Animal Kingdom Refurbishment 2025

[Disdreaming479]

Wanted to follow up my earlier response to this thread. Whatever inventory had been taken out for the dates I was seeing in January have been returned. I'm no longer seeing the large drop in early January that was there before.

Is this for Kidani and Jambo? I’m not sure if they’re on the same schedule.

 

[kes601]

I only looked at Kidani, I have no interest in Jambo so never check it.

 

[Giraffe_Zen]

Like most, I'd love to see the sofa beds go. Keep safari/Lion King theme.

 

[Jonnnyap]

I’d add that I hope the refurb keeps the sleeper chair (updating it, of course). That’s a great addition for 1B and up for another sleeping surface.

I also agree Lion King theming is lovely, so I hope they don’t depart too much from the existing theming.

 

[marcar12]

Wanted to follow up my earlier response to this thread. Whatever inventory had been taken out for the dates I was seeing in January have been returned. I'm no longer seeing the large drop in early January that was there before.

I appreciate you providing this update. Are you able to share... does the inventory look pretty typical all the way through the calendar at this point?

 

[kes601]

I appreciate you providing this update. Are you able to share... does the inventory look pretty typical all the way through the calendar at this point?

All appeared normal to me.

 

[MamaKate]

I really hope the refurb get started sooner than later! I'm anxiously waiting for news when it actually starts...

I'll be there in a couple of weeks, but I think I'll hold off staying at AKV again until refurbishments are completed.

 

[drusba]

DVC has not mentioned yet how the refurb will be done. In the past, Jambo went first and then Kidani. Moreover, there is no mention as to whether they will do a refurb where only part of one floor is done at a time as in the past, or, instead, adopt the new "Boardwalk" disaster of a refurb, where they attempt to do all floors for half of the building at one time -- that's the Boardwalk refurb that was supposed to be finished by March 1, 2024, but is still going on and still resulting with a number of members finding out they are being moved to Yacht Club, and for a substantial period of time for reservations in the fall 2023 and beginning of 2024, any rooms not scheduled for refurbed were being booked full right at 11-months out.

What has happened is that it appears that the outside refurbed at Kidani has already been done. That started with the redo of the pool two years ago, continuing thereafter to numerous parts of the building, and finally the redoing of the entire roof.

 

[ahalper0227]

I’d add that I hope the refurb keeps the sleeper chair (updating it, of course). That’s a great addition for 1B and up for another sleeping surface.

I also agree Lion King theming is lovely, so I hope they don’t depart too much from the existing theming.

If I had to guess, the sleeper chair goes away for the murphy bed replacing the dresser. That way they keep it at 5. Really curious if that would fit in the value 1BRs

 

[mamaofsix]

If I had to guess, the sleeper chair goes away for the murphy bed replacing the dresser. That way they keep it at 5. Really curious if that would fit in the value 1BRs

Agree, I think this is what they'll do.

I'd like to see them completely change the trims, kitchen cabinets / counter tops and wall colors. Less chipped brown paint and more natural stained wood look. Replace carpets and tile with something more modern. Change wall colors from boring beige to something more pleasing.

And change the lighting so everything doesn't look so yellow.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

It should be an interesting refurb as I doubt they will change anything lobby related etc. I assume its only the rooms? Due to the animals on the savannah, I don't think you will see major disturbances either? I want to stay early next year but I am slightly worried as I hate seeing construction trucks etc

 

[aoconnor]

Praying it is more along the lines of Boulder Ridge refurb which has some character vs. Boardwalk for example. My only gripe with Boulder Ridge refurb is the color temperature of the lighting… cool white/fluorescent does not fit the cozy lodge theme!

 

[10CJ]

How far in advance do they typically announce refurbs? I do not think there was any warning for the booking we made in 2025.

 

[ajiuo]

I basically want the renovation to have the same styling as the renovated hotel rooms. Obviously there would be a Murphy bed and a few differences

 

[StarCruzer]

Hyped for the possibility of Murphy beds being added in. I've hear horrors of the state of the fold out couch beds (which we will experience ourselves before the end of the year)

 

[Bucketfoot]

For me I'm hoping to see a Murphy bed and new appliances, but other than freshening things up don't do an dang thing to the theming!

 

[StarCruzer]

And change the lighting so everything doesn't look so yellow.

I find the yellow lights relaxing. But I also enjoy a dimly lit room, and that's not everyone's favorite for sure.

 

[erionm]

For me I'm hoping to see a Murphy bed and new appliances, but other than freshening things up don't do an dang thing to the theming!

It's a full refurbishments, so the appliances will be replaced. Should also get the Murphy Beds in most rooms. Not sure if there will be space enough in the Values, so that's a wait and see what happens.

 

[2010dvcfan]

We always stay a few days in Feb before our cruise and last year that sofa bed was so bad my daughter slept in the regular bed with me. I also thought the flooring in our room was bad. The rooms are really starting to show wear. We are booked for Feb 2025 despite the rooms the resort is awesome enough to keep us coming back. I hate to lose the ceiling fans I'm sure they will take them out.

Unrelated topic but when will they bring back the real dishes I'm tired of cardboard cups and plastic silverware. I called DVC member services and inquired they tried to tell me studios never had real dishes in them. I offered to send her pictures of prior trips before covid where we eating in the room with glasses made of glass and real forks.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I find the yellow lights relaxing. But I also enjoy a dimly lit room, and that's not everyone's favorite for sure.

Agreed. I enjoy the lighting there. It is for the animals also