Animal Kingdom lodge

[snowmedic]

We have stayed twice in the value resorts and was wanting to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, our DD choice. Could some one tell me the difference between the Lodge, Jambo House and Kidani Village? Is it different wings of the lodge or a whole separate building ? Which do you prefer.
Thanks.

 

[Someone28624]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is the name of the resort. The resort has two separate buildings that are both huge and have their own pools, restaurants, and front desks. Those buildings are Jambo House (the original) and Kidani Village (a DVC addition). If you just book AKL you'll most likely be in Jambo. If you rent DVC points you'll be in Kidani. The buildings each have their own bus stops but are walking distance apart. They share resources so you can use either pool regardless of which building you're in.

 

[snowmedic]

Thank you so much!

 

[Best Aunt]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is the name of the resort. The resort has two separate buildings that are both huge and have their own pools, restaurants, and front desks. Those buildings are Jambo House (the original) and Kidani Village (a DVC addition). If you just book AKL you'll most likely be in Jambo. If you rent DVC points you'll be in Kidani. The buildings each have their own bus stops but are walking distance apart. They share resources so you can use either pool regardless of which building you're in.

Not quite.

Kidani Village is all DVC units.

Jambo House has hotel rooms and DVC units.

When you make a DVC reservation, you choose Jambo or Kidani. Thus when you rent points you should be specifying whether you want Jambo or Kidani.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Just to answer your preference question - we prefer Jambo House (which is where all of the resort rooms are and some of the DVC villa units). It has a stunning lobby, huge gift shop, nice pool area, the QS restaurant and two TS restaurants. To access Sanaa (the TS restaurant at Kidani) or the Kidani pool, you can simply walk or take a shuttle over to the Kidani building.

 

[Sue M]

I haven’t stayed DVC, so only Jambo House for me. We love Jambo House, Kidani has its own charm but a bit less grand.

 

[Someone28624]

Not quite.

Kidani Village is all DVC units.

Jambo House has hotel rooms and DVC units.

When you make a DVC reservation, you choose Jambo or Kidani. Thus when you rent points you should be specifying whether you want Jambo or Kidani.

Thanks for clarifying. I had no idea there was DVC in Jambo, but I guess it makes sense because I knew it was the only place DVC could be club level also.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

We prefer Jambo House for multiple reasons.
Another thing to keep in mind, the only actual QS "The Mara" is located at Jambo House.

 

[Babsy]

WE really like. Jambo House. The lobby is spectacular, the QS (Mara) is great and the buffet and signature restaurants are also top notch. At Kidani you have only one restaurant - Sanaa, which is also excellent (TS) and has views from the tables of the animals. Another nice feature at Kidani is that the bus picks up and drops off here first for everywhere (except DS, I think). Both buildings have theoir own pool and both pools are great.

 

[Someluck]

I rented points for savannah view studio at Jambo and it was wonderful to wake up to giraffes grazing outside my balcony while I sipped morning coffee. My only complaint is that the building is huge and the walk to the lobby and bus stop was a loooong one.

 

[Deb & Bill]

All the two bedroom villas at JH are lockoffs.

 

[holden]

We prefer Kidani. The 1BR units at Kidani have two full bathrooms. The 2BR has three full bathrooms. It's very easy to get back and forth between the two buildings.

FYI - both buildings are huge. You could have a long walk to your room. It doesn't bother us, but I've heard people complain about that.

 

[4dents]

We stayed at AKL (regular hotel room/Savannah view) several years ago--liked it, but weren't necessarily "wowed" by it. However, we stayed in an AKL Kidani 1BR Villa (standard view) last May (we're DVC owners now) and LOVED it. Very quiet/peaceful, nice views of the animals, gift shop/store (w/ soda machine for purchasing/filling refillable mugs), animal viewing areas, easy parking, etc. We did walk over to Jambo House a few times to visit its much larger gift shop/store and enjoy the QS service.

We were amazed by the size of the 1BR Villa at Kidani - will definitely consider it for a future stay.

Overall, you'll love AKL!

 

[chalee94]

If you rent DVC points and book Jambo, you will be on the 5th floor. (DVC club level villas are 6th floor but they are difficult to book.)

 

[snowmedic]

Thanks for all the wonderful replies. This will just be a one night stay as we are staying at Fort Wilderness for 14 nights. We always resort hop over to Animal Kingdom when we are at Disney so we just thought that we would surprise her with a stay at AK.

 

[gzmtlock]

With only one night, I would book whichever resort's Savannah view best fits your budget. You can visit either pool, you can eat at any restaurant between the two. But if there's any way you can make it work, seeing animals from your balcony cannot be beat! I have had children, grandchildren, and friends of both, completely amazed and entranced by giraffes, crowned cranes, ankola cattle, and many other animals just out the sliding glass door. It's a unique experience, and one my extended family has thoroughly enjoyed for many years!

 

[Nevada25]

Just to answer your preference question - we prefer Jambo House (which is where all of the resort rooms are and some of the DVC villa units). It has a stunning lobby, huge gift shop, nice pool area, the QS restaurant and two TS restaurants. To access Sanaa (the TS restaurant at Kidani) or the Kidani pool, you can simply walk or take a shuttle over to the Kidani building.

What are some products in the gift shop at jambo house

 

[Denise W]

What are some products in the gift shop at jambo house

Many African themed items.
Denise

 

[Nevada25]

Many African themed items.
Denise

Awesome

 

[SwanVT2]

How are the sofa beds at kidani? Currently at SSR studio and DD does not like the sofa beds. Want to go to AKL next year and rent points.