AKL Kidani, day 1 and 2 quick report

[jrbarnes]

We arrived on Sunday about 10:30am at AKL. I love the landscaping of the whole complex as it does make it feel as if you were in an "African" village. Our home resort is SSR, so we wanted to take a vacation in one of the other vacation club resorts this time.

our room wasnt ready, so we just did a quick tour of the place. Our kids absolutely loved the ability to check out the animals from the various lookout spots and outdoor viewing areas.

I know some have a mixed opinion on the underground parking, but I love it. Keeps the car cool in the summer and dry if it rains.

We headed to the parks for some fun since our room wasnt ready. Got the text that our room was ready about 3pm.

We didnt have a savannah view unfortunately. We are on the third floor very near the lobby. I would probably not suggest a room so close to the lobby if you do not have a svannah view. You do hear some noise in the morning as the buses start running and people start moving about outside the lobby. It is certainly not bad, just something we will note for future.

We have a 2 bedroom lockoff unit. The unit is very large. I know the square footage is not that much greater than SSR, but it just feels alot bigger. We love the added third bathroom and the layout is simply better. We always wondered who designed the master bathroom at SSR 2 bedroom villas. There is what 4 or 5 doors in that small area? We love the decor throughout our villa as well as the lodge itself. quick side note, We wonder if they will miss one of the ANimal Kingdom Lodge mats outside the elevators? We would never take one, that was just a joke, but we do love them and know they would look great on our front porch at home!! The chair that folds out into a single bed is great for our DS 11 as well. The flat screen HD tv's are a nice touch for sure. We have two dvd players in our rooms as well which is also pretty nice. Overall the room is a bit 'dark' but I do get why they did it this way. It has a very nice warm feel, just for practicality, is a bit dark.

We love the pool at Kidani and have spent the most of the afternoon there today. It is raining a bit now, but that doesnt stop us. COmmunity hall is a nice touch for the kids if they want to chill out.

The walk from Kidani lobby to Jambo lobby is about 8-10 mins depending upon your pace. Not too bad really. We walked over to Mara yesterday for the flatbread pizzas, chicken pita and turkey ciabatta. YUM. I do agree that they need a counter service restaurant of some sort at Kidani, but that might be nit picking a bit.

There is two grocery stores very close, Super Target and Publix if you have a car to get to them. We chose Target and got everything we needed. There are a ton of restaurants off site along 192 as well.

So far two thumbs up. I will report back if I find anything else that I think would be interesting.

[SLM]

Glad you're enjoying your trip-we had a wonderful stay in August-be sure and talk to the CMs out by the fire pit-they are great with children (and adults!). They love to talk about their home in Africa with you and have lots of information about the lodge and the animals.

[jrbarnes]

Thanks for the info on the CM's. We are staying 'home' tonight and will be sure to talk to them.

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Glad you are enjoying your trip.
Keep it coming. I have been to AKL Jambo. Loved it. Just bought DVC and AKV is home resort.
Anticipate hearing more about Kidani experiences. Thanks for the info.

[ttester9612]

Thanks for the TR...I'm a new DVC owner and will be staying AKL Kidani for my first visit in 16 days. I am so looking forward to it. Keep sharing your stay.

[mmmagic7754]

We loved Kidani!!!Give the landscaping a little time and it will be a beautiful resort.

[Brave teacher]

Thanks for taking the time out to hop on and tell us your thoughts on Kidani. We are also owners there and stayed there in May/June. We love our home!

[Nutty4Disney]

We are just finishing our paperwork on our contract for AKL and can't wait to book our first stay. We were there last week and had lunch at Sanaa. It was delicous and I loved the whole area. Once we get the go ahead that everything is complete with out contract I am going to try and book a trip for Feb. I hope I can get in at Kadani on that short of notice, but if not I will be happy where ever is available.

[jrbarnes]

I have to admit, we love SSR, but AKV rocks. It is completely different but all great. We love the pool at Kidani. The slide is very cool, hot tubs work out all the kinks and we just love seeing all the animals.

We got a chance to start walking around and checking out all the artwork a bit more and it is really cool.

The kids love community hall as well. Overall, just a very nice place to be.

[eporter66]

Originally Posted by SLM

Glad you're enjoying your trip-we had a wonderful stay in August-be sure and talk to the CMs out by the fire pit-they are great with children (and adults!). They love to talk about their home in Africa with you and have lots of information about the lodge and the animals.

Thanks for the tip!!! We are going in less than two weeks. I cant wait to see how our daughter reacts to AKV, and we will make sure to get out to the firepit. I assume they do this every evening?

Thanks

[kristenrice]

Thanks for the report!

I miss my "home"...

I will be in WDW next weekend for my birthday, but we have to stay at Pop Century...no more points. We are planning on dinner at Boma and lunch at Sanaa so we will at least get to visit.

We have a 5-night stay booked for spring break with my parents. They are going to see the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first time. We are staying 2 nights in studios at Jambo followed by 3 nights in a 2BR at Kidani. I love reading reports about AKV...even though they make me "homesick".

[Tinks "SS"]

Your trip sounds wonderful! So glad to hear all about it. Do you have any pics?? i just love all of the pics people get. Hope the rest of your trip is just as wonderful!

[jrbarnes]

We are staying in a standard view, 2 bedroom lockoff unit. We really take advantage of the kitchen to keep costs down and the added room in the unit makes it very comfy. We have 7 people in it right now and it is great.

Pictures, yes, I have taken about 200 of the AKV Kidani village so far. When I get home I will post a link to a spot where the pics will be, too hard to pic which ones are the best ones to put on the thread here.

If you have something specific you want to see, let me know.