Resort Thread Jambo! Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

[Nicnicnic.nic]

Can't actually book until July but just thinking.....is a value studio possible to get at 11months? I'm a new owner and heard that people walk that one

 

[thanxfornoticin]

AKL Value and Club Level rooms (especially studios) are very popular with owners, and can be a challenge to get even at 11 months. I'm sure there is walking that happens for the Value Studios, and it's probably worse some times of the years than others. I'm honestly not sure what the June availability will look like. I'd recommend you monitor what the availability looks like as you get closer to your dates. At the very least, you'll need to be online right at exactly 8:00AM ET for your best chance of booking. But have a Plan B ready, like a regular studio perhaps, in case you cannot get one. There aren't that many of them, which is also part of the problem reserving them. Good luck, and Welcome Home. We are longtime owners at AKL, and it's an absolutely amazing resort to enjoy.......

 

[Goofy4]

We love Kidani because we can park under the building, close to the elevator for our room. It’s almost like parking right in front of the room. Were you not able to park there?

Just noticed this.

Yes, but we learned that if your room is beyond the pool in the far end, you might need to pack a lunch

It can be surprisingly far to an elevator, especially if you can't locate a parking spot near an elevator and you have to back-track to your car. And if you choose to use the busses, the end-of-day walk is 15 minutes of energy that you no longer have.

 

[mrsap]

It was reported on FB last night that the kids Splash Pad/Water Play Area at Kidani will be closed until early February. Wanted to give you guys a heads up.

 

[Simba's Mom]

It was reported on FB last night that the kids Splash Pad/Water Play Area at Kidani will be closed until early February. Wanted to give you guys a heads up.

I'll be at Kidani in a few days and although I won't have any little ones in tow, I feel sorry for those that do that Disney didn't (maybe couldn't) let us know sooner.

 

[senadler]

We just got back from a trip this week and decided to see what we could book using the bounce back offer. I looked today and was able to book a value studio for October. I was shocked is was available, we used to have DVC and thought those rooms were never available. I read elsewhere that the best way to avoid a parking lot view was to request a dedicated studio. Wondering if anyone has any experience with this.

 

[MommyMouse143]

I heard that Kidani village splash pad may be closed in February… is there any truth to this? We are set to arrive 2/18 and this was a big factor for us. Hoping it’s not true!

 

[jerseygal]

Following

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I heard that Kidani village splash pad may be closed in February… is there any truth to this? We are set to arrive 2/18 and this was a big factor for us. Hoping it’s not true!

I wish I had better info, but I can tell you we were actually at the Kidani pool last week, and the splash pad was definitely closed and being worked on. I don't know officially when it's due to reopen, so not sure how much that helps.

 

[DaviVascaino]

I will be staying one night tomorrow at Kidani Village before I go to BWV.

how far is Kidani from The Mara? What building at Kidani should I request if I want to stay closer to The Mara?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I will be staying one night tomorrow at Kidani Village before I go to BWV.

how far is Kidani from The Mara? What building at Kidani should I request if I want to stay closer to The Mara?

The Mara is in Jambo House, next to the Jambo pool, just outside the doors from Boma. We always like the Zazu section of Kidani, which is the closest to Jambo - a very easy walk to Jambo. Timone is the next closest. The Kidani lobby is in the middle of the Kidani resort, and the Kidani pool is an easy walk from there. The Rafiki and Simba sections are on the other side of the lobby, away from Jambo. If your room is located in those sections, it's a pretty decent walk to Jambo. But you can always take one of the buses or courtesy vans between the two AKL sections instead of walking - don't hesitate to ask a cast member the easiest way to catch a ride, else you could end up on a ride to one of the theme parks instead! It's approx 0.4 miles to walk from the Kidani lobby to the Jambo lobby. From the Zazu section, it cuts that in half. Staying in Rafiki could make it closer to .7 miles of walking. That being said, it's a really nice, easy walk, if you don't mind walking. Have a great trip!

 

[MommyMouse143]

I wish I had better info, but I can tell you we were actually at the Kidani pool last week, and the splash pad was definitely closed and being worked on. I don't know officially when it's due to reopen, so not sure how much that helps.

Thank you hoping it will be back up by then

 

[MommyMouse143]

I will be staying one night tomorrow at Kidani Village before I go to BWV.

how far is Kidani from The Mara? What building at Kidani should I request if I want to stay closer to The Mara?

Any chance you noticed if the splash pad was back open?

 

[Goofy4]

I will be staying one night tomorrow at Kidani Village before I go to BWV.

how far is Kidani from The Mara? What building at Kidani should I request if I want to stay closer to The Mara?

Additional note: The Kidani-Jambo shuttle stops in front of the lobby (away from the main doors in the "drive-through" lane). As long as you don't go to the the transportation depot where the park busses stop you will find it. Runs something like every 7 minutes (I could be off by a few minutes). There is a marking that distinguishes the shuttle from 3rd party vans, but I forget exactly what it says. Ask a CM or driver and you will be fine.

But then you already know that because your post was a couple days ago

Here it is:

 

[TinkAgainU]

I’ve had two drivers, Walmart and Lyft go to the Theme Park instead of Jambo. Confirmed the address at front desk and bell services - both said it is 2901 Osceola Parkway… does someone have another address theory? The signage is Clear but these guys never look up from their gps!

 

[dansdad]

I’ve had two drivers, Walmart and Lyft go to the Theme Park instead of Jambo. Confirmed the address at front desk and bell services - both said it is 2901 Osceola Parkway… does someone have another address theory? The signage is Clear but these guys never look up from their gps!

That's crazy. We've had Walmart, Uber Eats, Shipt, and Publix all successfully deliver to the resort using 2901 Osceola Parkway. Really couldn't guess what the issue is.

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I’ve had two drivers, Walmart and Lyft go to the Theme Park instead of Jambo. Confirmed the address at front desk and bell services - both said it is 2901 Osceola Parkway… does someone have another address theory? The signage is Clear but these guys never look up from their gps!

Yes, it’s a problem in particular with Apple Maps. The gps address for the AK park is 551 Rainforest Rd., but Apple Maps has a problem.

 

[TinkAgainU]

That's crazy. We've had Walmart, Uber Eats, Shipt, and Publix all successfully deliver to the resort using 2901 Osceola Parkway. Really couldn't guess what the issue is.

If you google that address it puts you right in the center of the theme park! If they know they are going to the Lodge - when they get close the signs are clear. My Lyft driver was not happy because when he deviated the App sent me a message confirming I was safe - no way I could correct the issue enroute. And Walmart driver swore he delivered but tracking showed him at the theme park never did get my delivery and had to Uber to Target for $30 round trip. What a mess.

 

[mrsap]

It was reported on FB last night that the kids Splash Pad/Water Play Area at Kidani will be closed until early February. Wanted to give you guys a heads up.

Quoting myself as they Confirmed:

Uwanja Camp at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Is Closed For Refurbishment

Unfortunately, the water play area is currently closed for refurbishment

Based on what we could see, the refurbishment’s focus is the Departure Zone water tower.

As you can see, construction crews have rebuilt the tower with new wood.

Fresh lumber was also lying on the pool deck nearby.

At this time, it is unclear how long the refurbishment of Uwanja Camp will take. By the look of things, however, the work is relatively extensive.

Hopefully, we learn more soon!

 

[OThopeful35]

Can't wait to be back at one of our favorite resorts in May. Its been awhile since we have stayed at Jambo house. This will be our first time at Flower and Garden festival. We've been to all the festivals except this one. Time to start planning!