Need Resort Help & opinions

[TEK224]

I'm thinking of taking my niece, her husband and their 5 year old son to Disney in Nov. as an early Christmas Present (I can't go in Dec.). Trying to decide where it stay. While close to MK would be nice, I was thinking of trying AKL. I've haven't stayed there yet and thought the 5 y/o would like seeing the animals. I have enough points to get a Savannah view.

If I stay here, which area should I get: Jambo or Kidani? Which has the better Savannah views? Better pool? I usually stay at SSR or BWV so I have no clue about AKL.

IIRC, the rooms have a sleeper chair, don't they? I was thinking of getting a
1BR. My niece and DH could use the BR and me and the 5 y/o could sleep in the living room.

When does it start getting crowded in Nov.? I was thinking possibly of Nov. 13-18, to get out before the T-Giving crowds arrive.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

my vote would be Kindani. The pool is more 5 year old friendly, great water play area and better slide according to my children. The community hall is at Kindani, and it rocks!!! No counter service at Kindani, have to go to Jambo to get that. Just some highlights, and yes there is a pull out chair in the living room.

 

[Cee]

I've only stayed in a studio in Jambo House. All the DVC units are on the 5th floor so the savannah views are wonderful. I was on the Zebra Trail and my unit was a very, very long way from the elevators. Good luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would pick Kidani because of the 2 bathrooms in the 1 bedroom.

We've been to WDW a few times over Nov. 17th because that's DH's birthday. It has often been too cool to really enjoy the pool.

Bobbi

 

[smnslc]

Stayed at Kidani in Dec. Had a one bedroom sv for three people, me, DH, and DD(6). It was awesome. DD(6) woke up every morning and first thing she did was look out to see what animals she could see. The last thing she did at night was also look to see what animals were around. She absoulutely loved community hall, spent a lot of time in there. My only dissappointment was having to go over to Jambo for food. There is a van although that will take you back and forth if you ask. They are located right out front the main entrance. I tried to give the driver a tip for the ride one day, and he stated that they are not allowed to accept tips for the ride. Staying at Kidani is an advantage though because the Disney transportation bus picks up there first before going to Jambo which is awesome on those crowded days which means you can hop on the bus and take it around to Jambo as well.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I like Kidani and think Jambo is just too busy for us. Mara is kinda hard to find your first trip IMHO. When you enter the Jambo lobby take the elevator or stairs to your right, down past the bar to the ground floor. You will come out near the entrance to Boma. Take the glass doors out to your right and follow the pathway near the pool and the entrance to Mara is behind Boma on the outside. Gee it took us at least 20 minutes to find it and that was even asking for directions--and one of us was an honest to goodness rocket scientist. Transportation is very good at Kidani with the buses getting you first and the Community Hall is top notch for your cute little fella. One night they were having a Drum Cafe and the little ones where having a blas tiwth the CM--every one had their own drum and all the different sounds were great.

I know you will have a wonderful trip--and what a special Christmas present that they will never forget.