AKL Jambo or Kidani? 40th Birthday Couple Trip

[chekhovgirl]

Hi! We were supposed to visit WDW last December for a birthday trip for me, just me and my husband, but we had to delay! We're now looking at going later this year and renting DVC to stay at AKL. Would you suggest Kidani or Jambo house for an adult couples trip? Not concerned about differences in the actual room, just the stay overall. We really hope to soak in the atmosphere of the resort, food, etc., in addition to visiting the parks. Will probably be using a car to get around. Thank you!

 

[stargazertechie]

Jambo is still for all intents and purposes closed. I’d recommend Kidani unless you’re planning on doing a lot of cooking in your villa, or you don’t mind takeout/the walk to Kidani for food.

 

[chekhovgirl]

Okay, then let's say in *theory* everything is open, then what would you suggest?

 

[figmentfinesse]

I recently helped my sister pick between the two for July, its ffor her and her bf, neither of us have been. She went with Jambo because she didn't mind walking to Kidani and because of: a lot of standards have great safari views, guaranteed top floor, grander lobby, double sinks, and general preference of room decor.

 

[Marthasor]

If you are looking for a more vibrant atmosphere, I would go with Jambo. We enjoy the grand lobby, gift shop and the variety of food options.

 

[OKW Lover]

If everything was open, I'd go with Jambo. Actually, even now, I'd still go with Jambo. Not that Kidani is bad but I just like Jambo better.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We prefer Jambo but as OP's said, there is nothing going on over there and no food available. People love Kidani, we just don't find it as "grand". Congrats!

 

[BaymaxForever]

In theory? Definitely Jambo. Like previous poster said, definitely more grand. Drinks at Victoria Falls Lounge. Dinner at Jiko.

 

[BaymaxForever]

Sorry, double post.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The problem with theory is there is no reopen date for Jambo, and it may not reopen in 2021.

 

[chekhovgirl]

Thanks, everyone! Now we're trying to figure out when we'll gear up the trip again, if the aim is to enjoy what is at the resort. I had thought I wanted to stay at Jambo house (I like a little more hustle and bustle), so we'll try to do that when things are a little more back to normal!

 

[adzfoster84]

Personally, we like Kidani better. Its more quiet and peaceful. We like to sit out and watch the animals and it never seems like there are too many people out on their balconies so let noise. The walks are a bit far from the parking area but we didn't mind that much. The people in the gift shop were wonderful. Not sure that helps at all but I will always choose Kidani over Jambo.

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Also depends on the room. If a studio standard view, Jambo DVC has more standard rooms that actually have Savannah or partial Savannah views. Of course you’d have to request that. Also, there is food available at Jambo, just not at Jiko or Boma Right now. And the Uzima pool bar open only on weekends from my research. Others there currently can correct me.

 

[iheartglaciers]

Since it sounds like you're looking more for the resort experience, Jambo seems like a better fit (assuming it's fully open). But if you're getting a savannah view, you have a chance of being closer to the animals at Kidani (if you're on floor 2 or 3). The lowest DVC rooms at Jambo are on the 5th floor.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Also, there is food available at Jambo

There is a grab and go cooler open at The Mara from like 7-noon. That is it for food, though.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Jambo if both re open. I think it would be the better resort experience. Definitely look into heading to Kidani to eat at Sanaa too though, it's a GREAT meal.

 

[chekhovgirl]

We booked Jambo for October, hoping it will be more open, but happy to just be going!

 

[daytonadan]

Does anyone have any clue when AKL Jambo will be completely open????

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Does anyone have any clue when AKL Jambo will be completely open????

Unfortunarely no one knows. As the largest (by a lot) of the deluxes left to open, most suspect (and I tend to agree) that it may be awhile.

 

[chekhovgirl]

Unfortunarely no one knows. As the largest (by a lot) of the deluxes left to open, most suspect (and I tend to agree) that it may be awhile.

One of the travel agents I talked to said they're calling the situation "Jambo-gate"!