We are
DVC owner's at AKV. Our first trip "home" to Kidani was this past June. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone either. We also saved points and had a standard view, one bedroom.
Reading some of the other responses, I will add on also.
Lobby - smaller yes, small no. Not sure how big of a lobby people think they need, but I never needed anything that it didn't have. As someone else said, a lot of great artifacts to look at and learn about, and very helpful CMs that are more than willing to talk to you about them and their countries if you are interested.
Available food - yes, there is not a counter service, and I put this in my feedback, but we never really missed it this trip. I just think it would be good to have for the future as we may not do as many TS meals in the future. Jambo House is not that far away, and has CS if you need it. We kept a lot of stuff in our room to offset, but we planned to do that anyway to cut $$$ and do a few more TS meals. Did not eat at Sanaa this time, but have heard good things about the food. My other complaint is that the two places to refill drink mugs are at the pool and in Johari Treasures, which both have a closing time. Never made the decision to get a drink late, like after getting in from the parks, but not sure if that was due to not wanting it, too tired to care, or knowing it wasn't available. This might be true at any resort, so may not be a new issue.
Standard view room, with no direct animal/savanna viewing - not a problem at all. They have large viewing areas in between every "bead" in the "necklace" that is Kidani. On top of that, you have a couple of areas that you can walk out on a balcony on each side of the lobby (including outside the library) and stand or sit in rocking chairs. I did this often early in the morning while the family was still asleep. Also, the area at ground level you can walk out "into" the savanna and view the animals is also really great. Having a CM out there to ask about the animals, etc. was also interesting and informative.
Community Hall - kids loved it, and spent a whole lot of time here over the parks. We had been a few times in the past year (not the norm) and had APs because of that. Our kids are old enough to roam on their own for the most part, so they would ride what they wanted, then head back on their own and often end up at Community Hall playing video games, shooting pool, etc. They participated in a lot of the weekly "tournaments" and things like that which they offer.
Swimming Pool - yes it is smaller, and at times looked a little crowded (although some days not many people at all) but it was never what I would consider so crowded I wouldn't get in if I wanted to, even on the hottest and sunniest days. The slide was great for young and old. My kids were too old to be attracted to the water play area, so can't give a report there, although it looked like a lot of fun for the younger crowd.
Parking - FANTASTIC! Parking was never an issue. Yes, there are exposed pipes, and maybe being Disney they should/could do something to "hide" them, but used to that at pretty much every hotel I ever stayed at with underneath parking, so didn't bother me. There may be some law or code that prevents it, I don't know. Very insignificant compared to being able to park right near an elevator, and go up pretty much right near your room for easy access. Also, never worried about going to the vehicle in the rain, or getting in a really hot car. Much more important than exposed pipes to me.
Rooms - Wonderful. Have heard a lot about them being dark, but didn't experience that as a problem personally. The curtains allow you to keep it pretty dark if you want to sleep in, which is good for me since I tend to wake at first light. Love the extra bathroom with five of us, instead of everyone having to share the same one. Loved being able to sleep five in a one-bedroom with the sleeper chair. We were on the second (ground level) floor and looked out towards the sports courts and porte cochere (covered entry to lobby). All of the landscaping was coming in nicely I thought and gave us an isolated feel, even so close to where there was a lot of activity. Was worried about outside noise, but never noticed it. We always enjoy the full kitchen and use it quite a bit. Plenty big for five of us in a one-bedroom also.
Buses - there was only one time that we were waiting to go to a park (epcot, I think) and had to wait a little while. Not long overall, but kinda frustrating to see three straight buses for MK, and pretty much at least one for everywhere else before the one we wanted came. Still, it probably wasn't more than about ten or fifteen minutes before we were on our way, and that was only the one time. Yes, you are a good ways from most parks, but we made it pretty quick using the buses.
Away from the parks - We like the fact that we are not right on top of the parks. Gives it a feel of being in another world, away from the hustle and bustle that still isn't very far away. Makes it easy to add a relaxing side to our vacation, even being at Disney, and that was more of a priority on this trip because DW had just had some surgery not long before we went. Being old enough to celebrate 50 years of marriage, your parents will probably love this "escape" from the parks. Knowing this side of it as we get older is part of what sold us on purchasing at AKV. To us, it is the best of both worlds.
CMs - they were all fantastic to us, and very friendly and helpful! We did online check in and quickly got our room, even arriving mid-morning.
Hope this helps!
We have previously stayed at AKV but at Jambo House. We felt that Kidani was a step up.
