Enjoyed AKV (Kidani) - But Probably Not Again

[goofy4tink]

Have to agree about those hallways. The one time I stayed at Kidani, my friend and I had a standard view studio, next to top floor, looking out towards the bus stops. It wasn't bad.
So....seeing that we are both owners at BWV, and very familier with those hallways, we decided to take a walk to the end of the bldg. Bad idea. Dear God!!! That hallway had to be almost double the hallway at BW. I've had the next to the last villa before, next to the Attic....thought that was a hike. Not even close.

It's nice that there is a small grocery area with soda/coffee fountains, but it is a long walk from your room. So, if you don't carry your mug with you, to and from the parks, it means a long walk back to get a Coke. So....I make sure to have my own soda in my fridge in my room.

The thing that really gets me about Kidani is the pool area. It's gorgeous, simply beautiful. BUT...you have to go out the front door of the resort and down the sidewalk beside the driveway to get to the pool area!! Seriously?? Who came up with that design? I really don't want to be walking around outside the entrance to the resort in my swimwear!!! And believe me....no one wants to see me either!!!

But, we are staying there in Oct...two couples sharing a one bedroom villa for two nights. Here's hoping we don't end up in the very last pod!!!

 

[Cricket2]

We stayed in the second to last room on the "right" side (think last room was a GV) and we drove our car to the pool every day. It was way faster than walking and we didn't freeze from the AC in the halls and since we auto-started the car, it wasn't blazing hot either.

We did walk to Jambo twice and being ouside it wasn't too bad but still felt weird walking into that lobby wearing pool stuff intermingling with people dressed up going to dinner.

 

[Cricket2]

The thing that really gets me about Kidani is the pool area. It's gorgeous, simply beautiful. BUT...you have to go out the front door of the resort and down the sidewalk beside the driveway to get to the pool area!! Seriously?? Who came up with that design? I really don't want to be walking around outside the entrance to the resort in my swimwear!!! And believe me....no one wants to see me either!!!

Just go down to the next elevator and it drops you outside the back pool entrance. Closer than the front sidewalk.

Is it Timon??? Anyone....

 

[goofystitchfan]

Good to know! We are booked at Jambo House, so your report made me glad I booked there instead of Kidani.

I was just thinking the same thing. Glad that it will only be DH and me on this trip to AKV

 

[gortman65]

The thing that really gets me about Kidani is the pool area. It's gorgeous, simply beautiful. BUT...you have to go out the front door of the resort and down the sidewalk beside the driveway to get to the pool area!! Seriously?? Who came up with that design? I really don't want to be walking around outside the entrance to the resort in my swimwear!!! And believe me....no one wants to see me either!!!

I agree about the wonky pool access. If you are on the south part of the building's necklace (the bus stop side), an alternative to parading out the lobby front door is to scoot across the lobby and take the north side hallway down to (I think) the fourth bead. Take the elevator down to the garage level and you'll be almost right in front of another entrance to the pool area, near Maji (the pool bar). We used that entrance a lot last year when we were in the north section of the resort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Respectfully, we were in the 2nd bead from the end. We did use the elevators but that was definitely not easier/closer to anything ? Not the pool....not the lobby gift shop/refillable mugs...not the busses....not the gym.......it WAS good for access to our car and that was it.

As for quick service....we had a studio. So we definitely relied more on having quick options. I believe some unofficial DIS surveys have shown that even with a full kitchen most DVC'ers rarely use them. It's nice to have for breakfasts but I'm not too big into major cooking on vacation. Once in awhile I'll make a full meal but it's rare. We love AKV and don't regret buying here, but it's because we love the savanna....the ambience of the resort. Food options get no "gold stars" from us....and the long hallways feel longer than they actually are when you're walking from your room at the end of the hallway chain to the pool or bus stop imho. And again, respectfully, we were on the OPPOSITE wing/horn/side from Jambo at the 2nd to the last bead from the end. It would have been a VERY long walk to Jiko/Boma from our perspective. I guess because we walk so much IN the parks, we want a bit more relaxation OUT of the parks ? I guess everyone perceives things differently and I seem to differ with Diane on several key issues. I do agree that the bathrooms are a bit dark Diane. It was a bit challenging for makeup/hair.

