Live from Kidani Village

[allicat]

At Kidani its nice to sit in the library room and use your laptop. The free wifi extends there from the lobby. When we were there 2 weeks ago, the wifi was down for most of the days we were there though.

 

[kamikazecat]

I am subscribing as well. We are looking to stay at AKV for the first time this summer and are torn between Jambo and KV. I am also curious to know what you thought about Sanaa. We are interested in trying it out for the first time as well.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

There is free internet in the rooms - it's just wired. If you have your laptop you won't need to hook up your blackberry. This is the way it is at all DVC resorts except GCV, VB and HHI.

Aahhhhh! That makes sense. Last year, DH was only here for one day of our 5 night stay. And we've not had a wireless issue with our 2 stays at VGC, our other home resort.

But today we had a wonderful day!! Last day of Food&wine festival. The "big kids" were able to mix going out on their own, and checking in with us. The "adults" drank around the World! Took us all day but boy was it fun. Now we are on the bus back to Kidani, ready to collapse into bed and meet a new day tomorrow. Today was definitely the best of both worlds- family time and adult time.

Last night after I posted, my DF and took the kids to the pool. The play splash area looks to be closed for a refurb. A little disappointing, but the 2 yo was already asleep so it was okay. The 4 bigger kids enjoyed the pool/ slide while my friend and I enjoyed the hot tub. The poor dads had to stay behind
in the room with the baby! Although, somehow I don't think they minded.

My DH used the workout room this morning and reports that it was clean and nice. It is a 24 hour facility so if you are late to bed or an early riser that is
really nice.

As I speak the men have made us dinner in the room. Gosh DVC is nice! Room for all the kids to play... A balcony overlooking my animals for me to have some quiet... A kitchen so we can eat NOT fast food every day...plenty of room to spend time together as part of our trip, rather than make the focus always the rides. We had a great day at Epcot, and relaxing in the villa in the evening makes it even better.

If I can get some pictures uploaded tomorrow I will add them in! Otherwise they will have to wait until my return.

Tomorrow... Magic Kingdom! And will we keep our Jiko reservation, or just BBQ the ribeyes we ordered from the grocery? Hmmmmm...

 

[TravelingJen24]

We just came back from KV and I can say that one of the positives for us is that the buses stop there first. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but it helped to get seats on the bus. The big crowds from JH would get on the bus and most would have to stand if it was the middle of the day.

 

[Sonnyeclipse]

We just came back from KV and I can say that one of the positives for us is that the buses stop there first. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but it helped to get seats on the bus. The big crowds from JH would get on the bus and most would have to stand if it was the middle of the day.

That was one of the reasons I booked at Kidani for December. I was at Jambo in May and often didn't get a seat as when it arrived, it was mostly full at times.

 

[CruznLexi]

KV is home and have stayed 2 times and have in Jan with a SV. I so can't wait. It is similar to JH but more quiet. We have studios and we were so close to CH and the bus stop. We ate at Sanna I really loved the bread service and the short ribs and chicken and shrimp curry. Service was pretty slow but the might do that on purpose to get you to look at the animals. Deserts were just ok.
Lexi

 

[franandaj]

OMG! I was so close to changing resorts after I read "no internet in room."

As long as it's wired, we don't care.

1st time at AKL Kidani in Feb 2011. Phew! Don't scare me like that! Ha, ha.

We always pack a wireless router because both of us want internet on trips. When we were there in January with my parents, three of us were online.

We plan on going back in April of 2012 and taking a friend along who has never been to WDW. I know she'll love the Savannah view!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Today was our MK day. We got out the door a bit late, then had a looooong wait for an MK bus. We saw 2 of each park and 3 for Epcot before 2 MK buses arrived simultaneously.

The weather was great, we did just a few rides then had a late lunch at Crystal Palace. Everyone enjoyed it especially the little guy. We got back to the room about 5:30 and so we decided to just do the frozen lasagna tonight. The kids and I went down to explore Community Hall. What fun! We made buttons, played foosball, the teens played some video games. The younger kids enjoyed the arts and crafts, and we all did some pin trading. We did not go to the Community Hall last year, I'm so glad we did on this trip.

Also, at 6:30 in Johari Treasures there was Vinylmation trading! The kids love the Vinylmation and the CM who did it with them was so cute. She really made it fun for them and everyone left happy. Every CM we have encountered here has been top notch. It really makes it a pleasure.

