Jambo vs. Kidani? - The DIS Discussion Forums

Missyrose · 11-09-2011, 12:38 PM

Hi DVCers,
I'm a newbie who is renting points for the first time and I'm looking at staying at AKV. I was wondering if you could tell me the differences between Jambo and Kidani? I know Jambo is located in the main resort building, does that make Jambo harder to get into?

Thanks

Anal Annie · 11-09-2011, 01:08 PM

We've stayed at both and prefer Jambo (I don't think it's necessarily harder to get into tho). We use studios and I didn't like the bathroom layout at Kidani. I can't speak to how the bathroom is laid out in larger villas. But in the studios at Kidani there is a main door into the bathroom and there's a "water closet" room with JUST the toilet - but so the sink area is in the room with the tub / shower. At Jambo it is a more common setup with the tub / shower in a room along with the toilet which leaves the sink area out in the main part of the studio - so it's available for use while someone else is using the main bathroom. I guess that's just a little quirk I have but I think it's more useful at Jambo to not have to wait on someone using the shower.

The store at Jambo is also about 5x the size of the one at Kidani. The one at Kidani is dinky and doesn't have much merchandise. Likewise, the lobby at Jambo is most impressive while the one at Kidani is underwhelming at best. Finally, there is no CS restaurant at Kidani so you either need to cook in your villa, make a TS ressie at Sanaa or schlep over to Jambo to go to Boma or to the Mara (the CS place there which is WONDERFUL BTW). (It's about a 10 min. walk between the 2 or you can wait for the bus.)

I can think of 2 Pros for Kidani - which would be the splash play area for little kids if you have toddlers. Also, since the 2 resorts share buses and it is the first bus stop so it's easier to get on the bus at peak times and you're more likely to get a SEAT.

Missyrose · 11-09-2011, 01:12 PM

Thanks for the info Annie! We're two adults, so we'll just be in a studio too. Is Jambo hard to get into at the seven-month mark?

ccgirl · 11-09-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missyrose

Thanks for the info Annie! We're two adults, so we'll just be in a studio too. Is Jambo hard to get into at the seven-month mark?

I was able to rent points in a studio at AKL in the Jambo House at the 7 month mark. There were no CL left but there was a savannah view. We have a giraffe right outside our balcony many nights. We liked having Boma at Jambo and preferred the lobby much more. That being said, we did take the shuttle to Kidani to sit at the pool bar one day. We both said that if our children were coming we would probably do Kidani because we found the pool area to be more kid friendly.

Hope that helps.

My 2 princesses · 11-09-2011, 01:39 PM

From my experience, it is easier to get into Jambo. We suddenly made up our mind to go to WDW early Jan and I was told I can get a week at Jambo but not at Kidani and I'm basing my opinion on that. Some others might have different opinions.

For our family, we prefer Kidani as keep in mind, only the 4th and 5th floor in Jambo is available for DVC. We were on the 5th and found the Savanah view not the greatest as at Kidani we were on the ground floor. Also for kids, the Community Hall is way better at Kidani.

Bottom line is, it will be fun wherever you are. Enjoy!

2binak · 11-09-2011, 01:52 PM

We prefer Kidani, mostly for the lower floor views, but also because it just seems quieter & much more relaxing than Jambo. We always have a rental car so we request a room close to Jambo so that we can easily walk over there for a meal or two.

drusba · 11-09-2011, 02:09 PM

If you are only getting studio, I would suggest Jambo (and if savanna view request to be on Zebra Trail overlooking Arusha savanna). It gives you the larger lobby, larger store, three restaurants (sit down, buffet, and counter service), the larger pool with lots of places to find shade). The studios at both are about the same size.

If getting 1 or 2BR would suggest Kidani (and request close to lobby if savanna view which gives you excellent view of Sunset Savanna). Those are about 100 sq ft larger than the ones at Jambo and you get extra bathroom and more closet space than the ones at Jambo. Kidani has only one restaurant, a sit down named Sanaa but it is one of the best at WDW. For kids, it has an elaborate water play area near the pool, and the pool has a longer slide than Jambo. Kidani is also the first stop of the busses going to the parks (Jambo is first stop for DD bus).

