutes. Remember, any of the 4 theme park busses you can take to jambo. This is why you usually don't have to wait because there is always a bus coming. We had no problems at all.

oh...and the resort looks fantastic!!

[Anal Annie]

It is a big resort. I would expect things not to be right next to each other. Quite frankly, I don't get all the anxiety over the walk. Then again I have walked from the last building in the Grandstands at SSR to T-Rex Cafe in DTD so I might not be the typical guest :rotfl:

Out of curiosity, about how long of a walk was that for you door to door and at what kind of pace? We're staying at SSR over Memorial Day weekend & I have requsted the Grandstand area (tho of course it's not guaranteed) and we have ressies one nite at T-Rex. This will be our first stay at SSR so I'm not familiar with it at all but I figured we'd walk to DTD. If we can't get into the Grandstand area then I plan to request Congress Park. I just want to make sure we allow ample time for our ressie...

(Oh, and what did u think of T-Rex? We are going for DS's birthday dinner so I thought it looked like fun more than anything.... We've never eaten at Rainforest Cafe either so this is new territory for us!)

[HayGan]

Out of curiosity, about how long of a walk was that for you door to door and at what kind of pace? We're staying at SSR over Memorial Day weekend & I have requsted the Grandstand area (tho of course it's not guaranteed) and we have ressies one nite at T-Rex. This will be our first stay at SSR so I'm not familiar with it at all but I figured we'd walk to DTD. If we can't get into the Grandstand area then I plan to request Congress Park. I just want to make sure we allow ample time for our ressie...

(Oh, and what did u think of T-Rex? We are going for DS's birthday dinner so I thought it looked like fun more than anything.... We've never eaten at Rainforest Cafe either so this is new territory for us!)

I would say it was about 25 mnutes. DS#2 (7) and I did it and I will say that I walk faster than him so his little legs were kind of tired! We have stayed in both Congress Park and the Grandstands and we all prefer CP.

As for T-Rex, we did not end up eating in there. The line was abotu 50 people long and they told us the wait was over an hour. Plus we walked in and DS said "this is way too crazy in here - let's go to McDonald's" We find the food and service at Rainforest to be mediocre. I really think it is overpriced but it is an experience. You are definitely paying for the decor and not the food. Prepare yourself and your party for a loud/crazy environment with somewhat slow service.

[dianeschlicht]

I agree with much of your first post (sorry, I haven't read the rest of the thread yet, so this may have already been said), but I don't understand the part about waiting 40 mintues for a bus to go from Jambo to Kidani after dinner.

We were at Jiko for dinner the other night and walked from there to the Kidani lobby in about 5 minutes NO WAY would I wait 40 minutes to ride that short of a distance. Heck, it takes me that long to walk to the end of my driveway at home, and I wouldn't think of driving it.

[Demosthenes]

I agree with much of your first post (sorry, I haven't read the rest of the thread yet, so this may have already been said), but I don't understand the part about waiting 40 mintues for a bus to go from Jambo to Kidani after dinner.

We were at Jiko for dinner the other night and walked from there to the Kidani lobby in about 5 minutes NO WAY would I wait 40 minutes to ride that short of a distance. Heck, it takes me that long to walk to the end of my driveway at home, and I wouldn't think of driving it.

The walkway wasn't open on Friday night, May 1(it may have been open on May 2, but I know it was by the 3rd); there just wasn't a way back, short of walking the road, which I wasn't going to do with a 5-year-old.

[Demosthenes]

I disagree about the wait for the buss. We just returned after staying 8 nights at Kidani. Everytime we went to get a bus to go to Jambo a bus was either there waiting or it came literally in 1 or 2 minutes. Remember, any of the 4 theme park busses you can take to jambo. This is why you usually don't have to wait because there is always a bus coming. We had no problems at all.

oh...and the resort looks fantastic!!

I'd definitely agree that from Kidani to Jambo was never a problem; there was always a bus going that route. From Jambo to Kidani was where we experienced our problem.