Well we didn't end up making it down to the hot tub before closing, so my DH is now soaking his tired legs and feet in the jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. I don't know how it compares to other DVC resorts (we've only done studios at VGC), but the master bath at AKV is HUGE! Excellent showerhead as well. I have heard people complain about the showers at BLT but no complaints here. Aahhhhh I wish mine at home was as nice!

Oh- almost forgot- the animals! We got home and found all 4 giraffes eating right outside our room. Something had just been put for them in a box and they were munching out! It was awesome to watch. We've also seen a lot of Ankole Cattle over here. Later, when only the little giraffe was left, a big mean zebra came and chased him (her?) away! He got the last of whatever tasty treats there were. By then it was getting pretty dark, I sure would have liked to see him better since the zebras hadn't ventured down this way while we were watching so far.

Tomorrow- Epcot for early am EMH, then AK. and ending with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tomorrow night! Think we might be sleeping in on Wednesday ...

 

[franandaj]

Today was our MK day. We got out the door a bit late, then had a looooong wait for an MK bus. We saw 2 of each park and 3 for Epcot before 2 MK buses arrived simultaneously.

The weather was great, we did just a few rides then had a late lunch at Crystal Palace. Everyone enjoyed it especially the little guy. We got back to the room about 5:30 and so we decided to just do the frozen lasagna tonight. The kids and I went down to explore Community Hall. What fun! We made buttons, played foosball, the teens played some video games. The younger kids enjoyed the arts and crafts, and we all did some pin trading. We did not go to the Community Hall last year, I'm so glad we did on this trip.

Also, at 6:30 in Johari Treasures there was Vinylmation trading! The kids love the Vinylmation and the CM who did it with them was so cute. She really made it fun for them and everyone left happy. Every CM we have encountered here has been top notch. It really makes it a pleasure.

Well we didn't end up making it down to the hot tub before closing, so my DH is now soaking his tired legs and feet in the jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. I don't know how it compares to other DVC resorts (we've only done studios at VGC), but the master bath at AKV is HUGE! Excellent showerhead as well. I have heard people complain about the showers at BLT but no complaints here. Aahhhhh I wish mine at home was as nice!

Oh- almost forgot- the animals! We got home and found all 4 giraffes eating right outside our room. Something had just been put for them in a box and they were munching out! It was awesome to watch. We've also seen a lot of Ankole Cattle over here. Later, when only the little giraffe was left, a big mean zebra came and chased him (her?) away! He got the last of whatever tasty treats there were. By then it was getting pretty dark, I sure would have liked to see him better since the zebras hadn't ventured down this way while we were watching so far.

Tomorrow- Epcot for early am EMH, then AK. and ending with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tomorrow night! Think we might be sleeping in on Wednesday ...

The Ankole hang on one side of Kidani and some other species hang on the other. I know exactly where you are, and I know exactly which zebra you are talking about. He (or maybe she) goes around harassing all the native wildlife. We had some specicies outside our room and that same zebra would come around and chase them all away and eat up whatever was left.

There is really nothing Disney can do there are bullies in all walks of life, not just human!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Joining in. It sounds like a blast - Enjoy tomorrow- I wish Epcot EMH and AK were in my plans for tomorrow!

 

[MINNIEBOWSER]

I am enjoying your TR .

We are checking into KV with a savanna view in January for only one night. I have never stayed there before. I have a question.....What does the savanna look like at night? Can you see anything or is it completely dark?

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I am enjoying your TR .

We are checking into KV with a savanna view in January for only one night. I have never stayed there before. I have a question.....What does the savanna look like at night? Can you see anything or is it completely dark?

You won't see much from your room balcony at night. We have seen mainly the cattle at night, they seem to like the area right around our room. Last year on the other side of the lobby we also didnt see much after dark. However, there is still good animal viewing from the firepit at night.

 

[MINNIEBOWSER]

However, there is still good animal viewing from the firepit at night.

Thanks. I am really looking forward to experiencing AKV. I have only been to this resort location once and that was about four years ago to eat at Boma. So, I am really enjoying the trip reports to get insight on what I have to look forward to.

 

[manntra]

Happy that you are enjoying your stay at Kidani. I was just there last month (my third time at Kidani )
That master bath is just huge isn't it?!! Of course I love the tile too
This past trip I had a studio so while I was waiting for my laundry to dry one night I spent some time out on the overlook sitting in one of the rocking chairs. I had my Kindle and the light and it was later maybe around 1130pm or so. I heard a lot of commotion down on the savanna and looked out to see the elands chasing the zebras. They were all running around and it was such a sight to see!! A few nights later my friend and I sat out by the fire pit and saw the same thing with them racing around

Tracy

 

[OC_stacylace]

Fun trip report so far! Can't wait to see the pictures, too!