If you are getting Grand Villa (the 3BR), then Jambo offers the best on site.

One is not usually more difficult than other to get into.

Anal Annie · 11-09-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missyrose

Thanks for the info Annie! We're two adults, so we'll just be in a studio too. Is Jambo hard to get into at the seven-month mark?

We were able to book a standard studio for spring break of 2010 at the 6 1/2 mo. mark and could've had either Jambo or Kidani. We chose Kidani that time because we'd already tried Jambo a couple of times.

(Oh and I requested a standard view not savanna because it was a pricey time of year & we were trying to conserve points. I don't remember if it was available or not since we got what I asked for.)

Missyrose · 11-09-2011, 08:18 PM

Thanks everyone for all the info! I think we're leaning toward a studio in Jambo. I'm so excited to try this resort!

ccgirl · 11-10-2011, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missyrose

Thanks everyone for all the info! I think we're leaning toward a studio in Jambo. I'm so excited to try this resort!

One of my favorite resorts. We did a split stay and stayed here and then went to the BCV. We liked AKL MUCH better. We didn't think we would since it was further away from everything but we really did.

BEASLYBOO · 11-10-2011, 09:18 AM

I've never had trouble booking either at the 6 month mark but I always book 2br's.

I prefer Kidani, it's a bit brighter in decor than Jambo and the lay out of the villas are more to my liking. I think the underground parking at Kidani is fantastic even more so in Summer.

The only criticism I have about Kidani is that for whatever reason, a new resort, did they not plan a bigger pool. Though small, it's not a deal breaker, I still love the resort.

I cook in our villa but if QS was a true need Jambo would be the more convenient resort.

lilpooh108 · 11-10-2011, 10:24 AM

We personally love Jambo for the amenities, but Kidani is very nice too.

Here's an older thread with a list of the differences: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447767

For your first stay, Jambo might be preferable. Have fun!

Missyrose · 11-10-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilpooh108

We personally love Jambo for the amenities, but Kidani is very nice too.

Here's an older thread with a list of the differences: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447767

For your first stay, Jambo might be preferable. Have fun!

Thanks for the link!

CruznLexi · 11-10-2011, 11:29 AM

We prefer KV as we like to get picked up first and stops first too. The pool is nice too. We like the fact that the mug refill is at the store. We like the Mara and usually eat lunch there and just either walk back or take the shuttle. We do not find it hard to go between the 2 resorts.

sweetdana · 11-10-2011, 11:41 AM

If you are renting a car Kidani is a must. Parking is right under the rooms, where it is a parking lot, could be hall ways away from your car.

If there were kids, which it sounds like a no;Kidani's pool is I think second only to SAB.

If there are no kids and no rental cars, I think 10000% Jambo, yes to either I'd pick Kidani.

11-09-2011, 12:38 PM	#1
Missyrose DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Reston, Va. Posts: 4,616	Jambo vs. Kidani? Hi DVCers, I'm a newbie who is renting points for the first time and I'm looking at staying at AKV. I was wondering if you could tell me the differences between Jambo and Kidani? I know Jambo is located in the main resort building, does that make Jambo harder to get into? Thanks __________________ Missy, 31 and Franklin, 31 (Pixel Dust here on the Dis) \| Follow Missy on Twitter 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 -- Mariott World Center, 2/2009 -- Mariott Imperial Palms, 10/2010 -- Mystic Dunes, 10/2011 -- CR, 3/2012 -- Windsor Hills, 10/2012 -- BCV/AKV-Jambo, 01/2013 -- BWV, 5/2013 -- BLT, 10/2013 -- YC CL Current TR: 10/12, 1/13, 5/13 Past TR: 3/12 , 10/11, 10/10

