2BR Value at Jambo vs. 2BR Standard at Kidani- which would you choose?

[novajet]

We're about to book our very first trip as DVC owners! We have six people- 4 adults, 2 children (10 and 12 at the time of travel). We've decided on a 2 bedroom at AKV, our home resort. We do not have enough points for a 2 bedroom savannah view, so we are debating between a 2 bedroom value at Jambo House (243 pts) and a 2 bedroom standard view at Kidani (287 pts). Do we go for a 40% chance of a savannah view, but a smaller room and one less bathroom (5 females, 1 male!)? Or should we play it safe and get the larger room, with no chance of a savannah view?

If this were your family, which would you choose?

 

[keaster]

I would go for the larger room and extra bathroom at Kidani, just because of the make up of your group. That many adults and tweens need the space!

Not having a savannah view isn't the end of the world as there are lots of other areas for animal viewing

 

[Deb & Bill]

Personally, I wouldn't stay at AKV unless I did get a savanna view. But that's just my opinion.

The room would be better at Kidani, but you would pretty much be guaranteed a parking lot view

 

[hakepb]

I'm not at all a fan of the master layout at Jambo. The master shower is a step into the jacuzzi tub. And you have to walk across a hallway (open to the living room) to go from the master bedroom to the master bathroom.

Every older DVC 2BR would at least give you 3 sinks (1 in the master bed/tub area, + in the bathrooms) to get ready at, but not Jambo.

It's no guarantee, but some of the Kidani standard views of the pool have a partial Pembe savanna view.

The other angle is your groups vacation style. There is no breakfast in Kidani, unless you stock your kitchen..and you have to go to Jambo for most quick service needs. Most of those issues can be planned over (ie go to a park, then eat instead of eating, then a park. But those things can matter to some.

 

[hakepb]

Personally, I wouldn't stay at AKV unless I did get a savanna view. But that's just my opinion.

The room would be better at Kidani, but you would pretty much be guaranteed a parking lot view

I agree. I'd book OKW or BWV/BLT Standard (if possible) if I had to save on points vs Kidani standard. (Because ive had savanna views and looove them )But to some people, it doesn't matter as much.

 

[erionm]

All of the 2-bedrooms at Jambo House are lock-offs. They will be a 1-bedroom and a studio with an interior connecting door. The studio will have a queen bed and a sleeper sofa.

At Kidani Village you will have the option (subject to availability) of either a lock-off or a dedicated 2-bedroom. The dedicated 2-bedroom will have 2 queen beds in the second bedroom. The lock-off and dedicated 2-bedrooms are booking categories at Kidani Village.

 

[lilpooh108]

We're about to book our very first trip as DVC owners! We have six people- 4 adults, 2 children (10 and 12 at the time of travel). We've decided on a 2 bedroom at AKV, our home resort. We do not have enough points for a 2 bedroom savannah view, so we are debating between a 2 bedroom value at Jambo House (243 pts) and a 2 bedroom standard view at Kidani (287 pts). Do we go for a 40% chance of a savannah view, but a smaller room and one less bathroom (5 females, 1 male!)? Or should we play it safe and get the larger room, with no chance of a savannah view?

If this were your family, which would you choose?

Have you checked availability for your dates? 2 BR values are hard to get, since they are lock offs.

Speaking of lock offs, I would say you actually have less than a 40% chance of getting a savannah view for a value 2BR (despite the fact that 40% of the values are on the savannah side) since both sides of the 2BR lock off would have to be on the savannah side for you to get one, for the entirety of your stay. If more value studios are booked that overlap the dates of your stay, then you're chances of getting a savannah view have just effectively been decreased.

Regarding Kidani--- You will be facing the parking lot at Kidani, but you can request a pool view so that at least you can see the pool from your balcony even if the pool is on the other side of the parking lot. At night, this makes for a pleasant view. I would go for Kidani since you have so many girls. Easier to share those bathrooms.

 

[novajet]

Have you checked availability for your dates? 2 BR values are hard to get, since they are lock offs.

We'll be booking at 11 months, in about a week.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I do not like the set up of the master bathroom tub in Jambo. Although I have in the past booked the value 1 or 2 bedrooms because of the number of people I've had.

In January, there were 3 of us, and I went with Standard View 1 bedroom at Kidani for the first time and it was WONDERFUL! We were convenient to the lobby, elevators, bus stop,and the 3 of us were very happy.

Now some people get a pool or a slight view of Pembe savannah with standard at Kidani!

We own at AKV, have been there many times, and in the beginning I thought I would only book savannah view, and mostly that's what I do, but I have come to appreciate the standard view at Kidani as well. Plus at Kidani, you could get the dedicated ones, especially at 11 month, and they are good for sleeping, 2queens in the second bedroom.

 

[lilpooh108]

We own at AKV, have been there many times, and in the beginning I thought I would only book savannah view, and mostly that's what I do, but I have come to appreciate the standard view at Kidani as well. Plus at Kidani, you could get the dedicated ones, especially at 11 month, and they are good for sleeping, 2queens in the second bedroom.

