Kidani Village or Bay Lake?

[The Willis']

The DW and I are now thinking of a couples-only trip for two nights in May. We are DVC members and have enough points for a Savannah View studio at Kidani or a Lake View studio at Bay Lake Tower. Having never stayed at either, we'd love to hear some opinions, pros, cons, etc. Thanks, guys!

 

[cmoliver5]

Wow this is a tough one. Having stayed at both now I can say they are both great options. I think it really comes down to how you want to spend your time.

BLT’s walkability to MK is a wonderful perk as well as the ease of hopping to the other resort loop properties and WL. The balconies on the lake view rooms are also quite lovely, getting to watch the boats come and go, etc.

The Savanah view rooms at Kidani are a lot of fun. One risk you run with Kidani is that some rooms are closer to the lobby and as to come and go from, and others are quite a long walk from the lobby. If you plan to have a car it’s less of an issue because the parking garage is underneath the resort so you can try and park in an area near your room. Sanaa is a great restaurant, I especially enjoy their lounge area. There is also a shuttle van that runs between Kidani and Jambo so going between the two is very easy. Kidani is also super quiet and peaceful, which might be nice for a couples get away.

In my opinion you really can’t lose here. If being able to monorail hop is especially appealing to you than BLT wins for sure but Kidani is charming and a different experience all together. FWIW, the bus transportation from Kidani is really not bad at all. MK can be a good 20 minutes but everything else is less.

 

[Marionnette]

The DW and I are now thinking of a couples-only trip for two nights in May. We are DVC members and have enough points for a Savannah View studio at Kidani or a Lake View studio at Bay Lake Tower. Having never stayed at either, we'd love to hear some opinions, pros, cons, etc. Thanks, guys!

I guess it will depend on how you choose to spend your time. Are you park commandos? Or will you spend more time enjoying the pool and your room? How about dining?

Kidani is great for the two awesome pools and the "away from it all" atmosphere. Watching the animals from your balcony while having your morning coffee or an evening cocktail is so relaxing. Easy access to dining at Jiko, Sanaa and Boma. Very relaxing resort but somewhat remote from the theme parks. You will need to take a bus everywhere unless you have a car or spend money for Uber/Lift rides.

BLT has great access to MK by foot and monorail access to EPCOT. Transportation to HS and AK can be grabbed by either waiting at CR for a bus or walking to the MK to get a bus from there. Nice views of the water parade from your balcony. You can dine easily at any of the MK resort restaurants by hopping on the monorail (or boat to WL or the campground) or walking to the MK to grab a boat to your destination. The pool is nothing special and if you're hoping to relax poolside during a good portion of your stay, this probably is not the resort for you. Studios here tend to feel a little cramped but should not be a problem for just 2 people. Some people find the tower to be a little too much like a run-of-the-mill condo or apartment building. Elevators can be very slow during peak times (early AM close to park opening and check out time).

 

[holden]

I love the location of BLT. It's our DVC home resort. Very convenient to many restaurants and MK. I haven't stayed in a studio, but I have heard they are small. Not sure how important that is to you.

 

[chalee94]

Yeah, couples only - I'd pick AKV and book dinner at Jiko.

With little ones in tow, I'd go with BLT for walkability to the MK.

 

[The Willis']

Thanks for the advice, y’all! It’s going to be a tough choice, but I don’t think we’ll be disappointed in either.

 

[SuperPreparo]

I've been to both, and I think it depends a lot on what kind of atmosphere you prefer. I would say most of my family would say Kidani. It's a beautiful resort with great restaurants and pool area, and it's very relaxing sitting on your balcony watching the animals. I personally prefer to be more "where the action is". I love the location of BLT, and while a lot of people don't care for the theming I really enjoyed the contemporary feel.

 

[pangyal]

The DW and I are now thinking of a couples-only trip for two nights in May. We are DVC members and have enough points for a Savannah View studio at Kidani or a Lake View studio at Bay Lake Tower. Having never stayed at either, we'd love to hear some opinions, pros, cons, etc. Thanks, guys!

For this May? Is there availability at both?

 

[The Willis']

For this May? Is there availability at both?

There was. We’ve booked Kidani. If you check everyday, availability comes up in one spot or another.

 

[brertoad]

We usually book Bay Lake if we want to be close to Magic Kingdom and we usually stay at Jambo or Kidani if we want to be close to Animal Kingdom or just generally to hang out at the resort / pools and relax.

I don't think you will be disappointed.