11-09-2011, 01:08 PM	#2
Anal Annie ....at least I KNOW I'm a kook...I just can't stop it.... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: MD (DC suburbs) Posts: 10,974	We've stayed at both and prefer Jambo (I don't think it's necessarily harder to get into tho). We use studios and I didn't like the bathroom layout at Kidani. I can't speak to how the bathroom is laid out in larger villas. But in the studios at Kidani there is a main door into the bathroom and there's a "water closet" room with JUST the toilet - but so the sink area is in the room with the tub / shower. At Jambo it is a more common setup with the tub / shower in a room along with the toilet which leaves the sink area out in the main part of the studio - so it's available for use while someone else is using the main bathroom. I guess that's just a little quirk I have but I think it's more useful at Jambo to not have to wait on someone using the shower. The store at Jambo is also about 5x the size of the one at Kidani. The one at Kidani is dinky and doesn't have much merchandise. Likewise, the lobby at Jambo is most impressive while the one at Kidani is underwhelming at best. Finally, there is no CS restaurant at Kidani so you either need to cook in your villa, make a TS ressie at Sanaa or schlep over to Jambo to go to Boma or to the Mara (the CS place there which is WONDERFUL BTW). (It's about a 10 min. walk between the 2 or you can wait for the bus.) I can think of 2 Pros for Kidani - which would be the splash play area for little kids if you have toddlers. Also, since the 2 resorts share buses and it is the first bus stop so it's easier to get on the bus at peak times and you're more likely to get a SEAT. __________________ My first ever trip report - Disneyland Paris and our DCL Med cruise: http://thewhitehouseblog.weebly.com/ (Still a work in progress.) Aug 2012 @ Boardwalk Villas and HRH / Mar-Apr 2012 at Bay Lake / August 2011 Disneyland Paris and DCL MED cruise / August 2010 Disney's DVC resort at Hilton Head Island, SC / March 2010 Kidani Village at AKV / August '09 BCV & Vero Beach / May '09 SSR / July '08 AKV & B2B Cruises on The Wonder/ January '08 VWL / August '07 OKW / July '06 Offsite - Waikiki, Kona & Ka'anapali, Hawaii / July '05 Disneyland & Disney Magic West Coast Cruise to the Mexican Riviera / Summer '04 CSR / May '03 Offsite - St. John, USVI / Summer '02 AKL & O.C., MD [url=http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/]

11-09-2011, 01:12 PM	#3
Missyrose DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Reston, Va. Posts: 4,616	Thanks for the info Annie! We're two adults, so we'll just be in a studio too. Is Jambo hard to get into at the seven-month mark? __________________ Missy, 31 and Franklin, 31 (Pixel Dust here on the Dis) \| Follow Missy on Twitter 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 -- Mariott World Center, 2/2009 -- Mariott Imperial Palms, 10/2010 -- Mystic Dunes, 10/2011 -- CR, 3/2012 -- Windsor Hills, 10/2012 -- BCV/AKV-Jambo, 01/2013 -- BWV, 5/2013 -- BLT, 10/2013 -- YC CL Current TR: 10/12, 1/13, 5/13 Past TR: 3/12 , 10/11, 10/10

11-09-2011, 01:39 PM	#5
My 2 princesses Can't Wait To Go Back...I've Been Bitten By The Bug:) Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 985	From my experience, it is easier to get into Jambo. We suddenly made up our mind to go to WDW early Jan and I was told I can get a week at Jambo but not at Kidani and I'm basing my opinion on that. Some others might have different opinions. For our family, we prefer Kidani as keep in mind, only the 4th and 5th floor in Jambo is available for DVC. We were on the 5th and found the Savanah view not the greatest as at Kidani we were on the ground floor. Also for kids, the Community Hall is way better at Kidani. Bottom line is, it will be fun wherever you are. Enjoy! __________________

11-09-2011, 01:52 PM	#6
2binak DVC Owner Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2,157	We prefer Kidani, mostly for the lower floor views, but also because it just seems quieter & much more relaxing than Jambo. We always have a rental car so we request a room close to Jambo so that we can easily walk over there for a meal or two. __________________ 11/90 Offsite, 11/97 PO, 5/99 DL, 1/00 CS, 1/04 PC, 12/05 SSR, 5/07 AKL, 10/08 SSR, 5/09 POFQ, 11/09 AKV Kidani, 11/10 AKV Kidani, 10/11 BWV, 10/12 BWV, 11/13 AKV Kidani

