Advice: Deciding between 2 BR Villa at AK Kidani Savanna View or Bay Lake Tower Lake View

[wilkydelts]

We are looking to stay one night in a 2 Bedroom Villa at Animal Kingdom: Kidani w/ Savanna View or Bay Lake Tower Lake View. They are essentially the same price. I have always been drawn and wanted to stay at BLT, I do not really have a reason why. We have done Savanna View in Studio Villa before so my wife wants to experience it again. The one thing I believe is the food options at CR/BLT are probably more ideal for my group. We are not doing any parks just hanging at the resort.
I am just looking for advice from those who have stayed at both. Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

This is so not really helpful but honestly I do not believe you can go wrong with either option. They are both nice. I would make the decision based on convenience to whatever you have planned for the time you will be spending there.

 

[Eeyore daily]

I haven't stayed in the 2 bedrooms, just studios, with savanna view and lake view and I preferred the lake view. Although it was nice seeing animals and feeling like I wasn't in Florida, the location just can't be beat. It was wonderful to watch the sunrise over the lake.

 

[Marthasor]

If you are just hanging at the resort, AKV is the, overall, better resort, IMHO.

 

[BillPA]

One night? Check in after 4 pm check out by 11 am to me not worth the trouble

 

[Nabas]

We are looking to stay one night in a 2 Bedroom Villa at Animal Kingdom: Kidani w/ Savanna View or Bay Lake Tower Lake View. They are essentially the same price. I have always been drawn and wanted to stay at BLT, I do not really have a reason why. We have done Savanna View in Studio Villa before so my wife wants to experience it again. The one thing I believe is the food options at CR/BLT are probably more ideal for my group. We are not doing any parks just hanging at the resort.
I am just looking for advice from those who have stayed at both. Thanks for the help in advance.

We have stayed in 2 bedrooms at both Kidani and BLT. Both have 3 bathrooms, which is the best feature about them.

Since you just plan to stay at the hotel, I'd probably go with BLT.

The food court at Kidani is non-existent and I always find it a pain to get over to Jambo House for the food court there. (Disney runs a van between the two but it's so much easier to just stay at Jambo and take the elevator to the food court.) Kidani's store is tiny and Kidani's pool always seems overcrowded. Kidani does have the Savanna, and it's fascinating to watch the animals walk by.

The BLT pool is, IMO, the worst main pool at a DVC resort. But it does have an OK food court at the Contemporary plus 3 different stores to shop at. In addition, you'll be able to ride the Monorail if you stay at BLT and explore the Poly and Grand Floridian. Also, you'll be able to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from BLT.

I'd have a different opinion if you were staying at Jambo House. Jambo has an outstanding lobby, a good food court, WDW's best buffet (Bomo), a very good store, and a pool with lush greenery that we love relaxing at. And giraffes too!

 

[Stargazer65]

Both are nice but I prefer the BLT experience. Everyone should do the AKV savannah view at least once, but you already have, so try BLT.

 

[GoingSince1990]

No parks? Definitely Kidani. A large part of BLT’s appeal is its proximity to MK, which is irrelevant to you.

 

[Dizzydizney]

Did a one bedroom savanna view (never again, too many points and you can see animals from other viewing places) and all three views at BLT. I’d go for BLT...so many food options between CRT, Poly, GF. I really like riding the monorail from TTC to Epcot round trip. I agree the pool at BLT is definitely lacking, but the little beach there is so relaxing and I’ll sometimes use the pool at the Contemporary...it’s a short walk. Also the ease of getting from your parked car to your room. Two elevator banks....short walks. You can really make it a two day reprieve by arriving early to use the pool, shop or eat and leaving late in the evening. Plus being able to see the fireworks.

Have fun no matter what you decide.

 

[Stargazer65]

I’d go for BLT...so many food options between CRT, Poly, GF.

I agree and add to that WL which is just a pleasant boat ride away from the other 3.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

For resort-only, AKV has far better pools and the animals.

BLT you can watch the fireworks outside the park, so I guess there is that, but the CR pools are sooooo boring.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Three words-Sanaa Mobile Order!! I recently stayed at Kidani, and although I was underwhelmed (seemed like there were fewer animals than usual on the savannah), being able to do Mobile Order from Sanaa, then take it back to my room to eat, putting the left-overs in the fridge, made it all worthwhile.

 

[RoseGold]

For resort only, obvious AKL.

The pool at CR is not fun at all, and there's nothing to do at BLT except stare at the park you aren't in. AKL has a whole schedule for the kids, gorgeous pools, and of course the animals! And zebra domes in the convenience store!!!

I agree the food is slightly better, but I don't go to WDW for good food. If that's your criteria, I'd go SSR, which I understand also has good pools, and walk over to Jaleo.