When I said the last bead, I was talking about the one NEAREST Jambo....Not the one farthest from Jambo. We don't use the pool, but we did find walking outside to be easier to the lobby of Kidani and to the bus stop. I think your "end of the hall" being on the other end might have been significantly different from my "end of the hall" being on the opposite end. Also, most of us have different expectations. Since I don't usually use pools (other than hot tubs) or counter service, those are not things I am bothered too much by.

 

[MiaSRN62]

When I said the last bead, I was talking about the one NEAREST Jambo....Not the one farthest from Jambo. We don't use the pool, but we did find walking outside to be easier to the lobby of Kidani and to the bus stop. I think your "end of the hall" being on the other end might have been significantly different from my "end of the hall" being on the opposite end. Also, most of us have different expectations. Since I don't usually use pools (other than hot tubs) or counter service, those are not things I am bothered too much by.

Got ya Diane. The opposite wing is not bad at all to walk to Jambo. I must have missed where you specified you were on that end. Sorry. And for those that don't use the pools, true, would not be a big deal. After so many trips to WDW, we like to enjoy the various aspects of the resort itself---and since we travel often during hot seasons in FL, the pool is a must for us. But I think the end of either wing would be a hike if one were using the disney busses. We used our car and it was very easy with the underground parking and elevators throughout. JUst had to make sure we used the correct section of the parking garage.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Got ya Diane. The opposite wing is not bad at all to walk to Jambo. I must have missed where you specified you were on that end. Sorry. And for those that don't use the pools, true, would not be a big deal. After so many trips to WDW, we like to enjoy the various aspects of the resort itself---and since we travel often during hot seasons in FL, the pool is a must for us. But I think the end of either wing would be a hike if one were using the disney busses. We used our car and it was very easy with the underground parking and elevators throughout. JUst had to make sure we used the correct section of the parking garage.

One of the reasons we don't use the pools (other than hot tubs) is because we usually are traveling in December and January. Too cold for a pool then!

 

[eva]

Hard to believe its been over 10 years since the Dis meeet with OP, Hi Eva.

I have not stayed at Kadani but the children have. My Daughter refuses to stay again because of the Long Hallway. We requested a close to lobby room but that did not happen. Maybe they should restructor the points for long walks to use more points.

Our first AKL trip was at Jambo, so are the next two trips this year. Then back to OKW for spring.

Hey! Has it been that long? Yikes! What a great meet. How did you find Jambo House?

 

[eva]

We stayed in the second to last bead on the side furthest from Jambo House. We did find the short cut to the pool by day 2. Going to the pool was not really an issue. The main issues were getting a quick bite to eat or refilling our mugs at the end of the day. There is a drink refill station at the pool. But they lock that up at the end of the day. So we would have to walk all the way back to the room grab the mugs and hike back to the lobby. Pretty crazy. We did time the walk a few times. But it varied as to how tired we were. It did take well over 5 minutes every time. Glad that there are people that cook in their room a lot, but I am not one of them. Breakfast and snacks are it for us.

We really did like the resort itself and seeing the animals each day was a real treat. The room was great. But we just like OKW and BCV so much better. I know at OKW you can be far from the Hospitality Center. But we normally only stay there when we drive. So it is not a major issue to us. We don't do the refillable mug when we drive. We can bring plenty of drinks with us. We didn't drive this trip to AKV and were carless. The bus service wasn't horrible. It just took a long time getting to and from everywhere except AK. Funny, we've had 400 points at AKV since they started selling AKV and this was our first stay there. We may book there at the 11 month window from time to time. But we will likely change the reservation at the 7 month window.

And I really need to say I am sorry to everyone that made similar complaints like this in the past. I really thought everyone was exaggerating. Remember Rich and his comment about being able to grab a beer from the frig at BWV while sitting on the balcony? I sure miss him!

 

[nickspace]

We also enjoyed out AKV stay but I have no desire to return.

 

[MiaSRN62]

One of the reasons we don't use the pools (other than hot tubs) is because we usually are traveling in December and January. Too cold for a pool then!

