The value rooms are only at Jambo. They are either Savana, pool or parking lot view... (40% sav, 40% pool, 20% parking lot).
The value rooms are physically 3 feet shorter than a normal room. This is what makes them "value". This means there isn't enough room for the sleeper chair. It also means that the rooms feels a bit cramped, because it's still laid out and furnished as if it were a normal sized room. The layouts are identical for the bathrooms, kitchen, etc. in the value room vs. a Jambo 1 br.
The standard rooms are at either Jambo or Kidani. If you book a Jambo std view, you WILL have a pool view. If you book a Kidani std view you will either have pool or parking lot view (most likely parking lot). The Kidani 1 bedrooms are slightly bigger and have 2 full baths instead of 1 when compared to Jambo.
The whole Kidani vs. Jambo depends on your personal preferences and how you prefer to vacation.
Jambo Positives are:
* Jambo is the main animal kingdom lodge, and has more shops, restaurants and activities.
* More hotel amenities and convenient access to them.
* Jambo has a counter-service location, Kidani does not.
* Jambo standard view is guaranteed to be pool view. Kidani is most likely a parking lot view.
* Available concierge rooms, and the value class of rooms (for either splurging or point-pinching)
Jambo Negatives are:
* Second stop on the bus line, so busses may be more crowded when getting to you.
* The resort may be noisier, because it's busier.
* The 1 & 2 bedroom rooms are smaller and have one less bathroom when compared to Kidani. (The studios at kidani and jambo are nearly identical in size and layout).
* You can't see the animals from the lobby, you have to go to an outside viewing area to see them.
* Savana view rooms are 5th floor and higher. It can seem like you are distant from the animals.
Points about Jambo (could be positive or negative, depending on your point of view):
* Jambo has a large impressive lobby.
* Jambo has more activity, hustle & bustle, etc.
Kidani Positives are:
* First stop on the bus loop.
* Newer pool with a good water play area for kids
* Bigger rooms with an extra bathroom (1 & 2 bedrooms).
* Newer
* Savana view rooms start on the 2nd floor, the lower floors can provide a more up-close view of the animals.
Kidani Negatives are:
* No counter service location, smaller gift shop, and only one restaurant.
* Standard view rooms are probably a parking lot view.
* Bring your walking shoes! You might get a room that is 1/4 mile from the lobby!
Points about Kidani (could be positive or negative, depending on your point of view):
* Kidani has a smaller, more intimate lobby.
* Kidani provides a more distant/remote feeling from the rest of the resort and WDW.
* Parking at Kidani is odd. The parking areas aren't themed at all and stick out like a sore thumb. However, you do park under the building (no sun in your car and you park right under your room for easy access).
* Kidani is quieter, more relaxed.
My suggestion is to pick and choose the points above that are most important to you and weigh the resorts. My personal preference is towards Jambo because of the convenient access to resort amenities, Boma, the activities, and the larger more impressive feeling.
I'm clueless when it comes to AKL
