AKV- Jambo or Kidani?

[mymickeyfans]

Hello,

We recently had our first family trip to WDW last October and LOVED it. We stayed at POR which we loved. We are thinking of going back this coming October and are considering renting DVC points. I'm wondering if it's better to stay at Jambo, Kidani or does it really matter? We are a family of 4, our DS will be 9 and our DD will be 4. My kids love pools and waterslides.

Thank you
Kirsten
DH-
DS(8)
DD(3)

 

[jimim]

If u google the diff between the two there is a great fan web site out there that talks about the diff. One of the big things is j house has a quick serve vs k village that doesn't so if that is a necessary thing then j house would be better. It's kinda a long walk from k village to j house. The pools I feel r both great. J house has the awesome lobby k village doesn't. Google and look for that fan site. You won't miss it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[mymickeyfans]

Thank you. I will check that our today.

 

[dianeschlicht]

With kids who love water park areas, I'd say stay at Kidani for easy access to their great water play area. The pool is on the small side, but the water play area is great! We also prefer the savanna views at Kidani over Jambo house, and much prefer the cultural offerings there as well. Even when we aren't staying at AKV, we often will go over there to hear the cultural exchange presentations in the library at 8:15 PM.

 

[thepops]

and the Kidani 1 and 2 BR units get you an additional bathroom as well! (if that matters to your group)

 

[amyy]

We don't have children but vote for Kidani unless the lack of quick serve is a problem. Great pool, cultural activities/presentations, viewing areas, more laid back/less crowded.

 

[erionm]

Keep in mind that AKV is one resort, so which ever build you decide on you are free to use the standard amenities at the other building.

 

[dgaston]

Here's my take on the two resorts:
Comparison of Jambo and Kidani

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 buses first stop
Rooms on floors 2 through 4

 

[Sammie]

Hello,

We recently had our first family trip to WDW last October and LOVED it. We stayed at POR which we loved. We are thinking of going back this coming October and are considering renting DVC points. I'm wondering if it's better to stay at Jambo, Kidani or does it really matter? We are a family of 4, our DS will be 9 and our DD will be 4. My kids love pools and waterslides.

Thank you
Kirsten
DH-
DS(8)
DD(3)

What size unit, if getting one bedroom or larger, I would pick Kidani for the extra bathroom.

Studios, I personally would pick Jambo.

 

[Theaberdeenkid]

our home club is BW but we booked 3 studios at kidani this past november with our 4 and 6 year old and my parents. here are my thoughts.
first we loved kidani its a beautiful lodge and the savanna is fantastic, but.
1.food service is an issue, when getting back to the room after a day at the parks i had to more than once take the shuttle van over to jambo, get food for everyone then take the van back to the room.
the shop in the lobby is small so unless we wanted a sit down breakfast we waited to get to the parks to eat.
coffee, oh yes i need my coffee. available by coffee maker in the rooms or if you by the $20 refillable mug available in the shop. (We had four coffee drinkers so putting down $80 for coffee felt a bit nuts)
2.getting anywhere. It was a 20-30 minute bus ride everywhere. We went during a real slow time and always got on the first bus that came along, I cant imagine when there is a crowd there.
if you have kids the schlepping grows old quickly.
3. Parking, if you have a car, isn't great. Its underground so you have to find a close elevator to take to the valet area then through the lobby to the elevator to your room.
4. No spa on site. Not a deal breaker for some, big deal for others.
5. The savanna, while great, isn't always full of animals jaunting about.

If I may suggest Boardwalk or Beach Club may be a good consideration. They are
both in walking distance of Epcot and Disney Studios and are more central to all the parks.
The pools at BC are great and are good at BW. Food is always close by as well as entertainment. Others may disagree but if you have kids and want to be close to the action then BC or BW are a better choice.