AKL Kidani - Open for MLK 2009?

[CarrianneB]

I just sent an online request for MLK weekend reservations (i know I should have done day by day, but that's just too much phone time for me). I've heard that Kidani may be open by later this year, has there been any more update on that.

I wonder if they put me on the waitlist for the SV at Jambo, if they will automatically put me in a SV at Kidani if they get completed.

Just curious if anyone has the inside scoop!

 

[pilferk]

I just sent an online request for MLK weekend reservations (i know I should have done day by day, but that's just too much phone time for me). I've heard that Kidani may be open by later this year, has there been any more update on that.

I wonder if they put me on the waitlist for the SV at Jambo, if they will automatically put me in a SV at Kidani if they get completed.

Just curious if anyone has the inside scoop!

The rumors (strong ones) are that the first phases of Kidani will start to open late this year. We have a December ressie, and the CM at MS who took the ressie on our last day told us we would probably be able to call back in mid to late Summer to switch it to Kidani, if we wanted.

But nobody has heard anything concrete yet, and Disney has not released any updated timelines. They DID remove the "completed in phases begining in spring of '09" line from the AKL DVC FAQ, though...so there has to have been SOME change.

As for what they will do with waitlists...that's the great unknown. I'd be surprised if they did what you suggest, only because Jambo and Kidani are different booking categories and I'm not sure the auto waitlist will work the way you might think it would.

The CM did say they'd likely handle Kidani's opening the way the did the value and concierge accomodations, giving owners a little "head start" over non-owners. So, at worst, you may just have to jump into the que line on the first day they're available to book and take your shot with the other owners interested in booking.

 

[LisaS]

I agree with pilferk. I would be surprised if those who are waitlisted for Jambo House get first dibs on rooms in Kidani. I suspect they will have a priority booking period for AKV owners giving them all an equal chance of booking the first Kidani rooms. If you end up on a wait list for Jambo for MLK weekend, you might get lucky and get through on the phone to book Kidani for your dates. And if you don't, then perhaps some of those who do will be cancelling Jambo rooms, allowing those on the waiting list to get a room there.

 

[CarrianneB]

Well I got my 2bdrm at Jambo, so even if Kidani isn't open I'm good.

But I am hoping it opens up, I would love to stay at the new building!

 

[CapeCodFam]

We are REALLY looking forward to the water and play areas and the new restaurants. There are times that we visit w/o park tickets and am hoping this will be a destinaton unto itself.

 

[disneygrandma]

So, are there any rumors, or guesses, as to when we will be able to start making ressies at Kidani? We're getting close to our banking window and just wondering about when to plan our first trip there. Kidani was the factor that swayed us in to adding on at AKV.

Thanks!

 

[mikeandkarla]

Do you think the pool areas and the new restaurants will be ready when they release the first phases of Kidani to book reservations?

 

[LisaS]

Do you think the pool areas and the new restaurants will be ready when they release the first phases of Kidani to book reservations?

If I had to guess, I would say no. Construction started at the end of the building closest to Jambo House and that end is much further along than the rest of the building. The pool is at the opposite end. If Kidani opens at the end of this year (as has been rumored) it's possible that major construction will still be going on at the end of the building near the pool. And since it will be winter when the weather is iffy anyway, I would be surprised if they made it a priority to get the pool open, especially if there are heavy construction vehicles still working in that area.

The restaurant is in the center of the building so that is a possibility I suppose but I could see them waiting to open it until more of Kidani is open.