AKV- Kidani. Meh.

[guppy1013]

Just got back from 4 nights at AKV-Kidani Village. Savannah View Studio.

Arrived late Tuesday night via Magical Express. Check in was a breeze. Magic bands worked to open doors. Room was clean. Mousekeeping did the towels and trash on Friday morning.

Ever hear the phrase something is "worth more than the sum of its parts"? Kidani is like the opposite. Individual things are very nice but it left DH and I with a "well...ok...we did that once and never again" feeling.

The lobby is pretty. But we never got to walk through it because we picked the buses up out of a side hall. The bathroom is huge and very nice, but they could have made it smaller and given more space to the bedroom area. With a giant cabinet (only one side is a coat closet...other side has vacuum cleaner), and large dresser (with 6 very small drawers), there is not a whole lot of space. The decor is theme-y.

Day 1- Savannah View: One ostrich. (Watching from like 7 am to 8:30 am)
Day 2- Savannah View: No animals. (From like 7 am to 9 am)
Day 3- Savannah View: 2 zebra? (7 am to 9:30 am)
Day 4- Savannah View: 2 giraffe for less than 3 minutes. 5 zebra (2 little ones playing together, that was cute), one ostrich. (7:15 am to 8:30 am)

Granted... it was cold. 50s and rain. It is winter, so it was already dark by the time we got back to the room. I really really really hate to think of the points we wasted. For the few animals we did see, it was pretty awesome and my kids loved it. (Still not worth the points). I actually called the front desk the one day to ask when the animals come out. The CM was very giggly and like, oh you know with the weather....and that was it. Ok thanks!!!!!

There is nothing to do at the hotel at night. We were staying in Timon building and wanted to walk to Jambo. We walked all the way down the hall and then realized that wasn't the way... Called front desk and the CM was like, just walk out front and then walk there. Again, so helpful! Thanks! Jambo was packed. Ate at The Mara one night, it was standard Disney fare. (decently good, overpriced)

Bus service was good all but one time. From arriving to stop to getting to MK was ONE HOUR. This is not peak season. Unacceptable. I hated being unable to stop back at resort in between parks and having to take a bus everywhere. Its just so....far....

Nothing earth shattering bad. Just really really not enjoyable. Cannot wait to stay at Boardwalk this summer. That is our thing. We even walked through the model villa and the studio seemed bigger (mostly because no giant cabinet....I don't know the square footage comparison). Also, our room was not too far from bus hallway (we were off the right side of the lobby). But we did walk all the way to our end....and I can't imagine the walk to the buses from the other end of the resort.

So...overall....meh. Maybe we are a victim of the weather.

 

[SamSam]

Thank goodness there are so many different places to stay. We LOVE Kidani, can't really get enough of it. We own at BCV and AKV, we'll take Kidani every time. We do work half days while there, so we get more time to view animals. As I understand it, the animals are being checked, etc. in the early morning, so we usually didn't see many until around 11am. We love the laid back feel of the resort and enjoy the walk over to Jambo.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it, but hope you enjoy your Boardwalk stay this summer.

Just got back from 4 nights at AKV-Kidani Village. Savannah View Studio.

Arrived late Tuesday night via Magical Express. Check in was a breeze. Magic bands worked to open doors. Room was clean. Mousekeeping did the towels and trash on Friday morning.

Ever hear the phrase something is "worth more than the sum of its parts"? Kidani is like the opposite. Individual things are very nice but it left DH and I with a "well...ok...we did that once and never again" feeling.

The lobby is pretty. But we never got to walk through it because we picked the buses up out of a side hall. The bathroom is huge and very nice, but they could have made it smaller and given more space to the bedroom area. With a giant cabinet (only one side is a coat closet...other side has vacuum cleaner), and large dresser (with 6 very small drawers), there is not a whole lot of space. The decor is theme-y.