So true Diane.....but so nice to travel in those months to escape the cold northern winters ! Our trips are tied to our kids school schedules so we're stuck with May through Aug trip.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just go down to the next elevator and it drops you outside the back pool entrance. Closer than the front sidewalk.

Is it Timon??? Anyone....

Thanks!!! Who knew. Looks like I'll be doing some exploring in Oct!!!!

 

[majortom1981]

You guys do know that the sanaa bar has food options WITHOUT having to have a reservation right? Like the naan bread service (better then most quick service meals i think besides the curry chicken pizza at jambo house).

PS I love Kidani and dont mind the long walks (we get to the parks before opening and leave the parks at like 12 or 1 pm ) So I am glad there are a lot of people never staying ehre again. Better chance of getting the room I want . It also helps that i live on an island by nyc so I dont need to have the theming of most of the other dvc resorts.

 

[UConnJack]

I love AKV, but always stay at Jambo for these reasons, plus I like the activity there. MAybe they can install people movers at Kidani like in the airport.....

 

[JWG]

Never stayed at Kidani, but did walk over there to see it while at Jambo. We loved Jambo. Other than Boma felt underwhelming given all of its hype we had a blast at the resort.

Would maybe have to stick with Jambo if we were to return.

 

[eva]

You guys do know that the sanaa bar has food options WITHOUT having to have a reservation right? Like the naan bread service (better then most quick service meals i think besides the curry chicken pizza at jambo house).

PS I love Kidani and dont mind the long walks (we get to the parks before opening and leave the parks at like 12 or 1 pm ) So I am glad there are a lot of people never staying ehre again. Better chance of getting the room I want . It also helps that i live on an island by nyc so I dont need to have the theming of most of the other dvc resorts.

Sure do know. We ate and had a few drinks there. But I am more disappointed in no CS options at Kidani. When I am in a swimsuit and want a hamburger or a quick sandwich, I don't want to have to get dressed to eat inside at a bar or a TS restaurant. I also find walking a mile to get one a bit annoying after doing it a couple times. We really thought that Kidani would be a great option since we were only spending 3 out of 9 days in the park. But we soon found that quick service options at Kidani are extrememly limited. So getting lunch was always a hassle. And while I do really enjoy the food at Sanaa, I started getting bit tired of it after eating there twice and having room service from there.

 

[disneynp]

Well I didn't read the whole thread but we were there last week the 14-20. First off great room 7632 aiki section. Close to lobby and pool. Now the ride did take thirty minutes to mk not 15. It could have been the driver but it was long. Buses were ok for the most part. It is hot or miss but I think that is everywhere. Murphy's law. Grass seems greener on the other side. I had a savannah view. It was awesome. We came back to the room for naps daily so to us it was so worth it.

 

[disneynp]

Oh we used the rafiki elevator to go to the pool. It was right there.

 

[utahkennedys]

We just returned a few weeks ago and LOVED Kidani! Our savannah room was awesome and my girls loved being out on the balcony to find the animals. I loved the feel of the resort. I didn't like the food situation particularly at the pool, but hey, I hate Goods to Go at OKW was well (gag!) and that is our favorite resort. This is why we bought DVC -- to have a kitchen with our own food. To bring our pringles to the pool! The walk to the pool at Kidani didn't bother me. I wear a cover up so walking there versus to any other DVC pool is the same to me. We were there over Easter and the pool wasn't overly crowded. My girls adored the pool area and I have to say it is probably my favorite on property -- even over SAB. We plan to return to Kidani someday but the draw to OKW is so huge for us. When we arrive it does feel like home, just as it should. BUT, Kidani rocked -- we loved the underground parking, the theming, the animals, the staff and just the atmosphere. We didn't like Maraa anyhow the one night we ate there. We knew Jambo House wasn't for us because we hate resorts that draw large crowds of non-guests and that is how it felt because of Boma. Anyhow, the thing we love about DVC is the ability to try new things! We have now stayed at OKW, BCV, AKV Kidani and GCV and love them all for different reasons! The only one DH refused to stay at is BWV because of the pool!