Ok, looks like we are staying in Kidani...can you get me excited?

[wildernesslodgelover]

I thought we were reserved in a studio in Jambo House. Turns out it is Kidani. I am not really disappointed...but now I want to hear more about Kidani...especially what I can expect from a "standard" room and view. I am hoping for a pool view. But what does the pool at Kidani look like?



If you have any pics or info about Kidani...or why you love or hate it...please share! I have been to AKL a few times (once to stay, numerous times to dine) but have never ever set foot in Kidani. I just want to get a *feel* for it. Our trip is not until May, so I like hearing about related info, just to keep me excited.

Thank you!

[leeann32]

I'm going to pull up a chair and read along with you! We might be staying at Kidani in September

[wildernesslodgelover]

Originally Posted by leeann32

I'm going to pull up a chair and read along with you! We might be staying at Kidani in September

*passing leeann a glass of chardonnay to go with her popcorn*

Great!

Oh, I just looked at a map of Kidani. I had requested a pool view, but now I am regretting it...looks like there is a parking lot between the pool and the rooms/balconies? Is this right?

What can I expect from a "standard"studio view? What is worst case scenario, and what is best case?

[vicki_c]

Per the Disney website, Kidani standard views offer a view of a parking area. So you won't be getting a pool view unless you received some kind of upgrade.

PS - you might try asking this on the DVC boards as well since it is an all DVC property (although I assume you are booked through the regular Disney reservations).

[leeann32]

Originally Posted by wildernesslodgelover

*passing leeann a glass of chardonnay to go with her popcorn*

Great!

Oh, I just looked at a map of Kidani. I had requested a pool view, but now I am regretting it...looks like there is a parking lot between the pool and the rooms/balconies? Is this right?

What can I expect from a "standard"studio view? What is worst case scenario, and what is best case?

Thanks for the Chardonnay, goes great with my popcorn
I think I read that there is a parking area between the resort and the pool. I would just request to be close to the lobby, it looks like some rooms can be pretty far away.

[wildernesslodgelover]

Originally Posted by vicki_c

Per the Disney website, Kidani standard views offer a view of a parking area. So you won't be getting a pool view unless you received some kind of upgrade.

PS - you might try asking this on the DVC boards as well since it is an all DVC property (although I assume you are booked through the regular Disney reservations).

Hi Vicki!

I saw this on the WDW website...I copied and pasted..

"Standard View
The rest of the accommodations have a view of either the pool, garden or parking lot.
Standard View room view preference requests are noted at the time of reservation but not guaranteed"

I am renting points...I rent points regularly, this is the first time renting points for AKV, tho. I have stayed in a regular room at AKL once before, in 2004. I am bummed I could not get Jambo...just because all standard studios have a pool view, and that is a GOOD pool view, no parking lot in between! But I am excited to stay at Kidani...seems like their lobby is gorgeous.

[wildernesslodgelover]

*refilling leeann's glass*

Oh, and Vicki, I took your advice and posted on the DVC board. I don't usually go over there, just cuz I am "ät home" on this board, as well as the restaurant board. But you are right...I am sure there are some people with lots of AKV knoledge over there.

Oh, and since I am staying on points, no chance of an upgrade.

[vicki_c]

Originally Posted by wildernesslodgelover

Hi Vicki!

I saw this on the WDW website...I copied and pasted..

"Standard View
The rest of the accommodations have a view of either the pool, garden or parking lot.
Standard View room view preference requests are noted at the time of reservation but not guaranteed"

.

That's weird - when I looked on the reservation page it didn't say that. It said this (it's like dueling quotes here):

Kidani Village - Studio - Standard View Included

All Studios have one queen-size bed and full-size sleeper sofa, kitchenette with coffeemaker, microwave, mini-refrigerator and toaster, table and chairs, ceiling fan, wet bar, private balcony, vanity area with sink and bath. Sleeps 4. All Studios are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible Studios are available. Amenities include in-room wall safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access, data port, alarm clock, DVD player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board and Pack 'n Play playard. A full-size crib is available on request. Standard View Studios offer a view of a parking area.

But ... DVC AKV rooms are categorized as value, standard, savannah or concierge (although no concierge in Kidani), so I'm not sure if that's different from when you book CRO or not - I think it is because I didn't see any value listing on the regular website.

I will be a Kidani in a savannah view studio in late January, so I can come back and report how that view was, but it won't help you much!

PS - where is Plantation Acres? I used to live in Melbourne, but I never heard of that (or probably a lot of other places in Florida too)!

[Deb & Bill]

The pool at Kidani Village is across the parking lot. So you may have a pool view, but the parking lot will come between you and the pool. Or the pool may be way off to your right from your balcony.

