AKV - Jambo or Kidani?

[DisneyMama21]

Our home resort is AKV, and we'll make our first trip this summer to Kidani 2 bedroom (because we're bringing my brother). I also booked Christmas 2012 11 nights in a Jambo 1 bedroom, but now wondering if I should switch to Kidani? It will be me, DH, DS7, DD5, DD3 for Christmas. Kinda wanted to stay in both, but wondering if the extra space and bathroom I'm hearing about will be better for an 11 night stay? Or will the convenience of a QS restaurant be better at Jambo? HELP!!!

 

[drusba]

We have stayed at both. As a resort overall, we feel Jambo is better with it's three restaurants, larger lobby, larger store, and larger pool with lots of areas to find shade. However, we will stay in Jambo only when using studio or GV. If 1BR or 2BR, Kidani wins by a very large margin, the room is 100 sq f larger, you have an extra bathroom, more closet space, separate tub and shower in master bath (Jambo is a combined tub and shower with a very high stepover into tub), and just all around nicer rooms. Kidani does have the better kid's play area at the pool, one of the best restaurants at WDW (Sanaa), and ideal parking under the building if you have a car.

 

[partypa]

We are Jambo House Fans. Out of the Room Space and Amenities is more important to us

 

[akl-fan]

I have stayed in both and own at AKV. I prefer Jambo house but on the occasions that we are going to have resort time and be catering in the villa, I go with Kidani. Just for the ease of being able to get your car and shopping close to the villa. If you are not driving or cooking in the villa, I would go with Jambo and enjoy it's 3 restaurants.

 

[rmcildw2m]

For that many in a room, an extra bathroom is always good to have .

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

We have stayed in both and prefer Kidani. It is much quieter there than Jambo. And yes ... with your group the extra bath would be great!

 

[Disneypapa]

Have to agree with dursba.....

The main advantage of Kidani is easier access to you car and I like the play area at the pool. Otherwise it's Jambo.

 

[Cee]

If you're going for Christmas, then I'd say Jambo. The huge tree in that awesome lobby is worth it. Plus you get the best of both worlds. The convenience of a villa and all the amenities of a deluxe hotel.

 

[FanOfFigment]

We just purchased our DVC at AKV while on a cruise a couple of weeks ago. Last year, we stayed at Jambo for a week; but we walked over to Kidani to check things out. We chose Kidani (1BR, which seems like a good choice based on the posts here ) primarily because we wanted to try the "other" hotel and thought they had more animals to view .

We're driving and plan to make a grocery run while we're there so will probably eat in our room or the park more. We thought Kidani seemed to make that easier as well.

(OT, but just wanted to let you know we also live in Occoquan, Cee!--well, almost.)

 

[LindaBabe]

I've now stayed at both. In my view the studio I had at Kidani was no larger than the value villa at Jambo - any extra square footage is taken up by the hall, bathroom and doorway to the room next door.

Yes, the parking underneath is convenient - when you can find a parking space near the elevator serving your room.

The community hall is really nice for families - only at Kidani.

The pool play area at Kidani is fabulous - the pool itself - I prefer Jambo's for size, seating and location.

I Loved the drum circle every night, and the savanna guides at Kidani, who led it.

Sanaa is really good.

I could see almost the entire Sunset Savanna from my 5th floor balcony, second pod to the south of the lobby. Sometimes there were animals - more often not. They migrate freely and only pass through that end of the savanna in their meander, rather than staying there.

All that being said, I still prefer Jambo. Better shop, better lobby, better meal options, better savanna viewing options, more convenient pool. I'll just take the bus to Kidani for drum circle.

All that being said though, I prefer Jambo.

 

[dgaston]

Here's my comparison: HTH

Jambo:
large impressive lobby, larger gift shop
busier atmosphere
larger pool, wimpy slide (IMHO)
steam room in workout area
counter service at Mara
value and concierge rooms
rooms retrofitted from existing hotel rooms
Master bath has shower/jetted tub combo plus toilet in one room (toilet is split off)
Parking in lots
Bus to DTD first stop
Rooms on 5th floor, except for 5 2br lockoffs on 6th for concierge

Kidani:
smaller, more intimate lobby and gift shop
quieter atmosphere
splash area at pool, and better slide (IMHO)
rooms designed for DVC
extra bath in one and two bedrooms
separate shower and jetted tub in master bath
community hall
Under building parking
Park busses first stop
Rooms on floors 2 through 5

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

For that length stay and that many people I'd go with the 1BR at Kidani or if you really wanted to stay at Jambo then go for a 2BR there.