I think our perfect book for this trip will be 4 days savannah at Kidani and 3 days boardwalk view at Boardwalk. Still checking everyday!!!!! It's only been great news so far. I did read somewhere that Boardwalk view rooms can be slightly noisy at night. Anyone ever stay there can agree or disagree? Also, a lot of the earlier messages stated SSR was a great resort for kids. I think we'll try them next time. Whomever reads this, please post ur Most Favorite and Least Favorite resort that you've stayed at. I would assume everyone has different opinions for different reasons but I'd like to see where people stand. Thanks and have an awesome day!!!
With such young kids and a baby en route, I would prefer Jambo to Kidani. We stayed both last year at the time my kids were 5 & 3, for the second trip we had just found out my wife was pregnant--she's due in 4 weeks...yikes!). I found Kidani to be isolated, and there was no counter service or buffet like you get a Jambo. Jambo is more of a typical resort, with all the amenities. Kidani has a tiny lobby, one sit down restaurant and a very small shop with limited selections. Yes, you can get over to Jambo, but I know from experience that the further you have to travel with children of that age, the harder it is.
Don't get me wrong, Kidani is beautiful. I am only speaking about the convenience factor, based on our experience. This is just my opinion; I am definitely not suggesting that you won't enjoy Kidani. I personally would just find Jambo easier. As for Savannah views, it's really cool but keep in mind that there are tons of viewing areas around the resort, so you will see plenty of animals either way. And again, I am not saying that Kidani won't be a wonderful, fun experience.
With regards to a split stay (and it's good to only move once in 7 days, twice is a bit much), take advantage of the fact that the resorts are very accommodating in this regard. Bell services will come and take your bags (I found the Kidani bell services to be exceptional) and send them to the Boardwalk. If you have leftover food to bring, they will store that and send it over as well. Just plan accordingly--check out is 11 a.m., and you might not have your next room until 4 or later (not likely later, but not impossible--plan for the worst). So have a day bag with changes of clothes for the kids, bathing suites, whatever you might need.
I have never stayed Boardwalk view but have heard stories of noise. People will be out on the Boardwalk later in the evening/night, so assume you'll hear something. I remember a recent thread from somebody who got an entire sobbing, drunken breakup argument that went on for about 30 minutes right outside their room. However, most seem to love the experience so I wouldn't be too worried--it's worth the try and it's only 3 nights. They are hard rooms to get though. Either way, you will like BWV. Not having to deal with buses to the parks is fantastic, and both DHS and Epcot are close by. As a suggestion, we always found that our kids love the boat from Beach Club or Boardwalk to DHS, but when one of them gets tired if you are looking for a nice way to get them to nap just take the walking path back to Boardwalk on your way back from DHS. It's really quiet, peaceful and right along the water. It's about 15 minutes, and its our go-to method for getting a nap in.
As for favorites, I have not been to or stayed at all, but of those I have stayed at or visited/toured my order would be BCV, BWV, AK Jambo, BLT, Kidani........of those I am yet to visit or stay at my desired order of preference is VWL, OKW, SSR. (Not including HHI and VB, just talking on-site).
Finally, you mentioned Garden Grocer. We have used them 5 times, not one problem or mistake, prompt service and reasonable prices. We appreciate their professional service, so I have no reason to try anybody else. I know others like WeGo Shop, both have stellar reputations. One word of advice: Don't over-order! We find it a nice way to get some essentials though, for the kids especially, like diapers (saves a lot of room in the suitcase), sunscreen, snacks, breakfast items, fruit....
Good luck with the planning, to me it's almost half the fun.