[bookwormde]

I you get a “pool view” (they are highly requested) room on the north side of the lobby there is really no parking area between you and the pool area, just a loop road. There is an elevator to the garage area that comes out about 100 ft from the back entrance of the pool (room card opened) so that is exceptionally convenient and if you have a car you can park it in the garage by the elevator and keep pool toys and supplies there instead of hauling them back an forth through the lobby. There also have been reports that the northern most rooms have a limited savanna view.

Hope you get your request; Kidani is a great “laid back” resort, and if you want a little more hustle and bustle Jambo is a short walk away.

bookwormde

[wildernesslodgelover]

Originally Posted by vicki_c

That's weird - when I looked on the reservation page it didn't say that. It said this (it's like dueling quotes here):

Kidani Village - Studio - Standard View Included

All Studios have one queen-size bed and full-size sleeper sofa, kitchenette with coffeemaker, microwave, mini-refrigerator and toaster, table and chairs, ceiling fan, wet bar, private balcony, vanity area with sink and bath. Sleeps 4. All Studios are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible Studios are available. Amenities include in-room wall safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access, data port, alarm clock, DVD player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board and Pack 'n Play playard. A full-size crib is available on request. Standard View Studios offer a view of a parking area.

But ... DVC AKV rooms are categorized as value, standard, savannah or concierge (although no concierge in Kidani), so I'm not sure if that's different from when you book CRO or not - I think it is because I didn't see any value listing on the regular website.

I will be a Kidani in a savannah view studio in late January, so I can come back and report how that view was, but it won't help you much!

PS - where is Plantation Acres? I used to live in Melbourne, but I never heard of that (or probably a lot of other places in Florida too)!

Vicki-well, your quote is more specific. The "standard" in my quote could be for 1 and 2 bedroom rooms, also. I am ok with it, got such a great deal on points that I really cannot complain. I just like to be prepared mentally as to what to expect.


ahhhh, my parents have owned a home on Melbourne Beach since the mid ninties, and they just moved up there permanently last month! I *love* Melbourne, and we considered moving there this past year. How long ago did you live there?

I am a native Miamian (3rd generation) and lived in Weston for 15 years before moving 5 minutes east to Plantation. It is in western Broward county, about 2.5 hours from Melbourne. Plantation Acres is an equestrian community within Plantation. We love it here.

Thanks, bookwormd! A loop road is not quite *as bad* as a parking lot.

[vicki_c]

I'll send you a PM on the Melbourne thing so not to hijack the whole thread!

[scout68]

We have just returned from a 10 night stay at Kidani and loved and I mean LOVED 99.999% of the resort (our home away from home). The .001% of dislike was the lack of a counter service outlet and the refillable station was inferior compared to Jambo. If you are above the second floor with a pool view the small road is a non factor for sight lines and noise. We actually slept with out sliders cracked open to allow the "sounds of the savanna" to creep into our rooms. The cozy feel to Kidani is second to none and you would never guess there are 400 plus rooms there.

Any questions feel free to ask.

[minnie2]

We just got back from a week there and I LOVE it i can't imagine staying anywhere else!!!!
We did have a Savannah view but saw more animals in the main area then out our window. Though it was funs waking up in the morning looking for them.

Our room was all the way at the end closer to jambo house so we walked there pretty easily.

Yes there isn't as many dining options there or counter service but it really isn't a big thing to walk to the other part of the hotel. IMO.

The service was fantastic. The only pain was the water in out 2nd bathroom (we had a 1 bedroom suite) didn't work. I thought my kids just didn't know how to work the shower in there but when I tried it there was no hot water. I called the front desk and even though it was after 9pm some one was up very fast to check it out. In the ed they didn't get it working and they ended up crediting us one nights stay for the issue. No biggie since at home we only hve one shower anyway!

[wildernesslodgelover]

ahhhh, this is why I *LOVE* The DISboard. I had a really, really bad day today and reading these posts made me smile.

vicki-I'll be PMing you back in a sec!

scout-OMG, 10 nights? Color me JEALOUS! I am green with envy. I did request a "high floor/pool view" so we shall see what I end up with! The refillable station is never an issue for me...we make coffee in the room (Oh, BTW...do they have those coffee pots that you have to use the packets of coffee they provide? Or do they have regular coffee machines? We bring our own coffee and filters from home, but I remember AKL had a weird coffee machine that did not use filters) and we bring WINE with us...and water...and those are our 3 beverages of choice, LOL. We have no need for any other beverages. I may miss some of the "action" at the Jambo lobby, but knowing it is a short, pleasant stroll away will make it all ok. Thanks for the input, and for brightening my day!

minnie-sounds like you had an awesome trip. That's too bad about the hot water issue, but you have the right attitude about it. Do you remember the coffee makers in the room (see my above question to scout.) I am just curious. Thanks for your post...I am counting down the days!