Kidani or SSR

[Mike9865]

My parents have decided to join us for Christmas at Disney. I've been able to piece together a studio for them 20-26 at either AKL or SSR. My mom isn't a fan of old or worn down hotel rooms. I've never stayed at AKL but I hear that it's in need of a face-lift. Is AKL really that bad? Which reservation should I hang onto?

Lastly, they will be spending time at the resort more than the parks, they are older. Is there much to do at SSR? I assume AKL is the more entertaining resort?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JETSDAD]

AKV is just darker in general and a more aged look to it (even if things are in good condition) due to the theme. SSR is a more light and bright design with the new refurb. There is more to do at AKV (I mean you can just sit out and watch animals) but SSR is also close to Disney Springs as another option for things to do.

 

[kanerf]

AKL is not that bad. I was just there last week. It is a lot more interesting then SSR and the food options are better. There is a shuttle that runs every 15-20 minutes from Kidani to Jambo so you can get to the restaurants.

 

[mort1331]

If they are the type that can sit and watch the animals with a drink of their choice, then AKL. But if they want to get out and explore the resort,,,then SSR,,,so close to Disney Springs. They can walk or catch a boat,,lots of places to sit have a drink,,catch a show on the stage,,usually someone preforming. AKL is great for day or two,,but DS there is so much to mindless wander for.

 

[mort1331]

I will add,,they could always just catch a bus to AKL from DS if they want to explore there for a half day too.

 

[Mike9865]

Lots of great points here. Much appreciated.

Regarding dining, it looks like most restaurants at AKL have no available reservations for our travel dates. Are the QS options also better at AKL? Are walk up customers welcomed at either resort?

 

[wfjny]

Just stayed at SSR a week ago. Our room looked brand new. They have been doing referbs...

For food, you can leverage DS from SSR. Only a few minutes away. Not sure if the boat service is back running yet.

 

[bwang123]

Animal Kingdom in no way looks warn down. We were just there several months ago and had 11 rooms and no one complained. We have stayed at Saratoga and enjoy it but its a completely different feel to Animal Kingdom. Walking to Disney Springs is the main advantage for Saratoga. Busses have less stops at AK.

 

[lynnfitz]

We were at Saratoga this summer, and loved it-walking to Disney Springs was great. We've stayed at AKL and watching the animals is nice, but now I'd rather make a dining reservation and go there to walk around. I know AKL gets mentioned for their dining, personally I'm not a fan. I don't care for buffets, and our family is more of pasta or steak, but of course everyone is different. The refurbished rooms at Saratoga are really nice!

 

[Brian Noble]

Lastly, they will be spending time at the resort more than the parks, they are older. Is there much to do at SSR? I assume AKL is the more entertaining resort?

It might depend on them a little bit, but I think there are some arguments for SSR. I would describe the vibe of the resort as "quietly elegant" in an understated way. The golf course makes for a nice ambiance. There are lovely walking paths with very nice lanscaping, and the buildings are all largely between the walking pathways and the roads/parking lots, so it's quite peaceful. As mentioned, Disney Springs is chock full of shopping, etc. but that may be more than they are up for.

Both are great, and it is hard to go wrong. I will confess that I wasn't a big SSR fan when it was first built, but it's really grown on me.

 

[Hubie]

Hi,

We've only stayed at WDW twice since becoming DVC members and both times in bedroom villas. We will be staying 3 nights in a studio at SSR before changing over to a one-bedroom villa for 6 nights. Not having stayed in a studio before, we were wondering what the amenities were in the rooms. For instance, we want to bring our own coffee to make. Is a regular coffee pot provided? Also do we have to bring bowls and spoons for cereal? Appreciate if you'd let us know. Thanks!

 

[purpliequeen]

Hi,

We've only stayed at WDW twice since becoming DVC members and both times in bedroom villas. We will be staying 3 nights in a studio at SSR before changing over to a one-bedroom villa for 6 nights. Not having stayed in a studio before, we were wondering what the amenities were in the rooms. For instance, we want to bring our own coffee to make. Is a regular coffee pot provided? Also do we have to bring bowls and spoons for cereal? Appreciate if you'd let us know. Thanks!

Stayed at SSR for the first time in May 2021 since the resort opened in 2004. Entire family pleasantly surprised. The renovation (all villas and studios are fully renovated by now) is SPECTACULAR and puts SSR at the top in terms of best room product. The renovation is elegant - the rooms are bright, clean, and cheery. The pull down sofa to Murphy bed is easy to use and SO comfortable. I slept on this bed for 5 or so nights and had NO complaints. Long gone are the pull-out sofa days. Studios have small kitchenettes with refrigerator, microwave, sink, coffee makers (the old fashioned kind that require white coffee filters that go into the basket), and mugs, glasses, silverware, etc. (I think the flatware - so plates and bowls - are paper; and the silverware is plastic in the studios.) But no, you don't need to bring anything. If your room is missing anything, call Housekeeping or you can pick up this type of stuff at Artist Palette, the quick service.

