MS Called Me Regarding Kidani Counter Service

[Castillo Mom]

Since Kidani Village opened there's been a lot of talk about counter service options or the lack thereof. Although it'll only be my son and I next trip and I don't think it'll affect us that much, I'm somewhat concerned about future trips with extended family which will include little ones. We'll definitely need a convenient place to grab a quick meal.

Anyway, I emailed MS about this and actually got a call back from them this morning. I was told that they really want to hear from members regarding this issue. He indicated that they've already gotten feedback from those who have stayed there and that there's the possibility that they'll add a counter service option being that the resort hasn't been fully completed yet. Bottom line, the more feedback MS gets from us, the better.

Counter service or not, I'm very excited about our first stay there come August and feel I made the right choice when I bought points there.

 

[friskykitten]

Great! I will be sure to mention it too when we are there in June. Thanks for letting us know!

 

[disney1474]

Thats great!! We just returned from Kidani and loved every minute of it!!
I also sent an email about there being no quick service there. Hopefully they will add something.

 

[twinklebug]

Thanks for letting us know the response to your email. I'll send one off to them too. Although we eat most of our meals in-room with a few in the parks, there's only so much I can cook in a studio. My kids do need the option of a quick burger or chicken tenders & it bothers me that my 11yo would need to trek over to Jambo on his own on one of his hunger attacks. Not sure I'm quite ready for that.

I don't like the idea of the pool bar being the solution to this issue wither as we all know pool bars have very weather-related hours.

I'd be ecstatic if they could add a counter service like Artist's Palate with a ton of options.

 

[disneynutz]

Send your emails to Joy at the DVC Satisfaction Team. dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[AnnaS]

Send your emails to Joy at the DVC Satisfaction Team. dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

Just sent out an email. Thanks for the address.

 

[disneymamaof2]

We just returned from Kidani and thought this was the only big downfall, so I will be sure to send an email, other than that we had a great stay!

 

[ekball]

We just returned from Kidani and thought this was the only big downfall, so I will be sure to send an email, other than that we had a great stay!

Ditto! I already sent an email saying just that....wonderful resort, beautiful decor, fabulous pool, great staff...but NO CS!!?? I REALLY hope they are listening.

 

[lisareniff]

Jee, It's too bad they didn't anticpate this need BEFORE they built the resort!!

 

[jbrowna]

Jee, It's too bad they didn't anticpate this need BEFORE they built the resort!!

Actually, from what op said, it appears that they did anticipate it. As MS said, they are glad to be hearing from people "being that the resort hasn't been fully completed yet." It sounds to me like they have contingency plans to put in a CS location, but wanted to wait until demand materialized. I suspect there is some behind-the-scenes infrastructure already in place (wiring, etc.), so that only cosmetic changes will need to be made to create a CS location.

I suspect the same thing holds for BLT. They have this lobby on the main floor, but no check in. How much would they need to add to put a check in location in BLT, and add a merchandise and CS location as well? Not much. But why put them in right away? Why not wait until you see what the demand is? I think DVC is playing it cautious and smart.

 

[gk90]

Thanks Castillo Mom for the info! Lack of CS is one of my worries about our upcoming Kidani stay and I'll email MS about it--it's good to know that they're listening to member input. Did you send your email to the address that disneynutz posted?

 

[Castillo Mom]

Actually, from what op said, it appears that they did anticipate it. As MS said, they are glad to be hearing from people "being that the resort hasn't been fully completed yet." It sounds to me like they have contingency plans to put in a CS location, but wanted to wait until demand materialized. I suspect there is some behind-the-scenes infrastructure already in place (wiring, etc.), so that only cosmetic changes will need to be made to create a CS location.

You're absolutely right, that's what he was eluding to. He said that they're still going through some "growing pains" and are aware they may need to make some adjustments. I'm optimistic things will work out. If not, our family will just have to make sure we order groceries for those times when we need a quick bite to eat.

One other thing I forgot to mention - I asked about the private dining at the pool and whether that would be covered under the dining plan. He said that since Kidani is so new, he didn't have that information yet and suggested that I contact Kidani directly. He was a very nice gentleman and assured me that they're listening to member concerns.