[disney13]

Just wanted to thank the OP for posting their trip report.

Cheers!
Andy

[ekball]

The walkway wasn't open on Friday night, May 1(it may have been open on May 2, but I know it was by the 3rd); there just wasn't a way back, short of walking the road, which I wasn't going to do with a 5-year-old.

Someone must have given you some misinformation about the walkway on Friday (that it wasn't open) because we walked it at 1:00 that afternoon to get food from the Mara. We walked it again Sat. morning, and then again Sunday night. I guess it's the confusion of a new resort. :confused3

[disney1474]

Someone must have given you some misinformation about the walkway on Friday (that it wasn't open) because we walked it at 1:00 that afternoon to get food from the Mara. We walked it again Sat. morning, and then again Sunday night. I guess it's the confusion of a new resort. :confused3

I walked it on the friday the 1st at 7 am to go check in!!

[Demosthenes]

Someone must have given you some misinformation about the walkway on Friday (that it wasn't open) because we walked it at 1:00 that afternoon to get food from the Mara. We walked it again Sat. morning, and then again Sunday night. I guess it's the confusion of a new resort. :confused3

That's certainly a possibility. The left hand never knows what the right hand is doing at WDW.

[5forDiz]

OP great photos & enjoyed reading your TR & observations; thanks for taking the time :goodvibes

[Anal Annie]

I would say it was about 25 mnutes. DS#2 (7) and I did it and I will say that I walk faster than him so his little legs were kind of tired! We have stayed in both Congress Park and the Grandstands and we all prefer CP.

As for T-Rex, we did not end up eating in there. The line was abotu 50 people long and they told us the wait was over an hour. Plus we walked in and DS said "this is way too crazy in here - let's go to McDonald's" We find the food and service at Rainforest to be mediocre. I really think it is overpriced but it is an experience. You are definitely paying for the decor and not the food. Prepare yourself and your party for a loud/crazy environment with somewhat slow service.

Holy Smokes!!:eek: 25 minutes!? That's more than what we will be up for after walking around the parks all day. GLAD I asked before telling DH & DS "hey let's walk"!!:rotfl: And good thing I made a ressie at T-Rex for DS's birthday rather than chancing a walk-up. Our ressie is for like about 8:00 I think - we will have a late lunch & I think we will be ready to just sit, get off our feet for awhile and have a slow dinner by that time. The one thing I WAS disappointed about when I made the ressie was that I wanted to order a b-day cake for DS and since it's not a Disney restaurant they won't deliver one there. I've heard the food is so-so...but I just thought it looked like an interesting place. Thanks for the heads up on the walk time!! Anybody know how long we should allow for the bus / boat? The boat would be quickest, right?

This walk between Kidani & Jambo House is sounding like a breeze in comparison...

[Dean]

Holy Smokes!!:eek: 25 minutes!? That's more than what we will be up for after walking around the parks all day. GLAD I asked before telling DH & DS "hey let's walk"!!:rotfl: And good thing I made a ressie at T-Rex for DS's birthday rather than chancing a walk-up. Our ressie is for like about 8:00 I think - we will have a late lunch & I think we will be ready to just sit, get off our feet for awhile and have a slow dinner by that time. The one thing I WAS disappointed about when I made the ressie was that I wanted to order a b-day cake for DS and since it's not a Disney restaurant they won't deliver one there. I've heard the food is so-so...but I just thought it looked like an interesting place. Thanks for the heads up on the walk time!! Anybody know how long we should allow for the bus / boat? The boat would be quickest, right?

This walk between Kidani & Jambo House is sounding like a breeze in comparison...I don't think 25 minutes is typical. Even if you walked all the way from the farthest side of Grandstand or Carousel or even THV to the side where the buses let off and back to Cirque, it's not 25 minutes. If you take the bridge over and walk from the West Side to T rex, it should be even less. The only walk that should be 25 minutes normal walking would be from some sections of OKW.