AKV - Are we the only family that...

[Sammie]

Believe me if they had lions someone would complain about how much noise they make.

 

[Texashokies]

Put me in the camp of those that love Kidani. I like the dark decor. It makes the resort peaceful and calming. I think the walk to the rooms is a small price to pay for the fabulous view out your window. We always walk between Kidani and Jambo. I didn't even know there was a van service.

 

[DVCMikey]

The one thing I did like is the time we stayed there we drove, and were able to park like right under our room which was nice.

 

[CMOORE185]

It is funny to hear complaints about walking distance when it is nothing compared to the walking done in the parks. I consider it exercise, which is a good thing.

 

[keaster]

It is funny to here complaints about walking distance when it is nothing compared to the walking done in the parks. I consider it exercise, which is a good thing.

I'm with you! We are a family of walkers and had no problem walking over to Kidani when we stayed at Jambo in March. Since I don't work out on my vacations, I consider all the walking at the parks and at the resorts my exercise for the week!

 

[mybabesuz]

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

We just got back from our first stay at Old Key West and we hated it.
We would have loved to switch resorts but we couldn't.

We also hated Boardwalk.

But we love love love Kidani and Jambo.

 

[ADP]

Jambo House is our favorite DVC. Kidani is a little different, but we still enjoy it. Jambo is just so unique and has nice amenities associated with the resort. Two terrific restaurants, a nice counter service location, and a lot of resort activities; moreso than other DVC resorts. Everyone has personal preferences though.

 

[drusba]

It is funny to here complaints about walking distance when it is nothing compared to the walking done in the parks. I consider it exercise, which is a good thing.

We own at AKV and like it particularly for the large 1 and 2BRs and savanna view. However, the long walk down the hallway from the lobby if you are in or near the end rooms on the wings at Kidani, particularly the longer northern wing, can be a real problem. We had one of those rooms once and now ask for close to lobby at Kidani and hope we get it. Though it is not as far as you walk all day in a park, it is about the distance from the base of World Showcase to Germany, or about 1/3 mile. It is the longest distance down an internal hallway from lobby to room that exists in any hotel in the world. Having that walk as an older person with some knee issues or someone returning from a long day at the parks with young tired kids is a bear. Also, you cannot easily just go to the store in the lobby and get something that you might need in the morning or otherwise because the round trip takes 15 to 20 minutes. And you will curse the distance to no end when, as happens to us at least once a trip, you get to the bus stop and someone in your family realizes, "Oh, I forgot to bring ...." (fill in what it is you have to go back and get). In other words, it is a far different situation than just walking around the parks. They made the wings far too long for normal and reasonable access to ameneties at the hotel.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

And your experience is why there are so many options at WDW.

Can't put it any better~

As far as Kidani, it's one of my new favorite resorts, as I much prefer it to Jambo, in fact we will be there in 20 days, 11 hours, counting down!

Positives Kidani over Jambo (I speak for me only)

Extra bathroom, yeah (We travel 6-9 w/ 3-5 teenagers, 3rd bath, a Godsend)
Covered parking - Always there Jun-Aug, love a cool car!
Room/living space layout - Kidani a planned DVC, Jambo (converted rooms) Kidani much better!
Kidani -Master Bath, the only thing missing, theme song from Lion King when you turn on the lights!
Kidani decor is even lighter than Jambo, and I prefer it!

The only thing I miss from Jambo - The fabulous lobby, and even more so at Christmas time when it's decorated!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I am glad to see so many people like the resort. Also, thank you for not making me feel terrible for not liking it since many of you stated, what one family loves, another doesnt.

I am very glad we stayed there to get the experience of the savannas, theming etc. And we enjoyed WDW when we were there. It is just not on the top of my list to stay there again.

We had a wonderful time in Vero Beach. We really love that resort. Being DVC owners really gives families a great opportunity to stay in so many wonderful resorts.

Old Key West and the Beach Club are still the top of my list!

Have a magical day all!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I Old Key West and the Beach Club are still the top of my list!!

The one and only reason I bought into DVC, OKW is & will always be my favorite!

 

[CMOORE185]

We own at AKV and like it particularly for the large 1 and 2BRs and savanna view. However, the long walk down the hallway from the lobby if you are in or near the end rooms on the wings at Kidani, particularly the longer northern wing, can be a real problem. We had one of those rooms once and now ask for close to lobby at Kidani and hope we get it. Though it is not as far as you walk all day in a park, it is about the distance from the base of World Showcase to Germany, or about 1/3 mile. It is the longest distance down an internal hallway from lobby to room that exists in any hotel in the world. Having that walk as an older person with some knee issues or someone returning from a long day at the parks with young tired kids is a bear. Also, you cannot easily just go to the store in the lobby and get something that you might need in the morning or otherwise because the round trip takes 15 to 20 minutes. And you will curse the distance to no end when, as happens to us at least once a trip, you get to the bus stop and someone in your family realizes, "Oh, I forgot to bring ...." (fill in what it is you have to go back and get). In other words, it is a far different situation than just walking around the parks. They made the wings far too long for normal and reasonable access to ameneties at the hotel.

