Can someone please help with AKL questions?

[roomthreeseventeen]

My husband and I, along with my mom and stepfather, will be going to WDW in January 2013 for Marathon weekend (January 10-13). As AKL is my favorite place on property, and I think my mom would LOVE it (she’s only stayed at Dixie Landings, the Polynesian and All Star Sports), I was thinking of getting a 2BR villa at Kidani, but I have a few questions for the experts.

1) Can I book this through Disney? If I do, I have to wait until August for 2013 to open, right? Is there any chance that a 2BR would still be available?
2) Is it possible to book a 2BR earlier from Disney if it’s room only, and then add on a package later?
3) Since DVC’s 11 month window for January will open in just a few weeks, should I try to sign a contract with someone who has DVC? How safe is it to do this? Are there businesses that do this? I know of David’s DVC Rental, but that’s all. (My hesitation is that 11 months is a LONG time, and I really hope I don’t get injured)
4) Do all 2BR have a nice view?
5) Is there any downside to staying at Kidani, other than having to walk to Jiko and Boma all the time?
6) What’s the difference between DVC at AKL and concierge?
7) Are Kidani and Jambo both options?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[supersuperwendy]

My husband and I, along with my mom and stepfather, will be going to WDW in January 2013 for Marathon weekend (January 10-13). As AKL is my favorite place on property, and I think my mom would LOVE it (she’s only stayed at Dixie Landings, the Polynesian and All Star Sports), I was thinking of getting a 2BR villa at Kidani, but I have a few questions for the experts.

1) Can I book this through Disney? If I do, I have to wait until August for 2013 to open, right? Is there any chance that a 2BR would still be available?
2) Is it possible to book a 2BR earlier from Disney if it’s room only, and then add on a package later?
3) Since DVC’s 11 month window for January will open in just a few weeks, should I try to sign a contract with someone who has DVC? This would save you money! How safe is it to do this? Are there businesses that do this? I know of David’s DVC Rental, but that’s all. (My hesitation is that 11 months is a LONG time, and I really hope I don’t get injured)
4) Do all 2BR have a nice view?
5) Is there any downside to staying at Kidani, other than having to walk to Jiko and Boma all the time?
6) What’s the difference between DVC at AKL and concierge?
7) Are Kidani and Jambo both options?

Thanks for all the help.

1.Yes, Not sure yet..rumor has it Disney is going to open up 2013 bookings earlier than August, there could/should be some through disney

2.Yes..you can convert a room only to a package

3. In my experience..yes it's safe..but trust goes both ways between the renter and rentee. You can rent points on this site through a member...or I like mouse owners dot com too. Davids service is nice too.

4. There are standard (pool/parking lot) and savannah views

5. Being a little far from MK is the only downside for me. The walk to Jambo is shorter than I imagined. Kidani is amazing!

6. not sure

7. Yes!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

What makes Kidani amazing? I'm worried about the lack of the huge beautiful lobby and amazing restaurants.

 

[supersuperwendy]

The resort is so peaceful and doesn't have the hustle and bustle of jambo. The lobby isn't huge, but its pretty. The two bedroom villas at kidani are HUGE! They have 3 bathrooms and the one bedrooms have 2 bathrooms! The master bath is awesome. The pool area is fantastic for kids with fun splash areas, water slide etc. There's a nice parking garage too.

 

[LarryM]

Below are a few thoughts. Our home resort is BWV but we frequently stay at AKL. We absolutely love Jambo house.

1. Depending on what you want I would consider Jambo instead. For us that just seems more like a resort, also there are more dining choices there. Kidani seems more homey. It just depends on what you want.
2. Cost wise renting points is the way to go. But you would hwve to be prepared to lose the money if you were to cancel. You might want to look into trip cancelation insurance if this is an issue.
3. We have never rented points for our selves but we have rented our own out through David's DVC rental. Unless you know someone who personally owns points going through David might give you peace of mind.