Jambo or Kidani villas

[Cindy Louer]

I'm planning to rent points at AKV in mid-March of 2009 and are wondering if I have a choice of staying in Jambo House or Kidani Village. We stayed at Jambo house before and liked it, but have no idea of how far Kidani village is, how nice it will be, or if it will even be finished and habitable yet in mid-March.

Does anyone know if there's a choice between Jambo and Kidani, or if they just out you anywhere? Or which is best if they do offer a choice? We had Savannah view last time and want it again. Thanks for any input!

 

[JaxFLBear]

Kidani doesn't open until May 2009.

 

[Cindy Louer]

Thanks for the info. Guess that settles it then. Does that mean I should avoid the Sunset Savannah side due to construction? I read somewhere that there would be no animals there until Kidani was done. Or maybe it will be okay by March?

 

[JaxFLBear]

Here's the information as posted on the member website:

As the development of Kidani Village continues at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, crews are preparing to complete the new savanna and acclimate the animals to their new habitat.

To accommodate this important process, animals are not scheduled to be on Sunset Savanna from January 15, 2009, through April 15, 2009. As a reminder, Members and Guests who reserve a savanna-view room during this time will be advised of this process, and confirmations for those bookings include a notation to that affect.

Approximately 30 days prior to arrival, the resort will determine, based on occupancy and booking date order, which Members will be assigned to a Sunset Savanna view room. Affected Members will be notified, and after their stay, will receive a Vacation Point credit reflecting the difference between a savanna view and standard view (no additional compensation will be given).

If this process is not acceptable to you, please consider alternate stay dates or resorts. Also remember that animals on the other savannas can be viewed from multiple public locations at the resort.

 

[Cindy Louer]

Thanks M. That's excellent info. Seems like a bit of a gamble now since I don't want to get stuck with a small dribble of points if the view doesn't work out. Have to take my chances.

 

[Laneychris]

We will be there at the beginning of April, good to know about the animals.

 

[delilah]

Thanks for the info. Guess that settles it then. Does that mean I should avoid the Sunset Savannah side due to construction? I read somewhere that there would be no animals there until Kidani was done. Or maybe it will be okay by March?

We stayed at AKV in June overlooking the new construction. There were plenty of animals there, as many as there usually are, of every type. I'm not sure if the animals are still there, but, the construction was advancing the entire time we were there. It also wasn't so bad, in general, and interesting to watch, really. But, I guess maybe we aren't so fussy.

 

[Cindy Louer]

Well I went ahead and booked Savannah anyway. Would have booked concierge except you can't get a Savannah view with concierge. Now I might end up with neither Savannah or concierge when we actually check in.

I hope when they open Kidani they'll allow people to book concierge level with a savannah view. Bet lots of people would be happy to part with the extra points that might take to request both.

 

[dddisrunner]

There will be no concierge level at Kidani, only standard and savanah views. The only concierge will be at Jambo house.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well I went ahead and booked Savannah anyway. Would have booked concierge except you can't get a Savannah view with concierge. Now I might end up with neither Savannah or concierge when we actually check in.

I hope when they open Kidani they'll allow people to book concierge level with a savannah view. Bet lots of people would be happy to part with the extra points that might take to request both.

Not going to happen. THere are NO concierge level rooms at Kidani, and the 5 two bedroom lock-offs now at Jambo will be the only Concierge level rooms at AKV. of those 5, 3 are on the Sunset Savanna and 2 are pool view.

 

[spiceycat]

concierge and value are only at Jambo.

standard and savannah are at both

 

[LisaS]

Well I went ahead and booked Savannah anyway. Would have booked concierge except you can't get a Savannah view with concierge. Now I might end up with neither Savannah or concierge when we actually check in.

Just curious, are you saying Concierge was still available at the time you booked? It usually sells out pretty quickly so I'm surprised to hear that it was still available just over 7 months out.

