Just back from Animal Kingdom Jambo - Next Year: Jambo or Kidani????

[copperbrick]

Hi, Everyone:

Just returned from my second trip to AKL Jambo House. This year it was my husband and me; last year it was my adult daughter and me.

I will also be posting restaurant reviews, both for gluten-free dining as well as regular dining (I'm GF, hubby is not). I'll post the links here as soon as I have them.

So, here's how this year went . . .

LOVED AKL and have already booked bounce back for next year, which will be with Hubby, both daughters and son-in-law.

What we loved most this year: We booked a standard room but were given a savannah view -- room 3261. This is not a great savannah view room, but that was okay since we didn't expect a savannah view at all. It was in the first "arm" that jets out from Kudu Trail, overlooking the Sunset Savanna.

There were three Marabou Storks who perched at a watering hole every night -- same spots. We fell in love with them. Other than that, animals appeared for a short time in the afternoon, but that was about it.

The overall lack of animals at Jambo -- even in the general viewing areas -- surprised me since we saw many more there last year. Now that Kidani is open, most of the animals seemed to have gravitated over to that side of the property.

I can't say I blame them. It is new stimulation for them, and just like us, animals love that sort of thing.

In comparison: Last year my daughter and I were given a savannah view that overlooked the construction, construction vehicles and a tarped fence - room 2382 overlooking the savannah that faces Kidani - all the way down at the end of Kudu next to the animal housing and pen area.

Again, I had booked a standard and didn't expect to see anything other than a parking lot or roof, so we were very happy.

We thought it had been an upgrade, but I found out later that last year's room really wasn't an upgrade because of the construction.

Still, it proved to be a great room for viewing animals -- they seemed to be attracted to that area, maybe because it is so close to the barns? I would expect 2382 would now be considered Savannah again.

More than a few times, I went down to the stairwell next to 2382, and there were almost always animals down there, especially giraffes and ankole cattle.

So here's the thing: Rooms down in the 2382 area are the longest walk from the entrance, but should you get an even-numbered room in that area, please know that the views of the animals might be quite nice. Check it out. It may be worth the walk!

Service was excellent. Everyone was as wonderful and friendly as last year -- GREAT customer service. Room was clean and quiet.

Next year, we'll need a two bedroom unit, and I'm debating about whether to stay on the Jambo or Kidani side -- all opinions welcome!

[copperbrick]

PS: I love the library at Kidani. It has free Internet access, which Jambo does not.

[copperbrick]

Bump

[kmk1180]

We're planning on staying at Jambo because easier access to resturants and things.
plus from what i've read you stil are allowed to you Kidini pool area.
so you have best of both.

[Redbudlover]

I fell in love with Kidani when I was there last August. The walk to Jambo was easy - and we did it twice for meals. The Kidani Lodge has all the beauty imo of Jambo but is much more intimate. The little lounge downstairs is comfy well decorated and tucked away. I liked it too, though Jambo's is my favorite. I loved the pool at Kidani and the CMs were so friendly and helpful. I love both places so don't think you can go wrong regardless of your choice.

[bama106]

We have stayed at both and both are really nice. We sorta lean more toward Kidani because it gives us more of a homey feel. We just got back last month from Kidani in a 2BR SV and it was amazing. We ate breakfast at the Mara almost every morning, and it was not a long walk at all. We also love the pooland water slide at Kidani. Everyone is different so it depends on what kind of things you like.

[copperbrick]

When we were there in October, I noticed that Kudani also has beverage service right there . . . so you don't have to walk to Jambo to purchase (or to get your refillable mug filled.)

[drakes]

What was your bounceback offer? We'll be at AKL very shortly and plan on using the bounceback if received. Thanks

[emilyann415]

Originally Posted by kmk1180

We're planning on staying at Jambo because easier access to resturants and things.
plus from what i've read you stil are allowed to you Kidini pool area.
so you have best of both.

When we stayed in Kidini it was our understanding that we could use the Jambo House pool but they were not allowed to use our pool. Don't know why that was but that's what we were told.

[nrsldy]

We will be staying at Kadini starting the 10th of Dec. I am so looking forward to our stay. We have stayed at Jambo and loved it. We bought DVC at AKL this year so that will be our home away from home.

[Bill and Jen]

We stayed at Jambo in Sept. and we were allowed to use the Kidani pool