Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Studio - Resort View VS standard Beach club

[kelly wendling]

Beach club price is $3,065.75 for a week and Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani
Studio - Resort View For same time is $1,748 anyone stayed at both and have opinions? Thanks

 

[TinkAgainU]

Yes. But Entirely different vibes.

If walking (or boating) to Epcot and Hollywood Studios - especially if you are rope drop, then Beach Club is nice. Walking to Epcot and HS can take 10+ minutes but with the boat "home" your feet will be happier there. Nice restaurants, boats etc.

At Animal Kingdom, I prefer Jambo over Kidani, the entry is so much more impressive and far far more food options. Kidani is popular if you want to park your car under the resort. Once you check in, your APP will show bus times, so the buses from Animal Kingdom are actually an easy deal - add about 20 minutes plus wait time for the bus (that should be close to zero if you dash down just in time for the bus lol). As to views, at Animal Kingdom Lodges, there are pretty places to sit (in Jambo, at least) and enjoy the animals even if your patio is not a great view.

Some people like Animal Kingdom Lodge as a quieter recharge after a day at the parks, but if you are just sleeping there and running back to the parks open to close, check out the cheaper hotel options

If you are sure you want Beach or Animal Kingdom lodges, be sure to check $$$ if you rent points from a DVC member instead of Disney direct. The advantage of Disney direct is the cancellation terms are nice, with DVC once you rent the points you are pretty much stuck with whatever you booked.

Both resorts are awesome. I'd not hesitate to do either one

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Both are fantastic, although I think the upgrade to Savannah view is worth it at Kidani. If you’re going soon, be aware that Beach Club’s large pool, Stormalong Bay, is closed for refurbishment through June, I believe.

Beach Club is the better choice for convenience due to easier access to Epcot and HS. Kidani is in need of a room refresh, as it’s getting a little worn. AKL is my absolute favorite resort on site. It is less convenient to get to the parks but I’ve never had issues with the bus service there and my kid loves the bus. Frankly I think you’ll be happiest with whichever vibe fits your trip best.

 

[TinkAgainU]

... I’ve never had issues with the bus service there and my kid loves the bus. ...

Right? While I love riding the boats, skyliner, and monorail (which you can do regardless of which resort you stay in). I will say I went from hating buses to really enjoying them - that little ride with all the other happy or tired Disney people is actually a rather nice little segway between the parks and the resort. Allows me a few minutes to recharge and think about what we're doing next, while someone else drives

My only complaint is lack of benches at some of the parks while waiting for the bus. That seems cheap, if you need a seat to wait, there should always be a shaded seat within sight at least. But that's true throughout some of the Disney parks (California too). Makes zero sense to have a shortage of shaded seats if you want people to visit year around.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I did a split stay last month-Kidani, followed by Beach Club Villas (not hotel). Kidani was good, food-wise, but the rooms were so obviously in need of a refurbishment. I much preferred Beach Club Villas, with the ability to walk to 2 theme parks, Skyliner, and nearness of Les Halles and Beaches and Cream.

 

[Marthasor]

I've stayed at both and, for me, it depends on when you are going. I wouldn't spend a dime on Beach Club until the main pool is open again.

 

[Dave006]

I did a split stay last month-Kidani, followed by Beach Club Villas (not hotel). Kidani was good, food-wise, but the rooms were so obviously in need of a refurbishment.

Disney has already announced that Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani will be undergoing it's refurbishment starting in October 2025 and happening over 8-9 months. They will also be installing the new Inovabed Murphy like the other recent DVC resorts. In addition they will be moving to a lighter / brighter theme in the rooms.

Dave