at Kidani as I type

[rutgers1]

My family of four is currently on our first trip to AKL, and we are staying at Kidani. Our first trip as DVC members was this past summer, and we split a 2 week stay between Boardwalk and Saratoga Springs.

Initial Thoughts:
1) We are in a 2 bedroom lockoff, staying with another family. I like the room a lot. As I expected, it is a bit dark, but totally doable. Everything is in working order aside from a bathroom light bulb. Love the flat screen TV, as opposed to the old "box" at Boardwalk. Internet works great.
2) I wish Kidani had quick service restaurant. We took the hike over to Jambo the other day, and although it was fine, I wish it was closer.
3) I absolutely love the outdoor fire pit area in the savannah where you can be surrounded by animals. That was a GREAT touch!
4) I also love the little room off of the hallway with tables and couches. The one couch that faces the fire is very relaxing.
5) The staff is very nice.
6) We went by the pool one chilly night. Looks very nice. I'd like to come back when the temperature is higher than 60.
7) As I looked at the animals outside the window, it reminded me of the suggestion I had for SSR, which was to have actual horses somewhere on the property to add to the theme. That would be cool.

So, after staying in 3 resorts, here are my opinions:
1) We own at SSR, but I like it the least. It is too big for our liking, and I expect more of a theme at a Disney resort. It just didn't feel magical enough for our family.
2) I really like AKL, but I think it doesn't take my top spot. There really is nothing to complain about other than the lack of a quick service at Kidani, but as you'll see below, there are a couple factors that make Boardwalk my #1.
3) Boardwalk is my favorite for several reasons. For starters, I love the location. Being able to walk to 2 parks is a HUGE selling point to me. Is there a reason why AKL wasn't put within walking distance of AK? The other major selling point is the location around the lake. I am a runner, and I absolutely LOVED running around the lake. I love the hustle and bustle of having other nice resorts in the area. Overall, the resort seems to be the most "alive" and "happening" of those that I have visited.

Even though Boardwalk is my favorite, I would never hesitate to stay at AKL again. It is a very nice resort.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I hope you continue to enjoy a great AKV vacation! I also love that outdoor fire pit area.

Have fun!!!!

Bobbi

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

Hope you are enjoying Kidani, we are at Jambo House. Well you know how the signs say board any theme park bus to go back to Jambo? Untrue, we got on a theme park bus after being at the pool and we ended up at Hollywood Studios. I asked the driver why he didn't stop at Jambo house and like a computer talking to me he says 'I have to do what the computer tells me'. Well earth to Mel from msomeplace, FL, if you see people getting on your bus in a swimsuit and coverup maybe say, this bus ISNT going to Jambo house. Just a suggestion

 

[Pixieflip]

Oh, enjoy! Enjoy! We loved Kidani and really agree with your assessments. My DH loved the firepit so much he's planning to build one in our yard this spring.

 

[arthur06]

Have a great time!

 

[ccigliano]

We are checking out Kidani - Savannah view next and I can't wait. The firepit sounds great and I know exactly what you mean about SSR. It is my least favorite of all the resorts and I would pick OKW over SSR if given the choice. So far my favorite is VWL but we've yet to try BWV, BCV or BLT. Our next trip will be at BLT and then back to VWL for Christmas. Have a wonderful rest of your vacation.

 

[We_love_WDW]

We are also trying Kidani this summer, as well as Boardwalk (waitlisted for Beach Club) and we are so sxcited. We have tried SSR and BLT (our home resort) so far. I like being able to try out the different places. We really liked BLT-being able to walk to the MK was great!

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi rutgers1,
Thanks for the live update as well as for sharing your thoughts on the different DVC resorts. I stayed at AK Jambo last week and loved it. Seeing the animals really is the best. If you have a chance be sure to eat at Sanaa. Have a great rest of your trip!
________
Wendie 99

 

[Sully]

We were in a studio for 4 nights last week at Kidani. It is a very nice place. Some comments; the hallways are very long, our room was very dark, actually hard to read in it. The bathrooms are nice. It has a very nice fitness and pool area. It was too cold to use the pool. We still love SSR.

 

[stopher1]

Enjoy your stay!!

 

[spiceycat]

glad you are enjoying your trip.

 

[jsalam]

Hi we own at AKV and we love it...but we also are hoping that we can, over time, visit most all the resorts, even without points at each one. We have stayed at SSR (who hasn't!) and OKW as well.

I would love to visit the tree houses next...we'll see. We have done one vaca at AKV with the lockout with another fam and also a dedicated 2 BR...we liked the dedicated one better, plus, at Jambo the pool is SO much closer and Mara is available.

Happy vacationing and just PLAN ahead...I wouldn't be bummed out about owning at SSR, just know that at 7 months out, you need to see what's available and book it!

Jackie

 

[rutgers1]

The fire pit has inspired us to put one in our back yard when we get home. Last summer, we built a new patio and planted new bushes/perennials all around it, and I think the fire pit would be a great touch. After hanging out at the hot tub at Kidani, I think I went from thinking an at-home hot tub is cheesy to wanting one, too. I think I could surround it with lush landscaping and really make it look nice.

We are off to Sea World today. It will be our first trip there. Then I am going to meet some friends in "downtown Orlando," whatever that is. A few friends moved down this way and that is where they are hanging out tonight.