I don't understand your comment about how you might end up with neither Savanna or concierge when you check in. It's true you will not get a Concierge room unless you booked that category but if you booked a Savanna View room, then that is what they should give you when you check in.

 

[jerseygal]

Did I understand correctly, only 5 2 br locloff at Jambo...All concierge level?

Can someone tell me what "amenities": does Concierge Level give an owner? Free breakfast? I assume its like "club" level at some 5 star resorts?

5 2 BR lockoffs doesn't seem like alot at Jambo House...

Will there be alot more 2 BR at Kidani? Some will be lockoff and some will be dedicated 2 BR, correct?

Much thanks!

 

[LisaS]

Did I understand correctly, only 5 2 br locloff at Jambo...All concierge level?

Jambo House has Value, Standard View, Savanna View and Concierge rooms. The Concierge rooms (five 2BR lockoffs) are on the 6th floor. All of the other rooms are on the 5th floor and occupy almost all of the 5th floor of the Lodge building.

Will there be alot more 2 BR at Kidani? Some will be lockoff and some will be dedicated 2 BR, correct?

All of the 2BRs in Jambo House are lockoffs. Kidani will have both lockoff and dedicated 2BRs.

 

[jerseygal]

Can you tell me what exactly does concierge level mean..In this case, Jambo House concierge level is 6th Floor? What other services does a DVC member get when they have concierge level at Jambo House?


Thank you!

 

[JaxFLBear]

Can you tell me what exactly does concierge level mean..In this case, Jambo House concierge level is 6th Floor? What other services does a DVC member get when they have concierge level at Jambo House?


Thank you!

From the member website:

Jambo House Concierge Accommodations
Studio, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom Lockoff

Kilimanjaro Club Concierge accommodations include the following Kilimanjaro Club Level Services:


Advanced Walt Disney World itinerary planning service
Personalized front desk and Concierge service
Daily housekeeping service and evening turndown with chocolates
Secured key access to 6th floor and Club Level lounge
Weekday newspaper delivery of USA Today
Assistance with special events planning and shopping
Club Level Lounge refreshments

 

[auntsue]

I am not at all familiar with AKV. I added on three nights to my Feb. 09 ressie, 1BR, Savannah View, for DH. Is this a "Sunset Savannah" view? From this thread, am I right in my understanding that we may not get a Savannah view due to construction? If this is so, since I borrowed points for this ressie, would I be able to cancel and rebook somewhere else subject to availability? I would rather rebook now than at too late a date to get anything. It doesn't sound like they are going to give you much notice and our whole point in this booking was for the view. I'd rather just wait till its a sure thing.

 

[pollypeanut]

Bump

 

[jbrowna]

I am not at all familiar with AKV. I added on three nights to my Feb. 09 ressie, 1BR, Savannah View, for DH. Is this a "Sunset Savannah" view? From this thread, am I right in my understanding that we may not get a Savannah view due to construction? If this is so, since I borrowed points for this ressie, would I be able to cancel and rebook somewhere else subject to availability? I would rather rebook now than at too late a date to get anything. It doesn't sound like they are going to give you much notice and our whole point in this booking was for the view. I'd rather just wait till its a sure thing.

There are three Savannahs at AKL: Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima. From my understanding, at 30 days out they will determine what Savannah you'll be put on, and make the adjustment according to the notice posted above. I'm not sure about ratios, but I think something like 40% of the Savannah view rooms are on the Sunset Savannah, with 60% on the other two. So you have a 60% chance that it won't be a problem -- perhaps better if you booked early. Others have reported that there are still plenty of animals on the Savannah, even with the construction. And with the pace of construction, things might be back to normal on the Sunset Savannah by the time of your visit. However, it's definitely not a "sure thing," however, so you may want to make alternate arrangements. For me, however, I'd take my chances, since I like AKL for lots of other reasons than just the view -- but that's just me!

 

[jerseygal]

What exactly is this?

Breakfast items? Soda/Beverage Service pre-dinner hours?

Can anyone elaborate?

Much thnx as always!!!