AKV Owners, a few questions...

[Cmbar]

Admitedly, I was not a fan of AKV when we had the opportunity to buy last year. The dark rooms made me feel sad. I am a light and bright person. But we had never really visted the resort. On our recent DVC research trip we visited and loved the resort. We ate Lunch as Mara's and had had dinner at Boma's. Both are great. LOVED the pool. What a great pool with shade and sun and my DH thought the HOT tub was great because it was huge and looked a little secluded. Slide looked great too.

SO here we are are thinking of buying into BLT or buying AKV direct from Disney (possibly resale at BCV). BLT just left us feeling empty. STudio rooms were small, I didn't like the sink/sink setup and hard as I try I just can't love the contemporary. I am from Florida and that building just reminds me so much of "old Florida" with old concrete and nothing soft and pretty. Please don't bash me on this, since I might still buy there due to it being a better value for some reasons and we LOVE the walk to the MK and I realize the lots of people love this resort.

OK so questions are for current AKV owners...

1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere.

2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority?

3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??

4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good.

5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?

This is one of the reasons I don't like BLT since I will HAVE to buy sodas to have in the villa since I won't have an option at BLT or will have to walk all the way over to the Main building on the 4th floor, go up those itsy bitsy escalotors in my wet, but covered bathing suit. But at least the building is walkable. At Kidani I will have no options. Will they at least have a quick mart or sales shop with sodas? I don't want to be paying at the bar for a soda.

6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??

7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?

Thanks everyone, I know this is annoying that we can't make a decision. We have the money sitting in the bank ready to call up and order, and I can't choose!!
For AKV I love the pool, the animals are cool, the Concierge option is great and value points can stretch some years plus I can fit five in a one bedroom. But can some of you tell me some cons for this resort besides the buses to everywhere...

Oh and one more thing. When you make a reservation is it guaranteed to be in one building or another. I don't want to make a reservation, hope I get into Jambo and then end up in Kidani (if I decide I don't like the newer building)

Thanks!!

 

[drusba]

"1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere."

We own at both BWV and AKV. It is nice at BWV to be able to walk to both Epcot and Studios. However, its buses to MK and AK leave much to be desired because they are shared with Swan/Dolphin and sometimes YC/BC. The AKV buses beat those by a mile because you have no other resort sharing. As with anything you can get a long wait once in a while but for our last trip in late Decmber/early January that did not even happen once and we never waited for a bus more than 10 minutes. Trip to AK was 6 minutes, trip to MK was 20, Studios and Epcot just a bit shorter than that. So do not mind the buses at all and consider AKV's buses better than all other resorts.

"2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority?"

Have not tried and have no desire to do concierge. Members have reported not getting it once in a while even when calling exactly 11 months out, particularly for Christmas holiday time. If you want it you should count on calling exactly 11 months out. There are only 5 2BR lock-offs (possible 10 rooms total).

"3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??"

N/A

"4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good."

Bunk to the Kiosk guy who knows nothing about which he speaks. Jambo and Kidani will share buses. All except Downtown Disney will stop at Kidani first and then go to Jambo before going to parks, DD bus will go Jambo first then to Kidani. We really like Jambo particularly for proximity to the restaurants. However, Kidani will have a restaurant and larger 1BRs and 2BRs so we will likely stay there too.

"5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?"

Pool concept photos show excellent pool, probably at least as good as if not better than Jambo although probably not as much "forest" although it is just not known yet. Right now there are no real pictures. Nothing has been said about refillables. Only quick food will be at the pool bar and grocery section in the store.

6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??

No.

7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?

Probably for many times of year. It will be the third largest resort behind SSR and OKW. However, it is already showing some interesting booking patterns. Value rooms (smaller/ lowest points/ only small number and only in Jambo) can be tough to get at 7 months; likewise concierge will be near impossible. However, though 80% of the rooms are savanna view and about 15% are standard view, members have reported some times when standards are available at 7 months and savanna view are not; in other words, it appears most purchasers there bought to get savanna view.

"For AKV I love the pool, the animals are cool, the Concierge option is great and value points can stretch some years plus I can fit five in a one bedroom. But can some of you tell me some cons for this resort besides the buses to everywhere..."

