AKV questions

[rentayenta]

After much debate, some research, and one heck of a magical stay at Jambo in 2009, we are highly considering on spending 5 of our 10 nights at the AKV. I have a few questions and appreciate any info.

1. When we stayed in Jambo we had booked a 2 bedroom Value but lucked out and got a killer SV. What are the chances?

2. Major differences from Kidani and Jambo? Who has better views?

3. If we cough up the points for a SV, are we guaranteed a SV? No offense to BLT but I've seen a few pics of the MK views and they are hardly what I'd call *worth it*. I'd hate for that to happen as the view is one of the major draws.

4. Are their any 2 bedroom room numbers you all can suggest?

5. Lock off or dedicated?


Any other Kidani/Jambo insights?

 

[AKLFan3]

1. Wow, you were lucky to get a SV while staying in a Value room. You only have a 33% chance of getting it. So I wouldn't book a value room relying on the possibility of getting it again if you really want a SV room.

2. I think the views at Jambo and Kidani are equivalent in how nice they are. At Jambo, you have more savannas to "choose from" since there are three. But at Kidani, there are only two savannas. I have stayed in rooms facing all savannas except the Pembe savanna at Kidani. The Arusha savanna (savanna behind the lobby at Jambo) and the Sunset savanna (savanna in between the Jambo and Kidani buildings) are my favorites.

The major differences are that Kidani rooms are larger and if you get a 1 bedroom or larger, you will have an extra bathroom. Jambo doesn't have the extra bath and the rooms are just a bit smaller.

Kidani doesn't have counter service, but they do have a table service restaurant, Sanaa, and they serve lunch at dinner. It's my FAVORITE restaurant, the food is amazing. Jambo has counter service, The Mara, but they do not have a table service restaurant open for lunch.

3. Yes, if you get a SV room, you are guaranteed a SV room. However, only you can say whether or not you would be satisfied with the view. I have been staying at AKL/AKV for 10 years and only once I received a view that I think some people would not like. A few years ago, I stayed in a 1 br at Jambo and I received a "barn view." The room was really close to the barn and while it wasn't as pretty as other views I've enjoyed, I thought it was really neat to see the animals congregate in front of the barn when it was time to go inside.

4. I can't recommend any numbers but if you do not want a long walk, ask for a room close to the lobby, regardless if you stay at Kidani or Jambo.

5. I would prefer a dedicated room if I had the choice, but I haven't stayed in a 2 br yet.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've had a dedicated 2 bedroom savannah view at Kidani and it was wonderful. The view was a bit nicer than at Jambo because we were on the second floor, and on Jambo you are on the 5th floor.

The 3 bathrooms in the 2 bedrooms at Kidani for the same number of points as at Jambo is the reason we almost always book 2 bedrooms at Kidani. I had a value 2 bedroom in September and it faced the pool, not the savannah, but I was with friends, and never really had a chance to use the balcony. It was very convenient to the pool, because it was very near the elevators by the health club.

At the beginning of AKV I was luckier in getting savannah view for our value roms, now I'm 50-50, haven't gotten the parking lot view yet, but I'm guessing it's in the future. I book value when I'm nearly out of points.

Bobbi

 

[magicaldisney]

We personally prefer the view at Kidani over Jambo. You have the option of requesting a lower floor at Kidani where you do not have that option at Jambo. In our opinion, the lower the floor the better. As stated Kidani does not offer counter service, but the walk is a nice stroll to Jambo and you can take any park bus to Jambo. Speaking of buses....Kidani is the first bus stop if that matters to you at all. The pool at Kidani is nicer, again this is my opinion, but if you have children they have a great pool play area.

 

[dgaston]

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 spilt 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 4

As far as booking value rooms in Jambo, 40% face the savanna, 40% face the pool, and 20% face the parking lot with trees inbetween. We stayed in a value studio last May, and liked it so much we've booked value for May 2012! Taking our chances...

 

[rentayenta]

1. Wow, you were lucky to get a SV while staying in a Value room. You only have a 33% chance of getting it. So I wouldn't book a value room relying on the possibility of getting it again if you really want a SV room.

I know how lucky we were. I would never chance it. My family has been adequately spoiled now with a SV at AKL and DCA views at the GCV.