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The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

11-09-2011, 02:09 PM	#7
drusba DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Chicago Posts: 9,048	If you are only getting studio, I would suggest Jambo (and if savanna view request to be on Zebra Trail overlooking Arusha savanna). It gives you the larger lobby, larger store, three restaurants (sit down, buffet, and counter service), the larger pool with lots of places to find shade). The studios at both are about the same size. If getting 1 or 2BR would suggest Kidani (and request close to lobby if savanna view which gives you excellent view of Sunset Savanna). Those are about 100 sq ft larger than the ones at Jambo and you get extra bathroom and more closet space than the ones at Jambo. Kidani has only one restaurant, a sit down named Sanaa but it is one of the best at WDW. For kids, it has an elaborate water play area near the pool, and the pool has a longer slide than Jambo. Kidani is also the first stop of the busses going to the parks (Jambo is first stop for DD bus). If you are getting Grand Villa (the 3BR), then Jambo offers the best on site. One is not usually more difficult than other to get into. __________________ Everything has to have a beginning and an end ... but it is not necessary to have a purpose in between.

11-09-2011, 08:18 PM	#9
Missyrose DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Reston, Va. Posts: 4,616	Thanks everyone for all the info! I think we're leaning toward a studio in Jambo. I'm so excited to try this resort! __________________ Missy, 31 and Franklin, 31 (Pixel Dust here on the Dis) \| Follow Missy on Twitter 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 -- Mariott World Center, 2/2009 -- Mariott Imperial Palms, 10/2010 -- Mystic Dunes, 10/2011 -- CR, 3/2012 -- Windsor Hills, 10/2012 -- BCV/AKV-Jambo, 01/2013 -- BWV, 5/2013 -- BLT, 10/2013 -- YC CL Current TR: 10/12, 1/13, 5/13 Past TR: 3/12 , 10/11, 10/10

11-10-2011, 09:18 AM	#11
BEASLYBOO It's part of the charm They go through some serious mayo there Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, Florida Posts: 4,427	I've never had trouble booking either at the 6 month mark but I always book 2br's. I prefer Kidani, it's a bit brighter in decor than Jambo and the lay out of the villas are more to my liking. I think the underground parking at Kidani is fantastic even more so in Summer. The only criticism I have about Kidani is that for whatever reason, a new resort, did they not plan a bigger pool. Though small, it's not a deal breaker, I still love the resort. I cook in our villa but if QS was a true need Jambo would be the more convenient resort. __________________ June 17-20th, 2013- SSR-2bd Thanksgiving 2013- Kidani-2bd February 15th -18th, 2014 - OKW-GV

11-10-2011, 10:24 AM	#12
lilpooh108 DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Depends on the moment Posts: 3,178	We personally love Jambo for the amenities, but Kidani is very nice too. Here's an older thread with a list of the differences: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447767 For your first stay, Jambo might be preferable. Have fun! __________________ Mele Kalikimaka-Our Almost Christmas Aulani & Maui Trip, 2011 Maui & Aulani TR: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2850176 June 1 Med -A Merry Band of Invalids (London, Barca, Med Cruise, Paris): http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3127465

11-10-2011, 11:29 AM	#14
CruznLexi DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,693	We prefer KV as we like to get picked up first and stops first too. The pool is nice too. We like the fact that the mug refill is at the store. We like the Mara and usually eat lunch there and just either walk back or take the shuttle. We do not find it hard to go between the 2 resorts.

11-10-2011, 11:41 AM	#15
sweetdana DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,131	If you are renting a car Kidani is a must. Parking is right under the rooms, where it is a parking lot, could be hall ways away from your car. If there were kids, which it sounds like a no;Kidani's pool is I think second only to SAB. If there are no kids and no rental cars, I think 10000% Jambo, yes to either I'd pick Kidani. __________________ There is only 1 thing I love more than holding my DD's hand.. It is holding her hand and watching her grow up. ... added a new DD for double the fun!

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