Day 1- Savannah View: One ostrich. (Watching from like 7 am to 8:30 am)
Day 2- Savannah View: No animals. (From like 7 am to 9 am)
Day 3- Savannah View: 2 zebra? (7 am to 9:30 am)
Day 4- Savannah View: 2 giraffe for less than 3 minutes. 5 zebra (2 little ones playing together, that was cute), one ostrich. (7:15 am to 8:30 am)

Granted... it was cold. 50s and rain. It is winter, so it was already dark by the time we got back to the room. I really really really hate to think of the points we wasted. For the few animals we did see, it was pretty awesome and my kids loved it. (Still not worth the points). I actually called the front desk the one day to ask when the animals come out. The CM was very giggly and like, oh you know with the weather....and that was it. Ok thanks!!!!!

There is nothing to do at the hotel at night. We were staying in Timon building and wanted to walk to Jambo. We walked all the way down the hall and then realized that wasn't the way... Called front desk and the CM was like, just walk out front and then walk there. Again, so helpful! Thanks! Jambo was packed. Ate at The Mara one night, it was standard Disney fare. (decently good, overpriced)

Bus service was good all but one time. From arriving to stop to getting to MK was ONE HOUR. This is not peak season. Unacceptable. I hated being unable to stop back at resort in between parks and having to take a bus everywhere. Its just so....far....

Nothing earth shattering bad. Just really really not enjoyable. Cannot wait to stay at Boardwalk this summer. That is our thing. We even walked through the model villa and the studio seemed bigger (mostly because no giant cabinet....I don't know the square footage comparison). Also, our room was not too far from bus hallway (we were off the right side of the lobby). But we did walk all the way to our end....and I can't imagine the walk to the buses from the other end of the resort.

So...overall....meh. Maybe we are a victim of the weather.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just got back from 4 nights at AKV-Kidani Village. Savannah View Studio.

Arrived late Tuesday night via Magical Express. Check in was a breeze. Magic bands worked to open doors. Room was clean. Mousekeeping did the towels and trash on Friday morning.

Ever hear the phrase something is "worth more than the sum of its parts"? Kidani is like the opposite. Individual things are very nice but it left DH and I with a "well...ok...we did that once and never again" feeling.

The lobby is pretty. But we never got to walk through it because we picked the buses up out of a side hall. The bathroom is huge and very nice, but they could have made it smaller and given more space to the bedroom area. With a giant cabinet (only one side is a coat closet...other side has vacuum cleaner), and large dresser (with 6 very small drawers), there is not a whole lot of space. The decor is theme-y.

Day 1- Savannah View: One ostrich. (Watching from like 7 am to 8:30 am)
Day 2- Savannah View: No animals. (From like 7 am to 9 am)
Day 3- Savannah View: 2 zebra? (7 am to 9:30 am)
Day 4- Savannah View: 2 giraffe for less than 3 minutes. 5 zebra (2 little ones playing together, that was cute), one ostrich. (7:15 am to 8:30 am)

Granted... it was cold. 50s and rain. It is winter, so it was already dark by the time we got back to the room. I really really really hate to think of the points we wasted. For the few animals we did see, it was pretty awesome and my kids loved it. (Still not worth the points). I actually called the front desk the one day to ask when the animals come out. The CM was very giggly and like, oh you know with the weather....and that was it. Ok thanks!!!!!

There is nothing to do at the hotel at night. We were staying in Timon building and wanted to walk to Jambo. We walked all the way down the hall and then realized that wasn't the way... Called front desk and the CM was like, just walk out front and then walk there. Again, so helpful! Thanks! Jambo was packed. Ate at The Mara one night, it was standard Disney fare. (decently good, overpriced)

Bus service was good all but one time. From arriving to stop to getting to MK was ONE HOUR. This is not peak season. Unacceptable. I hated being unable to stop back at resort in between parks and having to take a bus everywhere. Its just so....far....

Nothing earth shattering bad. Just really really not enjoyable. Cannot wait to stay at Boardwalk this summer. That is our thing. We even walked through the model villa and the studio seemed bigger (mostly because no giant cabinet....I don't know the square footage comparison). Also, our room was not too far from bus hallway (we were off the right side of the lobby). But we did walk all the way to our end....and I can't imagine the walk to the buses from the other end of the resort.

