AKV studio-savannah view-Kidani or Jambo?

[emacek]

My mother has gifted us with the use of her points for next year. This will be the first time I've ever tried DW over the holidays and it's just me and my husband. We're looking at booking December 28-January 2 as soon as our 11 month window opens. Kidani Village will be open by then so I assume that we are not trying to avoid construction when requesting a room. We want to book a savanna view studio--any advice on what to request?

Elyn

 

[DebbieB]

I had that choice when I booked my trip for next June. From what I understand, studios are pretty much the same in each building. I booked Kidani since I already tried Jambo and I figured the savannah looks like it is bigger. Also the Jambo DVC rooms are on high floors, I was thinking you would be closer to the animals on a lower floor.

 

[hakepb]

I'd make the decision based on what you would use more often:
Jambo restaurants (including Counter Service) or
The Kidani Restaurant/ and better pool are (if the weather cooperates within your personal comfort level at that time of the year)

 

[helenk]

I just booked my dates at the AKV for the beginning of Dec. I chose the Jambo House as I will be in a studio and by myself, so I'd rather have closer access to Mara.
For June, I'll be there with my son and his wife and my grand-daughter so I have a 1 bedroom. I booked in Kidani so that we are in the new section and will have 2 bathrooms and I'd like to try out the new pool area.

 

[Cinderella1122]

I am going that same week. I am going to book Jambo house. I read some place that the savanna at kidani village isn't scheduled to open until Sept. 2009. With my luck, something will delay that process and it won't be open in December and I will end up looking at grass. Also, I am traveling with 3 teenagers and the easy access to the food court at Jambo is a major plus. My little brother can eat enough in one day to feed a small country.

I am however looking forward to saying in Kidani village December 2010!

 

[DVC Grammy]

After this month's stay in a Jambo studio (the last week of Jan.), most likely I will book Kidani (unless I'm trying for concierge). The new-ness of it appeals to me.
I would like to know a bit more about the restaurant scheduled for there (Saana?), and what menus/prices it offers.

 

[danjulia]

Just back from a NYE stay at BW - great trip!

We visited AKV while we were there and have a serious case of addonitis

I have a question about the concierge rooms. Do they all have savannah views? I see it is a separate points category (and I know it is in the original building) but how do you know you won't be looking out over the carport?

Also, when Kidani opens, will you be able to use either pool when staying at either Jambo or Kidani?

Thanks for any info...
Sue

 

[LisaS]

I have a question about the concierge rooms. Do they all have savannah views? I see it is a separate points category (and I know it is in the original building) but how do you know you won't be looking out over the carport?

Also, when Kidani opens, will you be able to use either pool when staying at either Jambo or Kidani?

The Concierge rooms are on the 6th floor. There are five 2BR lockoffs. They run along the long sides of the lobby so three of the lockoffs face the Sunset Savanna and the other two face the pool area. The views from up there are not the greatest. The savanna view rooms look out into a small part of the Sunset Savanna and are up so high that the tree tops block part of the view. The pool view rooms are directly over the restaurants so you can see the restaurant roof just below your room.

DVC members staying at AKV should be able to use either pool.

 

[Kurby]

when does kidani open?

we booked jumbo house for second week in may and put a request in for kadani. i had been debating it because i wasnt sure if the animals would be there since it will be new but dh wanted to see it brand spanking new.

well our switch was made and we got kidani

but when does it actually open? are we going to be the first ones in our room??? how exciting would that be.

we were the first ones in our room when we went to POP the first year it opened.

 

[LisaS]

Phase 1 of Kidani opens on May 1st so you will be among the first to stay there!

 

[DebbieB]

I am going that same week. I am going to book Jambo house. I read some place that the savanna at kidani village isn't scheduled to open until Sept. 2009. With my luck, something will delay that process and it won't be open in December and I will end up looking at grass. Also, I am traveling with 3 teenagers and the easy access to the food court at Jambo is a major plus. My little brother can eat enough in one day to feed a small country.

I am however looking forward to saying in Kidani village December 2010!

There are 2 sections at Kidani, one opening in May and one in September. The rooms opening in May will face the existing Sunset Savannah and will have animals starting in Mid-April (they are closing that savannah mid-Jan to mid-April). The rooms opening in September will face the new savannah.

 

[buzz1fan]

Will the new pool be open in June?

 

[Kurby]

i hope it's open in may when we'll be there

 

[NiftyJ88]

We rented points and just booked at Jambo. We have never been at AKV, but decided to stay there because of the lobby and Mara. I want to be closer to the "action". Although if we would have gotten a 2BR, I totally would have stayed at Kidani.

 

[tikimimi]

We just stayed in Jambo on Dec. 21. It was WONDERFUL! We even ordered room service so we could enjoy our balcony more. We were on the top floor and the view was wonderful! We did not feel far from the animals at all. In fact - look.....

It was amazing, and we may stay there again before we stay in all DVC resorts (our goal before repeating) because we liked it so much.

 

[emacek]

OK....what do I request to get a view like that one---Jambo House--but where?