Am I crazy to book Kidani for May 2009?

[las3888]

I am looking to stay somewhere 'new' and I thought Kidani would be a great option for us for our May trip, but will I be disappointed with construction noise, or a lack of amenities because they're still under construction? It sounds like Kidani will open in phases...does anybody know exactly what that means? I wonder if the staff will be up to speed, etc. Just food for thought...the room we want is available for our dates right now, but I just couldn't pull the trigger...thoughts?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've booked Kidani for May, but only for 1 night after our DCL cruise. We really want to see what the pool/building looks like and experience it. We've stayed in Jambo during all sorts of redoing, outside work on the other end, working on the DVC units, in September they were doing something to the rugs on the floor under us...never have we felt that our vacation was ruined by what was happening.

The family vacation after this won't be until January 2010 when DDiL will run in the 1/2 marathon, and we've already decided that we will stay at VWL, so that's a factor in our decision. We really want the DGC to experience AKV Kidani before they get much older!

Bobbi

 

[bcvprincesses]

Good question. We tried to book Kidani for May 6-13 in a studio but Sunday night was not available. We were able to get a room at Jambo for the entire time so we booked it. We are on the wait list for Kidani. Now I'm not sure which I would prefer. It probably doesn't matter because in six tries my wait list has never come through.

 

[deanna2426]

I also booked Kidani for the first two nights of our May stay. I am anxious to check it out, especially the pool / water play area.

We will then move to BWV for the rest of stay.

 

[vascubaguy]

That seems strange to me that Kidani is booked up for May already but plenty of room in Jambo. I'm not sure, but I think I'd prefer to stay in Jambo. Other than being "new" what would make Kidani more appealing?

 

[maburke]

That seems strange to me that Kidani is booked up for May already but plenty of room in Jambo. I'm not sure, but I think I'd prefer to stay in Jambo. Other than being "new" what would make Kidani more appealing?

The 1BR in Kidani has two bathrooms.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

That seems strange to me that Kidani is booked up for May already but plenty of room in Jambo. I'm not sure, but I think I'd prefer to stay in Jambo. Other than being "new" what would make Kidani more appealing?

You answered your own question. It's "NEW".

 

[LisaS]

That seems strange to me that Kidani is booked up for May already but plenty of room in Jambo.

It's not clear how many rooms are available to be booked on points in Kidani. Since the resort is still being sold, only those Units that have been declared into the condominium can be booked on points. The rest belong to Disney to be booked through CRO. What I don't know is whether the inventory for points reservations is based on the Units already declared or on what they expect will be declared by next May. If it's based on what has been declared so far then those on the waiting list have an excellent chance of their waitlist coming through since as more Units are declared, more rooms become available for booking on points.

Nice to see you back on the DVC boards!

 

[vascubaguy]

It's not clear how many rooms are available to be booked on points in Kidani. Since the resort is still being sold, only those Units that have been declared into the condominium can be booked on points. The rest belong to Disney to be booked through CRO. What I don't know is whether the inventory for points reservations is based on the Units already declared or on what they expect will be declared by next May. If it's based on what has been declared so far then those on the waiting list have an excellent chance of their waitlist coming through since as more Units are declared, more rooms become available for booking on points.

Nice to see you back on the DVC boards!

Thanks Lisa!
It's good to have a little time to breathe and come back to see what's going on in the world.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We tried a couple of different times in Kidani over yesterday and today and had gaps for both the variations we requested. No savanna view one bedrooms available at Kidani for at least four of the ten days we were looking at.

 

[bobbiwoz]

For our single night after the cruise, we have a savannah view 2 bedroom, but last week, I tried to get a savannah view studio for my DSis, and there was none, but she could have been in Jambo in savannah view. Being in the same building was more important, so she has a standard view, and I'm waitlisting for her. It's a Sunday night.

Bobbi

 

[disneymamaof2]

I hope it's not crazy, we booked Kidani for 1 week in May.

 

[btrim]

I booked two sv studios for two nights prior to our Disney Cruise for DH, myself, DS and DBIL. They asked if we wanted Kidani Village or Jambo House. I decided I wanted to check out Kidani Village even if there was still construction going on. We want to get a GV for December 20010 if possible for a family get-together with our children, spouses and grandchildren.

 

[loribell]

I was considering trying to get in to Kidani for our July trip but now I'm not sure if I want to. I have seen conflicting reports about the construction. My biggest concern is whether the new pool area will be open. I can not imagine having all those extra guest without the new pool.

Does anyone know for sure what the construction timeline is?

 

[bonnielynn]

When is it suppose to open, as in done. no more construction?

 

[deanna2426]

I was considering trying to get in to Kidani for our July trip but now I'm not sure if I want to. I have seen conflicting reports about the construction. My biggest concern is whether the new pool area will be open. I can not imagine having all those extra guest without the new pool.

Does anyone know for sure what the construction timeline is?

MS confirmed the new pool area and restaurant will be open on May 1, 2009.