AKV Question---Jambo 2bdr or Kidani 2bdr (standard view)

[MegansMom]

Okay....I need help! I have a 2-bedroom (Standard view) villa booked for a trip we are taking in JULY (7/22-7/31) and can't seem to make up my mind on which area to stay.

I originally requested Jambo because I just LOVE the atmosphere and the restaurants in that main section of the resort, but now I am concerned....here's my issues:

1. Is it necessary to stay at Kidani to get on a bus in the morning? Since we are traveling during a crowded time, I don't want to waste most of my morning waiting at the bus stop as full buses pass us by at Jambo. Should I be concerned?

2. Since we are staying in a Standard View this time, which has the best chances of getting a "good" view--Jambo or Kidani? Where should I request my room to be? Any suggestions?

3. We have four adults and two kids traveling with us.....should we stay at Kidani to ensure the 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom, or will we be fine in Jambo?

I am so confused right now, and would appreciate ANY help you can offer since this will be our first stay at AKV. Thanks!

 

[mousefan1972]

1. Not sure; I stayed at Jambo before Kidani opened so there was only 1 bus stop.

2. All Jambo standard views are pool views. Kidani are mostly parking lot.

3. I'd be more inclined to pick Kidani because of the 3 bathrooms in a 2 BR. Jambo only has 2 bathrooms.


Also, just wanted to clarify that you can't "request" Jambo or Kidani. You need to choose which one when you book, and that is where you will be.

 

[gardenia]

Jambo standard views are really beautiful pool views! All are on the 5th floor. Kidani standard views, not as nice, but we had a standard room near the lobby last year and it was actually a lovely view of the front entry. If you go with Kidani, ask for something high up, near the lobby. The main advantage with Kidani is the extra bathroom.

But - you will enjoy either! We have stayed at both and still have a hard time deciding between the two. So, just enjoy yourself, don't second guess too much.

 

[TwinsFan]

I prefer the atmosphere and amenities at Jambo. In January we stayed in a standard view at Jambo and did not get a pool view but ended up with a savanna view. The front desk told us that they reclassified a bunch of rooms as standard. I was guessing it was because there was an animal pen directly below our balcony, but beyond that we had a wonderful view of the savanna. I don't think you are guaranteed two beds in the second bedroom at kidani, someone posted on another thread that they were assigned a lock off. You would be guaranteed the extra bathroon though at Kidani. In January it wasn't really busy so the buses weren't full when they came to our bus stop, they just didn't come very often.

 

[lakohls]

At Kidani there are both "lock-off" and "dedicated" 2BR units. The "dedicated" have 2 QU beds, the "lock-offs" have 1 QU bed & pull-out sofa. Lock-offs are actually a 1 BR unit + studio so you do have extra kitchen space too.

The type you have will be specified on the reservation. If only the lock-off option is available when booking you can waitlist for the dedicated - same # of DVC points. We are doing exactly this for our next trip - just spoke to Guest Services about it yesterday.

 

[katrina1122]

I've only stayed at AKL, I know this is pathetic, but that's Jambo right? I always confuse them in my head

Anyway, we stayed there President's week and didn't have any problem getting a bus. We tend to get the early buses for park openings, rather than waiting a few hours and never had to wait for a 2nd bus but maybe once or twice. When that happens a second always seems to come faster than 20 mins. during peak times.

So here's a question for you, we are thinking of buying DVC in the next year. If you make AKV your home resort, do you have to specifiy Jambo/Kidani or are you home at both? We LOVED AKL, so this is a high option for home resort for us.

 

[chalee94]

So here's a question for you, we are thinking of buying DVC in the next year. If you make AKV your home resort, do you have to specifiy Jambo/Kidani or are you home at both? We LOVED AKL, so this is a high option for home resort for us.

you buy at AKV, which includes both jambo and kidani. you can reserve either at 11 months out, depending on availability. when you reserve a villa, it will be at either jambo or kidani - you will know which building you are in when you make the reservation.

 

[LeahA]

We stayed at Jambo-2 bedroom-standard view-we overlooked the pool area.

We stayed at Kidani-1 bedroom-standard view-we were on the 4th floor overlooking the scenery and landscaping, the valet parking lot was below us, could not see unless we leaned over, there was only about 3 cars the whole week.

I think of Jambo house as the hustle and bustle of the resort and Kidani is the sleepy little village.

It all depends on what you like! Have fun!