Us too. I don't know why so many people are opposed to staying at AKV non-savannah. I like the ambiance of the overall resort, and pool views work just fine for us. We own at AKV, but honestly didn't love it the 1st stay b/c we paid for a savannah view and it was not very good (no animals, just grass). I didn't start loving AKV until my next 2 standard view stays.

To the OP--11 months at for next Feb/Mar should be fine, but just FYI even at 11 months out, F&W and early Dec are difficult, especially for a value 2BR.

 

[hakepb]

Us too. I don't know why so many people are opposed to staying at AKV non-savannah. I like the ambiance of the overall resort, and pool views work just fine for us. We own at AKV, but honestly didn't love it the 1st stay b/c we paid for a savannah view and it was not very good (no animals, just grass). I didn't start loving AKV until my next 2 standard view stays.

To the OP--11 months at for next Feb/Mar should be fine, but just FYI even at 11 months out, F&W and early Dec are difficult, especially for a value 2BR.

I'm ok with pool view, but was lucky to get a partial savanna view my one stay.

But looking at Kidani from the bus stop, I have no desire to stay in one of those bus stop/parking lot view rooms...which is odd, because I don't feel that way looking at BWV Standard rooms (they look inviting) from the BW bus stop. I guess I feel that the Kidani parking lot view is not inviting, and I enjoy my balcony time

 

[lilpooh108]

I'm ok with pool view, but was lucky to get a partial savanna view my one stay.

But looking at Kidani from the bus stop, I have no desire to stay in one of those bus stop/parking lot view rooms...which is odd, because I don't feel that way looking at BWV Standard rooms (they look inviting) from the BW bus stop. I guess I feel that the Kidani parking lot view is not inviting, and I enjoy my balcony time

I agree. We've stayed at Jambo alot but we usually skip out on Kidani. I really dislike the lobby. To me it's not initimate or scaled down, it feels sort of cheap and small. I like the rooms themselves, but I'm a people watcher so Jambo feels "right" to me. The vibe at Kidani actually feels kinda lonely.

 

[drusba]

1. You should determine what is available because that might make the choice for you. You don't say when you plan to go but if it is any time before next January, you may not find a value room for all the nights you need. Those get booked much quicker than savanna or standard view and are sometimes gone within days of the opening of the 11 month window.

2. Space: The Kidani standard 2BR is 1173 sq ft; the value at Jambo is 945. That is a huge difference. I consider a group your size borderline for the value room and with six, you will feel cramped in its space. The Kidani standard is much more comfortable space-wise, nicer to stay in, and has the third bathroom. If room comfort and space is high on your list of things needed then Kidani is by far the choice.

3. Views: 40% of the values have savanna view, 40% pool view and 20% parking lot view which is actually mostly tree and other foliage view. You cannot request view; it is luck of the draw. With Kidani standard about 45% have road and bus stop view although you do see a very large wooded field and swamp area across the road and what you actually see of the bus stop is the roof over it. Most of the other 55% have essentially a pool view although the pool is actually some distance from the building and separated by mostly grass and bush areas. Then there is a small number that has partial savanna view. You can make location requests but requests are not guaranteed. Jambo savanna views have the better views but for anything else it is a draw.

4. Pools: Jambo has the larger pool and you can find a lot more shaded areas (all its trees are now mature). Its hot tubs are in nice secluded shaded areas. Its slide is small and nothing to write home about. Besides having its concession bar like any pool, you are also very close to Mara's, the counter/cafeteria style restaurant, and can actually sit outside of it in a seating area not far from the pool. My personal preference is the Jambo pool over Kidani. However, Kidani has a very impressive pool and pool area, and one of the best kids water play areas you will find. It also has a long slide for those who need that long trip into the pool.

5. Buildings: Jambo has the larger and better store and much larger and more impressive lobby but Kidani's lobby is actually nice and it has the Community Hall and room off the lobby with rocking and other chairs and fireplace for sitting. Both have large, outside animal viewing areas in the center area off the lobbies and many places to view animals from windows inside. Jambo's advantage is three restaurants, Jiko (very good but upscale, in price, table service), Boma's (one of the best buffet's on site) and Mara for quick service. Kidani has only one restaurant, Sanaa, which serves only lunch and dinner. However, the restaurant design is impressive and comfortable for seating, and is one the best restaurants on site. If you have a car, Jambo has one large lot that is across the street from the front of the building and depending on spot you can find you can have a long or fairly short walk to the front entrance. Kidani has ideal parking under the building and with elevators along the wings you can always park fairly close to your room no matter where it is.

6. Buses: two stops: Kidani and Jambo. Park buses go to Kidani first and Downtown Disney bus to Jambo first. There is a minor risk if at Jambo and going to the park during the morning rush that you could get a bus that has standing room only but that does not happen often.

