*** OFFICIAL January 2013 Thread ***

[Marshay]

OK I got nervous and made the switch, we are know going January 5-10 BLT LV and January 10-12 AKL Kidani Savannas View. We have never stayed at AKL, does anyone have any pointers to share on Kidani?

We love Kidani!!

One thing to note, b/c the sun sets earlier than normal, you'll want to be in your room around 4pm - dusk (at least once) so you can see all the animals in the savannah. Some stay out all night and others are taken in and let out in the morning.

So depending on when you get up and return to your room, you could miss the animals. Make it a point to use your savannah deck to see the animals. Have breakfast/drinks/snacks out on your balcony.

The pool area is really neat. There is one part playground (w/water splash area) and the other part is the pool.

Take time to really explore the resort. There are lots of nooks and crannies and places to see the animals -- it's really neat.

I'll be jealous of your bathroom! Yes, the bathroom in the 1br is incredible!!

 

[mickeyplanner]

Marsha, thanks for reassuring me that we made the right decision to switch our week. What is UG?

I found out they do cookie decorating or at least used to. Do you know of any other activities for the kids? DD really wants to tie dye shirts at one of the resorts.

Thanks for the tips on the savannah we would make time to take that all in. Is the kid pool/play pool area near Kidani or the Jumbo House? It sounds like Kidani but I wanted to make sure.

 

[Marshay]

Marsha, thanks for reassuring me that we made the right decision to switch our week. What is UG?

I found out they do cookie decorating or at least used to. Do you know of any other activities for the kids? DD really wants to tie dye shirts at one of the resorts.

Thanks for the tips on the savannah we would make time to take that all in. Is the kid pool/play pool area near Kidani or the Jumbo House? It sounds like Kidani but I wanted to make sure.

UG = Unofficial Guide. touringplans dot com and Lines (ride wait time app)

the play area is to the left of Kidani Lobby as you are facing it from outside.

We liked the savannah that is to the right of Kidani Lobby since this had larger animals and was easier to see. however, it was a longer walk to the pool. But the hallway and lobby are just so beautiful that it didn't feel like a long walk.

We went in May 2011, if you want to check out my TR for pics.

 

[SL30]

Has anyone else booked flights? I feel crazy doing it before the packages come out, but the flight I want already went up $30 and it is a charter flight so i don't see it going back down...

 

[ag98]

3 weeks ago I could have gotten flights out of DFW for $190 for my week in January and now they are almost double.

 

[ButterflyJen]

I haven't booked flights, but we're driving. Just found out that my youngest DD is big enough for a booster seat so that is REALLY going to help on the drive. She & her sister can switch seats, ride with grandparents in their cars, etc...yay!!
Now if only we had pricing so my TA would book the room...honestly I am thisclose to just doing it myself and giving her the info so she can watch for deals for us. This waiting is killing me!!

 

[readytogotodisney]

Has anyone else booked flights? I feel crazy doing it before the packages come out, but the flight I want already went up $30 and it is a charter flight so i don't see it going back down...

Not yet, but just 11 days until we do! Southwest released the rest of January flights that day and we'll be using SW rewards so we'll be getting the ticket that day.

 

[dawnhaze]

Has anyone else booked flights? I feel crazy doing it before the packages come out, but the flight I want already went up $30 and it is a charter flight so i don't see it going back down...

I booked my flight the same day I booked my room-only reservation.

 

[peaceluv&mickeymouse]

I booked my flight the same day I booked my room-only reservation.

me too!

 

[SL30]

Okay, I booked! Now come on packages and FD!!!

 

[Marshay]

Hey, guys!

Now that a lot of people are booking rooms, flights, etc, if you want your information in the first post updated, please let me know!

Once we start making ADRs, I'll add them to the schedule, too!

 

[mickeyplanner]

Marsha, is it that critical to any room requests for Kidani. Now that we have looked into the resort. We are actually planning on spending at day just at the resort. There seem to be so many resort activities?

 

[Marshay]

Marsha, is it that critical to any room requests for Kidani. Now that we have looked into the resort. We are actually planning on spending at day just at the resort. There seem to be so many resort activities?

We just said near an elevator and close to Zazu which we heard was a good place. Turns out it was. We were in the middle of the "u" so when we looked out it was a great view of animals and trees.

Sorry, I thought the links to my other TR were showing, but guess I have too many tickers. Will get you link.

 

[Marshay]

Mickeyplanner-- here is the link. The toc for the post tr begins in post #3 and I think Kidani starts around page 25.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2686373

 

[mickeyplanner]

Mickeyplanner-- here is the link. The toc for the post tr begins in post #3 and I think Kidani starts around page 25.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2686373

Thanks, I started reading your TR and enjoying it. Your dd birthday part was too cute. When did you make the room request? Also is there somewhere at kidani that you can refill mugs?

 

[angela71401]

Hi Marsha,

Will you please change mine to 01/02/13-01/09/13? Still staying at AOA.

Thanks!

 

[allie_to_you]

I don't see our dates added yet...we've been added to the facebook group.

Jan. 4 - 12, 2013, AoA resort

 

[thecraftfamily]

We will be in Disney at AoA from the 12th-19th, traveling by car on the 11th and 20th.

 

[Jorie]

We'll be in WDW January 2 to 9th, staying in POR Royal Guest Room. I've booked the rooms, but not the flights yet. I'm so happy to find this Thread!!

 

[ButterflyJen]

FYI...California Grill closing 1/6/13 for renovation

http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2012/07/california_grill_to_close_for.html

Guess I don't have to debate whether we need an ADR for this one!!