Not much on cons, but here are two at Jambo: in the 1BR they put the internet hook-up in the bedroom, I prefer the living room; the master bath in the 1BR has a combined shower and tub (and that tub is a high step over to get in) and I prefer the separate shower and tub which they will have at Kidani. We really like savanna view and being able to sit on the proch with a few cocktails and just watch the animals.

"Oh and one more thing. When you make a reservation is it guaranteed to be in one building or another. I don't want to make a reservation, hope I get into Jambo and then end up in Kidani (if I decide I don't like the newer building)"

You must choose building at time of reservation and building is guaranteed. Moreover you check in at your own building.

 

[erionm]

We've never had much issue with the buses at AKV. We are also locals so if we really need to drive, we have a car. I have a concierge level stay booked for this September. Didn't have any trouble booking, but it's not a busy time of the year. There will not be concierge level at Kidani Village. Once Kidani Village opens, the buses will stop at both buildings. You don't have to go over to Jambo House to catch a bus. Once completed, AKV will be the third largest of the DVC resorts at WDW.

 

[stopher1]

Admitedly, I was not a fan of AKV when we had the opportunity to buy last year. The dark rooms made me feel sad. I am a light and bright person. But we had never really visted the resort. On our recent DVC research trip we visited and loved the resort. We ate Lunch as Mara's and had had dinner at Boma's. Both are great. LOVED the pool. What a great pool with shade and sun and my DH thought the HOT tub was great because it was huge and looked a little secluded. Slide looked great too.

I can't answer all of your questions, but can do some... I was the same way about the dark rooms when we first saw them - but my DW loved them. After staying there - I really love it. The rooms are quite light during the day, and the furnishings really fit the theme.

SO here we are are thinking of buying into BLT or buying AKV direct from Disney (possibly resale at BCV). BLT just left us feeling empty. STudio rooms were small, I didn't like the sink/sink setup and hard as I try I just can't love the contemporary. I am from Florida and that building just reminds me so much of "old Florida" with old concrete and nothing soft and pretty. Please don't bash me on this, since I might still buy there due to it being a better value for some reasons and we LOVE the walk to the MK and I realize the lots of people love this resort.

OK so questions are for current AKV owners...

1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere.

We are quite happy - the buses really aren't that bad, at least the times we've been. And that AK bus is the best...less than 5 min and we were there - and vice versa, less than 5 min and we were back at the resort.

2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority?

3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??

We haven't tried concierge, so I can't say.

I haven't heard of problems at the 7 months given the overall size - especially once Kidani comes online - but I suppose if it's a really busy time of year, then yes, it could be a problem.

4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good.

5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?

This is one of the reasons I don't like BLT since I will HAVE to buy sodas to have in the villa since I won't have an option at BLT or will have to walk all the way over to the Main building on the 4th floor, go up those itsy bitsy escalotors in my wet, but covered bathing suit. But at least the building is walkable. At Kidani I will have no options. Will they at least have a quick mart or sales shop with sodas? I don't want to be paying at the bar for a soda.

We've only stayed in Jambo HOuse, but are totally looking forward to Kidani opening - that extra bathroom in the 1 BRs will be huge for our family!!!

Kidani Village will have its own bus stop - and from what I've read over on DVCNews, though I might have it mixed up, I believe the park-bound buses will be stopping at Kidani first, and then going to p/u at Jambo House.

The new pool, Uwanja Camp, is supposed to be way better than the existing pool at Jambo House - with a longer slide, water play area and more to do. It will be a non-pool hopping pool like Stormalong.

It will be, IMO, a bit annoying not having a quick service restaurant over in Kidani, but the walk won't be that unbearable either to go over to the Mara for q/s and beverages. Although buying your own soft drinks for inside your room could make sense too and just skip the refillable mugs.

6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??

7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?

I don't recall reading anything about Concierge at Kidani, so my answer is No there won't be - but someone else may know differently.

I believe the resort will be large enough, once Kidani is online too, that the 7 month window will be fine, unless it's just one of those really crazy crowded periods at WDW and room availability is low everywhere - otherwise it should be fine.

