Resort Thread Jambo! Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

[vikster1]

We walked from Jambo to Kidani in December when we were headed to a reservation at Sanaa. We were not staying at AKL, but went over to see the holiday decorations.

If it is a hot day, take the shuttle. It's not a short walk, and it isn't all that pretty. It's a sidewalk that goes along the parking lots and parking garages. If the weather had been cooler the day we were there, maybe I wouldn't have such a strong opinion, LOL!! But it was one of the warmest days of our trip, and I didn't like feeling gross and sticky when we got to Kidani for our reservation.

There is a sign out the main entrance that directs you, and then there are a few more signs here and there along the path to let you know you're going in the right direction.

It's on the sidewalk. There are 2 streets to cross, but one is an entrance for employees and service vehicles; the other is an entrance to the parking lot, so no real traffic to worry about.

Thank you for the replies.

I'm going in a few weeks so the heat shouldn't be a factor. I hope hoping it was a jungle like walk. I think I'll take the shuttle.

 

[rcraw45425]

Thank you for the replies.

I'm going in a few weeks so the heat shouldn't be a factor. I hope hoping it was a jungle like walk. I think I'll take the shuttle.

If you're going in a few weeks and don't think that the heat may be a factor I hate to tell you but it very well may be. My daughter and I were last down Jan 2-5 and the tens were upper 80s to low 90s. I've made that walk from AKL to Kidani and it's pretty boring, I'd advise taking the van shuttle.

 

[sndral]

Thank you for the replies.

I'm going in a few weeks so the heat shouldn't be a factor. I hope hoping it was a jungle like walk. I think I'll take the shuttle.

You can also take any Disney springs bus from Jambo to Kidani and any park bus from Kidani to Jambo. Do verify w/ your driver when you get on that they're stopping at the other resort as occassionally during busy times they run seperate buses to/from Jambo/Kidani & I recall one confused bus driver who stopped in the 'wrong' order one night coming from a park.

 

[vikster1]

Thank you both for the replies.

If you're going in a few weeks and don't think that the heat may be a factor I hate to tell you but it very well may be. My daughter and I were last down Jan 2-5 and the tens were upper 80s to low 90s. I've made that walk from AKL to Kidani and it's pretty boring, I'd advise taking the van shuttle.

I was thinking the sweltering summer heat. lol

You can also take any Disney springs bus from Jambo to Kidani and any park bus from Kidani to Jambo. Do verify w/ your driver when you get on that they're stopping at the other resort as occassionally during busy times they run seperate buses to/from Jambo/Kidani & I recall one confused bus driver who stopped in the 'wrong' order one night coming from a park.

Never thought of that option. Good idea!

 

[Cluelyss]

Does anyone know if there is still a caricature artist in the lobby? And if so, what days/times? TIA!

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

Does anyone know if there is still a caricature artist in the lobby? And if so, what days/times? TIA!

There was one there in January, but I don't know the schedule.

 

[Princess Minnie321]

Does anyone know if there is still a caricature artist in the lobby? And if so, what days/times? TIA!

I saw one when we were there in November. I am not sure the hours, but he would not be there when we left in the morning and he was there when we were going back to our room at night around 6-8pm.

 

[momtwoboys]

buses are still shared to and from parks with Kidani and Jambo house right?

 

[Princess Minnie321]

buses are still shared to and from parks with Kidani and Jambo house right?

When we went in November, all parks except MK shared with kidani and Jambo. We stayed at Jambo. The bus picked us up first and then went to kidani. On the ride back, we dropped at kidani and then Jambo. We did not share when going back and forth to MK.

 

[mster425]

Hi all! We are headed back- staying at Kidani March 7 -13!!!

I can't find info on Sanaa QS breakfast anywhere- do they still offer it? It's on my touring plan, so I hope so!

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi all! We are headed back- staying at Kidani March 7 -13!!!

I can't find info on Sanaa QS breakfast anywhere- do they still offer it? It's on my touring plan, so I hope so!

