New DVC owner question

[MJinIL]

We just purchased DVC and are getting ready to get reservations for out first trip. How are the accomodations at AKL different? The point differences are pretty significant, but how different can a 2 bedroom condo be? Thanks for the advice! We've been going to WDW since 1973 and it took us all these years to purchase DVC-I hope we did the right thing!

 

[twinboysmom]

First, congrats and welcome home. Next, I am not sure what you are asking. View, jambo vs. Kidani, akl compared to other resorts?

 

[MJinIL]

I think I'm specifically asking (today) about Jambo vs. Kidani, but any random insights you have would be more than welcome!

 

[mdsd8700]

I have no answer to your questions, just wanted to say Congrats on your DVC purchase and Welcome Home! First trip in 1973 and you just purchased now, love that. My husband's first trip was in 1972 when he was 9. Enjoy your upcoming trip.

 

[thepops]

I think I'm specifically asking (today) about Jambo vs. Kidani, but any random insights you have would be more than welcome!

In terms of points, Jambo and Kidani are the same point cost for 2 BR. Kidani will have an additional bathroom (which is nice) and Jambo will have more resturant choices available.
Now you will see a difference between the views on a 2BR (standard, savanna or Concierge). Concierge is very nice but hard to get (gets you some light food, drinks and availability for some exclusive safaris). Savanna view gets to overlook the animals. Standard can be the pool or parking lot view.

Hope that helps.

 

[twinboysmom]

There are more villas at kidani than jambo, obviously. I find kidani to be quieter as well. The pool area, IMHO, is better at kidani as well and has a great kids area. Parking is also easier at kidani if you have a car. As the pp said, not really a cs at kidani but is does have a nice ts.

 

[WRWDisney]

Actually, there is also a Value category that contributes to a pretty wide spread in points. The values, like the Concierge are only available in Jambo, are extremely hard to book because they are very limited in number. They are a different category, because they are smaller than the other rooms (remember, Jambo rooms were made by converting hotel rooms--this led to some unique situations).

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Just want to say Home, neighbor!

 

[ToddyLu]

Kidani is all DVC where as Jambo DVC villa's are on the 5th and 6th floors I believe. I believe all standard wiews at Jambo are pool views, at Kidani they are more of a toss up in views.

 

[rice4u]

We just purchased DVC and are getting ready to get reservations for out first trip. How are the accomodations at AKL different? The point differences are pretty significant, but how different can a 2 bedroom condo be? Thanks for the advice! We've been going to WDW since 1973 and it took us all these years to purchase DVC-I hope we did the right thing!

I just want to say "Welcome Home". Like you I just purchased mine DVC this year and have not book yet either and probably will not until 2012.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We just purchased DVC and are getting ready to get reservations for out first trip. How are the accomodations at AKL different? The point differences are pretty significant, but how different can a 2 bedroom condo be? Thanks for the advice! We've been going to WDW since 1973 and it took us all these years to purchase DVC-I hope we did the right thing!

When you ask, "How different can a 2 bedroom condo be?" All 2 bedrooms at Jambo are lock offs, and have 2 full baths. All 2 bedrooms in Kidani have 3 full baths, and the master bath is HUGE! Also, in Kidani if you wanted a dedicated 2 bedroom, one that has 2 queens in the second bedroom, but no kitchenette there, you can book one. Those dedicated 2 bedrooms have huge balconies. The balcony goes across all 3 room areas. In Jambo, since all 2 bedrooms are lock offs the second bedroom will have a queen bed and a double pull out.

Welcome Home, AKV neighbor! I have enjoyed wonderful stays in both! I've had a value 1 bedroom which was perfect for the 3 of us who used it, and earlier this year I had a savannah view 1 bedroom in Kidani which had the 2 full baths, and that was extra special. If I need to save points, I go with value, if I have the points available I go with Kidani when I need to book a 1 bedroom or higher.

Bobbi

PS. In AKV, except in the value 1-2 bedrooms, the living room has a sleeper chair (sleeps 1) besides the queen sleep sofa.