Help! Regretting our choice...Kidani (buses? Target?)

[jamelynn24]

Another vote for Kidani!!! Just stayed there 2 weeks ago in a 2br savanna view and it was great!! Rooms were not cheaply decorated AT ALL. In fact, I was pretty impressed with the dishes in the kitchen
Now, we use our car, but there is no way that it's a 45 min bus RIDE anywhere. From the time you get to the bus stop, wait, then travel to the park it could be 45 minutes. I was worried because I kept reading how far out AKL is and how it takes forever to get anywhere. On day 1, we drove to MK and were at the gates in less than 10 min. We actually commented on how quick it was when everything we read told us to beware of the travel times. Yes, that's 10 min in a car, but there is no way a bus is 35 min slower!
I will say that we came to AKL after 2 nights at the Poly and while kidani was a nice resort, we knew right away that it wasn't our favorite. HOWEVER, as the week went on, it grew on us It's really a cool place...animals, night vision goggles, drum parades in the lobby...we loved it!!
The savanna view was cool, but the giraffes were migrated on the other side of the savanna the entire week...until the day we left...of course!! So while it was a nice view, we really didn't see many animals. Not sure I'd use the extra points again. My dad feels differently, though...he will never stay without the savanna view!!

 

[spiceycat]

ow, we use our car, but there is no way that it's a 45 min bus RIDE anywhere.

WDW changed their policy I think last year - bus drivers can be fired if they get a traffic violation - very few now will speed around like they did. part of the way is 40 then 45 then 50. most of the buses will now travel at 5mph (or more) less than the speed limit.

for you to get there in 10 minutes - well not sure how you did it. when I drove to BLT from Jambo house it told almost 20 minutes.

plus after the buses leave Kidani they stop at Jambo house so that adds anywhere from 5 minute to 10 minutes to more. depending upon how many people and if any have wheelchairs (which take longer)

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We had a Kidani standard view studio and could see the Target in the far distance. Think of when you are up high and see Expedition Everest or different Disney landmarks in the distance. It was not in your face and you problably looked through a mile of trees to see it. You had to be on the balcony facing that way. I pointed it out to my husband who had not seen it. Perhaps you won't notice it at all. Our room was right across from the grills and sport court.
It did not bother us at all. We have stayed there again and if we added on it would be our resort of choice. Bus service was great, our room was in great condition as well as the rest of the resort. The animals are a big bonus. There are a few areas both indoors and out with rocking chairs where you can relax and enjoy the animals.
If you are staying savannah view you will not face Target. Much of the resort is angled where you would not see it either.
I have written two very favorable Kidani reviews on Tripadvisor. It seems a lot of readers echo what others said--if one complains, the next few pile on. Then someone writes favorably and others follow.

 

[JJsmama]

3. One mentioned that you can see a Target from the resort.

OOOH! We have been in China almost 7 years, we would LOVE to see a Target from the resort!! I think the kids might abandon the parks for Target though. Sorry. I know...Not helping...

for you to get there in 10 minutes - well not sure how you did it. when I drove to BLT from Jambo house it told almost 20 minutes.

Are you serious??!! I had no idea it was that far away!

 

[RDP]

We LOVE Kidani, never had a problem with the view, but we have always stayed in a savanna view room... As for buses the waits have varied, but have never matched the one wait we had at SSR for a bus! The rooms at Kidani are beautiful, and the master bathrooms in the 1 and 2 bed accommodation are fantastic. Lots of people complain about the lack of counter service at Kidani but this has never bothered us, we use the one at AKL ( this is still less of a walk than if you stay at SSR and use the one CS there, dependant on where your room is). Your choice of resort is very subjective and influenced by how you vacation, go and explore, enjoy and have a wonderful time. For us Kidani is a sanctuary from the busy parks and has a wonderful cool atmosphere.

 

[dburg30]

We LOVE Kidani, never had a problem with the view, but we have always stayed in a savanna view room....

You can see it from certain savanna views also. If you are on the far end on the 'front' of the resort there is a small savanna there and you could see it from there.. Again, it really wasnt a huge deal, but it was visible.