Thanks for the explanation, you make great points.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

We own at AKV and like it particularly for the large 1 and 2BRs and savanna view. However, the long walk down the hallway from the lobby if you are in or near the end rooms on the wings at Kidani, particularly the longer northern wing, can be a real problem. We had one of those rooms once and now ask for close to lobby at Kidani and hope we get it. Though it is not as far as you walk all day in a park, it is about the distance from the base of World Showcase to Germany, or about 1/3 mile. It is the longest distance down an internal hallway from lobby to room that exists in any hotel in the world. Having that walk as an older person with some knee issues or someone returning from a long day at the parks with young tired kids is a bear. Also, you cannot easily just go to the store in the lobby and get something that you might need in the morning or otherwise because the round trip takes 15 to 20 minutes. And you will curse the distance to no end when, as happens to us at least once a trip, you get to the bus stop and someone in your family realizes, "Oh, I forgot to bring ...." (fill in what it is you have to go back and get). In other words, it is a far different situation than just walking around the parks. They made the wings far too long for normal and reasonable access to ameneties at the hotel.

Very good explanation! Thank you!

 

[Technosavant]

We love AKV- both Jambo and Kidani, but some of your points are indeed valid.

My most consistent annoyance is the darkness in the rooms- with the dark decor they need more lighting, and there isn't any (and what there is happens to be indirect). While we love to relax there, is can be a bit troublesome to find all the light switches to get enough light to read.

I also agree that it's possible to end up rather far from things, especially at Kidani.

We have tended to go for Kidani if we want to stay in a 1 or 2 BR room (that extra bathroom is worth it) and Jambo for a studio (to be closer to Mara).

I can see how it isn't everybody's cup of tea, but we quite like the resort. It isn't perfect, but I've yet to find a perfect resort anywhere.

 

[eva]

Don't feel bad. DH and I stayed there for the first time last year. We were given a 1 bedroom two doors down from the very end of the hallway at Kidani furthest from Jambo House. And I have to say that Kidani is definitely not our favorite resort. DH actually completely dislikes the resort. I found the 1 bedroom to be very nice. He thoguth it wsa just ok. I do agree with the lighting in the bathroom. It was terrible. I also felt there was a ton of wasted space in the master bath. Sure could have used more closet space instead. But one major problem for us was the lack of a quick service place to get something while swimming. We ended up walking to Jambo House to swim a couple days just so we could eat something besides the two offerings at the bar at Kidani. And those options weren't very good to begin with. We both loved Saana. But not enough for DH to stay there again. I think I wouldn't mind staying there again. But DH has put it at the bottom of his list. He hated the location and how far out it was too. I think I am a bit more patient then him. It didn't really bother me too much. I do have to admit that the walk to the quick service at Jambo House was brutal when you just wanted a bite for breakfast or lunch.

 

[Sammie]

DVC resorts are like ice cream, not everyone likes the same thing.

I don't care for the BWV, I have tried several times, and each time I come away with the same response of it just does not appeal to me.

 

[Disney Princess]

We stayed at Jambo in May as we were able to book "last minute". We loved the chance to experience the resort, but it definitely wasn't our favorite. It was too remote for our taste. We missed being at the BWV and being able to walk to two parks easily. Still, we wouldn't know if we didn't try.

I wanted to comment on the wet van seat - we used the shuttle to pool hop and asked the driver what he wanted us to do when he took us to the pool. We said we'd keep pool towels to sit on, and he explained that he has towels for that very reason. When we were picked up, we asked for the towels, sat on them for the ride, and then turned the wet towels back in. Our seats were dry when we got up (I checked to make sure!). So, maybe our driver at the time was extra prepared, but they are aware of that "issue". Perhaps whoever sat on the seat before your DH just didn't think to ask. I wouldn't want a wet bum for the evening either, so I'm glad it was on your way back from instead of to dinner.

 

[goofy4wdw2]

I am slightly nervous about our Kidani stay in November as I usually like to stay near activity and the hustle and bustle of the lobby, and I usually prefer bright rooms...but I think the animals will be awesome and my kids will love seeing them when they wake up each morning. I am excited for the different decor for a change...I just hope I can see enough to do my makeup and put my contacts in Also very excited for the pool (hope the weather cooperates!) and to try Sanaa!

 

[J and R's mom]

Are we the only family that.....really disliked it?

Nope. We're right there with you. So much so, that after just touring the resort my DH refuses to ever spend our DVC points there. And I agree with him.

I am glad that other folks like spending their points there, though. Leaves rooms available at other resorts for us to book.

 

[amyy]

I am slightly nervous about our Kidani stay in November as I usually like to stay near activity and the hustle and bustle of the lobby, and I usually prefer bright rooms...but I think the animals will be awesome and my kids will love seeing them when they wake up each morning. I am excited for the different decor for a change...I just hope I can see enough to do my makeup and put my contacts in Also very excited for the pool (hope the weather cooperates!) and to try Sanaa!

I have no problem putting in my contacts. It doesn't bother me to put on makeup either. I am in the minority for this thread and love Kidani. Our last trip we actually skipped the parks 3 nights and took in the cultural programs, story telling etc. At least you will get a chance to try it out. Enjoy!