Thanks Castillo Mom for the info! Lack of CS is one of my worries about our upcoming Kidani stay and I'll email MS about it--it's good to know that they're listening to member input. Did you send your email to the address that disneynutz posted?

No, I was on the DVC member site and used the "Contact Us" link.

 

[Jillpie]

As a BCV owner, I wish we had some input into their counter service when they renovated the Marketplace. So before Kidani adds one, I strongly suggest that AKL owners ask for exactly what they want, for example, burgers, chicken fingers etc. I am not exactly thrilled with what BCV came up with, cold sandwiches and no burger or chick. finger type option. So whatever you do in your emails, ask for exactly what you want and not just that you "want counter service".

 

[Castillo Mom]

As a BCV owner, I wish we had some input into their counter service when they renovated the Marketplace. So before Kidani adds one, I strongly suggest that AKL owners ask for exactly what they want, for example, burgers, chicken fingers etc. I am not exactly thrilled with what BCV came up with, cold sandwiches and no burger or chick. finger type option. So whatever you do in your emails, ask for exactly what you want and not just that you "want counter service".

Good point. I know the Polynesian isn't a DVC property however, we really enjoyed their CS offerings last trip and ate several meals there. There was a good variety and the food was good.

 

[jblrn2b]

Thanks for letting us know - CS is definitely needed. Good to know MS is listening to us.

 

[LIFERBABE]

As a BCV owner, I wish we had some input into their counter service when they renovated the Marketplace. So before Kidani adds one, I strongly suggest that AKL owners ask for exactly what they want, for example, burgers, chicken fingers etc. I am not exactly thrilled with what BCV came up with, cold sandwiches and no burger or chick. finger type option. So whatever you do in your emails, ask for exactly what you want and not just that you "want counter service".

Agree! We don't use the Marketplace at all except to refill mugs. The closest counter service is HH

We are staying at Jambo next month and will spend time at Kidani and I know we will not order room service at the pool. They really need hot food service and I hope we get it

 

[jbrowna]

As a BCV owner, I wish we had some input into their counter service when they renovated the Marketplace. So before Kidani adds one, I strongly suggest that AKL owners ask for exactly what they want, for example, burgers, chicken fingers etc. I am not exactly thrilled with what BCV came up with, cold sandwiches and no burger or chick. finger type option. So whatever you do in your emails, ask for exactly what you want and not just that you "want counter service".

But then again, BCV does have Hurricane Hannah's, which I believe has the chicken fingers and burgers. And there's always takeout from Beaches and Cream. So BCV dwellers desiring their fried goodies aren't in quite as tough a shape as those staying at Kidani.

 

[Disneypirate85]

We just fired off an email, wonderfull resort but why no CS? We'll see...Shawn

 

[Jillpie]

But then again, BCV does have Hurricane Hannah's, which I believe has the chicken fingers and burgers. And there's always takeout from Beaches and Cream. So BCV dwellers desiring their fried goodies aren't in quite as tough a shape as those staying at Kidani.

But we're talking convenience here. Hurr. Hannah's is in no way a convenient walk from the villas, neither is Beaches and Cream. And neither one of those is FAST take out. Have you ever stood in Hurr. Hannah's line on any given afternoon? Now the Marketplace, that is a great convenient walk, but the food choices are just horrible. What were they thinking? Certainly not families with children. I LOVE BCV's, more than all the DVC's put together and will continue to do so, but please, give us some hot normal things like burgers, fries and chicken fingers?!

 

[bethy]

As a BCV owner, I wish we had some input into their counter service when they renovated the Marketplace. So before Kidani adds one, I strongly suggest that AKL owners ask for exactly what they want, for example, burgers, chicken fingers etc. I am not exactly thrilled with what BCV came up with, cold sandwiches and no burger or chick. finger type option. So whatever you do in your emails, ask for exactly what you want and not just that you "want counter service".

Thank you for this. I am an AKV owner and I will send a email and also provide the same feedback during my next stay.