As far as bus trips, with the exception of DTD which is a long trip since it is ALLLLLL the way across property I just dont feel it is that long of trips.. And DHS isnt far at all, and epcot isnt bad either. At least IMO.

 

[goodferry]

It has got to depend on your time of day, I guess. We drove from BLT to AKL for breakfast (8:30 am) and it took us 10 minutes (my husband drives like a grandma in a rental, no speeding)

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Hello. Please don't worry about Kidani. It is a wonderful resort! I just stayed there this past August. The rooms are gorgeous, esp if you have a savannah view.
I never saw a target from my room! Everything about the resort is beautiful and calm.
The animals are amazing! I got many great pictures up so close! Another great thing is you can walk to AKL/Jambo.

Another thing...the pool is great!!! There is a great slide and kids area. here is also an animal viewing area right by the pool!

And the busses, we don't usually take the buses to the parks (we have a car), but the drive really isn't that bad. You should be fine!

Have a great trip and don't worry about anything. And make sure you look at the resort on the disney world website. That will bring a smile to your face seeing how great it really looks.

-FantasiaMagic

 

[dburg30]

It has got to depend on your time of day, I guess. We drove from BLT to AKL for breakfast (8:30 am) and it took us 10 minutes (my husband drives like a grandma in a rental, no speeding)

I dont know what the real speed limits are but doing google maps from AKL to CR (CR to AKL wanted to go all the way around the back of MK for some reason, but AKL to CR goes right up world dr.) shows 8.2 miles and 21 minutes.. so either that's WAY off, or it takes longer then you think / want to believe. But since I've never actually driven in the world, I have no idea what speed limits are on property. I admit that seems long for 8 miles, but 16 minutes would be 30 MPH average.

using this as a map.. http://goo.gl/maps/0muao

 

[spiceycat]

I dont know what the real speed limits are but doing google maps from AKL to CR (CR to AKL wanted to go all the way around the back of MK for some reason, but AKL to CR goes right up world dr.) shows 8.2 miles and 21 minutes.. so either that's WAY off, or it takes longer then you think / want to believe. But since I've never actually driven in the world, I have no idea what speed limits are on property. I admit that seems long for 8 miles, but 16 minutes would be 30 MPH average.

using this as a map.. http://goo.gl/maps/0muao

there are a couple of lights (which add) and you have to merge with traffic - which can also be a problem.

plus you are going into the MK at the front gate and sometimes there are a bunch of cars in front of you. just depends upon how many gates are open and how busy they are.

so for me 20 minutes is around average - now one time it took 35 minutes because they only have 2 gates open and it seem like everyone had questions.....

 

[cfw213]

I made the mistake of reading the negative reviews on Tripadvisor. A few things were surprising to me.

1. More than one person mentioned 45 bus rides to the other parks, except AK. I was sure I had read 25 min.

2. Several said the rooms were cheapy.

3. One mentioned that you can see a Target from the resort.

We are renting from a DVC owner, so I don't think we can change at this point (trip is 35 days away.)

I'm really second-guessing our choice and wondering if anyone has insights.

Thanks!

We just checked out of Kidani this morning and I already miss it! It was our first deluxe stay and our first stay on DVC points and I was really happy. I will say, the bus ride to MK is quite far - 20 to 25 minutes. We were at AoA for the first 6 nights of our trip which I thought was a lot closer. However, I found the AKL busses to be less crowded and we never had to wait a long time for a bus.

The rooms are BEAUTFIUL! Certainly not "cheapy" by any means. We had a savannah view so we certainly couldn't see Target - but we saw lots of giraffes and zebras The resort is beautiful and quiet. We really enjoyed coming back from a busy day in the park and having a nice, quiet place to relax.

I wouldn't have any worries - I think you'll love it!