2. I think the views at Jambo and Kidani are equivalent in how nice they are. At Jambo, you have more savannas to "choose from" since there are three. But at Kidani, there are only two savannas. I have stayed in rooms facing all savannas except the Pembe savanna at Kidani. The Arusha savanna (savanna behind the lobby at Jambo) and the Sunset savanna (savanna in between the Jambo and Kidani buildings) are my favorites.

I think we had the Arusha savanah. I looked at some maps but the print is so fine, it's hard for me to really see.

The major differences are that Kidani rooms are larger and if you get a 1 bedroom or larger, you will have an extra bathroom. Jambo doesn't have the extra bath and the rooms are just a bit smaller.

Our lock off had 3 bathrooms and having that 3rd was amazing. There will be only 6 of us so the 3rd bathroom isn't a must but would be nice.

Kidani doesn't have counter service, but they do have a table service restaurant, Sanaa, and they serve lunch at dinner. It's my FAVORITE restaurant, the food is amazing. Jambo has counter service, The Mara, but they do not have a table service restaurant open for lunch.

Sanaa is on my must-try list. What did you order? I like having a CS option available. We went to WWS 3x during our 3 day stay at the GCV; twice by the pool and once on our way to change into warmer clothes.

3. Yes, if you get a SV room, you are guaranteed a SV room. However, only you can say whether or not you would be satisfied with the view. I have been staying at AKL/AKV for 10 years and only once I received a view that I think some people would not like. A few years ago, I stayed in a 1 br at Jambo and I received a "barn view." The room was really close to the barn and while it wasn't as pretty as other views I've enjoyed, I thought it was really neat to see the animals congregate in front of the barn when it was time to go inside.

That's good because I would be admittedly very unhappy to not have a great view. The points are pretty spendy for a SV.

4. I can't recommend any numbers but if you do not want a long walk, ask for a room close to the lobby, regardless if you stay at Kidani or Jambo.

5. I would prefer a dedicated room if I had the choice, but I haven't stayed in a 2 br yet.

Awesome! I just copied this info into my iPhone notepad.

We've had a dedicated 2 bedroom savannah view at Kidani and it was wonderful. The view was a bit nicer than at Jambo because we were on the second floor, and on Jambo you are on the 5th floor.

Thank you Bobbi. So the difference between the dedicated and lockoff is the extra bathroom and the ability to lock off the studio part? I am all about the view and Kidani seems to have the best from what I am reading.

[quoteThe 3 bathrooms in the 2 bedrooms at Kidani for the same number of points as at Jambo is the reason we almost always book 2 bedrooms at Kidani. I had a value 2 bedroom in September and it faced the pool, not the savannah, but I was with friends, and never really had a chance to use the balcony. It was very convenient to the pool, because it was very near the elevators by the health club.[/quote]


We are freaks and actually try to spend a lot of time in the villa. Even my kids like that downtime. I am an early riser, a good hour before everyone else, so having the balcony with which to watch the animals while enjoying my coffee sounds heavenly.

At the beginning of AKV I was luckier in getting savannah view for our value roms, now I'm 50-50, haven't gotten the parking lot view yet, but I'm guessing it's in the future. I book value when I'm nearly out of points.

Bobbi

I am sure I would freak with a parking lot view. I just don't have the guts to chance it. Wishing you pixiedust on your furture views.

We personally prefer the view at Kidani over Jambo. You have the option of requesting a lower floor at Kidani where you do not have that option at Jambo. In our opinion, the lower the floor the better. As stated Kidani does not offer counter service, but the walk is a nice stroll to Jambo and you can take any park bus to Jambo. Speaking of buses....Kidani is the first bus stop if that matters to you at all. The pool at Kidani is nicer, again this is my opinion, but if you have children they have a great pool play area.

Kidani sounds lovely. We don't mind walking as long as the CS is within walking distance. The kids like alittle freedom to go grab a bite without us in tow. Why do you prefer the lower floors?

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 spilt 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 4

As far as booking value rooms in Jambo, 40% face the savanna, 40% face the pool, and 20% face the parking lot with trees inbetween. We stayed in a value studio last May, and liked it so much we've booked value for May 2012! Taking our chances...

This is fantastic! Good luck on your view!!!! I enjoy the hustle and bustle so maybe Jambo is the way to go. Argh!!! So split.