This is what I've found:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...ble-at-sanaa-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge/ &
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=554

 

[mster425]

This is what I've found:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...ble-at-sanaa-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge/ &
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=554

Thank you! I did find this but it's from December, and there's no menu or hours on the Sanaa page on the WDW website. Since we will be there in 2 days I'll just report back with a yay or nay

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi Everyone! We are now officially booked for a savanna view studio at Kidani for 12/2-12/9. This is our first time staying on property so we are super excited! Originally I was planning on staying at a monorail resort since our girls are 2 and 5 but we rented points and all the monorail resort studios were already sold out for our dates. I read some experiences regarding the AKL buses, which alleviated a lot my concerns. We will have our car with us since we are driving instead of flying. Is it worth taking the bus over driving yourself for any of the parks? We are planning on rope dropping most days and will have a rented double stroller. I am wondering about the hassle of bringing the stroller on the bus?

Also, this will be the first time we stay at a hotel that will not have daily housekeeping visits. I saw that this could be added on but I was wondering how other families with young children did without it? We were planning on having most of our breakfasts in the room. Are there towels for use at the pools or will we have to bring towels from our room?

Any suggestions on what rooms to request?

Happy planning!

December

Rlduvall, 2nd - 9th, AKV

Lumee23, 2nd - 9th, Kidani

Somnia, 6th - 15th Jambo CL

Sunset7132, 8th - 17th, AKL

New Hamp, 9th - 12th, AKL

Sndral, 9th - 15th, Jambo

LvsTnk, 10th -19th, Kidani

Sndral, 15th - 19th, Kidani

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi we are staying at AKL for the first time June 28th-July 3rd. We were supposed to go in November to Poly but these dates work better for us. We decided on AKL because my 1 yr old loves animals. I am excited. It will be my two dds 1 & 12 and dh. My main concern was busses and distanxe to MK. But I previously stayed at CB & POP and it seems like the distance won't be that much of a difference or noticable.

June

Mlunsford, May 28th - 3rd, AKV

Capang, 6th - 14th, AKL

Kamikazecat, 22nd - Jul 6th, Jambo House

Tanyali26, 28th - Jul 3rd, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Can you add me to the list, March 17-20 and also back for Pandora June 9-12. AKL both times

March

Buteraa, 14th - 19th, AKL

Rcraw45425, 17th - 20th, AKL

Sparkyco, 17th - 25th, AKL CL

Dwheaton, 18th - 24th, AKL

June

Mlunsford, May 28th - 3rd, AKV

Capang, 6th - 14th, AKL

Rcraw45425, 9th - 12th AKL

Kamikazecat, 22nd - Jul 6th, Jambo House

Tanyali26, 28th - Jul 3rd, AKL

 

[rlk0875]

Staying at Jambo House Pool View, Sept 13-17th, requesting Giraffe Trail. I read on the boards a long time ago that there was a "secret door" that took you directly to the bus area from Giraffe. However, when we stayed their in 2015 I didn't see any door. They mentioned you had to have your room key to open it (so prior to magic bands). Does this exist and if so, where is it? Or did someone make the whole thing up???

 

[RachelTori]

The door really does exist! I've used it many times!

 

[dgbg100106]

After years of dreaming of AKL savannah view rooms, thinking we could never afford them, we are booked!! Our first AKL STAY IS BOOKED for sept 10-18 at kidani. Loving our DVC, staying in all the rooms we never thought we could do. I am so looking forward to having coffee on my balcony here. Is there a separate thread for kidani?

September

Rhody Red, 5th - 15th, AKL

Wdw4rfam, 10th - 18th, Kidani

 

[dgbg100106]

Just switched our reservations from BWI to AKL CL... can't wait to try it out! We have only eaten there before but it looks so cool. Please add us to the list May 18-23. Thank you!

May

Xlsm, Apr 30th - 6th, AKL

Mindeola, 1st - 4th, AKL

Traceylee, 6th - 14th, AKL

Katriscari, 6th - 16th, AKL

Got15, 18th - 23rd, AKL CL

Ml sumner, 20th - 25th, AKL

PoohNFriends, 28th - Jun 3rd, AKL

Rlduvall, 29th - Jun 5th, AKV

 

[dgbg100106]

Just switched from CSR to AKL - we will be there June 21-24 in a Standard room, then moving to BC until July 2nd. I've always wanted to stay here. Can't wait to get home tonight and tell DD7 the news!

June

Mlunsford, May 28th - 3rd, AKV

Capang, 6th - 14th, AKL

Rcraw45425, 9th - 12th AKL

Shellyb84, 21st - 24th, AKL

Kamikazecat, 22nd - Jul 6th, Jambo House

Tanyali26, 28th - Jul 3rd, AKL