2012 Trip - AKL or Kidani?

[PudseyChancer]

We're right at the start of planning our 2012 trip, albeit that we've pretty much decided where we want to go! We're looking at 17 nights at the end of August, staying for three nights at the Hard Rock to take advantage of front of the line and get the holiday off to a good start.

We're then moving on to Disney and using DVC points will be looking at spending three nights at AKL and then 11 nights at the Beach Club.

I have to admit to being a bit of an AKL novice, never really fancied it previously, but was outvoted for this trip! Just looking at the info, it looks as though you can request either staying at AKL, or the DVC part of the resort, Kidani Village.

Just wondered how many of you had stayed at either, and your thoughts. I realise I could ask this on the DVC boards but would rather get the thoughts of you guys on here.

Any advice/recommendations?

 

[wilma-bride]

We stayed at Kidani Village in October 09. We really liked it, although I have to admit I haven't stayed at AKL so I can't compare the two. One thing I do know is that the villas at Kidani have an extra bathroom so, if you are a large group, that may be a bonus for you. It was great for us, being a family of 5, to have 3 showers available each morning and evening

I also much prefer the pool area at Kidani to that at AKL, although you can use either pool so that might not bother you. There are some pics of the resort in my trip report (Bad Mothers) if you wanted to take a look.

 

[PudseyChancer]

I also much prefer the pool area at Kidani to that at AKL, although you can use either pool so that might not bother you. There are some pics of the resort in my trip report (Bad Mothers) if you wanted to take a look.

Cheers - I remember reading your trip report first time round, it was very entertaining!

The photo's are good - when we did the DVC tour both myself and my Missus thought that the AK rooms were really well themed and your photo's bear this out. I like the look of the pool area also - I'm sure it will be hit with the kids!

Did you specifically request Kidani or were you allocated it?

 

[wilma-bride]

We specifically requested it - when you book you need to specify whether you want Kidani Village or Jambo House (the main lodge). Are you planning on booking Savannah View?

 

[PudseyChancer]

We specifically requested it - when you book you need to specify whether you want Kidani Village or Jambo House (the main lodge). Are you planning on booking Savannah View?

Well, the kids are hoping to wake up to a view of the animals - I thought that to get the Savannah view we'd have to stay at Jambo House, but I might have it all wrong!

To be honest, I quite like the idea of Kidani Village as it's a DVC resort and newer, but am happy to take advice!

 

[wilma-bride]

Well, the kids are hoping to wake up to a view of the animals - I thought that to get the Savannah view we'd have to stay at Jambo House, but I might have it all wrong!

To be honest, I quite like the idea of Kidani Village as it's a DVC resort and newer, but am happy to take advice!

No, there are Savannah view rooms at Kidani (a lot more of them than at Jambo house). If it's your first stay I would definitely recommend Kidani Village. For us, the only downside was hte lack of counter service but it honestly didn't impact on us all that much. We only ate at the resort one night and it is an easy 10 minute stroll up to Jambo House to go to Mara.

 

[jen_uk]

I've only stayed in Jambo house so can't comment on the villas, I really liked Jambo house as it is part of the main hotel, this meant that everything is really close by whereas when we have stayed in other DVC resorts you are spread out and can be quite far from the pool, lobby etc.

 

[crabbie1]

We lovvvvvvvve this resort and want to buy dvc this year there when we go in november. We stayed in kidani and much preferred the pool ate to jambo house as used both. Kidani is also newer and the rooms are slightly bigger I think(dont quote me on tht).I requested a high floor zebra trail near the lobby and got exactly that. Some of the rooms are a fair trek but to me it didnt really matter.The savannah view is well worth it and it is so peaceful there. A stunning resort and you wont be disappointed I will post some pics if you want .

 

[PudseyChancer]

I will post some pics if you want .

Yes please!

 

[Claire L]

I have stayed at AKL in both regular hotel rooms and the new DVC floor, I also stayed at Kidani last October.

So here are my thoughts -

Kidani is lovely nice and new and quieter has a lovely feel to it. The views are fab and the fact you can park under you block is fab, keeps the car cool in hot weather. Lovely pool and pool bar, but can get noisey in the afternoons with the kids games. Although the slide is nice for adults too

Jambo is huge, amazing lobby and great restaurants. The pool is huge and has large capacity. The rooms are nice and the studio is pretty much the same as Kidani, but may lack a little storage space.

Overall when I go back I will be going to Kidani

Claire

 

[torsie24]

We've only stayed at Jambo but in the regular hotel rooms and in the DVC studio.

I actually prefer the DVC rooms. They are a bit bigger and we loved the high floor they're on.

I'd try Kidani but DH wouldn't. He doesn't like (& I do kinda agree) that there's no CS options. Also Jambo's lobby and shop are amazing. If I gave him a choice of any hotel in the world he'd choose Jambo everytime!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

We've stayed in a savannah view hotel room at Jambo and a 1 bed savannah at Kidani. Kidani wins hands down for us!!!

Whilst I loved the Jambo lobby for the WOW factor, Kidani has a much more intimate personal feel to it - a lot more homely.

I have read several times that the savnnah view at Jambo can be hit or miss and that you are much more likely to see animals at Kidani - that certainly rang true for us and even when the animals weren't out at Kidani, the 'general' view was much prettier - but then we might just have been given a 'duff' view in Jambo.

If you have children that enjoy playing by the pool, rather than just swimming - then I would also go with Kidani (the pool is smaller than Jambo but the water play area is fab for children!!)

I own DVC at AKV and I have decided that for savannah views we will always book Kidani now and will only go for Jambo if we want a std view room to save points (as under DVC that would be a pool view at Jambo, whereas it could be a car park view at Kidani) .

I think the only downside to Kidani is the lack of counter service, but to be honest we eat offsite at AKV as its so easy to get to the 192 and all the great restaurants there.

Hope that helps a little

 

[RDP]

Stayed at both and love it all, Kidani is less hectic!