Thanks everyone, I know this is annoying that we can't make a decision. We have the money sitting in the bank ready to call up and order, and I can't choose!!
For AKV I love the pool, the animals are cool, the Concierge option is great and value points can stretch some years plus I can fit five in a one bedroom. But can some of you tell me some cons for this resort besides the buses to everywhere...

Oh and one more thing. When you make a reservation is it guaranteed to be in one building or another. I don't want to make a reservation, hope I get into Jambo and then end up in Kidani (if I decide I don't like the newer building)
Thanks!!

You tell MS which building you want when you make your ressie, and then if there's availability that's where you end up. We've booked Kidani for next January and are very much looking forward to it.

 

[redrosesix]

I'm just exploring the idea of buying in too, and AKV would be my first choice. Great questions and great answers.

Thanks.

 

[Tozzie]

Admitedly, I was not a fan of AKV when we had the opportunity to buy last year. The dark rooms made me feel sad. I am a light and bright person. But we had never really visted the resort. On our recent DVC research trip we visited and loved the resort. We ate Lunch as Mara's and had had dinner at Boma's. Both are great. LOVED the pool. What a great pool with shade and sun and my DH thought the HOT tub was great because it was huge and looked a little secluded. Slide looked great too.

SO here we are are thinking of buying into BLT or buying AKV direct from Disney (possibly resale at BCV). BLT just left us feeling empty. STudio rooms were small, I didn't like the sink/sink setup and hard as I try I just can't love the contemporary. I am from Florida and that building just reminds me so much of "old Florida" with old concrete and nothing soft and pretty. Please don't bash me on this, since I might still buy there due to it being a better value for some reasons and we LOVE the walk to the MK and I realize the lots of people love this resort.

OK so questions are for current AKV owners...

1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere.

I only bought DVC because of AKV, prior to that I never considered what transportation was available at the resort I stayed at. Just got back today and the bus service was excellent my whole trip.

2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority?

I have two future reservations booked at AKV concierge, August I called exactly at 11 months, the October trip I forgot and called 2 days late and both times I was successful

3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??


No Clue

4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good.

A few weeks ago there was a post that the buses to the parks will start at Kidani and then go to Jambo and the DTD bus will start at Jambo and go to Kidani, don't know which one is true but I really wouldn't worry about it.

5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?
Already aswered


This is one of the reasons I don't like BLT since I will HAVE to buy sodas to have in the villa since I won't have an option at BLT or will have to walk all the way over to the Main building on the 4th floor, go up those itsy bitsy escalotors in my wet, but covered bathing suit. But at least the building is walkable. At Kidani I will have no options. Will they at least have a quick mart or sales shop with sodas? I don't want to be paying at the bar for a soda.
There will be a store at Kidani, I was at Animal Kingdom the other day and the CM in one of the stores told me she applied to work at the store and will find out in April if she got the Job.


6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??
No, only at Jambo and only 5 2BR lockoffs

7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?

I honestly don't know the answer to this question, I know it will be large but it is also new so many people may want to try "new" only time will tell.

Thanks everyone, I know this is annoying that we can't make a decision. We have the money sitting in the bank ready to call up and order, and I can't choose!!
For AKV I love the pool, the animals are cool, the Concierge option is great and value points can stretch some years plus I can fit five in a one bedroom. But can some of you tell me some cons for this resort besides the buses to everywhere...

Oh and one more thing. When you make a reservation is it guaranteed to be in one building or another. I don't want to make a reservation, hope I get into Jambo and then end up in Kidani (if I decide I don't like the newer building)

Thanks!!

!!!

 

[Cmbar]

Thank you all for your answers!

One question: Everyone keeps mentioning that they only have 5 lockoff 2 bedrooms on the Concierge level. Does this mean there is only 5 two bedrooms? What about Studios and One Bedrooms? I will probably never book at two bedroom, does that mean I won't get into Concierge

Also Stpoher1 in refernce to this response

It will be, IMO, a bit annoying not having a quick service restaurant over in Kidani, but the walk won't be that unbearable either to go over to the Mara for q/s and beverages. Although buying your own soft drinks for inside your room could make sense too and just skip the refillable mugs.

