AKL question (Lodge VS Kidani Village)

[dwelty]

Hi everyone,

This might have been discussed before, but what do you think will happen with reservations once Kidani Village opens up? It is very apparent that the rooms in the Lodge are much smaller than the planned rooms at Kidani Village. (At least the 1 and 2 bedroom models). I have also seen the floor plans of the Lodge units, and the floorplans in Kidani Village are much better.

I think members are going to prefer Kidani Village over the units in the lodge. How will this work when reservations are made? Will members be able to book only in Kidani Village? Or are all of the units in the lodge considered Value rooms?

 

[hellerjw]

The main advantage Jambo House (the existing AKL/AKV building) will have over the new Kidani building is it will be the only location with Value and Concierge units, 2 very hot items.

The new building will most likely be a bigger draw initially due to the newness, larger rooms, etc. but over time I think it will balance out.

I'm not sure if you will be able to specify which building you want or not, particularly if you are just wanting say a 1BR Savannah View. Obviously, there would be building specific units that would require a particular building. Does anyone know if they will have guaranteed building preference bookings?

 

[ZekeKelso]

The main advantage Jambo House (the existing AKL/AKV building) will have over the new Kidani building is it will be the only location with Value and Concierge units, 2 very hot items.

That and the fact that "Jambo House" is an infinitely cooler name than "Kidani Village". OK, probably not the most important consideration in the world, but you gotta admit Jambo House sounds cool!

 

[jbrowna]

I believe it has been mentioned before that you will be able to confirm a specific building at the time you make your reservation. In the recent confirmation notice I received about my December reservations, it says "Ded Studio Jambo". Of course, there are only Jambo units available in December, but that seems to indicate that the reservation itself will specify whether one is booked into Jambo or Kidani.

 

[BroganMc]

That and the fact that "Jambo House" is an infinitely cooler name than "Kidani Village". OK, probably not the most important consideration in the world, but you gotta admit Jambo House sounds cool!

For me it's the other way around. Kidani just rolls off my tongue like an elegant tongue twister. Jambo sounds like Jumbo -- sounds all muffled and embarrassing.

 

[tjkraz]

That and the fact that "Jambo House" is an infinitely cooler name than "Kidani Village". OK, probably not the most important consideration in the world, but you gotta admit Jambo House sounds cool!

I thought Kidani was the cooler name. "Jambo House" sounds like something from an old John Belushi movie.

As for the rooms, I think things will probably even out fairly well. When you eliminate the Value and Concierge classes, Jambo will only have about 25% of the Savanna and Standard view rooms as compared to Kidani. Some people will request Jambo to be closer to Boma and Jiko, or just for the old "Lodge" experience that won them over in the first place.

If my numbers are accurate it will only take 1 person requesting Jambo for every 4 people requesting Kidani to keep things in balance. That seems reasonable.

 

[wildernessDad]

Also, the GVs at Jambo House are on one level whereas the GVs at Kidani Village will be on two levels. Some may opt for the Jambo House GVs because of that.

 

[starbox]

It will be interesting to see what the finished resort is like. I am having trouble mentally picturing a resort (Kidani) mid-size between OKW and SSR and not spread out with a condo-layout.

(and I'm not being snarky - we bought AKV points and I anticipate liking it very much at Jambo - I've just always been a little perplexed by how they'll make Kidani work)

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

Also, the GVs at Jambo House are on one level whereas the GVs at Kidani Village will be on two levels. Some may opt for the Jambo House GVs because of that.

I didn't know that the GV's in Jambo were a different layout than the GV at Kidani-single floor vs 2 floors.

Has anyone seen a floor plan for the GV at Jambo?

 

[CapeCodFam]

This might sound silly. But, we're looking forward to the new restaurants and pool areas in Kidani. However, AKL does have Boma.

 

[mjy]

Originally Posted by ZekeKelso
That and the fact that "Jambo House" is an infinitely cooler name than "Kidani Village". OK, probably not the most important consideration in the world, but you gotta admit Jambo House sounds cool!

I thought Kidani was the cooler name. "Jambo House" sounds like something from an old John Belushi movie.

Okay, folks, you can both be happy with the names of your houses/lodges. I don't care which one you use, as long as you don't check me into Ebola Lodge!

 

[kimberh]

This might sound silly. But, we're looking forward to the new restaurants and pool areas in Kidani. However, AKL does have Boma.

