Jambo vs Kidani next October?

[Golden Rose]

So, I have a confession to make. We bought AKV without every having stayed at AKL. We have been to AKL for dinner at Jiko and walked around the grounds a bit. We absolutely loved what we saw, but we were only there one evening and most of that evening was spent at a fabulous meal. DS did play on the playground next to the flamingo pond for a few minutes when he got cranky while we waited for his food, and he had a fabulous time. (He loves flamingos and he loves vacant playgrounds, so he was in toddler heaven.)

We bought AKV because of that one magical evening... and because DS is an animal nut and would move into the zoo given the opportunity.

Obviously, none of us know exactly what to expect from Kidani... and I don't even have that much idea what to expect from Jambo House. I know Kidani will have a kiddie water park, but JH has the playground near the flamingos.

We're planning on staying in a 2 bedroom savannah view next October for just a couple of nights. There will only be 5 of us, so we should be very comfortable in the 2 bedroom. I would like to give DS the best possible view of animals possible... he particularly loves giraffes and zebras, if that matters. (He also loves okapis, but I am not determined to try to get the one rumored okapi savannah.)

Anyway, is there any real reason for us to try to book one over the other, and if so, which one?

 

[disneystick]

And found out that at Kidani your rooms are bigger compared to Jambo house in sq. ft total. However, if you enjoy being around the main lobby of AKL then pick Jambo.

We pick Kidani for the larger rooms and since we are getting a one bedroom in Kidani we get 2 bathrooms vs. in Jambo house you only get one bathroom.

And since you are getting a two bedroom, in Kidani...this would give you 3 bathrooms, while Jambo house gives you only two, if you happen to like the extra bathrooms and larger rooms...pick Kidani.

 

[AJKMOM]

So you don't feel alone, we bought 200 points at the Boardwalk Villas without ever having been to the Boardwalk area at all.

Same for VB, although we aren't as crazy about that, good thing it was only 45 point add on.

 

[drusba]

We have stayed at Jambo DVC twice now. Its advantages: (a) guaranteed top 5th floor rooms (6th floor for concierge: but for floor level see below for Kidani advantage);(b) excellent views from savanna point cost rooms (both times we requested and got Arusha savanna view -- the one in the middle of the u-shaped Jambo building -- and often saw giraffes and zebras); (c) excellent pool area (and shade can be found); (d) easy access to Boma (in our view, the best buffet restaurant at WDW), Jikos (the more upscale restaurant with a 20 minute wine list-- that is how long it takes to read the list), and Mara's (cafeteria style for quick food service); (e) rooms and resort are themed excellently (Kidani will likely also be). Disadvantages: (a) bathroom in 1 BR has combined shower/tub instead of seperate and bathroom is actually detached from the bedroom, i.e., those in the kitchen or living area can see you crossing over a little hallway from bedroom to bathroom; (b) 1BR internet access plug is in bedroom not living room which I prefer (don't know what it will be for Kidani); (c) rooms towards end of wings are quite far from lobby/restaurant/pool area, the three of which are all near each other. Possible disadvantage: room lighting is not very bright, in fact entire resort always seems to be dimly lighted; however, all of that seems to be part of theming for the resort and Kidani may well be the same.

Kidani advantages (assuming resort is as good as drawings and what is otherwise on paper): (a) signficantly larger 1BRs (and 2BRs), extra bathroom, and master bath will have seperate tub and shower; (b) what appears to be an excellent pool and new interactive recreation area; (c) you can get lower floor room although not a guaranteed request -- many believe looking almost straight at animals from second floor is better view than 5th floor--and most views will be of Sunset savanna which should be very good; (d) likely also excellent theme similar to Jambo; (e) restaurant sounds like it will be very good. Disadvantages: no Boma's, no Mara's, i.e., no buffet or cafeteria restaurant and walk to Jambo will be about 1/2 mile front door to front door; (f) rooms at the end of the wings will be even longer walk to Kidani lobby/restaurant area than Jambo's end rooms.

My preference: Jambo because Boma and Mara gives it the edge but will try Kidani and perhaps determine otherwise.