One quick question, how did you guys fly into Orlando in the morning? Did you red-eye it from LA? We live in SoCal, too, and the earliest we've ever gotten into Orlando is our upcoming trip on Saturday. We get in around 4:30 or so from a straight shot from LAX. I would love to get in early and just relax. When we get in around dinner time, it seems we have to eat and then go to bed to try and get up in the morning.

What did you eat at Sanaa? We are heading there for dinner Saturday and have never been. What did the kids get?

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We always red eye it from LAX. Changed planes in Charlotte, but usually we change planes in Atlanta. Frequent flier tickets! We'll fly back into Ontario which is close to our home. I have learned to not plan a park day for our inflight day. We have gotten in early as 6:30 am but this time it was 9:30. I,myself, am ready to GO when I get in but my DH has put a stop to that- he then starts out the trip worn out.

We very much enjoyed Sanaa. My DD13 ate the lamb kefte (sp?) and LOVED it. My DS10 ordered the salmon on the kids menu, and he loved the tomato soup as his appetizer. But my kids are generally adventurous eaters. We definitely would eat there again.

We have done Future World this morning at Epcot- spent noon till 5 at AK- now finally cooking steaks and ready to go to MVMCP tonight. I sure hope it lives up to the hype! It was not cheap for the 4 of us even with my AP discount.

Tomorrow- some swimming and Community Hall in the am, then DHS for the afternoon and dinner at 50's Prime Time. Then it will be time to pack- we board the Wonder on Thursday!

 

[OC_stacylace]

Thanks for the info about the flights. We like Ontario a lot better anyways than LAX, way less crowded and parking is easier. One of these days we'll have to try the red eye. We've always avoided it due to the kids, but maybe next time!

My boys are great eaters and love to try new things. I'm hoping they will enjoy Sanaa. Sounds like a good place for them!

Can't wait to hear about your cruise! We do our first cruise in April on the Wonder when it leaves out of Long Beach.

 

[franandaj]

Can't wait to hear about your cruise! We do our first cruise in April on the Wonder when it leaves out of Long Beach.

The Wonder is docking in Long Beach?????????? I thought it would be out of San Pedro! What days does it sail? I drive by the bluff looking at the Carnival ships longingly, but now if I have to see a DISNEY ship, I'll go CRAZY that I can't go on it! It's bad enough wanting the 7-day Mexi Cruise that leaves each Sunday (well maybe not the last one), but I'm not put off on cruising just because one ship had a bad time.

 

[pilferk]

Actually, we're not using the wifi in the room since we were informed there isn't any . I'm using the 3G on my iPhone. DH is most unhappy since he's supposed to be checking in at work. When he called to the front desk to get the wifi password, he was told it was an external company that contracts with it did not give them the password.

I am not kidding. He questioned how the front desk didn't have the wifi code.

So here I am, using my 3G minutes instead.

You should have a wired internet port AND a cable in the room...actually, if you're in a lockoff, you should have 2 (one in the master BR, one in the studio).

If you're relying on a blackberry, though, and not a laptop/netbook...you're pretty much out of luck "in room". I think the lobby and the pool have free wi-fi (I know the Contemp does...can't remember if AKV/Kidani does, too...might not since it's not a convention hotel). We bring our own router, which doubles as a secure net connection for our other devices and provides wireless for our laptops in the room. But that doesn't do you much good right now...

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Buses:

The bus rides themselves are quick. Last night from Jambo to MK was 13 minutes. I know I couldn't drive and park for that. So to anyone who worries about the "long rides", that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, I was chatting with a fellow on the way to MVMCP last night. They had taken the monorail earlier in the day from Epcot to MK, and all in all it took an hour! He said the bus was much faster. So the "convenience" of the monorail resorts, I am not sold on.

However, we've had the bad luck that whatever bus we are waiting on is the last to arrive! Sunday we saw 2 of each before an Epcot bus arrived. Monday, same thing but we saw 3 Epcots and 2 AK/DHS! Tuesday saw everything before AK. This morning it was a bit better. Don't get me wrong, buses are coming around quickly enough- we just have some bad luck! Last year at Kidani ours was usually the first bus.