jambo/kidani questions, and also OKW/VWL

[Tink&PirateMama]

I won't go into all the reasons here, but we had some long talks the last few days, which led to us deciding to combine our september and january trips (including the VR) all in January. We decided we really wanted to keep the same resorts (in sept we had planned for OKW, and in january had AKV and VWL) if we could. I called first thing this morning and was able to get the following:

5 nights Jambo standard 1 br, followed by 9 nights OKW studio, followed by 4 nights VWL 1 br (this part of our reservation was original and we kept). We fortunately were able to get all of our VR stuff moved to the first week while we are at AK. I feel SO lucky we were able to move it all so easily, and I am SO excited about this big 18 night trip in the middle of our cold, cold winter!!

Now- here's my questions- we haven't been to ANY of these resorts (although we did walk through WL on the way to a fireworks cruise once!):

AKV: I was planning to stay at kidani before- but Jambo was only available. I thought I read standard view there tends to be better... and I know there is the cubhouse there we plan to use for an evening date... but can we go over to kidani for using the community hall, or the pool there? I thought the pool would be a no, but not sure on the other?? We'll be there in very early january- I'm so excited about the lobby being decorated for christmas- does anyone know how long they keep the tree up? I was at WDW this past January and it seemed much of the resort stuff was up through marathon weekend?

OKW/VWL: Also does anyone have any tips for a family of 4 (two young kids) at these resorts?? I was thinking we'll do some bike riding and the unbirthday party at OKW, and try to be the flag family (is that what you call it?) at VWL- can you see fireworks from the beach there, or just the parade? And how far is it to go to fort wilderness- do you have to bike or walk?

Thank you so much for any tips and advice!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Whether you're staying in Jambo or Kidani, you can use the pools at either resort, and so, you're in for a treat because our DGC really loved the pool at Kidani, but they also liked Jambo's pool too! When you stay in a standard view in Jambo, you will have a pool view and that's pretty nice. I don't know about the Christmas decorations.

We'll be at VWL from the 6th to the 11th and we definitely will be riding bikes to FW, it's a nice bike ride and with an hour or two rental, you can then ride in/out of the FW loops, it's very nice. When we were on the beach at VWL in September watching the electrical parade, we were able to also enjoy the fireworks at a MNSSHP that happened at the same time. I don't know if you can see Wishes from the beach, I was surprised to see those special fireworks, it made it hard for me to decide which to look at the electrical light parade or the fireworks!

You can also take a boat from WL to the Contemporary and FW. The boat does a loop.

Bobbi

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Whether you're staying in Jambo or Kidani, you can use the pools at either resort, and so, you're in for a treat because our DGC really loved the pool at Kidani, but they also liked Jambo's pool too! When you stay in a standard view in Jambo, you will have a pool view and that's pretty nice.

You can also take a boat from WL to the Contemporary and FW. The boat does a loop.

COOL! This is fantastic news!! My kids will love that!! And pool view would be perfect for my pool loving kids (better than animals actually!).

I didn't realize the boat went to all the locations. Could you take it to the contemporary and then hop in the monorail (like if one was to go visit the poly I'm wondering?)?

Thanks so much!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yes, you can definitely get to the Poly by boat to Contemp. and then Monorail. One of the WL buses stops at the GF, and we went to 1900 Park Fare that way for a Character meal one time.

Bobbi

PS. It may be that the boat loop FW, WL, Contemporary changes directions at different times of the day, so you may find yourself going to FW before the Contemporary, I don't think it's always the same way. The MK boat changed it's stop order around noon when we were there once.

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Yes, you can definitely get to the Poly by boat to Contemp. and then Monorail. One of the WL buses stops at the GF, and we went to 1900 Park Fare that way for a Character meal one time.

Bobbi

PS. It may be that the boat loop FW, WL, Contemporary changes directions at different times of the day, so you may find yourself going to FW before the Contemporary, I don't think it's always the same way. The MK boat changed it's stop order around noon when we were there once.

Thank you!!

 

[spiceycat]

think someone say that the decorations start to go down on 5th - don't remember when they are all down.

Jambo has easy access to the restuarants (especially standard view).

 

[katmittens]

We will be a VWL from Jan 2 thru Jan 8. in a 2 bedroom, I got my waitlist for the last nite.We usually stay at OKW, so this will be a change for us. But at OKW they have a great pool slide your kids should love. We like to play BINGO at the pool on Tues. and Thurs. afternoons I believe. There are boats you can rent, or ride on the boat to DD. OKW is quiet and peaceful, I'm sure you'll love it there.

We have stayed at VWL at Christmas and we loved it there. The decorations were beautiful. It is so warm and cozy by that fireplace.

We are staying in a studio at Jambo in October, standard view only for two nites. DH and I on a trip minus kids, I'm sure we'll have a good time.

You'll love all the resorts.