Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House

[antree]

I just returned from a quick trip, I haven't stayed at AKL in a few years, but my kids really wanted to go. In my opinion thankfully it was only 4 days. After this stay I am not sure about going back, is it me or do those rooms need some serious updating.
I noticed that half the 5th floor was blocked so I asked if they were refurbishing them, they said, its a soft good refurbishment. Don't know what that means. Is it just sheets and curtains?
I know the resort was booked and no rooms anywhere for the 3rd, so I kept my mouth shut, I was only there 4 days.
But, I did say to them the rooms need to be refurbished badly.
Our jets in the tub was broken, the towel bar kept falling, The stove door was broken off and I kept killing tiny little bugs on the counter. I am not here to complain.

My questions is, does anyone know what soft goods refunrishment means and will they actually get a fully redo anytime soon?

I kept all the problems from the kids because they wanted to be there, but I don't want to go back unless they get an update, and the kids want to go back next year..

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I noticed that half the 5th floor was blocked so I asked if they were refurbishing them, they said, its a soft good refurbishment. Don't know what that means. Is it just sheets and curtains?

No. It includes paint, carpet, linens, art, etc. Not necessarily the furnishings, however, and not the kitchens or fixtures.

 

[antree]

Well, that's good to hear about the paint and carpets. I thought the paint looked lighter in one of the rooms they were doing when the door was opened.
The rooms are just too dark. They can keep up theme without it being so dark.
I wished the had glass in the cabinet doors too...lol but that's just me..Thank you for the info auroraborealis.

 

[dvc at last !]

No. It includes paint, carpet, linens, art, etc. Not necessarily the furnishings, however, and not the kitchens or fixtures.

Killing tiny bugs on the counter is optional !

Sorry - just had to say it !

 

[Lakegirl]

Did you let a CM know about the bugs???

 

[disneynutz]

I just returned from a quick trip, I haven't stayed at AKL in a few years, but my kids really wanted to go. In my opinion thankfully it was only 4 days. After this stay I am not sure about going back, is it me or do those rooms need some serious updating.
I noticed that half the 5th floor was blocked so I asked if they were refurbishing them, they said, its a soft good refurbishment. Don't know what that means. Is it just sheets and curtains?
I know the resort was booked and no rooms anywhere for the 3rd, so I kept my mouth shut, I was only there 4 days.
But, I did say to them the rooms need to be refurbished badly.
Our jets in the tub was broken, the towel bar kept falling, The stove door was broken off and I kept killing tiny little bugs on the counter. I am not here to complain.

My questions is, does anyone know what soft goods refunrishment means and will they actually get a fully redo anytime soon?

I kept all the problems from the kids because they wanted to be there, but I don't want to go back unless they get an update, and the kids want to go back next year..

Your issues aren't specific to AKV, all of the DVC resorts are suffering and almost all are being refurbished. Why DVCMC waited so long is poor management IMO. Now members have to deal with availability issues because rooms are blocked off at BWV, BCV, AKV, BLT is starting soon, and VWL is a construction zone.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I agree that all the resorts can have those issues. A call to maintenance while you are there is what is needed to fix broken handles etc. If we have issues like that then we call as things can and will get broken at anytime. I don't think housekeeping does a very good job at reporting. But we stay at AKV on avg once a year and have only had one instance where a room needed something - concierge studio that had wall paper coming down in the bathroom. Otherwise everything has been good.

I, for one, am sad they are lightening the paint though.

 

[hayesdvc]

Do you have a link for the building layout? Does each building have all room types? Currently based on availability to fill the dates I need, I have a reservation for a Standard Studio, Value Studio, and a Value 1 BR.

 

[erionm]

Do you have a link for the building layout? Does each building have all room types? Currently based on availability to fill the dates I need, I have a reservation for a Standard Studio, Value Studio, and a Value 1 BR.

Standard & Savanna Views are in both buildings, Values & Concierge Level are only in Jambo House.

Value & Concierge Level rooms are limited in number.
Values: 10 2-bedroom lock-offs & 8 dedicated studios
Concierge Level: 5 2-bedroom lock-offs

 

[hayesdvc]

Standard & Savanna Views are in both buildings, Values & Concierge Level are only in Jambo House.

Value & Concierge Level rooms are limited in number.
Values: 10 2-bedroom lock-offs & 8 dedicated studios
Concierge Level: 5 2-bedroom lock-offs

Just to clarify..... the reservations I mentioned are at Jambo for a Standard Studio, Value Studio, and a Value 1 BR; consecutive days for one night each. If available, it is possible for all three rooms to be in the same building ?

 

[erionm]

Just to clarify..... the reservations I mentioned are at Jambo for a Standard Studio, Value Studio, and a Value 1 BR; consecutive days for one night each. If available, it is possible for all three rooms to be in the same building ?

Jambo House is a one building. So if your reservations are all for Jambo House, they will all be in the same building. All of the Standard View, Savanna View & Value Villas in Jambo House are on the 5th floor with Concierge Level on the 6th.

Kidani Village is also one building.

 

[hayesdvc]

Jambo House is a one building. So if your reservations are all for Jambo House, they will all be in the same building. All of the Standard View, Savanna View & Value Villas in Jambo House are on the 5th floor with Concierge Level on the 6th.

Kidani Village is also one building.

Thanks, would it be possible to be on one floor ?

 

[erionm]

Thanks, would it be possible to be on one floor ?

All Jambo House Standard View, Savanna View & Value Villas are on the 5th floor.

 

[DizDaD7]

The way I look at it...The more that people HATE AKV, the better it is for me...True they need a refurb, which is currently in place but honestly it's not nearly as bad as people make it seem... The themeing here along with the dark paint & furnishings all lead to the overall feel of this place....It obviously doesn't appeal to everyone, but there are a heck of a lot that do enjoy the way it looks...

 

[Brancaneve]

The way I look at it...The more that people HATE AKV, the better it is for me...True they need a refurb, which is currently in place but honestly it's not nearly as bad as people make it seem... The themeing here along with the dark paint & furnishings all lead to the overall feel of this place....It obviously doesn't appeal to everyone, but there are a heck of a lot that do enjoy the way it looks...

Me too. Everyone.....Animal Kingdom Lodge is terrible. Don't go there.

 

[DizDaD7]

LoL!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I had a concierge level stay in May. My reservation was changed to " Savannah view" but we will have access to the concierge lounge because of the renovations. I feel that I was pixie dusted! We had the same experience years ago, it was fewer points because we were moved to the 5th floor, but still CL amenities! It has been about 2 years since I've stayed in Jambo, but I have always loved the decor and feel of it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Must remember when Bobbi has a concierge stay something will be up with the concierge lounge. Over booking, refurb etc.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[Sparkie]

I love AKL and the dark decor. As a night shift worker, it helps me sleep.

 

[Goofy G]

A CM explained to me the dark colors and low-watt lighting are for the benefit of the animals. Trying to emulate their natural surroundings.
At VB they ask you to keep the curtains closed at night during certain times of year to not interfere with turtle nesting.