Jambo vs Kidani

[Dizznee Freak]

Ok folks. Can anyone tell me about the differences between Jambo House and Kidani. I know they are in separate buildings and Jambo is part of the main Animal Kingdom Lodge. Other than that is there a clearly better overall one.

 

[benji2012]

Ok folks. Can anyone tell me about the differences between Jambo House and Kidani. I know they are in separate buildings and Jambo is part of the main Animal Kingdom Lodge. Other than that is there a clearly better overall one.

I prefer Jambo for the convenience to Mara the CS location and Jiko. I also find the lobby much more spectacular.

I prefer the 1BR at Kidani , with it's extra bathroom. I also like that the parking is under the building.

Overall, Jambo has a slight edge for me.

 

[michelleiada]

Ok folks. Can anyone tell me about the differences between Jambo House and Kidani. I know they are in separate buildings and Jambo is part of the main Animal Kingdom Lodge. Other than that is there a clearly better overall one.

Jambo is the main hotel with some DVC villas added later. Kidani is ALL DVC villas. Jambo has the main lobby and is busier.

 

[Dizznee Freak]

Thanks I was sorta leaning towards Jambo for the reasons stated. I was just looking to see if there was any overwhelming reason I would need to book Kidani..LOL

 

[dansamy]

I prefer Kidani because of the extra bathroom in the 1br. We have 5 people. 1 bathroom just doesn't cut it.

 

[bcrook]

I think it is a little more peaceful at Kidani. The parking is better. And I like the okapis. The shuttles are very reliable between the two buildings.

 

[Polynesian27]

We are staying at Kidani in July and were in a similar situation. We chose Kidani because of the expansive splash and play area for our 1 year old.

 

[chimo2u]

Another plus for Kidani would be its the first picked up on the buses, which could allow you a better chance for a seat at busier times I've been to AKL twice and LOVE it, especially Club Level at Jambo, but my next trip I'm giving Kidani 1 BDRM a try and forgoing club level for that king size bed, extra bathroom, laundry room in my own room, and first picked up bus stop!

 

[Dizznee Freak]

OK it looks like I will be planning on a 2 be Savannah view at Kidani next year. Thanks for the input

 

[Simba's Mom]

Also, the DVC villas at Jambo are all on the 5th floor, but at Kidani they're on every floor (of course). The significance of this is that, if you're a true animal nut, you can HEAR the "clip-clop" of the animal's hooves at Kidani, but you can't at Jambo. I've stayed at Jambo many times and loved it, but this is what hooked me on trying Kidani (booked for October). I was in the lounge off the lobby at Kidani one day, stepped outside and heared "clip-clop". So I've requested a 2nd floor near that location in October- we'll see (and hopefully, hear)!

 

[stazmatic]

If you plan on taking busses Kidani is the clear choice! Many, many times we would get on the bus at Kidani and go to Jambo and it would be standing room only. For some reason, the bus also drops off first at Kidani.
The pool and splash area at Kidani is a blast for the kids.
Here comes the but........there is no quick service and the snacks available at the pool are extremely lacking. So if you want to get to the parks fast and not eat, stay at Kidani or bring lots of groceries.
The lobby and the food selection at Jambo is much better. Personally, I would never spend that much money on a room and put up with standing room only on almost every bus.

 

[Yellosno]

We're staying at Jambo for the close proximity to the QS area. Can't wait!

 

[MondaysChild]

We are kidani fans for the kids area, the pool, and the first bus stop. The lobby is beautiful at jambo, but kidani is more my speed. They have a little bus between the two now in case you don't want to walk to get quick serve. If you are bussers and it is a busy time, kinda I is best. We were on busses that drove right past jambo full. When we don't bus, you can park the car right under your room.

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

We stayed at Kidani recently and I didn't think I coul ever love a resort as much as Jambo. Well....turns out Kidani now has the edge! they have now added a couple of sandwich options at the pool to solve for the QS issue (still not the same but pretty darn good). We enjoyed everything and the resort is much quieter and "seemed" much closer to the animals....probably because it was more relaxed. My DD3 and DS1 loved the pool and splash area. They also ran a shuttle back and forth between the two buildings at least every 10 minutes so we had no problem making activities or meals at Jambo. It was, by a small measure, my favorite stay at Disney. Easy parking, bus service was quick and reliable (my main concern) and my young kids LOVED watching the animals. You will enjoy both....but think you'll be really happy with Kidani unless you are looking for more "action". Have a great trip!

 

[Miss Monorail 1971]

We will be at Kidani in 48 days. We chose Kidani for the extra bathroom in a 1 bedroom and busses. My mom will be on a scooter and busses were an issue on our last trip. We had to wait a long time at CSR for a bus able to pick up someone on a scooter because it was always full. We ended up driving most of the trip because of the bus issue. Took a lot of time out of our trip. I am looking for a nice relaxing trip and I think Kidani will soon upset my family favorite BWV.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We stayed at Kidani recently and I didn't think I coul ever love a resort as much as Jambo. Well....turns out Kidani now has the edge! they have now added a couple of sandwich options at the pool to solve for the QS issue (still not the same but pretty darn good). We enjoyed everything and the resort is much quieter and "seemed" much closer to the animals....probably because it was more relaxed. My DD3 and DS1 loved the pool and splash area. They also ran a shuttle back and forth between the two buildings at least every 10 minutes so we had no problem making activities or meals at Jambo. It was, by a small measure, my favorite stay at Disney. Easy parking, bus service was quick and reliable (my main concern) and my young kids LOVED watching the animals. You will enjoy both....but think you'll be really happy with Kidani unless you are looking for more "action". Have a great trip!

Hearing your comments makes me even more excited to try Kidani. Thanks!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

We have stayed at Jambo house in the past and loved it!!! This June we are giving Kidani a try! At first I was a little nervous about the lack of QS location, but then realized I'm rarely at the resort to actually eat. The most we would actually us the QS for is to refill our mugs and you can do that at the pool and gift shop at Kidani! I can attest that one thing that appeals to me most is that the busses stop and drop of at Kidani first. There were many time when we stayed at Jambo that the busses would be completely full by the time they got to us. And after a long day in the parks I'm glad we will be the first stop! 22 more days!!! Here's hoping the next 3 weeks go quickly!

 

[ElizabethG]

OK it looks like I will be planning on a 2 be Savannah view at Kidani next year. Thanks for the input

It probably goes without saying, but the extra bathroom in a 1-bdrm means there is also an extra in the 2-bdrm (2 baths at Jambo / 3 baths at Kidani).

We are staying there this fall in a lock-off 2-bdrm. The dedicated 2-bdrms have a balcony that goes all the way across. The lock-off has 1 large and 1 small balcony. I booked the lock-off because my in-laws are coming and then it is like they have a studio attached to our 1-bdrm. They will also have a kitchenette, so they'll have their own coffee maker. My DH and I need one to ourselves!

 

[sweetcreams]

How long is the walk between Jambo and Kidani?