Animal Kingdom Lodge

[Frederic Civish]

Does AKVs feel far removed from everything? It is a resort we have never stayed in since if given the choice between that and SSR, we would choose
SSR so we don't need transportation in the evenings if we want to go to DTD for drinks and/or dinners.

I would like to stay there, just because it is a resort we haven't tried, but not sure if I would feel isolated in the evenings.

Thank you.

People have done studies, and AKV actually takes LESS travel time, on an average, to the 4 parks, than BLT, Poly, VGF, BWV and Beach Club, and is slightly faster than OKW on an average, but it does take a bit more time, only a few minutes, to get to DS. So, it FEELS like it is way out there, but travel times are excellent, and better than most of those resorts that are preferred because they are ‘close’. Each of those resorts actually has transportation problems to most destinations. Why? Because the Monorail is VERY slow, the boats are slow, and buses from many resorts make extra stops, either within their resort, or at other nearby resorts.

 

[Frederic Civish]

Try this Travel Times Wizard. It is probably more accurate than many of the estimates you will see.

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/aspx/twiz.aspx#.W9y1o4xMGhA

 

[Sammie79]

We have booked a resort only stay at Kidani next May. We have 3 young kids (6,3,and 1).

Does Kidani pool have lifeguards on duty? Do they have kids activities at Kidani or do we have to go to Jambo? Thanks!

 

[drusba]

We have booked a resort only stay at Kidani next May. We have 3 young kids (6,3,and 1).

Does Kidani pool have lifeguards on duty? Do they have kids activities at Kidani or do we have to go to Jambo? Thanks!

The rule at Disney now is that main pools are not open unless there is a lifeguard, and thus the pools now have specific hours you can use them, and for Kidani that ranges from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. depending on time of year.

Kidani does have many kids activities. For a sample schedule of the ones at both Jambo and Kidani go here https://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/AKLCalendar.pdf.

 

[Sammie79]

The rule at Disney now is that main pools are not open unless there is a lifeguard, and thus the pools now have specific hours you can use them, and for Kidani that ranges from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. depending on time of year.

Kidani does have many kids activities. For a sample schedule of the ones at both Jambo and Kidani go here https://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/AKLCalendar.pdf.

Thank you!

 

[RescueRanger]

Our home resort is AKV. We loooove the lobby at Jambo House, love the restaurants at Jambo, and love all the activities at Jambo. That being said, we will usually stay at Kidani. Covered parking near rooms, larger rooms, and 3 bathrooms in the 2 BR. We just use the shuttle or walk to get over to Jambo. Easy peasy. Oh and most important reason, buses stop at Kidani first before going to Jambo and heading to the parks. The only bus that stops at Jambo first is the Disney Springs bus.

 

[thepak92]

The pull out chair in Kidani, is it like twin size? waiting on ROFR and for AKV to be our new home.. thanks

 

[thepak92]

To add to the discussion Kidani vs. Jambo house, some of the discussion about "standard" rooms having a "savannah" view if located in the right area, is this true of both locations, or just Kidani?

 

[BillPA]

The pull out chair in Kidani, is it like twin size? waiting on ROFR and for AKV to be our new home.. thanks

Yes, and my son, 6'2" 250 says it's comfortable.

 

[thepak92]

Yes, and my son, 6'2" 250 says it's comfortable.

ah, gotcha thanks, it would be my teenage daughter probably.. unless she wins the argument with her older brother.. Haha

 

[erionm]

To add to the discussion Kidani vs. Jambo house, some of the discussion about "standard" rooms having a "savannah" view if located in the right area, is this true of both locations, or just Kidani?

Both Jambo House & Kidani Village will have some standard view rooms that will have a partial savanna view.

 

[thepak92]

Both Jambo House & Kidani Village will have some standard view rooms that will have a partial savanna view.

ok, thanks!

 

[thepak92]

Hoping to be AKV owner soon (waiting on ROFR) - is it worth it in points to go concierge (yes, for 2019, would have enough points anyway) and have breakfast there vs. eating at one of the AKV restaurants? thoughts?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hoping to be AKV owner soon (waiting on ROFR) - is it worth it in points to go concierge (yes, for 2019, would have enough points anyway) and have breakfast there vs. eating at one of the AKV restaurants? thoughts?

It is extremely difficult to book the concierge villas at JH. There are only five two bedroom lockoffs and they are usually gone at 8AM ET 11 months out. You'll need to learn about "walking" a reservation to be able to book those.

 

[thepak92]

It is extremely difficult to book the concierge villas at JH. There are only five two bedroom lockoffs and they are usually gone at 8AM ET 11 months out. You'll need to learn about "walking" a reservation to be able to book those.

wow, thanks, well, if we don't that's ok, I was more curious to see if, for breakfast and I suppose afternoon snacks and such is it worth the extra points... if not available, which restaurant do you prefer for breakfast?

 

[thepak92]

Our home resort is AKV. We loooove the lobby at Jambo House, love the restaurants at Jambo, and love all the activities at Jambo. That being said, we will usually stay at Kidani. Covered parking near rooms, larger rooms, and 3 bathrooms in the 2 BR. We just use the shuttle or walk to get over to Jambo. Easy peasy. Oh and most important reason, buses stop at Kidani first before going to Jambo and heading to the parks. The only bus that stops at Jambo first is the Disney Springs bus.

For purpose of viewing Savannah, do you have a preference of one over the other? but I do love the bus stop at Kidani first.. that is a big point for me.. hopefully we pass ROFR..

 

[sleepydog25]

wow, thanks, well, if we don't that's ok, I was more curious to see if, for breakfast and I suppose afternoon snacks and such is it worth the extra points... if not available, which restaurant do you prefer for breakfast?

Worth is relative, but as for breakfast, Boma is one of the better places and it's a buffet.

 

[RescueRanger]

For purpose of viewing Savannah, do you have a preference of one over the other? but I do love the bus stop at Kidani first.. that is a big point for me.. hopefully we pass ROFR..

The savannah views are better at Kidani if you get a lower floor. The DVC units at Jambo are on the 5th and 6th floors, so you are further away from the animals.

 

[Lakegirl]

The pull out chair in Kidani, is it like twin size? waiting on ROFR and for AKV to be our new home.. thanks

Yes kind of. It's skinny twin but with the arms it seems to be fine for smaller people.

 

[thepak92]

The savannah views are better at Kidani if you get a lower floor. The DVC units at Jambo are on the 5th and 6th floors, so you are further away from the animals.

thank you...