I was told that you simply can't walk from one resort to the other. The guides all told me it would be a twenty minute walk from Kidani to Jambo. That is why I am surprised that I will have to walk so far for Mara's. I don't know if this is comprable to maybe walking to the main food court at CBR or OKW though. My DH was thinking we would need a car for ease around AKV and getting to the other building. I have visited OKW and it looks that way too! Any thoughts??

Thanks again!

 

[stopher1]

Also Stpoher1 in refernce to this response

It will be, IMO, a bit annoying not having a quick service restaurant over in Kidani, but the walk won't be that unbearable either to go over to the Mara for q/s and beverages. Although buying your own soft drinks for inside your room could make sense too and just skip the refillable mugs.

I was told that you simply can't walk from one resort to the other. The guides all told me it would be a twenty minute walk from Kidani to Jambo. That is why I am surprised that I will have to walk so far for Mara's. I don't know if this is comprable to maybe walking to the main food court at CBR or OKW though. My DH was thinking we would need a car for ease around AKV and getting to the other building. I have visited OKW and it looks that way too! Any thoughts??

Thanks again!

Well the concept art maps show a walk way along the parking lots of both buildings. I think there will be a way to walk. I guess the time it takes depends on what speed you walk... since it's not open yet and I can't try it yet, I just don't know. I would imagine it would be like some of the longer walks at SSR.

 

[skoi]

Well I can answer number 3:

Don't own there, but we booked there at a little less than 7 months out for September with no trouble. Granted, it was for September, but it's a big resort.

We're really looking forward to our trip and thanks for the info on the buses. I wasn't sure how that would work.

Julie

 

[drusba]

Thank you all for your answers!

One question: Everyone keeps mentioning that they only have 5 lockoff 2 bedrooms on the Concierge level. Does this mean there is only 5 two bedrooms? What about Studios and One Bedrooms? I will probably never book at two bedroom, does that mean I won't get into Concierge

Also Stpoher1 in refernce to this response

It will be, IMO, a bit annoying not having a quick service restaurant over in Kidani, but the walk won't be that unbearable either to go over to the Mara for q/s and beverages. Although buying your own soft drinks for inside your room could make sense too and just skip the refillable mugs.

I was told that you simply can't walk from one resort to the other. The guides all told me it would be a twenty minute walk from Kidani to Jambo. That is why I am surprised that I will have to walk so far for Mara's. I don't know if this is comprable to maybe walking to the main food court at CBR or OKW though. My DH was thinking we would need a car for ease around AKV and getting to the other building. I have visited OKW and it looks that way too! Any thoughts??

Thanks again!

A lock-off is a combined studio and 1BR and thus the five 2BR lock-offs can be up to 10 rooms -- 5 studios and five 1BRs. So how it gets divided depends on who tries to reserve what and you can get a 1BR or studio.

It will be about 1/2 mile front door to front door from Kidani to Jambo and there will be walkway to do that. So can walk it in far less than 20 minutes.

 

[HGD24]

Thanks for asking these questions and thanks to those who have replied!

DH and I own at SSR but are considering buying a contract at AKV since we both fell in love with AKL during our stay in 2007 and could easily see ourselves staying there during every visit.

We hope to switch from SSR to AKV for our Nov stay - I'll let you know in 2 weeks whether or not we get in.

 

[Cmbar]

A lock-off is a combined studio and 1BR and thus the five 2BR lock-offs can be up to 10 rooms -- 5 studios and five 1BRs. So how it gets divided depends on who tries to reserve what and you can get a 1BR or studio.

It will be about 1/2 mile front door to front door from Kidani to Jambo and there will be walkway to do that. So can walk it in far less than 20 minutes.

Thanks for the info on the rooms and walkways. Boy the guides made it seem like it was a hike and too far to walk. What is up with that??

So If I understand you correctly, the most Concierge level at Jambo (and therefore the only option of CL) only has at MOST 10 reservations to book and that would be if 5 families booked a studio and 5 families booked a 1br. If five families all book 2 bdrs then literally there are only five "reservations" for any given day. That seems kinda silly to make all that food for a max of 40 people a day. But then again I am not sure how CL works. Wow very dissappointed to hear there is such low availability for CL. Sounds like you have a much better chance of getting a Treehouse villas!

 

[erionm]

Thanks for the info on the rooms and walkways. Boy the guides made it seem like it was a hike and too far to walk. What is up with that??

