just back from Kidani AKL

[LPnerd]

stayed dec 10th -15th. so six days. We stayed in 7758, close to the pool, an hours walk to the lobby, great view of animals as there is several feeding stations right out of the balcony. WE walked in our room, to the sound of cranes screaming at each other, rofl, felt right on the savannah!77 numbers is as far from the lobby as you want to get on the right or left side. IN fact, the 3rd 4th and 5th mods seem the best for location, and viewing. with 2 and 3rd floors the best, I wouldn't take a room higher up than that, I'd switch resorts, but I'm picky about spending my points.
We watched as ankole cattle stole from the giraffe feeders, saw giraffes eat walk and run. Many zebras, wildebeast, ostrich,stork, it was amazing. Having said that, the thrill wore off by day 4, because of some of the more negative factors of the room and resort.
It's so spread out, and with all the walking you do around the parks, the last thing I want is to walk a mile to the lobby, and no, really not exaggerating, and if you take a room near the lobby, the walk will be to the pool.
We had a dedicated two bedroom with 8 people, not big enough. More than enough room to sleep, BUT, the living/dining room, had one chair and a love seat. a coffee table, they REALLY seem to want you out of the room.
Not a fan of the kitchen, only one person at a time can move as it's galley, bad layout, and not enough cupboard space for those that want to save 500 bucks a day and cook their own meals. Kitchen gets a D+ from all 4 adults in our party.
The plates are the little square ones, not good for kids, and the only bowls were TINY desert bowls so instead of one bowl of cereal, it was two, not good when trying to get ready when the kids are eating.Also, no crock pot anymore, good thing we brought our own.
Another thing, the second bedroom had a whiff of cig smoke about it. Like people had been smoking on the balcony with the door open? I am a recent non smoker, so it still REALLY stinks to me. Makes me feel sick, but it didn't bother my daughter in law.
The Master was awesome, as usually, the tub was bigger, the shower was a religious experience,with water pressure to die for! and the room was HUGE with plenty of room to get myself and two grandkids ready, no problem.
the room had 3 bathrooms, so the kids had their own as well which came in real handy at night, but to be hobestm, I'd rather loose that 3rd Bath to gain a little space in the main living area.
as always, the room was clean, and I love how they give you a choice now. Plus, NO ONE was there. we were checked in at 11am. unpacked by 12:30pm. and out to explore.
The animals are what make this place, seems like maybe they thought they could skimp on a few other things because of the animals. If you have more than 4 people and kids that need a little room, this two bedroom dedicated will not work really well, I'd go for the lock off.
The pool is great, and so is the campfire. Community hall has a couple crafts a day and an arcade thats pretty good too.
The castmembers in Comunnity hall were so good with the kids. had fun both times there. Hope this helps, any questions, ask away.

 

[helenk]

I hear you about the walk, we were in 7954, we were on the 5th floor which really is fine, you can see all the animals with no problem but the walk to the lobby was crazy.
It's a shame there are really no short cuts when you stay at Kidani, you can come down the elevator to the parking garage but you still have a long walk to the lobby and/or the bus stop. It did not bother me in the morning, but after a long day at the parks it was exhausting.
I love staying at the resort, its beautiful and I love watching the animals from the balcony. But you do get a work out staying there.

 

[moredisneyplease]

two years ago we had a 2 bedroom nearly at the end (Kidani) like you so i measured it with my pedometer.......it was literally just over a quarter of a mile to the elevator! I'll never complain about the "long" halls of BWV again!

 

[LPnerd]

two years ago we had a 2 bedroom nearly at the end (Kidani) like you so i measured it with my pedometer.......it was literally just over a quarter of a mile to the elevator! I'll never complain about the "long" halls of BWV again!

To the elevator??? and you stayed??? you are more forgiving than I my friend! My legs would have cramped on the first day. thanks for that info, no one can believe I'm exaggerating now! It really is uncalled for, you need to call a cab from room to lobby and back after day two in the parks.
Disney is all about the buck, even more so than others, they put a smile on castmember faces so it doesn't sting as much. BUT there are ways around if you plan, one is to make your own food, we NEVER eat more than snacks in the park. and I carry protein and cereal bars at all times! I meal plan, simple easy, menu, in fact twe usually get there before the grandkids and I make a few things and freeze them, a casserole, a big pot of pasta, we have fresh veggie trays and dip and fruit and cereal, and healthy snacks so we don't have to say no to all the junk in the park.
things I can make fast and easy like wraps, or a sandwich or salad full of stuff. I use that crock pot , we had chicken and dumplings one night after all day in the parks, back at seven, kids in the shower and when they got out, it was ready. easy. we feed 6 - 8 people a day for what one day of meal plans cost each.
park tickets have become so expensive, we only go 2-3 days, and head to universal one day. Next time I think we will do sea world and universal and then hang out at the resort a day or two. But then, as DVC members we go more often. I wish they would cool it with the giveaway room deals and cut ticket prices a little.
I did use undercover tourist for universal tickets , saved about 10 bucks a ticket and was very happy with that service. subscribe to Mousesavers newsletter for the best prices and info .