Kidani, BCV or VWL??

[jollygreengirl]

I am torn as to which of these to pick. We want a 1 BR Villa and there is availability at each of these resorts for right around the same price.

We have stayed at WL and VWL many times and we adore it, but I don't think we'll be at MK much this trip, so I don't know if the proximity is necessary. However, it's a known quantity and we really do love it there.

BCV seems the logical choice, since the main purpose of this trip is to attend one of the SWW days at DHS. Plus, we've never stayed anywhere down at Epcot, always at MK. But, even though SAB looks amazing, I wonder if it's not too big for my ds (4)? He loves the WL pool and makes a continuous circuit down the slide. I don't think that would be possible on the Flying Jib, since the layout is different AND it looks like steep steps. I'm one of those moms that needs eyes on him the entire time, which means now I'm making a continuous circuit down the slide, too!! My ds would almost rather swim all day than be at the parks, so I know he would probably like it, but if we are also going to the Disney Waterparks this trip, isn't that overkill?

I'm kind of drawn to Kidani, except we eat a lot of counter service with the 4 year old and the chance of us being VERY far from Mara is a little problematic. Also, it's just a standard view, but the extra bathroom and sleeper chair would be nice. Plus, my mom will be with us and she loves riding the boats to and from the parks (as do we). That's not really a deal-breaker, but we are so used to MK resorts and all the quaint transport, so it would be a change.

My mom keeps saying, "It's Disney, it'll all be nice!" but I don't want to spend the whole trip just wishing we were at VWL, ya know? I'm a creature of habit.

What would YOU do?! Insight welcome.

 

[Rich C]

Just back from four nights at Kidani and enjoyed it very much. Obviously a great choice if your child likes animals, and I found the pool/spray area to be nice as well. Trade off was that you are taking the bus everywhere if you don't have your own car. Only took it once (to MK) but it was efficient and only about a 15-20 min ride.

Counter service @ the resort is not a strong suit here. I believe it's only Mara, which is located at Jambo House and not Kidani.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I love Kidani--my favorite room that we've stayed at!! If I could pick up the room and transplant it closer to the parks I would be in heaven!!

BCV is great.. but Kidani really is a great resort!!

 

[jollygreengirl]

Did you ever hoof it all the way over to Jambo? Is it really, really far? I've researched it a little and it seems far. We are accustomed to VWL where they are basically right there together and share all the same amenities. Kidani is tempting. I showed my ds video of the slides and water play area today and he got excited.

 

[mmmears]

You can take the bus from Kidani to Jambo and back.

I have walked it -- it is not a bad walk, but it does take some time to get from one part of AKL to another.

The water play area at AKL is really fun for kids!

 

[Sammie]

They run a shuttle between Kidani and Jambo. However I will say that having a CS right at the hotel is really convenient and the one at WL is so nice.

Love the boat to the MK too.

Honestly I know many will disagree, I would not book AKL, Jambo or Kidani without getting Savannah view. I would rather stay at BCV or VWL.

I will agree that actual room at Kidani is really nice but over resort experience, WL and BC win.

 

[goopysolelady]

I'm going to be the "odd man out" here and say...I DID NOT like Kadani at all. (Sorry to those of you that love it.) Our Spring Break trip was a little bit of a last minute decision and was the only place available. There is NO counter service, which I missed terribly. We ended up driving over to McDonald's for a quick breakfast on the way to whichever park we were headed for. The hallways are SO LONG...you walk and walk and walk. We used the bus a couple of times and service was good but, once again, a really L-O-N-G walk back to our rooms after a long day at the park. At least, when we drove, we could park a little closer to the elevator. The rooms were nice but they're so dark, even with the patio door curtains open. I will say the pool area was nice and I think your DS would enjoy it.

Out of your 3 choices, I'd pick VWL in a heartbeat. I love that place! (I, too, am a creature of habit! ) But, if you want to be adventurous, I'd give BCV a try. The Epcot resorts are beautiful and I really like being close to Epcot. Good luck with your decision and enjoy your trip!

Pool area:

The dreaded long hallway:

Rooms:

Views:

 

[jollygreengirl]

Thank you for all the pictures!! That parking lot view just isn't as magical, huh? Even at VWL, we had woods and usually deer! Ha. Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I showed my ds pictures and video of BCV and Kidani and he says BCV, but then changes his mind and wants to see his duck friends at WL. He's 4, so he doesn't get to make the decision based on ducks!! The pools and water playground at Kidani are tempting, but not being able to pop in for a quick bite might sway me too much.

The walking might be a problem, too. My mom is pretty spry but she has foot problems that by the end of the day might make Kidani tough for her. We are kind of spoiled by the compactness of WL. Even being most of the way down VWL, it's still an easy walk to pretty much the entire resort. Hmmmm... I better make up my mind before nothing is left!!

 

[goopysolelady]

Thank you for all the pictures!! That parking lot view just isn't as magical, huh? Even at VWL, we had woods and usually deer! Ha. Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I showed my ds pictures and video of BCV and Kidani and he says BCV, but then changes his mind and wants to see his duck friends at WL. He's 4, so he doesn't get to make the decision based on ducks!! The pools and water playground at Kidani are tempting, but not being able to pop in for a quick bite might sway me too much.

The walking might be a problem, too. My mom is pretty spry but she has foot problems that by the end of the day might make Kidani tough for her. We are kind of spoiled by the compactness of WL. Even being most of the way down VWL, it's still an easy walk to pretty much the entire resort. Hmmmm... I better make up my mind before nothing is left!!

You're welcome! I'd base my decision on which parks you want to spend the most time at. Out of your 3 choices, I honestly would not pick Kidani. Remember also, if your room is at the "far end" (as in the area where you drive onto the property) you will have a VERY long walk to the pool area. I do lean to VWL, next to Bay Lake Towers, it's my favorite Villa resort. Would be nice if someone that has stayed at BCV would reply and give you some info! Good luck in your decision; I wouldn't wait to long to book.

 

[pmaurer74]

I would choose BCV. Why not do something different? If you like the boats there are many there and its close to 2 parks. I would not book AKV without a SV view either but that is just me.

 

[DizDays]

I would definitely recommend expanding your horizons and trying a new resort. You can't go wrong with either AKV or BCV. I know the counter service is a barrier for you at AKV but, since you're in a villa with a kitchen, why not just have some food delivered and grab your quick meal in the room?

As for walking distance between Kidani and Jambo, it took DH and I 5 minutes to walk from lobby to lobby. Not too bad - and they do have a shuttle running back and forth.

Beach Club is equally attractive with it's location to EPCOT, HS and the Boardwalk. You're right about the slide, though, at SaB.

Good luck with your decision. You can't lose. It's DISNEY!!

 

[jollygreengirl]

Well, the verdict is in! We're going to BCV this trip. I think Kidani would have won if it had been a savannah view, like many of you mentioned. We love Epcot, so it'll be nice to just wander over when we want, like we usually do at MK. Thanks for the advice and tips. I think Kidani is on my short list for next time!

Thanks again!