Is Kidani just not that popular?

[jodifla]

I expected to find availability at Saratoga Springs, but was surprised to see Kidani so wide open less than 12 weeks away.

We are planning to add a few nights to our trip, and I was trying to decide where to stay for 2 nights before we move to our first time at the Grand Floridian.

Anyone have any preference, Kidani over SS?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It is very large, and you're booking in DVC low season. So it's not unsurprising to see availability.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

We own at SSR so...we stayed at Kidani at a 2BR Savanna view a couple of years ago. We liked the common areas but found the hallway treks long if you are placed anywhere away from the elevator. The decor was also dark - pretty but dark. The restaurant choice of Sanaa beats the Turf Club for a sit down but we enjoyed SSR QS much more than what was available at AKL. Bottom line, like all things DVC, SSR speaks to us more than AKL. We like the lighter colors, the condo style, the pools, and amenities. For 2 nights, though, I would happily stay in either.

 

[T00dles]

I expected to find availability at Saratoga Springs, but was surprised to see Kidani so wide open less than 12 weeks away.

We are planning to add a few nights to our trip, and I was trying to decide where to stay for 2 nights before we move to our first time at the Grand Floridian.

Anyone have any preference, Kidani over SS?

Personally I would love to go to Kidani again, so that's what I would pick. Love the pool and views. I think a lot of people like Jambo to be near dining, but I think it's also smaller than Kidani (for dvc rooms).

But then again they just put in the bridge to DS at SSR so you might like that.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If I had plans for Disney Springs then I'd probably stay at SSR otherwise AKV without a doubt. We always enjoy the atmosphere and the animal viewing. I do wish that Kidani had a QS location but it really won't be much different than SSR where you have to get over to the QS location too.

 

[southerngirl528]

I don't know if they still are, but the store in the Kidani lobby was selling some pretty yummy breakfast sandwiches recently which I thought was a nice addition for Kidani.

And for those that might not know, there is a shuttle van that runs about every 8 or 9 minutes between Jambo & Kidani all day and evening which makes it super easy to "hop" between.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Seems like I can always find availability at Kidani even when the other resorts are booked.

Personally I don't get it, as it's my second favorite resort (BLT being our preferred). Love the giraffes!

 

[Lilysmom]

LOVE Kidani! I'd stay there over SSR any day

 

[Sammie]

It's big, only close to Animal Kingdom. I think with the additions to Disney Springs, SSR is more attractive. Rooms are very spread out at Kidani and no counter service.

The QS at SSR is one of the best on property and more pools at SSR.

 

[ziravan]

We love Kidani. It's not a home resort for us but it's big and freq avail. Our "go to resorts" for quick or unplanned trips are OKW HH and Kidani Savanna.

 

[Minniesgal]

Love Kidani not a massive SSR fan although I don't hate it. I'd always pick Kidani over SSR

 

[pmaurer74]

I prefer AKV over SSR, however I have not yet been to Disney Springs. Personally, doing work while sitting on the balcony watching animals graze cannot be beat. The long haul to the parks I did not like but I preferred the decor and atmosphere at AKV.

 

[christianweecare]

We own at both SSR & AKV. We have the majority of our points at SSR. We bought those back in 2005. We use those points for a week at Vero each year and every other year we host our grown children with their families. We only have 50 points at AKV when we added on two years ago. Those points are used every other year for just DH & I. We love SSR for the proximity to Disney Springs when we have the kids. DH loves being able to sit and watch the animals at AKV. I can't decide which we like better, Jambo or Kidani, so we compromise and stay at one one time then the other the next time. We spent 6 nights at Kidani this past December. We will be back for a one night stay in May so we will stay at Jambo House this time. We love both of our home resorts!

 

[Brandee23]

I don't know if they still are, but the store in the Kidani lobby was selling some pretty yummy breakfast sandwiches recently which I thought was a nice addition for Kidani.

And for those that might not know, there is a shuttle van that runs about every 8 or 9 minutes between Jambo & Kidani all day and evening which makes it super easy to "hop" between.

When I made reservations in the Kidani building, I was told the store had quick service food there. Everyone I talk to they say they don't. It's good to hear the store does have breakfast sandwiches. What type of Breakfast sandwiches did they have? Egg sandwiches?

 

[southerngirl528]

Brandee, I didn't personally have one of the sandwiches but friends of mine that were there (a couple of different parties) said they had them and that they were quite good. As I recall they said they were egg sandwiches, I know they were definitely a "hearty" breakfast sandwich. Sorry I don't recall the details they told me. You might contact the Concierge at Kidani to double check. I haven't been out there in a little while.

 

[Sammie]

When I made reservations in the Kidani building, I was told the store had quick service food there. Everyone I talk to they say they don't. It's good to hear the store does have breakfast sandwiches. What type of Breakfast sandwiches did they have? Egg sandwiches?

Yes egg and bacon or sausage I think, in the store.

 

[jodifla]

We decided to stay at SS. The only times I've been to Kidani was to go to Sanaa, which I did really enjoy, but Kidani just feels too isolated to me for what I'm looking for this vacation. If I would have had the choice of Jambo, I would have gone for it. I love Jambo.

 

[Terapin]

Kidani pool area has QS. It's pretty basic - pulled pork sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, foot longs, caesar salads, and some other items. They also have a drink station there. Just FYI! There is a sign posted at near the bar and you order at the bar.

 

[DenLo]

If going with family I would always stay at Kidani over Jambo House. The 1BRs have two bathrooms, one off of the living room. For the two of us we rotate between the two resorts. I miss the quiet lobby of Kidani when at Jambo House and miss the easy access to the quick service when at Kidani. You get better bar service at Saana's bar too from our experience. Too often at Jambo House the bar is full of business or convention guests. Plus at Saana's bar you can order off of the dining room menu and eat in the bar or do take out back to the room, and you don't have to have a reservation.

 

[WDWLODGE]

Our 1st DVC stay was at Kidani. We were in a similar situation where we closed on our contract about 3 months before our trip. We initially booked at Saratoga Springs but around 8 week Kidani opened up and we booked a Savannah View. We absolutely loved our stay. Our room was at the end of the hall so we did have a long trek to the gift shop and pool but that didn't bother us too much. The nice thing was that the parking lot ran almost the whole length of the resort, so we were always a quick walk to our truck. It also made it easy to unload and load our luggage. I do recall there being breakfast sandwiches and burritos at the gift shop. There is also a drink station there if you are getting a refillable mug.