Jambo or Kidani - Help!

[nifferearly]

6 of us are staying at AKL for 3 nights in Feb. We're currently booked in a 2BR at Jambo but Kidani is available. It's my husband and me, my mother and 5year old (who will be on the sofa bed) and another couple in the 2nd BR. We've stayed at Jambo and really enjoyed it. Our first trip to Kidani isn't until Oct. The other couple hasn't stayed at either one. My impression is that Kidani feels really remote, but I know my mom would like the extra bathroom. Any thoughts from someone who's stayed at both?

 

[ToddyLu]

I am so sorry that I have not stayed at both, only Kidani last year. It is DH and me with my MIL. We had our own SV studios at K. We enjoyed it so much we are going again this Dec. MIL prefers Kidani as do I, due to the more quiet feel. I think the lobby at AKV-K is certainly more intimate and homey compared to Jambo. You may be able to get a better view at Kidani, since DVC is on the 5th and 6th floors at Jambo.

I imagine your friends will be stunned at the accommodations if you go with Kidani...then when you walk over to Jambo for that first meal.."Wowza!!" what an impression that will make. We just found Jambo too busy and loud and appreciated the quiet feel at Kidani. I think if you stayed at Kidani you would give them the best of both worlds. Where as if you stay at Jambo...you probably won't make it over to Kidani.

You will have a great trip.

 

[Hunclemarco]

What are your dining options? Would that be an influencing decision? The third bathroom may be a nice as you had mentioned at Kidani. If you're bussing, they stop at Jambo first, then Kidani. The rooms in Kidani are lighter in color than the rooms in Jambo...if that makes a difference. Both wonderful places to stay. There is a larger gift shop in Jambo too.
These are just little things, Let us know what you decide

 

[CharmedLife]

Haven't stayed at AKV yet (6 weeks away!) but we stayed in a 2BR at BLT last year with my sister and her family along with my parents. Having the 3rd bathroom was AWESOME - each "family" had their own bathroom to use and unpack their stuff in. I would definitely say go for Kidani, everyone will appreciate having a little more bathroom space and privacy!

 

[brandylouwho]

I love both Kidani and Jambo House, so it is difficult even for our family to decide sometimes.

The 3rd bathroom is terrific. Our last trip we had 4 adults and 4 young kids in a 2 bedroom at Kidani. The bathroom was very helpful.

Kidani's lobby and common areas are smaller, more intimate. I personally liked this. It felt more relaxing to me.The kids loved the Community Room. The gift shop is super small, but this meant I was less tempted to spend more. When I stayed at Jambo I walked through that shop every day and always found more things to buy. We stayed at Jambo during the Christmas season and the lobby, tree, decor was breathtaking. I also enjoyed ordering room service from the Jiko menu.

The pool areas at both are very nice, but different. We tend to use the one we are staying at, but try the other one once or twice.

We tend to buy food and eat our own food when we are at the resort, so lack of counter service isn't a deal breaker for us. If you plan to eat at the Mara on a regular basis, it might be annoying to have to travel from Kidani to Jambo. We only made the trek once. We also ate the pool bar at Kidani (good sandwiches).

The park buses picked up Kidani first, so we pretty much always got a seat.

Both had fun activities for the kids. 5 yrs old would be a good age to do the bead activities.

Both are awesome places to stay. It is really a matter of your opinion & priorities. Honestly, I don't think either would make for a bad vacation.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

Kidani makes me feel held hostage. We prefer the pool at JH, and as you may know all the food offerings are at JH. It is a good walk between the two resorts, having a remotely accessed room at KV can make the walk even more a chore.

 

[rph117]

We stayed at both Jambo and Kidani on the same trip this past April. There were five of us in the room. While Jambo clearly has the restaurant scene and more of "an active" feel to it, Kidani was our personal favorite, hands down. From the smaller crowds to the pool features to the relative peace and quiet (let's face it the extra bathroom always comes in handy, too), it was great. While we did travel back and forth (usually by foot, but you can take the bus, too) to dine or to go to the larger store, you will not be disappointed at Kidani.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[DVC_Corrys]

We are checking into the Kidani 2bdr on Friday. Having the extra bathroom will be key!! Also, we toured a room when we were there last year and they are so nice.

It is a little more remote but I think that enhances the feel.

Boma is amazing at Jambo House. But, I am sure traveling a little bit won't hurt to get food.

 

[nifferearly]

Thanks for everyone's input! I switched my reservation yesterday from Jambo to Kidani. The extra bathroom won out, but we'll be walking over to Jambo to use their great pool!

 

[KPOP]

Thanks for everyone's input! I switched my reservation yesterday from Jambo to Kidani. The extra bathroom won out, but we'll be walking over to Jambo to use their great pool!

I've stayed at both - just back from Kidani a couple of days ago..Jambo was 2yrs ago.

You won't be disappointed in the pool features at Kidani - the slide is fun, lots for kids to play with/on at Kidani. Extra bathroom was great, and the kitchen is not smack in the middle of the room.

It is a bit of a walk to Jambo - which, as you know, has the restaurants and another great pool.

 

[dgaston]

You may be surprised -- I much prefer the Kidani pool.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I just came back from Kidani on Sunday. We were in a 2 br and the 3rd bedroom definitely helped. We like the pool at Kidani more. We had fun in the water gym area.

 

[Orsino]

I prefer the Kidani Pool too. It is smaller, but since you are going in February, I would not expect it to be too busy. The slide at Kidani is superior.

 

[lilpooh108]

We are checking into the Kidani 2bdr on Friday. Having the extra bathroom will be key!! Also, we toured a room when we were there last year and they are so nice.

It is a little more remote but I think that enhances the feel.

Boma is amazing at Jambo House. But, I am sure traveling a little bit won't hurt to get food.

I read elsewhere on the boards that there is now a van or some type of golf cart thing that takes you between Kidani and Jambo if you don't feel like taking the buses. Supposedly, you just ask when you step out into the valet area.

 

[johnsonville5]

Hands down - Kidani Village. Resort does not have the crowed feel and activity level that Jambo House has. Pool area is great. Views are terrific. And that extra bathroom is priceless.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I read elsewhere on the boards that there is now a van or some type of golf cart thing that takes you between Kidani and Jambo if you don't feel like taking the buses. Supposedly, you just ask when you step out into the valet area.

You are correct. They did have the golf cart when I was there in May. When I was there last week, they had a van going back and forth. So I guess whats available.