 

[eeyoresnr]

we have rented points and stayed at Kidani twice.... we loved it...nothing cheap about it.... and we never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus and never had a ride longer than 25

 

[DVCTigger]

One of our home resorts is AKV, and our favorite! You will love it. Went last May for a week and never went to a park! The resort has so much to do, or just relax by the pools and Savannahs! Take advantage of all the activities available. One of our favorites is the cookie decorating at Boma. And we always hit the pool parties in the afternoons. Can't wait to be back "home" in Dec!

 

[LILJAN59]

We have stayed in Jambo House 3 times with a Savanna view, and once at Kidani, also with aSavanna view, and loved it every time. I cannot remember ever waiting for a bus more than 15 or 20 minutes.
Which room view did you ask for from the people you rented from,or did they even tell you there were different views available

I am familiar with the area, and would guess that if you were in a standard view room on the third floor, you may be able to see Target in the distance. I believe
that Target store is due South of Kidani, and maybe even a little west.
I would contact the people you are renting from and ask them which view they requested when they made the reservation for you. It may help resolve your concerns.

I would advise you to enjoy your trip, and not fret about views! There are many areas to see the animals, and check out the kids nature program. Our grandson was 6 and learned a lot about animal conservation, and has the beads from each class on a rope. He has taken it for show and tell, and is very proud of what he
Learned. Ask about the program when you check in.

By all means, have a wonderful magical time!!!!

 

[twotoohappy]

I own at VWL and BCV and Kidani (savannah view) is our favorite!! Standard view can get loud because of the pool when the life guards are using the loud speakers. Eat at The Mara and get zebra domes. Boma has the best breakfast on property. Sanaa is our favorite restaurant - try the naan bread mmmm. The pool is fantastic with lots of quiet shady areas.
Have fun!!!!

 

[Southern Bell]

I'm sure its Ok! I have found that no matter where I stay on vacation, as long as it is clean, we are satified. By the time we get in the room, and have all our stuff in it... It just becomes our home away from home! We've always had a good time!

 

[Violet Parr]

yay, thanks everyone! I'm back to being super amped and excited again. Countdown is on!

VP

 

[AJKMOM]

I bet you can a lot of things like a Target store from the top floor of the Contemporary or BLT, is that complained about on Tripadvisor?

People pick on AKV and AKL, but they are beautiful resorts with nice amenities.

 

[spiceycat]

I bet you can a lot of things like a Target store from the top floor of the Contemporary or BLT, is that complained about on Tripadvisor?

People pick on AKV and AKL, but they are beautiful resorts with nice amenities.

believe me people also complaint about BLT - the good kid on the block will always get hit. you should have seem the boards when BWV was opened.... same thing happened at VWL (although not as bad), BCV, SSR - you would have though this place was the worst ever......

 

[EagleScout]

As others have noted, you have to appreciate Tripadvisor reviews in general for what they are, and also their reviews of Disney specifically. I am a huge fan (and regular contributor) of Tripadvisor, but I also recognize that the reviews (like all online reviews) tend to represent the "extreme" experiences, so disproportionate sampling of negative comments. Also, regarding Disney specifically, many of the commenters are reviewing the Disney hotels just in terms of "pure" hotel- during certain seasons, etc., a "preferred view" regular room at certain deluxe Disney resorts is probably the same price (or even more) as a suite at the Orlando Ritz Carlton or Waldorf Astoria. In terms of rating a hotel "in a vacuum", the room (and certainly a suite) at Ritz or Waldorf is likely much better (bigger room, "fancier" dinners, bigger and better gym, etc), but obviously the Disney resorts provide other perks (transportation, theming, proximity, etc) that a frequent business traveler would not necessarily appreciate in a review. Particularly if focusing on staying at your resort, I can imagine a 3 year old going crazy with excitement at being able to look out and see an elephant, giraffe, etc. either at the hotel or at the pool. The Ritz does not offer that, and if you want to compare travel times, etc., even the "worst" Disney bus service days will compare favorably with the much-less-frequent (and further away) shuttle service from Ritz or Waldorf. (To be clear, not taking anything away from those resorts- I have stayed at Orlando Ritz and it is a truly amazing property, but you do not feel-at all-like you are at Disney World.)