How do you like the Villas at AKL?

[DVCMikey]

I just noticed how low the points chart was for AKL and was wondering if people like staying there. I see the standard view is really cheap(points wise) and was wondering why?

Is the standard view ok?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Standard view at Jambo is of the pool. I've had one studio there and it was a fine view, especially considering the points.

I've not stayed in a standard view of Kidani, but the view could be of the pool or parking lot. I imagine if someone requests a view, it would be of the pool in that case!

 

[DVCMikey]

Standard view at Jambo is of the pool. I've had one studio there and it was a fine view, especially considering the points.

I've not stayed in a standard view of Kidani, but the view could be of the pool or parking lot. I imagine if someone requests a view, it would be of the pool in that case!

How were the bus trips? It seems like it takes longer to get to Animal kingdom from the other resorts, so I would assume its a longer bus ride from the AKL to other parks.

 

[carolinagirl121]

The bus ride is long, but not unbearable. Just something you have to plan in. I travelled with my son and a stroller and had to stand on a couple of occasions. It's generally about a 15 minute ride.

 

[chalee94]

I see the standard view is really cheap(points wise) and was wondering why?

just to clarify that in addition to the standard view option, there is also a value classification of villas - which are in jambo house only and not kidani - that has nothing to do with the view. the value villas are just smaller, but may have a savanna view, pool view or pkg lot view.

i love the theming at AKV and while the bus rides to the MK can be a little long, it's still one of my favorite resorts.

some other things to consider: the 1BRs at kidani have 2 bathrooms (so 2BRs have 3 bathrooms). not the case at jambo house.

jambo house has a limited number of value villas and concierge villas. kidani has none of these types of villas.

jambo house has mara - a quick service dining option. kidani has no QS dining.

also, be aware that the buses stop first at kidani, so they might be pretty full by the time they come to jambo house.

 

[dianeschlicht]

How were the bus trips? It seems like it takes longer to get to Animal kingdom from the other resorts, so I would assume its a longer bus ride from the AKL to other parks.

It takes a bit longer, but it is really only noticeable to the MK and DTD.

 

[Pakey]

AKV is my favorite of all of the DVC properties at WDW. The bus times didn't bother us at all. I was expecting it to take a bit longer but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

We just got back from a Standard View Studio at Kidani. The view was of teh resort drop off area (the entrance to the loby was just below us and to the left). The view was fine.

It was great since it was only 60 some odd points. Will go back again someday when I want a hotel just to relax at.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I stayed in Jambo for 3 nights in December with a DGF. We had to stand coming home from Epcot after Illuminations, and for us gals in our 60s it wasn't bad. Yes, it a longer ride home from some of the parks, but the whole experience is either worth it to you or not. I love the resort, with its warts and all! DH isn't as enamoured of it as I am, so I do tend to stay there more with friends and when the DGC come along.

Bobbi

 

[ToddyLu]

We have always had very nice rooms at AKV. I really looked in Dec on our last trip to see if the villa was worn...and I really didn't notice anything. It looked great. We didn't have to wait most times on the bus. The bus travels the same roads and uses same traffic lights as a car. The car gets parked and you tram in or get to the gate some way. The bus drops you pretty near the gate so you can head on in. Outside of standing up at night 50% of the time on a fully loaded bus--the buses are great in our book. I mean who doesn't want to sit after being at MK all day....but does it make me want to drive to the park---neh.

 

[kwdw]

I just stayed at a standard view in Kidani Village and we were on the fifth floor - and we looked at the bus stop. Honestly, we still thought the view was pretty good because beyond the stop in the distance was a grassy open area and Disney does such a nice job outside it's resorts - we weren't looking at a bank of AC units or cars headlights or the trash dumpsters like you might in a hotel. So while it was not a savanna view - it was not ugly or offensive either. And we did see deer in the open area! We didn't come for the view - or we would have booked the savanna. And if we wanted to look at it - the public viewing area is a great place to sit and chill.

 

[jpmom]

We just returned from our first stay at Kidani. Had always stayed at Jambo House using our DVC points. Wasn't sure how Kadani would compare, since I LOVE the AKL resort - the lobby, the pool, etc.

We were very, very pleased with Kadani - actually liked it better than Jambo house. We booked the Savannah view - but the pool view seemed nice. (not sure what the point difference is -- but if you aren't one to hang out in your room balcony much, pool view here seems a perfect choice) Also - we ate at the resort's restaurant, Sanaa, and had a really great meal!

My kids liked the pool at Kadani better than Jambo -- It was quieter, had a great slide, more hot tubs and the fitness center is right there as well.

As far as transportation. We rent a car -- always. Get great deals through the Mousesavers.com website.

We look at it this way -- time = money. Magical Express eats up lots of time - waiting for the busses does as well. Just our opinion.

 

[downontheBW]

I assume you mean the value view is cheap? When choosing value at Jambo, you are taking a chance at parking lot view but it may not matter if you won't be your room much. We did a standard view studio in Jambo last year and it was fantastic! Actually had requested a room further out the wing but we ended up overlooking the pool and were right off the lobby. Some think it can get loud but we were not bothered by any noise when the room door was closed. Perfect location!

Just my DH and me, no kids. We visited both pools and, while I was looking forward to the Jambo pool, I really like Kidani pool, too. We spent a couple of hours talking with a lady bar tender there who was from NJ.

As stated by others, the bus ride can get long sometimes but we were lucky enough to not have to stand - except when leaving EPCOT after Illuminations. That seemed like a very long ride since the bus was packed and everyone was tired. Going to the parks was no problem though.

 

[DVCMikey]

We would basically be probably just spending a friday and saturday night in a studio.

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi DVCMikey,
AK is one of my favorite DVC resorts. I have never stayed in the Standard or Value room so I apologize I can not provide any information on that. I agree that the point value for AK is very good. If you have a chance you should try the Savannah View. Nothing like seeing a Zebra from your patio!

 

[Wedgeh]

I think the Standard and Value rooms are excellent value. Particularly if you luck out and get a view of the Savannah in the value category. I really love the resort as well, but it seems that it's not to everybody's taste.

 

[Nikisha421]

I love AKV Jambo House and it's my DD most favorite place to be...the value rooms are a great bang for your points....you and you luck out with a pool or savannah view....

 

[DVCMikey]

Are there any good resturants or lounges in AKL?

 

[LCARDVERO]

Funny because I always wondered the same about why the points are so reasonable. However, everyone loves AKV.

 

[DVCMikey]

Funny because I always wondered the same about why the points are so reasonable. However, everyone loves AKV.

That is what I was wondering.