Jambo or Kidani?

[Disneypapa]

Planning on staying at the Animal Kingdom next summer and wondered what everyone's preferences were as to the lodging.

This isn't a question about standard vs savanna view, but on which building/area I should try and get reservations.

Thanks in advance for any opinions shared.

 

[mfd25wife]

I just bought at Jambo in June. However, we toured Kidani and that is the one I booked for next summer because we fell in love with the model.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've stayed in Jambo, and we do love it, but because it will be brand new and we want to see what Kidani's like, we're staying there in May. We want to see what the new water play area will be like. I think it will determine whether we add on more AKV points.

Bobbi

 

[kristenrice]

We are planning on a stay over spring break in 2010. We're taking my parents along so I am planning on booking a 2BR at Kidani. I like the fact that there is a third bathroom in the new building. I am looking forward to seeing that new water playground. I hope that they put in some sort of quick-service eatery (or at least somewhere to refill our mugs!) before we go.

Now, when it is just the 4 of us, I am seriously considering trying to get a 1BR concierge (for the "luxury") or a 2BR value (for the point savings) in Jambo. We just bought a small contract at AKV so we will have to creatively spread out our points.

 

[hakepb]

I'm interested in seeing on how Kidani will work out for a stay. I imagine it will depend on what you do.
There are some large advantages (extra bathroom in 1BR+, close to new pool feature, new restaurant, unique savannah..)
But I could see distance to QS eating, mug refills (Even if there is one at the pool, Kidani is seriously long) and the Jambo restaurants, and possibly bus stop(s) at Kidani (how long of a walk?) may make or break a Kidani stay for some guests..

 

[spiceycat]

depends upon you.

Jambo has a different 1-bedroom (therefore 2-bedroom) than Kidani.

Jambo does not have separate tub and shower - like Kidani will.

there is also the 2nd bathroom at Kidani.

both (except the value) have the sofa chair.

the studio aren't that different.

for a studio stay would say Jambo.

for a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom would say Kidani.

 

[123Disney]

Kidani for us in June! Can't wait!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I am torn with this decision too. I think for the next trip at least, we'll stay at Kidani. But I prefer Jambo for the proximity to Mara. We use the CS/quick service eating places alot more than the formal sit down restaurants during a weeks' stay. So I have a feeling, that the lack of CS at Kidani may push us to book Jambo more often.

 

[Disneypapa]

Thanks for the input. Any others with an opinion?

 

[Crisgw]

We're staying Kidani in September We stayed at AKL this past Sept and loved it but Kidani's waterpark area and extra bath really got us!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Only Kidani will have the dedicated 2 bedrooms with the 2Q's...if that extra bed is important, then it shoud be Kidani.

Bobbi

 

[drusba]

Advantages Jambo: (a) Mara (fast food court); Kidani will not have one; (b) Boma (buffet restaurant; one of the best at WDW); Kidani will have only a full service restaurant and walk from Kidani to Boma will be long (1/2 mile); (c)guaranteed top floor accomodations if you like top floor since DVC is the top floor at Jambo (5th most of the building; 5th and 6th right aound the lobby) but see below for Kidani advantage.

Neutrals not yet known for sure until members actually get to use them: pool and recreation areas, Jambo's is excellent but Kidani will also likely be; Kidani's new restaurant -- how good will it be?

Advantages Kidani: (a) larger 1BR's (and 2BR's) with extra bathroom which also have separate shower and tub (Jambo is a combined tub/shower); (b) can get lower floor with a savanna view although floor will not be guaranteed (can get 2nd or 3d fl--there are no first/ground floor accomodations at either building) which many will consider an advantage because view of animals is more direct.

 

[pilferk]

Planning on staying at the Animal Kingdom next summer and wondered what everyone's preferences were as to the lodging.

This isn't a question about standard vs savanna view, but on which building/area I should try and get reservations.

Thanks in advance for any opinions shared.

How many are travelling, what ages, and what size room are you booking?

For adult travellers in studio's....I think my pick would be Jambo house. The size difference is negligable, and likely the water play area at Kidani's pool won't be as much of a selling point.

For anyone travelling with kids...that water play area may seal the deal.

For anyone going with 4 or 5 in a 1 BR, or 7+ in a 2 BR, that extra square footage in Kidani, and especially the extra bathroom, are hard to turn your nose up at.

One other thing to consider: Kidani will offer some lower floor views of the savanna, while Jambo ONLY offers views from the 5th (or 6th if you're in concierge and get a savanna view) floor. Some people really prefer one "kind" over the other...

 

[Cricket2]

Parking could be directly under your room in Kidani in some cases as well.

 

[Disneypapa]

How many are travelling, what ages, and what size room are you booking?

For adult travellers in studio's....I think my pick would be Jambo house. The size difference is negligable, and likely the water play area at Kidani's pool won't be as much of a selling point.

For anyone travelling with kids...that water play area may seal the deal.

For anyone going with 4 or 5 in a 1 BR, or 7+ in a 2 BR, that extra square footage in Kidani, and especially the extra bathroom, are hard to turn your nose up at.

One other thing to consider: Kidani will offer some lower floor views of the savanna, while Jambo ONLY offers views from the 5th (or 6th if you're in concierge and get a savanna view) floor. Some people really prefer one "kind" over the other...

I have a 2 BR standard villa at Kidani Village booked, primarily because of the 3rd bathroom and waterpark area. We will have 6 adults and 3 kids, ages 12, 9 and 7.

Does anyone know if the bus stop at the village is operational?

 

[CaptHomer]

I am in process of buying resale AKV. Does it matter what building you buy into? I thought it was all the same.

 

[SandrainNC]

Well, we booked Jambo. One, because I could get a value 1 BR and save us some points. The other is I want to wait until Kidani is finished (or at least mostly finished) before we stay there. But I really look forward to staying there later!

Sandra

 

[SandrainNC]

I am in process of buying resale AKV. Does it matter what building you buy into? I thought it was all the same.

No, that doesn't make a difference. You can book either if it is available. We bought Jambo resale too.

Sandra

 

[LisaS]

Does anyone know if the bus stop at the village is operational?

Kidani isn't open yet but it will have its own bus stop.

 

[hakepb]

Unless developer points are included, you cannot book Kidani contract points before May. A contract with current Jambo points could be used before then. It would be correct, If you are only talking about using points after May 2009, there should be no difference.