7. Resort to Resort: the walk from front door to front door between the two resorts is about 1/2 mile. You can also take bus or request a shuttle. We have found that when we stay at Jambo we are not likely to go to Kidani but when staying at Kidani we do usually travel over to Jambo at least once for a night at Boma's.

With your choices, I would probably pick the standard at Kidani because of the extra space but the value would also be a good decision as long as room space and living comfort, including by having a third bathroom, is not a top priority.

 

[crazybones27]

Having stayed in a Value 1 bdrm last year I might opt for the Standard at Kidani. While we didn't really notice a space difference we didn't like the tub/shower set up. I seriously thought I was going to slip out of the tub when exiting or entering. For some reason it just seems so high of a step in to a deep tub. They really needed to add a handle or something I feel to make it a bit safer. I will say that was really my main problem with the room so not a huge problem, but it's enough for me to pick a standard room over it next time.

I think for the OP's traveling party the Standard at Kidani works better with the extra bathroom and extra bed .

 

[dairyqueenmom]

We prefer the 2 bedroom at Kidani - for several reasons:
1. 3 full bathrooms in the standard at Kidani
2. Pop station in lobby - don't have to go to Mara's to fill cups
3. For the kids - Community Hall is located at Kidani
4. We like the pool at Kidani better!

 

[Sammie]

I'm ok with pool view, but was lucky to get a partial savanna view my one stay.

But looking at Kidani from the bus stop, I have no desire to stay in one of those bus stop/parking lot view rooms...which is odd, because I don't feel that way looking at BWV Standard rooms (they look inviting) from the BW bus stop. I guess I feel that the Kidani parking lot view is not inviting, and I enjoy my balcony time

I think the difference is that the parking lot and drive are set back further at BWV, at Kidani the parking lot and bus stop is literally right there underneath the rooms.

Last time we were there someone was having an argument from a room with someone in the parking lot that they were being too loud. Also the buses are closer.

Plus at BWV, that view faces Hollywood Studios at AKV Kidani it faces the highway and an ugly field.

So at AKL, if not staying savannah I would want Jambo House.

 

[ITGirl50]

We have stayed in Jambo and Kidani. 2-bedrooms, 1-bedrooms and studios. At all levels....Value, Concierge, Standard and Savannah views.

We were trying to decide between a standard or value 1-bedroom the week of Christmas (not enough points for Savannah or I would pick that) and after experiencing everything they have to offer, we chose 1-bedroom standard at Kidani. The extra bathroom, real spa tub that is not shared with the shower and 1st bus stop are the top reasons we decided on Kidani. Also, we plan to drive, so our car will be parked right under the building for VERY easy access. We actually request next to the bus stop for Standard Kidani. You cannot hear the busses. It makes for very easy access to Jambo and the busses.

When we stayed in a 1-bedroom value, it was pretty small, but it was just DH and I for 4 nights. The bedroom door brushed against the king-size bed. It was either that or a studio and 1-bedroom value was much better than a studio. I would only choose the value 1-bedroom for the two of us or a two bedroom for all three of us.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We have stayed in Jambo and Kidani. 2-bedrooms, 1-bedrooms and studios. At all levels....Value, Concierge, Standard and Savannah views.

We were trying to decide between a standard or value 1-bedroom the week of Christmas (not enough points for Savannah or I would pick that) and after experiencing everything they have to offer, we chose 1-bedroom standard at Kidani. The extra bathroom, real spa tub that is not shared with the shower and 1st bus stop are the top reasons we decided on Kidani. Also, we plan to drive, so our car will be parked right under the building for VERY easy access. We actually request next to the bus stop for Standard Kidani. You cannot hear the busses. It makes for very easy access to Jambo and the busses.

When we stayed in a 1-bedroom value, it was pretty small, but it was just DH and I for 4 nights. The bedroom door brushed against the king-size bed. It was either that or a studio and 1-bedroom value was much better than a studio. I would only choose the value 1-bedroom for the two of us or a two bedroom for all three of us.

Can you even get a value one bedroom this late?

 

[ITGirl50]

Can you even get a value one bedroom this late?

Probably not, but we had it for two of the four nights we wanted (didn't book at 11 month booking window). We cancelled that and the waitlist and decided to go for standard view.

This last December, we were able to get 3 nights 1-bedroom value + 1 cash 1-bedroom value a few months before our Dec 19 - 23 stay. The cheap rooms seem to come and go. Sometimes you get lucky on the cheaper rooms. In January, we snagged 6-nights standard view 2-bedroom at BLT for 2nd week of March this year. Literally got it about 3 months ahead of when we were going to stay.

 

[lakohls]

BTW, Not all standard views at kidani are of the parking lot. Here right now - checked in today and had used on-line advance check-in. At that time was offered a choice to request "Pemba savannah view " as an option for my 2 br dedicated standard view point 6 night reservation. I selected it thinking "give it a try" and that is exactly what we have!

It is further from the lobby & buses, but still not bad! Last trip we Were directly overlooking the buses. Not my 1st choice, but we got pretty good at timing bus arrival schedules