Kidani Village - Transportation

[Peggy Sue]

Hi,
We have never stayed at Kidani Village but are considering trying this resort next May. Our home resorts are OKW and BWV and we love staying at BWV because of the easy access to Epcot. However, in May my niece and her 2 kids, ages 3 and 5 will be joining us and we thought we might try BLT for easy access to the Magic Kingdom and also some time at Kidani for the Savanna view. We want to stay where the kids will have plenty to keep them happy and occupied!

How is the transportation at Kidani? Do they offer a shuttle between Kidani and Jambo? I assume the buses are shared with Jambo? If so, are their crowding issues making it difficult to get on the bus?

Would you recommend Kidani with a 3 and 5 year old, or would we be better off staying at BLT for our entire vacation?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[erionm]

Yes, there is a shuttle operated by Bell Services that runs between both buildings.

As for other Disney Transportation, it's shared with Jambo House.
Theme Park buses stop at Kidani Village first, then Jambo House, then direct to the destination.
Downtown Disney buses stop at Jambo House first, then Kidani Village, then direct to DTD.

 

[drusba]

Kidani has a good water play area and daily activities for kids if you spend time at the resort. You will also find that its bus system is a major improvement over BWV's. There is some outside risk of getting a standing room bus during early morning rush if staying at Jambo but even that seldom happens.

 

[Kidanifan08]

The transportation from AKV is generally very good, particularly if you stay at Kidani. As mentioned, the park buses stop at Kidani first, and are usually empty. The longest ride is to MK, but if you start the trip at BLT, you will probably not need to go back to MK once you move to AKV.

The pool and splash area at Kidani are great for kids that age. It should be plenty warm in May. The kids will love seeing the animals from the balcony or the different viewing areas around the resort.

Switching from one resort to another may be the hardest thing. If either one of the kids needs a quiet room for a nap in the early afternoon, you may not have a place to take them, as your room may not be ready until after 4.

One drawback of Kidani is the lack of a counter service restaurant. That has never been an issue for us, but some parents with small children miss that when they stay there. You can just hop on any park bus or the shuttle to go to the Mara at Jambo for a counter service meal, if needed.

I think you and the kids would love staying at Kidani for part of the trip! Have fun planning!!

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

I am doing this exact split with my family for the second year in a row (we were so thrilled by it last year, I now have trouble picking just one!) We spend a couple of days at AKL and do the resort/AK park from there. The rest of the time we do at BLT and go to MK and Epcot. Mine are 1 & 3 so we don't really do DHS, not enough for them to really do last time.

But we love it! We do a lot longer at BLT typically since that is closer to more of our parks, but I love Kidani/AKL so much and almost can't go without visiting. It's great to have your pool time and resort time... the hotel is like a destination in itself.

But moving all the kids gear (particularly the baby) is somewhat of a packing challenge. But with careful planning, can easily - and happily - be done. We typically do the shorter, AKL/Kidani visit first and I pack us all in the same suitcases, then we have our own suitcases and more stuff for BLT. I also don't get many groceries until we get to BLT so I don't have to worry about transfers. But the last time, AKL was wonderful about transferring the "unnecessary immediately" stuff for us and we just took the rest in our car.

Have fun!