AKV Grand Villa

[Maistre Gracey]

We have stayed in the 2-story GV at Kidani and loved it. Once again it's time to book the family gathering for next October, and I couldn't decide between the Jambo 1-story or the Kidani 2-story.
So... I think I made a good decision. I booked five nights at each (separated by five days in a Beach Cottage at Vero).

Okay, for anyone who has stayed in, or at least seen both in person, what are the pluses and minuses of each?

MG

 

[magicaldisney]

Looking forward to seeing other replies. We are also looking at staying at AKV for our Jan. 2013 grand gathering. I also can't decide.

I know that Kidani offers the extra sleeping area in the loft which for our last grand gathering would have fit us well with 11 people. This time we will only have 9 people and I don't think we need that extra sleeping space. My opinion, from staying at both resorts in a one bedroom, is that Kidani offers a better view of the savannah. Kidani is the first bus stop which is awesome. Smaller pool but better pool area for kids.

Jambo's grand villa does not have the extra sleeping space but is slightly larger square footage wise. It offers the pool table, larger balconies, and larger dining room table. The lodge itself offers a larger store and quick service eating. Larger pool.

These are just a few of the differences I know of. I'm leaning towards Jambo because the grand villa itself will have a different feeling than the last one we stayed at which was SSR which was also a two story villa.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanks.. I'm looking forward to trying the Jambo GV. I looked at the floor plan, and saw a fourth bathroom. That's a biggie for us. It also looks like two of the bathrooms are across the hall from the bedrooms. That's okay, but not quite as private. It also looks like the far bedroom can be closed ff, but not the one closer to the living area. that makes sense, seeing as though you need that area to get to the other bedroom.

That said, it seems like the 2-br is just more "grand". I mean, that loft with the bamboo rail overlooking the picture window is amazing.

MG

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't actually qualify to answer your question since I haven't personally seen a Kidani GV but we did stay in a Jambo GV in May. Everyone loved it. Pluses I'd say are the size, a layout that really separates the Master from the rest of the villa, the 3 very large balconies and of course the pool table. The very good sized dining table would be great for a large group. Since we only had 5 people we didn't come close to filling it up. There were 4 full bathrooms and one of them even had 2 showers so there's no lack of places to get ready in the morning. The large walk in closet in the master wasn't bad to have either!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I don't actually qualify to answer your question since I haven't personally seen a Kidani GV but we did stay in a Jambo GV in May. Everyone loved it. Pluses I'd say are the size, a layout that really separates the Master from the rest of the villa, the 3 very large balconies and of course the pool table. The very good sized dining table would be great for a large group. Since we only had 5 people we didn't come close to filling it up. There were 4 full bathrooms and one of them even had 2 showers so there's no lack of places to get ready in the morning. The large walk in closet in the master wasn't bad to have either!

Thanx.. That is indeed a big help!

MG

 

[dianeschlicht]

MG, I am green with envy! I don't have enough AKV points to even think about booking a GV there at 11 months. I could get 3 days during Adventure season if I used 3 years worth of points! I'm assuming there would never be an AKV/GV available at 7 months.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

MG, I am green with envy! I don't have enough AKV points to even think about booking a GV there at 11 months. I could get 3 days during Adventure season if I used 3 years worth of points! I'm assuming there would never be an AKV/GV available at 7 months.

I also didn't have enough AKV points and was able to book our AKV Jambo GV for May at approx 5 months!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I also didn't have enough AKV points and was able to book our AKV Jambo GV for May at approx 5 months!

Whoa! So there IS hope!!

 

[wbl2745]

I'm hoping to get a GV at AKV, either Kidani or Jambo, at 7 months for June 2013. Hope it works!

 

[tinkfan]

We stayed in a GV at Jambo house a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I prefer the location over Kidani. Only the middle bedroom had the bathroom seperate and it was directly across the hall. The Master bathroom is fabulous including a flat screen tv in front of the whirl pool tub and a huge walk in closet! There is a also a second entrance between the 2 other bedrooms. I have stayed in GVs at Boardwalk and OKW in the past , this is by far my favorite!

 

[DenLo]

We haven't had the privilege of staying in a GV but looking at the floor plans I always thought the Jambo House floor plan gives less privacy to those in the secondary bedrooms because they share a wall. Whereas at Kidani the loft separates them so the noise from one bedroom shouldn't affect the other.

It sounds like a great trip hope the weather is perfect.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanks everybody... I think both are awesome in different ways. I just have to wait a year to find out!

Diane- The way things are shaping up we just might have an extra bedroom!

MG