Original Poster: The resort is peaceful and charming. Fantastic walking paths, several pools to choose from. Lots of peaceful adirondack/rocking chairs to sit and watch the water separating SSR from DS. One thing I will admit is that the food leaves a lot to be desired. The quick service Artist Palette is similar to the Mara. However, Turf Club doesn't compare to Sanaa, Boma, nor Jiko. That being said, you are a QUICK, easy jaunt to Disney Springs where this are a plethora of options. I didn't go into the parks during this trip so I got to walk over to DS for my coffee and breakfast. Got in line for Gideon's cookies, etc.

My family are also huge fans of AKL and you really can't go wrong. We love AKL for the balconies & animal watching, but it is a bit of a trek to get anywhere other than AKL.

 

[The Jackal]

Hi,

We've only stayed at WDW twice since becoming DVC members and both times in bedroom villas. We will be staying 3 nights in a studio at SSR before changing over to a one-bedroom villa for 6 nights. Not having stayed in a studio before, we were wondering what the amenities were in the rooms. For instance, we want to bring our own coffee to make. Is a regular coffee pot provided? Also do we have to bring bowls and spoons for cereal? Appreciate if you'd let us know. Thanks!

There will be a 12 cup Mr Coffee coffee maker in the room. Studio at SSR has paper bowls, plates and plastic utensils

 

[Hubie]

Thanks, Purpliequeen and Jackal. I knew I could count on the Dis community to quickly help me out. We leave for WDW at 4 AM on this Saturday. Not looking forward to the drive from Wisconsin, but it sure will be nice to go somewhere, especially to SSR.

 

[purpliequeen]

Thanks, Purpliequeen and Jackal. I knew I could count on the Dis community to quickly help me out. We leave for WDW at 4 AM on this Saturday. Not looking forward to the drive from Wisconsin, but it sure will be nice to go somewhere, especially to SSR.

Safe travels & have the BEST time. Good for you going after the Tgiving crowds. Looks nuts right now according to Instagram

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Have a great trip and enjoy SSR - sounds like you've made the decision, and either location is great. But the 'run-down' remark about AKL is not what we've seen, and we've been to AKL many times - it's our favorite. But some folks think it's too dark and out of the way. For us, it's peaceful, and very unique and is 'home'. The only out-of-the-way location from AKL would be getting to the Magic Kingdom, if you visit there. But folks staying along the monorail resorts have the same issue getting to Animal Kingdom - so it's not that unusual. Have a super holiday stay at SSR! If you ever get a chance in the future to experience AKL, we'd highly recommend it. It's a very different resort with the best on-site food options at Disney (in our opinion, of course!).

 

[Hubie]

Have a great trip and enjoy SSR - sounds like you've made the decision, and either location is great. But the 'run-down' remark about AKL is not what we've seen, and we've been to AKL many times - it's our favorite. But some folks think it's too dark and out of the way. For us, it's peaceful, and very unique and is 'home'. The only out-of-the-way location from AKL would be getting to the Magic Kingdom, if you visit there. But folks staying along the monorail resorts have the same issue getting to Animal Kingdom - so it's not that unusual. Have a super holiday stay at SSR! If you ever get a chance in the future to experience AKL, we'd highly recommend it. It's a very different resort with the best on-site food options at Disney (in our opinion, of course!).

Thanks!

By the way, we've stayed at AKL 3 times in past years. Once as DVC members in a 2-bedroom villa with DD, DSIL and our 3 DGK's after our 5-day DC to Grand Cayman and Castaway Cay. Love AKL and pool. We also have eaten at Bomo for both breakfast and dinner, and the buffets have always been exceptional. In fact, we have a 9:05 AM brunch ADR for Bomo on this upcoming trip.

 

[The Jackal]

Thanks, Purpliequeen and Jackal. I knew I could count on the Dis community to quickly help me out. We leave for WDW at 4 AM on this Saturday. Not looking forward to the drive from Wisconsin, but it sure will be nice to go somewhere, especially to SSR.

How long is the drive? We drive from Massachusetts. We were there a few weeks ago. We left at 4:30 AM and arrived at 12:00 AM. 19.5 hours total time, with 18.5 hours driving. It is around 1,300 miles from where we live.

 

[Hubie]

It's about 19 hours of actual driving time, but we're stopping for a night just south of Nashville. My back can't take driving straight through anymore.