 

[dzorn]

The number of bathrooms is because of building not if the room is a lock-off or dedicated. Kidani is 3 bathroom for a two bedroom. Jambo has 2 bathrooms for a two bedroom.

Denise in MI

 

[rentayenta]

The number of bathrooms is because of building not if the room is a lock-off or dedicated. Kidani is 3 bathroom for a two bedroom. Jambo has 2 bathrooms for a two bedroom.

Denise in MI

Thank you Denise. I must be confusing our 2 bedroom lockoff at GCV with our 2 bedroom lock off at AKV.

With 6 of us, 2 bathrooms should be good if we decide on Jambo as DH and I will have our own. The 4 kids can share.

 

[Kidanifan08]

The things we love about Kidani are the smaller, quieter lobby and being the first stop for the buses. Having the extra bathroom in the 1BR and 2BR is fantastic as well. We have done 2 standard views at Kidani and got a parking lot view and a partial Pembe Savanna view. I hated the parking lot view, but it was December and dark and cold in the AM and PM, so it did not really matter. We love the SV rooms. I would only ever do a std view if I really needed to conserve points. I have to second (or third?) the recommendation to request lobby level, near the lobby. Having a CS dining option is not important to us.

Admittedly, we have never stayed at Jambo. We will be there in June 2012, so I'll get back with you!

 

[drusba]

Personal views:

If you are getting a studio or Grand Villa, Jambo is the choice. The studios in both buildings are the same size and the Jambo single story Grand Villas are the best on sight. Why Jambo for a studio: Jambo gives you more: 3 restaurants, the larger lobby, the larger pool, more shady areas around the pool, the better and larger store. Some of the best views are on Zebra Trail (an area request you can make) away from the lobby. That gives Arusha savanna view and you face west, meaning great sunsets in the evening but no blinding sun in the morning.

If you are getting 1 or 2BR, Kidani is the choice beacause the rooms are so much better; about 100 sq ft larger (thats a huge difference), extra bathroom, separate tub and shower in master bathroom (Jambo's are are combined tub and shower), more closet space, and you can get a dedicated 2BR (quaranteed as part of reservation). Kidani has a smaller pool, much less shade near pool but longer slide and elaborate kids water play area. Sanaa is one of the best sit down restaurants on site.

If you get Jambo and ask for Zebra Trail, I recommend against requesting close to lobby since down the hall a ways provides the best views. If you get Kidani, there is only oneuest that you must make: close to lobby; don't make any other request your lead request; you can add lower floor but make sure that is second request not first. Close to lobby puts you close to everything -- pool, restaurant, busses, community hall, store. It also gives very good views and you will be near feeding areas where animals gather (regardless of which side of lobby you are on). The reason that request is so important is because otherwise you risk getting far from lobby and far from the lobby at Kidani means that if you are intending to walk to an end room from the lobby, you better have overnight gear including a tent so you can stop halfway and spend the night before continuing on with the long, arduous journey in the morning. There truly is no longer walk down an internal hallway in any other hotel in the world (the earth not just WDW). The saving grace is that Kidani has the best parking you can get, under the building, available throughout the length of the building, with elevators along the wings, allowing you to park fairly close to your room no matter where it is.

 

[rentayenta]

The things we love about Kidani are the smaller, quieter lobby and being the first stop for the buses. Having the extra bathroom in the 1BR and 2BR is fantastic as well. We have done 2 standard views at Kidani and got a parking lot view and a partial Pembe Savanna view. I hated the parking lot view, but it was December and dark and cold in the AM and PM, so it did not really matter. We love the SV rooms. I would only ever do a std view if I really needed to conserve points. I have to second (or third?) the recommendation to request lobby level, near the lobby. Having a CS dining option is not important to us.

Admittedly, we have never stayed at Jambo. We will be there in June 2012, so I'll get back with you!

Thank you! I should be conserving points but I'm hoping to add on next year. We stayed in Jambo and loved it. Kidani rooms and views seem to be the way to.

Personal views:

If you are getting a studio or Grand Villa, Jambo is the choice. The studios in both buildings are the same size and the Jambo single story Grand Villas are the best on sight. Why Jambo for a studio: Jambo gives you more: 3 restaurants, the larger lobby, the larger pool, more shady areas around the pool, the better and larger store. Some of the best views are on Zebra Trail (an area request you can make) away from the lobby. That gives Arusha savanna view and you face west, meaning great sunsets in the evening but no blinding sun in the morning.