So If I understand you correctly, the most Concierge level at Jambo (and therefore the only option of CL) only has at MOST 10 reservations to book and that would be if 5 families booked a studio and 5 families booked a 1br. If five families all book 2 bdrs then literally there are only five "reservations" for any given day. That seems kinda silly to make all that food for a max of 40 people a day. But then again I am not sure how CL works. Wow very dissappointed to hear there is such low availability for CL. Sounds like you have a much better chance of getting a Treehouse villas!

The 5 2-bedroom CL units are just a portion of all the CL rooms. There are a number of them that are still part of the hotel. I don't know how many there are in total.

 

[pilferk]

OK so questions are for current AKV owners...

1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere.

Absolutely. The dedicated bus lines have been VERY efficient for us. We'll see (in September, our next trip) if this changes much with the opening of Kidani Village. But we haven't found them to be much of an issue.

Also, keep in mind....you will still have to deal with busses at BLT. Just a lot less (with the monorail giving you access to MK and Epcot).

2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority?

I've never tried, but anecdotal info says it's one of the toughest tickets in town...and is sometimes (often?) booked at the 11 month window within hours of the phone lines opening.

I wouldn't buy AKV with the intent of ALWAYS staying concierge.

3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??

I'm an owner, but will take a stab anyway: Anecdotally (and from the availability forums), it sure looks like the only time rooms are in short supply are during the busy seasons. If you travel in early December....the 7 month window will likely be hit or miss (though with more Kidani rooms coming on line in May & December, that might improve the supply/demand balance...we'll see). Likewise if you travel over Easter, during busy school vacation times, etc. Most other times of the year....I'd bet you'll have good luck at 7 months. The reports are that lots of other folks are.

4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good.

The DVC kiosk guy was incorrect on transportation.

The buses going to the theme parks will stop at Kidani to pick up, first, and then go to Jambo to pick up. The buses going to Downtown Disney will go to Jambo first to pick up, and then to Kidani village. /We were made aware of that a month or so ago, in reference to transport between the two buildings.

I'm actually VERY much looking forward to Kidani. The extra square footage, the extra bathroom (in 1BR and 2BR villas), and the water play area all fit in with our rather large family of 5, with 3 young kids. The two things I worry about is the trek to and from Jambo to enjoy the offerings there (like Boma's) and the lack of a real quick service/counter service offering...which might mean treking to Mara on occasion.

5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?

This is one of the reasons I don't like BLT since I will HAVE to buy sodas to have in the villa since I won't have an option at BLT or will have to walk all the way over to the Main building on the 4th floor, go up those itsy bitsy escalotors in my wet, but covered bathing suit. But at least the building is walkable. At Kidani I will have no options. Will they at least have a quick mart or sales shop with sodas? I don't want to be paying at the bar for a soda.

I think it looks better than Jambo's, by virtue of the water play area. At least for our kids. Now, as they grow up...and the water play area becomes less of a draw...we'll see if that opinion changes. I'm also a fan of the BBQ area, and the basketball courts. Some of those "exterior activities" are things I really miss at AKL.

On the drink refill and quick food: There are reports that the pool bar will offer some limited (and we don't know what that means, yet) "quick service" food offerings and will house a mug refill station. The gift shop, likewise, will offer some cold "grab and go" food options. But you've touched on one of my biggest concerns. We'll see how it plays out when they open in May, I guess.

6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??

No, Jambo only. And only 5 2BR lockoffs there (which can obviously be split into 1BR/studio units).

7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?

I believe so, yes. I don't think you'll see the overall scarcity you see at BCV or VWL, for example. The exceptions being the value and concierge rooms, of course.

Oh and one more thing. When you make a reservation is it guaranteed to be in one building or another. I don't want to make a reservation, hope I get into Jambo and then end up in Kidani (if I decide I don't like the newer building)

Thanks!!

Yes, you'll know at the time of booking whether your in Jambo or Kidani. They're actual "booking categories" which means, assuming availability, you'll get to choose which one, if you wish. If you have no preference, MS can just choose for you...but you will know at the time you book.