So...overall....meh. Maybe we are a victim of the weather.

That was my reaction also, and the weather was fine when I was there. From my savannah view, I saw no giraffes, yet at Jambo I'd see giraffes often, usually several at a time. I saw very few zebras, yet at Jambo I always saw zebras. Same savannah even, I always seem to get the Sunset savannah. And the walk to the lobby gave new meaning to the phrase "long walk", even though I'd requested "close to lobby" (I know, I know, requests aren't guarantees. I'd wanted to compare Jambo and Kidani-now I've been there, done that-back to Jambo for me!

 

[Kidanifan08]

We have had 6 stays at AKV (most at Kidani) and have been pretty happy with the number of animals on the savanna. We mostly like that this is one of the few DVC balconies that we can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and it is peaceful. We like the smaller lobby at Kidani, although I wish the store had a broader range of offerings. We have had one bad experience with the bus system at AKV, but overall it has been very good.

We like the pools at Jambo and Kidani better than any of the other DVC resorts that we have stayed at, but it sounds like you were not able to access that, given the weather. You should try it sometime when it is warm --- our son and the other kids we have traveled with have enjoyed the pools at Kidani and Jambe better than any onsite.

It's definitely a personal preference. If I never stay at BLT again, it won't be too soon. But others rave about it. We are trying BCV for the first time this summer, and I hope I like it, but if not, we will choose BWV for our Epcot area stays. We currently have no interest in staying at OKW or SSR again, but that sentiment may change with time.

 

[NoleFan]

We did a split stay this weekend - SSR & AKL Jambo. We stayed at Kidani over the summer for 2 nights. I agree that it was OK (both Kidani & Jambo). Nice, unique theming but none of us are in a rush to go back. My DS 7 kept asking to go to BW. Our home & hearts are at the BW. We rented points for a last minute trip (ran short on points this year) & staying where you really want to makes a huge difference. The rain did not bother as we still hit the parks, dtd, and got some pool time in today. Location, theming, dining options, and entire feel of the BW just make me smile.

We liked the pool at Kidani but did not like the lack of dining options at pool & overall. Also, there were a lot of bees at the pool area when we were there over the summer.

The AKL bus ride to/from MK last night was awful. Waited forever for bus to go there and again to return on a jam packed bus.

I also had magic band issues again and the CM at Jambo did not really want to be bothered fixing the issue. Had mb issues previous day at SSR & those CMs were the nicest, most helpful I have ever encountered.

 

[quandrea]

Sorry you didn't love it. That's why we are so lucky to have so much choice.

We just got back from two weeks at kidani on Friday. We love it. We spend a fair amount of time in the room and commented that we had the best savannah activity in all our visits. I did find they took longer to come out with the rain. Loved the baby zebras.

My kids love community hall. The cultural activities are great.

We have never stayed in a studio. Love the one bedroom. We also don't use the buses. I think having a car at kidani makes a difference. We also cook a lot while there so the dining options are less important. Kidani is like home. I love it and don't think I will ever tire of it.

 

[wdrl]

I'm sorry to hear that the OP did not enjoy their stay at Kidani. There are lots of tips that we should have shared with the OP that might have made their stay more enjoyable.

On animal viewing: I notice the OP complained of seeing very few animals during the early morning hours. I wonder if that is the time the animals on that savanna are routinely called back to their pens? Each morning, Disney calls the animals off the savannas and back to their holding pens to check their general health and condition. Disney starts the process about 5:00 AM and continues it until 11:00 AM. There are four savannas at AKV/AKL -- Sunset, Pembe, Arusha, and Uzima -- and each savanna's animals are called off in a certain order for about 90 minutes. I can't remember the exact order, other than Arusha's animals are called off last.

One of the best ways to get more enjoyment out of viewing animals is by getting tips from the Animal Keepers that are around the resort. The Animal Keepers are great at explaining the behavior of the animals and where they are likely to be observed. This may sound funny, but they also know the personalities of the animals, so they can tell you all sorts of stories about how the animals interact with each other. We have always found our dealings with the Animal Keepers to be fun and educational.

