AKL Jambo or Kidani - What's better?

[Derby4me]

We have an upcoming trip in May and we have decided to stay at AKL. When I made the reservation, only Jambo House was available. However, is Kidani better? I've never stayed in either and would like some opinions. We are renting a car and don't mind walking a bit to our room even though we are traveling with a 1 year old.

Also, I assume that I should be able to switch to a Kidani Studio Savanna view room as they are currently available for cash on the Disney World website. Correct? Thanks in advance!

Sarah

 

[Tara]

We have an upcoming trip in May and we have decided to stay at AKL. When I made the reservation, only Jambo House was available. However, is Kidani better? I've never stayed in either and would like some opinions. We are renting a car and don't mind walking a bit to our room even though we are traveling with a 1 year old.

I haven't stayed at Jambo, but Kidani was nice - very nice. I especially liked the parking under building. The walk to Jambo was long, though.

Also, I assume that I should be able to switch to a Kidani Studio Savanna view room as they are currently available for cash on the Disney World website. Correct? Thanks in advance!

No, that is not correct. Cash inventory is completely separate from points inventory and one does not indicate availability for the other. You can never get that cash room you see available for points because it represents either inventory DVD owns itself or inventory released when members trade out to other timeshare properties, cruise, Adventures by Disney, etc.

 

[erionm]

If you are in a Studio, there is very little difference in the room between either location.

If you are in a 1-Bedroom or larger, the ones in Kidani Village will have 1 more bathroom than those in Jambo House. A 1-Bedroom at Jambo House has only 1 bath, while in Kidani Village there are 2 baths.

Only Jambo House has quick service dining (The Mara).

 

[Derby4me]

Thank you both! I was just reviewing pictures of both and they do look very similar. Also, thanks for explaining the difference of a cash reservation. I would have been a little frustrated if I would have called for the change yet they told me there is no availability. With your explanation it makes sense!

 

[Cee]

I'll be staying in a Jambo Savannah view studio in May for the first time ever! I think I will like being in the main location. I just LOVE my Boma breakfast!

 

[rlduvall]

I have stayed in a studio - std. view - at both. Kidani was a very nice resort and the room was gorgeous. BUT, I hated the standard view there - I could see 192 and the signage that goes with that. I enjoyed the covered parking with easy access to the room, but I didn't like driving past that one area of the resort where it looks like a penitentiary. The outside viewing area for the animals is outstanding. The lobby area is much more cozy and the gift shop/grocery area is way too small. Lack of a counter service place is no biggie to me.

I had always loved AKL even before it became DVC so I personally prefer Jambo House. It is more alive and the lobby is absolutely stunning. But, it is a longer walk if you have a rental car and it will be much more busy in the common areas. The gift shop is incredible and the standard view is a guaranteed pool view.

Each building has pros and cons and I truly don't think you would be unhappy at either.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We didn't like the looks of Kidani Village (somewhat industrial looking when you drive up) and Jambo House doesn't have separate tubs and showers like the rest of the DVC one bedrooms. We probably won't stay there.