 

[timandlesley]

Admitedly, I was not a fan of AKV when we had the opportunity to buy last year. The dark rooms made me feel sad. I am a light and bright person. But we had never really visted the resort. On our recent DVC research trip we visited and loved the resort. We ate Lunch as Mara's and had had dinner at Boma's. Both are great. LOVED the pool. What a great pool with shade and sun and my DH thought the HOT tub was great because it was huge and looked a little secluded. Slide looked great too.

SO here we are are thinking of buying into BLT or buying AKV direct from Disney (possibly resale at BCV). BLT just left us feeling empty. STudio rooms were small, I didn't like the sink/sink setup and hard as I try I just can't love the contemporary. I am from Florida and that building just reminds me so much of "old Florida" with old concrete and nothing soft and pretty. Please don't bash me on this, since I might still buy there due to it being a better value for some reasons and we LOVE the walk to the MK and I realize the lots of people love this resort.

OK so questions are for current AKV owners...

1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere. Yes, because I love how it doesn't share with other resorts!

2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority? I got it no problem when I called right at our window!

3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??
Actually we were just recently switching things around at 7 months and are having difficulty finding a studio in either Kadani or Jambo, so the 11 month window is great and should be used if you can!
4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good.
I am actually booked for Jambo because of the food court/restaraunts there. I love Kidani and the pictures look AMAZING that were recently put out by another DVCer and I'm now wondering if we should switch. The Kidani transportation will probably be a little better since they are supposed to be picked up first. The buses will pick up directly from Kidani, I've seen photo's of the bus stops, so no worried there.

5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?
They will have a refill station at the bar. Yes, the pool will be good, not as expansive as Jambo but hot tub and pool none the less and the interactive water play area looks amazing!

This is one of the reasons I don't like BLT since I will HAVE to buy sodas to have in the villa since I won't have an option at BLT or will have to walk all the way over to the Main building on the 4th floor, go up those itsy bitsy escalotors in my wet, but covered bathing suit. But at least the building is walkable. At Kidani I will have no options. Will they at least have a quick mart or sales shop with sodas? I don't want to be paying at the bar for a soda.
They will have the bar and a refill station so i assume soda's too, REALLY hoping for snacks there too but we're waiting for others to stay there and confirm.
6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??
No, just Jambo
7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?
I would think so, but again, I just tried to switch and had some issue at 7 months finding 4 nights in a row at either one. I think it will be a popular resort.

Thanks everyone, I know this is annoying that we can't make a decision. We have the money sitting in the bank ready to call up and order, and I can't choose!!
For AKV I love the pool, the animals are cool, the Concierge option is great and value points can stretch some years plus I can fit five in a one bedroom. But can some of you tell me some cons for this resort besides the buses to everywhere...

Oh and one more thing. When you make a reservation is it guaranteed to be in one building or another. I don't want to make a reservation, hope I get into Jambo and then end up in Kidani (if I decide I don't like the newer building)

Thanks!! Good luck with your decision!

 

[pilferk]

I was told that you simply can't walk from one resort to the other. The guides all told me it would be a twenty minute walk from Kidani to Jambo. That is why I am surprised that I will have to walk so far for Mara's. I don't know if this is comprable to maybe walking to the main food court at CBR or OKW though. My DH was thinking we would need a car for ease around AKV and getting to the other building. I have visited OKW and it looks that way too! Any thoughts??

Thanks again!

The guides are wrong. It will be approx 1/2 a mile from Kidani entrance to Jamo entrance.

I suppose, if you're a "stroller", and at the absolute furthest end of Kidani, it might take you 20 minutes from your room in Kidani to the entrance to Jambo. But 1/2 mile walk, for us, is about 7 minutes or so...at least according to DW and my pedometers, when we're out walking the neighborhood (and pushing OUR strollers, with the kids, I might add).

And keep in mind, if you're in the wing CLOSER to Jambo...by the looks of things there is a guest exit/entrance on the "end" of that wing...which means your walk would be considerably less than 1/2 a mile.

I'd say 20 minutes is right in the "worst case scenario" wheelhouse.

 

[pilferk]

Thanks for the info on the rooms and walkways. Boy the guides made it seem like it was a hike and too far to walk. What is up with that??