If you are getting 1 or 2BR, Kidani is the choice beacause the rooms are so much better; about 100 sq ft larger (thats a huge difference), extra bathroom, separate tub and shower in master bathroom (Jambo's are are combined tub and shower), more closet space, and you can get a dedicated 2BR (quaranteed as part of reservation). Kidani has a smaller pool, much less shade near pool but longer slide and elaborate kids water play area. Sanaa is one of the best sit down restaurants on site.

If you get Jambo and ask for Zebra Trail, I recommend against requesting close to lobby since down the hall a ways provides the best views. If you get Kidani, there is only oneuest that you must make: close to lobby; don't make any other request your lead request; you can add lower floor but make sure that is second request not first. Close to lobby puts you close to everything -- pool, restaurant, busses, community hall, store. It also gives very good views and you will be near feeding areas where animals gather (regardless of which side of lobby you are on). The reason that request is so important is because otherwise you risk getting far from lobby and far from the lobby at Kidani means that if you are intending to walk to an end room from the lobby, you better have overnight gear including a tent so you can stop halfway and spend the night before continuing on with the long, arduous journey in the morning. There truly is no longer walk down an internal hallway in any other hotel in the world (the earth not just WDW). The saving grace is that Kidani has the best parking you can get, under the building, available throughout the length of the building, with elevators along the wings, allowing you to park fairly close to your room no matter where it is.

Great post! We'll be getting a 2 bedroom. I am feverishly taking notes so when my 7 month arrives in 102 days, I know just what to request.

Those long walks are painful.

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a question regarind Kidani, and I think all of you AKV experts may be able to help me. Traveling with my sister's family, and we will have two studios at Kidani...one with savannah view & one with standard view. Trying to figure out if there are any that would be across the hall from one another. I can't find a Kidani map with the rooms anywhere.

Thanks in advance!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a question regarind Kidani, and I think all of you AKV experts may be able to help me. Traveling with my sister's family, and we will have two studios at Kidani...one with savannah view & one with standard view. Trying to figure out if there are any that would be across the hall from one another. I can't find a Kidani map with the rooms anywhere.

Thanks in advance!

Yes, there are actually quite a few that would be that way. At Kidani one whole wing is set up with one side facing the sunset savannah and the other will face the parking area or front of the resort. The other wing will have savannah views on one side and parking lot/pool views for part of the wing before the start of the Pembe savannah.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a question regarind Kidani, and I think all of you AKV experts may be able to help me. Traveling with my sister's family, and we will have two studios at Kidani...one with savannah view & one with standard view. Trying to figure out if there are any that would be across the hall from one another. I can't find a Kidani map with the rooms anywhere.

Thanks in advance!

Be sure to make that a request. In September, I had 2 value villas, one a 2 bedroom and 1 a studio, and they were right next to each other. You can be across the hall if you are lucky!

 

[bookwormde]

For a SV rooom I would suggest asking for "near the pool" which also puts you near the lobby. There is a nice back way to the pool which is much faster.

For momof2 cute girls, if you have 8 in your party, be sure and set it up as a grand gathering, that will get you a special proceedure for keeping the rooms close.

bookwormde

 

[rentayenta]

For a SV rooom I would suggest asking for "near the pool" which also puts you near the lobby. There is a nice back way to the pool which is much faster.



bookwormde

In both buildings? Does near the pool but you on a lower floor?

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Thanks for all the info! What exactly do I need to do for a Grand Gathering?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In both buildings? Does near the pool but you on a lower floor?

No. In Jambo house all the DVC rooms are on the 5th floor with the exception of the concierge which is on the 6th. At Kidani near the pool could be on any of the floors 2-5 and I believe is the building bookwormde was referring to when recommending the request.

 

[rentayenta]

No. In Jambo house all the DVC rooms are on the 5th floor with the exception of the concierge which is on the 6th. At Kidani near the pool could be on any of the floors 2-5 and I believe is the building bookwormde was referring to when recommending the request.

Thank you! So much to learn when contemplating a new resort.

 

[bookwormde]

At Kidani you need to request a floor, but be careful the more detailed you are the more likely they will just "give up" and put you wherever.