Did you know there is a free shuttle that runs between Kidani and Jambo? Concierge or Valet could tell you the schedule.

Did you know that both Kidani and Jambo offer night viewing of the savanna animals using night goggles? I'm not sure if Disney still offers it, but there use to be a night time safari that you could sign up for.

We also enjoy talking to the cultural representatives and learning about their home countries. Its also fun hearing them talk about how they are adjusting to life in the U.S.

BTW, A Kidani studio (365 sq ft) is larger than a BWV studio (359 sq ft).

 

[bobbiwoz]

In general, the mornings are not the time to look for animals. Then the animals are often called into the barns for daily checks and feeding.

I always make the time to get to at least 1 cultural safari. We spent 5 nights in Jambo and 3 nights in Kidani just this past January. The program at Jambo was at 7:30, and at Kidani it was at 6:30. Altogether, I went to 5 programs, all different! In Kidani, a drum session precedes the talk, and it was well attended.

I went to the Lunch with animal specialist one Wednesday. Lunch is at Sanaa, and that was a great experience. We learned about those 3 zebra babies, upcoming new animal arrivals and other topics.

Did you utilize the Community room? Our DGC think it is the best one!

I am sorry you did not enjoy your Kidani stay. Thankfully there are lots of DVC choices!

Bobbi

 

[Simba's Mom]

That cultural safari that bobbiwoz mentioned is the one thing that I preferred at Kidani to at Jambo. I had heard a rumor, from talking to a CM at Jambo, that the CMs at Kidani are often more experienced and thus better about talking about their native land. I found the talk at Kidani very interesting. At Jambo, the CM who did the cultural safari was monotone and rather uncomfortable. Maybe he was just new, so I wouldn't say that Kidani always has better cultural safaris, but just that it was really good when I was there. So my whole experience staying at Kidani did have a good point that I'd forgotten the first time I posted.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In general, the mornings are not the time to look for animals. Then the animals are often called into the barns for daily checks and feeding.

That is always when they bring the animals in daily so not surprising at all that few were seen then. What we were told on the Sunset Safari is that they won't force animals to come in every day (although most will) so that is why there can be a few around but if they haven't come in for several days then they will round them up to check them.

 

[tlwfun89]

Just got back from 4 nights at AKV-Kidani Village. Savannah View Studio.

Arrived late Tuesday night via Magical Express. Check in was a breeze. Magic bands worked to open doors. Room was clean. Mousekeeping did the towels and trash on Friday morning.

Ever hear the phrase something is "worth more than the sum of its parts"? Kidani is like the opposite. Individual things are very nice but it left DH and I with a "well...ok...we did that once and never again" feeling.

The lobby is pretty. But we never got to walk through it because we picked the buses up out of a side hall. The bathroom is huge and very nice, but they could have made it smaller and given more space to the bedroom area. With a giant cabinet (only one side is a coat closet...other side has vacuum cleaner), and large dresser (with 6 very small drawers), there is not a whole lot of space. The decor is theme-y.

Day 1- Savannah View: One ostrich. (Watching from like 7 am to 8:30 am)
Day 2- Savannah View: No animals. (From like 7 am to 9 am)
Day 3- Savannah View: 2 zebra? (7 am to 9:30 am)
Day 4- Savannah View: 2 giraffe for less than 3 minutes. 5 zebra (2 little ones playing together, that was cute), one ostrich. (7:15 am to 8:30 am)

Granted... it was cold. 50s and rain. It is winter, so it was already dark by the time we got back to the room. I really really really hate to think of the points we wasted. For the few animals we did see, it was pretty awesome and my kids loved it. (Still not worth the points). I actually called the front desk the one day to ask when the animals come out. The CM was very giggly and like, oh you know with the weather....and that was it. Ok thanks!!!!!