So If I understand you correctly, the most Concierge level at Jambo (and therefore the only option of CL) only has at MOST 10 reservations to book and that would be if 5 families booked a studio and 5 families booked a 1br. If five families all book 2 bdrs then literally there are only five "reservations" for any given day. That seems kinda silly to make all that food for a max of 40 people a day. But then again I am not sure how CL works. Wow very dissappointed to hear there is such low availability for CL. Sounds like you have a much better chance of getting a Treehouse villas!

While DVC now operates the Concierge lounge, the AKL concierge guests STILL get access to the lounge (and the accounting behind that is that DVC has a charge back line to the hotel, so they can pay their share). So you're sharing the lounge with the hotel concierge guests. I don't remember how many, exactly, hotel concierge rooms there are....but it brings the potential (with max occupancy in every room) number of guests who have access to the lounge up over triple digits.

Just an FYI: All the AKV concierge rooms "sleep" an extra person (as do all but the Value AKV rooms, actually)...so it would be a max of 9 per room. That extra sleeping surface (so 5 in a 1 BR, with everyone having a bed and linens) was one of the reasons we chose AKV...our family of 5 "fit" better in a 1BR.

 

[wildernessDad]

Thanks for the info on the rooms and walkways. Boy the guides made it seem like it was a hike and too far to walk. What is up with that??

So If I understand you correctly, the most Concierge level at Jambo (and therefore the only option of CL) only has at MOST 10 reservations to book and that would be if 5 families booked a studio and 5 families booked a 1br. If five families all book 2 bdrs then literally there are only five "reservations" for any given day. That seems kinda silly to make all that food for a max of 40 people a day. But then again I am not sure how CL works. Wow very dissappointed to hear there is such low availability for CL. Sounds like you have a much better chance of getting a Treehouse villas!

They are making all of that food for ALL of the concierge guests, those who are staying at the DVC 6th floor and the other concierge guests who are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[wildernessDad]

And the kiosk people are not DVC guides. They are hired to get you to go talk to the guides. As such, take what they say with a grain of salt.

 

[december14disney]

OK so questions are for current AKV owners...

1. Are you happy with your purchase even though you have to take a bus everywhere. Sure. People always say how "far" everything is from AKV. But with the traffic I drive in to work everyday 15 minutes is not far for me. Keep in mind--this resort is a direct stop--that makes the difference. Say GF is 10 minutes from HS according to mapquest but has to stop at say 3 other resorts---this is far more than 15 minutes! I am assuming the Kidani stop wont make that much of a difference.

2. Have you had difficulty getting into the Concierge level with your four month priority? Have not tried but will for our Disneymoon. I have heard of success right at the 11 month window. Wouldnt bank on doing this everytime however.

3. Anyone not an owner ever complain about not getting in at 7 months??
Certain rooms I bet will be hard. Value for instance.

4. Do you love being in Jambo house and are not looking forward to Kidani?? Are you worried about Kidani tranportation. I ask because a DVC kiosk guy at AKV told us you would have to shuttle from Kidani to Jambo and get the buses to the parks there. THAT does not sound good.
As others have said the transportation will be just fine. If you dont want to stroll to Jambo just hop on any bus besides DTD and youll be there in like 1 minute.

5. Is the pool over at Kidani supposed to be as good as Jambo? Also, if there is a pool overthere, are they really not going to have any kind of quick food or refill mugs at Kidani?
I have heard many confirmations that there will be a refill mug station. The pool is supposed to be one of the best DVC pools.

This is one of the reasons I don't like BLT since I will HAVE to buy sodas to have in the villa since I won't have an option at BLT or will have to walk all the way over to the Main building on the 4th floor, go up those itsy bitsy escalotors in my wet, but covered bathing suit. But at least the building is walkable. At Kidani I will have no options. Will they at least have a quick mart or sales shop with sodas? I don't want to be paying at the bar for a soda.

6. Is there Concierge at Kidani??
No. Keep in mind---you can always stay in Jambo even if your deed says Kidani.

7. Do you think the resort will be large enough to have plenty of bookings at 7 months?
Tough call. Certain rooms no. But I am sure you will be able to get something.

You should consider going to AKL and just walking around and getting the "feel". Its tough to describe the "awe" factor of this resort.