Kidani Village? Never again... (now with pics!)

[TLPL]

I like Kidani in general, but there are 2 things I don't like:
1. The underground parking. It is un-themed, it looks unfinished. Since it is the first thing you see if you arrive by car, it set the wrong tone. It is like reminding the guests that these are all pretent, like you are visiting the movie studios.
2. There is no quick serve location! The have the pool bar and the fitness center around the pool, why can't they build a quick serve location there too? you know, like what SSR is getting.

Other than that I am happy with Kidani Village.

 

[DVCtinkerbell]

Beautiful pictures!

 

[La2kw]

I like Kidani in general, but there are 2 things I don't like:
1. The underground parking. It is un-themed, it looks unfinished. Since it is the first thing you see if you arrive by car, it set the wrong tone. It is like reminding the guests that these are all pretent, like you are visiting the movie studios.
2. There is no quick serve location! The have the pool bar and the fitness center around the pool, why can't they build a quick serve location there too? you know, like what SSR is getting.

Other than that I am happy with Kidani Village.

Those seem to be common complaints, but they are non-issues for us. I love the idea of a parking garage (and I think themeing it would be a waste of money) and when I drive to a resort, I park under the porte cochere or in the check in parking area to check in, so it wouldn't be the first thing I saw, because we always check out our room before moving the car. I think during the summer, when we travel the most it will make a big difference. I also like parking close to the rooms like at my home resorts OKW and (even though not as close) SSR. We had absolutely no need for a QS place as we are usually in the parks during lunch and have always eaten breakfast in our room because we do not eat large breakfasts, usually just fruit, cereal, yogurt, or toast. At dinner, we like to eat a few at TS, and Sanaa is just perfect for that. Even so, there are club sandwiches and salads available at the pool bar as well as bento boxes from room service and room service for your room.

Also, Jambo is very close. We walked there from our room near the pool area in less than 10 minutes. I honestly don't understand this complaint at all (Jambo being too far away). I know I certainly need the exercise, and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt most people. If someone couldn't walk or even decided not to, all they need to do is hop on any bus (except DD) and you're there in even less time.

 

[Kimmy]

Thank you for sharing! We're staying at Kidani in October. I kept going back and forth between Kidani and Jambo, and from your post I think I made the right choice.

 

[tink1957]

You've gotten me even more excited for our stay in a savannah view studio next month & I'm glad I requested the Sunset Savannah, thanks.

 

[La2kw]

Dinner at Sanaa:

Interesting light fixtures made from bottles.

Bar

View from our table.

We started with Indian Style Bread Service: Choice of 3 breads (we chose Naan, Onion Kulcha, Paneer Parathaand) and 3 accompaniments (we chose Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Mango Chutney)

DW had Today's Sustainable Fish - with shrimp and scallops served with seasonable vegetables in a light curry broth This was excellent.

I had the Slow Cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well Seasoned. I chose the Five-grain pilaf with Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce and Beef Short Ribs It was good, but the shrimp had an unpleasant aftertaste and I like shrimp as well as curry. DW liked it though.

Dessert was a sampler with chocolate cake, chai cream, and passion ice cream. The only thing that was good was the passion ice cream. The cake was dry and bland and chai tea has no business in a dessert, and I really like chai tea.

 

[La2kw]

I know this is a bit strange but the restrooms near Sanaa were really nice. The tile work, sinks and fixtures were well done.

 

[edk35]

...will I hesitate to stay there! We fell in love with this resort last week. We always try the new resorts even though we love our home resorts of OKW and SSR. We decided to try Kidani even though we had already stayed at Jambo house previously and really didn't enjoy it. As the trip got closer, DW and I were really not looking forward to staying at Kidani. We took DME from the airport and after a nightmarish trip (we were on a full bus and we were the fifth and last stop) we felt very welcomed pulling up to the resort. The lanterns and the lobby were so impressive. Why did we like this resort?
1. The resort is very quiet and relaxing. That's important to us and why we prefer OKW and SSR over most of the other hotel type resorts.
2. The view of the animals from the lobby is impressive. Much more impressive than Jambo's lobby where you really can't see the animals without walking outside.
3. Sanaa. We weren't sure we would even like this restaurant and we gave it a try and felt it was one of our better meals ever at WDW (and we are veterans with over 25 trips under our belts).
4. Lack counter service restaurant was a non-issue for us. We rarely use a QS at our resort because we prefer to have food in our unit for any meals at the resort.
5. Having the soda refills in the lobby is very, very convenient.
6. Parking under the building is fantastic, and will be especially appreciated in the summer. I didn't feel it detracted from the themeing at all.
7. Sunset Savannah is now the happening Savannah. The views from Kidani are excellent.

Wanna see some pictures?

Where is the soda machine for refills?? We were there last July and I either never saw it or it wasn't there then? Hmmmmm now I am so puzzled. Shoot maybe our boys knew about it and we didn't.

 

[La2kw]

Where is the soda machine for refills?? We were there last July and I either never saw it or it wasn't there then? Hmmmmm now I am so puzzled. Shoot maybe our boys knew about it and we didn't.

There's one in the store

and another by the pool.

 

[edk35]

There's one in the store

and another by the pool.

Gosh maybe I just forgot. I will ask the kids....trust me they would remember it. Thanks

 

[edk35]

We loved Kidani when we were there for 3 nights last July. We had a 2 bedroom savanna view and it was PURE HEAVEN. The only thing I wish they had was a quick service place on that side. Maybe even have it over by the pool like they do at BCV. Other than that...we really enjoyed it.

 

[daisyduck123]

Where is the soda machine for refills?? We were there last July and I either never saw it or it wasn't there then? Hmmmmm now I am so puzzled. Shoot maybe our boys knew about it and we didn't.

Denise,
It was there!
The kids & I used it every day....multiple times!!

 

[Brave teacher]

Dinner at Sanaa=YUMMY!

 

[locodemickey]

I know this is a bit strange but the restrooms near Sanaa were really nice. The tile work, sinks and fixtures were well done.

I don't think it's strange at all...I loved these restrooms, they were a work of art!

 

[edk35]

Denise,
It was there!
The kids & I used it every day....multiple times!!

See I don't drink soda really so that is why I never get a mug. As soon as I showed Greg he said YEP I remember it. LOL

 

[tinksfan]

I thought my husband was the only one who took pictures of tile, sinks, railings, doors, floors,.... Since I married him I seem to appreciate details more. Thanks to your pictures I feel like I had a tour! Thanks again

 

[La2kw]

Pool Complex:

 

[La2kw]

Fitness Center

 

[myDISboards]

Thanks for sharing the pictures! After doing the LIVE feeds since Easter Sunday April 04-09, 2010 (check-out day April 09) at

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2435647 DVC-Mousecellaneous

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2435645 Resort Photos & Video

I still remember all the details and I feel like I never left Kidani Village and Jambo House.

Thank you!

 

[myDISboards]

I know this is a bit strange but the restrooms near Sanaa were really nice. The tile work, sinks and fixtures were well done.

I have some pictures but this is your thread. You should post some interior restroom pictures by the fitness room near the pool. "Survival Of The Fittest" open 24 hours accessed by room keys. An excellent shower/towels/change of clothes area!!