Just back from AKV-Kidani

[Nursejilly]

Hi all! Just got back from our 1st stay at Kidani Village. We stayed in room #7302, a 1-bedroom savannah view. First of all, loved the villa! It was beautiful & was perfect for our family of 4. We got lucky as our room was in the 1st building off of the lobby. Loved the 2nd full bath! I was expecting a little more from the savannah view. We did not see many animals at all. I don't think I would book it again, but we wanted to splurge since it was our 1st time "home." The resort itself is gorgeous, the pool area wonderful! Our 6 yr old DD loved it! The only gripe we had was the buses. Now I know thanksgiving week is very busy at DW, but i think we had reason to be unhappy. We had 2 8am breakfast ressies, one at Norway & the other at CRT. We got to the bustop at 6:55am & had to wait for 40 min & then 35 min! That is too long! I think we would have been better off taking our car. Our next trip we will try for BLT or VWL. That being said I hated leaving our beautiful villa! We had a great time at the "world."

 

[Sparkie]

HI!
We too had our first DVC stay at AKV- Kidani. We were there the first part of October.

LOVED the resort as well but HATED the busses.

The shared bus thing between resorts may work in a very slow time of year, say Jan/Feb but it definately does not work.

We too waited on average 40 to 45 min for a bus either from the resort to a park or from a park to the resort. To me it was an unacceptable wait, especially if you also add in a toddler and a 30 week pregnant daughter.

I sent a message to Guest Services on the WDW website explaining like you how I loved the resort but how I most likely would never book there again due to the bus service.

I recieved a phone call from the DVC office. A real live personal phone call, with a real live person, who acknowledged my concerns and stated that the information would be forwarded to the appropriate department. I thought this was exceptional service to maintain guest satisfaction, to receive a personal phone call verses the standard form letter reply.

So with that said.....

Maybe if enough DVC members let their dissatisfaction be known the bus service could be improved.

We are like you, we will NEVER stay there again unless we have our own car.

 

[Reaseyann]

My DH is such an animal lover and we too are looking to splurge on a stay at the AKV. I'm glad to hear that you loved the resort and wondering if the animals are out more when it is a bit warmer.

 

[Sparkie]

The animals seemed to be out a good bit. The best time is in the evening about 4 or 5 pm when they are putting out food for them. My DH was out taking pictures one evening and the animals were following the food truck around. They definately know when it is feeding time.

 

[Nursejilly]

Hi Sparkie, i sent an email to member services about our experience with the bus service too. Hopefully, they will make improvements. Reaseyann, I know you will love the resort. It is simply beautiful. If you have issues with the buses, save yourself the hassle and take your own car if you can. We did actually take our car to Hollywood Studios on our last day, and the parking was free. I am assuming it is free for resort guests. BTW, the coffee at Johari was soo good. Get a refillable mug so you can enjoy it. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Cee]

I sympathize with your bus situation. When we were there the first week in Nov., staying at VWL, it took us over an hour to get to our breakfast Boma ADR at AKL. We left ourselves an hour and it took OVER an hour, so we were late.