AKL: Jambo VS Kidani

[omalley1118]

OK, experts, what do you think? I have a ressie for June at Jambo. We have a 6yo and an 8yo. Which pool is better? My main concern is not having anywhere to eat at Kidani. Is that true? Please tell me what your experiences have been. THANKS!!!!

OMalley1118

 

[CarpeDisney]

I think your 6yo and 8yo would absolutely LOVE the pool and the water-play area at Kidani. We just got back from a late December trip at Kidani, and my daughter was upset that it was a bit too cold to explore this area.

As for the food options.....the lack of a grab and go location in Kidani was definitely the only low point of staying there. However, it was very easy to hop on any of the park buses from Kidani to Jambo to grab a quick bite. We did this a few times to eat at Boma, and never waited more than 5 minutes for one to arrive (If you're going to do this, stay away from the Downtown Disney buses....this is the only route that stops at Jambo first, then Kidani, and then leaves the resort complex)

 

[Goofy4]

Besides the more up-scale Sanaa (and your local fridge), the pool bar also serves food:
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/kidani_village_part_5.html

As for the pool, yes, your kids would almost certainly find Kidani to be more fun. Besides the "interactive play area", they had organized activities at the pool. I would guess that Jambo does not have as many activies, but I'm not sure about that.

 

[Disneyformykids]

OK, experts, what do you think? I have a ressie for June at Jambo. We have a 6yo and an 8yo. Which pool is better? My main concern is not having anywhere to eat at Kidani. Is that true? Please tell me what your experiences have been. THANKS!!!!

OMalley1118

My family and I have stayed at Jambo House many times. I do feel that access to restaurants (especially counter service) and proximity to our room is a huge asset while staying at any DVC resort. On the other hand, I have not stayed at Kidani and have heard that Sanaa (the only restaurant) is a full service that is a bit on the pricey side. I have heard that the pool area /water park /play area are incredible, though.
Also, it can get pretty hot waiting for buses in June just to grab something quick to eat.
My thought is that it would depend on your vacationing style. Do you sit by the pool and grab something quick or, are you out at the parks and eating while there?
Good luck with your decision. I hope this helps.

 

[hakepb]

I like Boma's breakfast too much to stay at Kidani (I think Kidani is African for "no breakfast" )
Overall, I'd try to figure the number of times you would dine at Jambo vs times you would use the pool at Kidani. If you choose Jambo, I'd probably do the first pool day at Jambo (still has a nice slide for that age. I'm sure teems find Jambo's slide boring, though) and then the other(s) at Kidani.

 

[DizGirl20]

If you choose Jambo, I'd probably do the first pool day at Jambo (still has a nice slide for that age. I'm sure teems find Jambo's slide boring, though) and then the other(s) at Kidani.

Just curious... if you are staying at Jambo, can you use the pool at Kidani and vice-versa? Thanks!

 

[Goofy4]

Just curious... if you are staying at Jambo, can you use the pool at Kidani and vice-versa? Thanks!

You'll find a bunch of different answers on the board and from CMs: Yes/No/OnlyDVC/etc.

The most reliable sources seem to indicate: Yes (all AKL guests --and only AKL guests-- can hop).

 

[ToddyLu]

Both resorts had beautiful pools. The Jambo pool is right out the door from Mara and Boma. With Kidani it is a bit of a walk outside and over to the pool...Kidani is very relaxing and quiet while Jambo is hopping, nosier and exciting. The vegetation around the pool is of course more mature at Jambo. I think the kids will be fine at Jambo....when you go alone with your husband pick Kidani.

 

[jodifla]

OK, experts, what do you think? I have a ressie for June at Jambo. We have a 6yo and an 8yo. Which pool is better? My main concern is not having anywhere to eat at Kidani. Is that true? Please tell me what your experiences have been. THANKS!!!!

OMalley1118

I liked Jambo house....SO MUCH more convenient to restaurants and the kids club. We went over to Kidani for a day to swim, but my son was just as content in the Jambo pool

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

My kids greatly preferred Kidani's pool and water play area over Jambo's. The pool at Jambo house is much larger and the slide is nice, but your kids are still relatively small and would probably really love the water play area at Kidani more. Plus we liked the slide at Kidani better. As others have pointed out, there is no counter service at Kidani but we didn't mind the 10 minute walk over to Jambo to eat. It was just another adventure for the kids.