Is AKL a good resort without park tickets?

[Pluto80]

We’re going for an extended period next summer, and won’t have park tickets for our first few days. I think we’re going to be in a 1bed, with two children, aged 7 and 11. Is AKL a good choice? We’re looking for a decent pool, and lots of non park activities to keep us all occupied.
By the way, we’re new members. Only stayed at OKW so far

 

[Splashboat]

This is the calendar for October. http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/AKLCalendar.pdf
Most of it stays the same month to month except the movies change.
We bought points at AKV after our first visit. You can use the pool at Jambo or Kidani.
Congratulations!

 

[Simba's Mom]

We’re going for an extended period next summer, and won’t have park tickets for our first few days. I think we’re going to be in a 1bed, with two children, aged 7 and 11. Is AKL a good choice? We’re looking for a decent pool, and lots of non park activities to keep us all occupied.
By the way, we’re new members. Only stayed at OKW so far

IMO, AKL is the BEST choice without park tickets. I've gone to WDW twice without park tickets and stayed at AKV-Jambo both times. There are lots of activities offered, but I could sit on my balcony for hours on end and watch the animals.

 

[Pluto80]

We can’t book quite yet, but I think once the 7 months comes around we’ll try to get in there!
Do you think Jambo or Kindani would be best in our situation? It’ll also be out first time in a 1 bed. Always had Studios before.

 

[missycj96]

Both are great with lots to do. As between the two, I suggest Kidani for no parks. First, the 1 BRs in Kidani have two bathrooms, which makes a big difference especially if you are spending time at the resort. Second (and importantly), the community hall is at Kidani. So if you are going to be at the resort with kids for a few days, they will enjoy the community hall - crafts and lots to do and if you have bad weather, it will make a difference. Make sure to get the activity schedule for both. Have fun.

 

[zavandor]

AKV is a great choice for no park stays, possibly consider also SSR. You have two nice feature pools and Disney Spring next door with the best dining options and load of activities.

 

[disneynutz]

IMO, BCV for kids is a better choice, the boardwalk area has more to do, better pool, shops, arcades, firework viewing, and activity center at BWV.

Bill

 

[Allison]

I have a different opinion than many about this. I found AKL confining. I didn't like that you really don't have an outside area to wander around like you do at the other resorts. I like to explore outside. You really can't do that there.

 

[bwbuddy5]

I would say AKL is the best for non-park Days. We always wish we had more time to spend at the resort. There’s so many things to do from the water play areas, the lookouts, we go exploring as much as we can. And the restaurants are consistently considered the best on property. I’m envious, I wish I had some resort only days.

 

[bobbiwoz]

You can walk between the resorts, Jambo and Kidani. Especially at Jambo, there are places around the pool area to observe animals and talk to CMs. It’s fun to spend days at Animal Kingdom Lodges. In a studio, I like Jambo, with anything larger, we pick Kidani.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yep, it's a very good resort for non-park stays!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Do you think Jambo or Kindani would be best in our situation? It’ll also be out first time in a 1 bed. Always had Studios before.

I prefer Jambo for non-park trips because of the proximity of Mara. But if you're OK with a little more cooking in the 1 BR, that extra bathroom may be nice, especially with kids.

 

[Geomom]

Yes, AKV is the perfect place for a non-parks visit as there are tons of activities here. I would pick Kidani over Jambo as the water play area (near the pool) and Community Hall are at Kidani. You can do activities at both buildings--take a bus or (if you're close) walk to Jambo.

 

[bwbuddy5]

Yes, AKV is the perfect place for a non-parks visit as there are tons of activities here. I would pick Kidani over Jambo as the water play area (near the pool) and Community Hall are at Kidani. You can do activities at both buildings--take a bus or (if you're close) walk to Jambo.

And they’ve just added newer bigger shuttles between the two so most large parties no longer fill them up.

 

[Canadian Girl]

We bought AKL three years ago for this very reason. I bought my points with an older adult daughter and right now we do buy park tickets as my youngest daughters are still young teens. I am an older parent and can see a time maybe in the not too distant future when I retire that I will just want a warm place to get away from Canadian winters for a week or two. We were at the Poly for several days last March and while it is a pretty resort, I did not like the set up for buildings and rooms. I much prefer AKL.

 

[mathgeek]

You can walk between the resorts, Jambo and Kidani. Especially at Jambo, there are places around the pool area to observe animals and talk to CMs. It’s fun to spend days at Animal Kingdom Lodges. In a studio, I like Jambo, with anything larger, we pick Kidani.

Hi bobbiwoz, just curious as to why you'd choose Jambo over Kidani for studio stays? Have a studio booked there in March and I was hoping I made the right choice.

 

[natt]

Maybe a little off topic, but need frequent visitor knowledge; Is there a market in Kidani, or is the main one in Jambo? Going for a short stay in March. Usually get Garden Grocer delivery, but feel like the most I would need would be milk and eggs... but bringing them from Jambo to Kidani seems like a hastle on check in day.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Maybe a little off topic, but need frequent visitor knowledge; Is there a market in Kidani, or is the main one in Jambo? Going for a short stay in March. Usually get Garden Grocer delivery, but feel like the most I would need would be milk and eggs... but bringing them from Jambo to Kidani seems like a hastle on check in day.

Yes, there is a small market at Kidani and it will have milk and eggs.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi bobbiwoz, just curious as to why you'd choose Jambo over Kidani for studio stays? Have a studio booked there in March and I was hoping I made the right choice.

The studios in Jambo have 2 sinks in the dressing area, and I prefer the bathroom layout and kitchen better. There is a difference between the buildings. Plus, in a studio, I use The Mara counter service more.

 

[LAX]

I am planning to stay at Kidani for an upcoming non-park visit (as part of a pre-cruise stay). One of the reasons I want Kidani for this trip is because I would prefer to stay at a resort closer to the parks when my family is there for a park visit. For all the wonderful amenities/activities it offers, I won't be able to take full advantage if I plan to spend lots of time at the parks. Note that all of my info regarding Kidani have come from Disboards as I have never stayed there. Thus, I am fairly interested in what others may have to say.

LAX