There is nothing to do at the hotel at night. We were staying in Timon building and wanted to walk to Jambo. We walked all the way down the hall and then realized that wasn't the way... Called front desk and the CM was like, just walk out front and then walk there. Again, so helpful! Thanks! Jambo was packed. Ate at The Mara one night, it was standard Disney fare. (decently good, overpriced)

Bus service was good all but one time. From arriving to stop to getting to MK was ONE HOUR. This is not peak season. Unacceptable. I hated being unable to stop back at resort in between parks and having to take a bus everywhere. Its just so....far....

Nothing earth shattering bad. Just really really not enjoyable. Cannot wait to stay at Boardwalk this summer. That is our thing. We even walked through the model villa and the studio seemed bigger (mostly because no giant cabinet....I don't know the square footage comparison). Also, our room was not too far from bus hallway (we were off the right side of the lobby). But we did walk all the way to our end....and I can't imagine the walk to the buses from the other end of the resort.

So...overall....meh. Maybe we are a victim of the weather.

Thats so ironic we have stayed kidani twice and have the exact same thoughts as you we tried twice thinking we missed the animals in savannah view both times so I tell everyone skip the savannah view the points arent worth it. WE stayed at boardwalk not to be bearer of bad news but honestly we did not like that either it was just so dated to us. Now Bay lake tower was wonderful when we stayed one night in a lake view and had a direct view of the castle.The staff were so professional If staying at animal kingdom on points I say always stay standard view the point difference is so great to see one or two animals that you can see in other areas of the resort.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

I think the wet winter weather played a role in your disappointment. One of the strongest plusses for Kidani is their pool. Its one of the nicer ones in my opinion. The camp fire is also very nice and they even have a savanna there. We typically book the standard view rooms, as we enjoy just siting in the viewing rooms and balconies that are near the lobby. Also, there is some activity at night; we like using the night vision glasses at near the camp fire, also enjoyed the drumming event with our little ones. The gym at Kidani is another plus. As far as transportation, it would be great if they had at least one special transportation method to Animal Kingdom, maybe a zip-line themed cable car, a jungle cruise type river or something. However, with that said, I am pleased with the bus service, other than stopping at Jambo House its always a direct route. Just stay at BWV, BCV or the Swan-Dolphin and travel to WDW, you will come to appreciate the direct routes at Kidani. The same can be said for going to DTD from the VGF or VWL. We love all the resorts, but bus transportation isn't a great option, but at least Kidani has the most direct route.

 

[Sur]

This is all very good information to know! Can marshmallows be toasted at the campfire, like the Fort?

 

[Kat913]

Staying at kidani for the 1st time this august. I am interested in the cultural safari mentioned here. Is this something that needs to be booked in advance or is it just an activity that anyone can attend ? Also what is the cost?
Op-sorry to hear your experience was not the best. Hope you have a good summer trip. I stayed at jambo house 3 yrs. Ago with my brother's family & loved it. We walked over to kidani to look around & thought the pool looked so nice. We had a 1 bedroom savannah view at jambo (don't remember which savannah, but we always had animals outside.) The rest of my family has never stayed at AKL & is really excited. This time we have a 3 bedroom savannah view. In your opinions, is there a best spot to request for optimal animal viewing?

 

[Splashboat]

OP, I was reading a trip report on another forum and the people said they went on the night safari at Kidani. They said the giraffe were not out and they were told they cannot be out when the temperatures dip down.

 

[mum of two pirates]

I just booked savannah view for early morning animal watching, now I;m wishing I wouldn't have spent the extra money. Oh well we'll have a great time

 

[bobbiwoz]

Staying at kidani for the 1st time this august. I am interested in the cultural safari mentioned here. Is this something that needs to be booked in advance or is it just an activity that anyone can attend ? Also what is the cost?
Op-sorry to hear your experience was not the best. Hope you have a good summer trip. I stayed at jambo house 3 yrs. Ago with my brother's family & loved it. We walked over to kidani to look around & thought the pool looked so nice. We had a 1 bedroom savannah view at jambo (don't remember which savannah, but we always had animals outside.) The rest of my family has never stayed at AKL & is really excited. This time we have a 3 bedroom savannah view. In your opinions, is there a best spot to request for optimal animal viewing?

No need to sign up for Cultural Safaris, and they are free!