This is how we feel! If we plan a big family trip, I am going to request the Kidani Village, if not I am more than fine with Jambo House, Boma's is on our must do list every trip!

 

[LisaS]

I didn't know that the GV's in Jambo were a different layout than the GV at Kidani-single floor vs 2 floors.

Has anyone seen a floor plan for the GV at Jambo?

Did you receive that dark brown AKV marketing packet in the mail? There is a floor plan for the Kidani Village GVs in that packet.

The Jambo House GV floor plan is on the public DVC website.

 

[tjkraz]

It will be interesting to see what the finished resort is like. I am having trouble mentally picturing a resort (Kidani) mid-size between OKW and SSR and not spread out with a condo-layout.

(and I'm not being snarky - we bought AKV points and I anticipate liking it very much at Jambo - I've just always been a little perplexed by how they'll make Kidani work)

BoardWalk is a pretty close match. BWV is about 400 rooms vs. 350 at Kidani. There are some branches off of the main spine at BWV, whereas Kidani will have that undulating design. Still I think that's about the best you can come to truly visualizing Kidani today.

 

[BCV23]

I can imagine that the demand for Kidani will be greater than Jambo with the aforementioned exceptions of concierge, value (didn't realize those were only in Jambo) and GV. If that turns out to be the case, then Jambo could turn out to be the spot that you get if you make reservations later. Still not tough duty.

But I suppose we won't know until Kidani opens. The larger villa and extra bath may be offset if the restaurant or pool don't live up to standards...unlikely though that is. And there will always be differences in preferences. I prefer the quiet side of BCV while others hate it because of the road.

In Kidani Village, the restaurant will serve B,L and D, correct? And it is table service. Having a restaurant that serves lunch will be nice. Does anyone think it will be another signature restaurant like Jiko? My guess is midrange like Olivia's, Turf Club, Kona, etc. although it will probably have a better view than Jiko. I wonder if there will be anywhere in Kidani Village to grab a quick sandwich?

I like both names BTW.

 

[starbox]

In Kidani Village, the restaurant will serve B,L and D, correct? And it is table service. Having a restaurant that serves lunch will be nice. Does anyone think it will be another signature restaurant like Jiko? My guess is midrange like Olivia's, Turf Club, Kona, etc. although it will probably have a better view than Jiko.

I'm going to guess mid-range and family-friendly (WCC, O'hana) with a character breakfast.

 

[BCV23]

I'm going to guess mid-range and family-friendly (WCC, O'hana) with a character breakfast.

Oh, a character breakfast....great guess! It never occurred to me before but AKL doesn't have one. Character meals are listed as an advantage to deluxe resorts on the WDW site. One more hint that AKV was always planned.

I also prefer the kitchen in Jambo House. I think it has a more open look and would make the room more spacious. In the model for Kidani Village, I felt the long counter seemed rather useless and made the entrance feel cramped. I would never use that much counter space.

For those who actually enjoy using the kitchen ornament, Kidani might be preferable.

 

[lisareniff]

I'm actually a Jambo house lover. I am still not convinced Kidani village will replicate the feeling and ambiance of the Lodge and maybe more difficult to get around (those loooonnng hallways!) We are a family of 4 that is spoiled with staying in 2 bedrooms so the extra space and bathroom do not mean so much to us. So if given the choice I would choose Jambo.

As far as the names... I think they both sound silly. I sure in time the silliness will wear off and I'll be able to say either without giggling. I'm a DAK Lodge girl.

 

[BCV23]

I wonder about the ambiance in the public areas of Kidani, too. I think the villas and views will be wonderful but hope there will be the small viewing areas, etc. that add to the feeling of Jambo House.

The hallways don't worry me as much since it looks like there will be parking under the units, doesn't it?

We're spoiled too. When we have 4, we get a 2BR also. But I still will love the 3rd bath. Our son chooses to sleep in the LR giving his sister the 2nd BR. In Kidani Village, he would have his own bathroom. Also because of the layout, the bath off the LR will be important since the MBR is all one room in AKV.

 

[lisareniff]

The hallways don't worry me as much since it looks like there will be parking under the units, doesn't it?

Yes, it has parking under the whole thing. I'm a no car type (if I can be) on vacation. DH actually is the opposite and always likes having his wheels close at hand even on vacation.