OKW or AKV? Advice?

[sunryzez]

After a lot of research and time we finally joined DVC last week. ( yay). We are banking most of this years points for a trip to Aulani and California next year but will have just enough points for a weekend getaway this year. November is our anniversary and we are thinking of going then. We have never gone away without the kids and we think it might be time.( My oldest is a teenager already so this weekend will be very much deserved..lol) So we are debating between these two resorts. Any advice from people who have stayed there? If we did AKV we would stay in Kidani villas. ( Not sure what the difference is) They both look lovely but would love what are some key differences? Thanks for the advice!!

 

[jimmytammy]

We love both! Both are peaceful and relaxing. Kidani Savanna view IMO is the way to go if you are staying there. Here is where for me the differences lay. The Studios. OKW studio has 2 beds, no sofa, so its more like a really nice hotel room. There is more sq. footage in the OKW studios than any other on property(please, if I am wrong about this, someone correct me)where AKL studios are more like a true studio layout. If staying in a 1 bed or larger, OKW has them all beat, just on sheer size alone. You will have a few more amenities at AKL, including choices to eat. I hope this helps, but I would be perfectly happy with either one

 

[com_op_2000]

OKW has been our HR since '93. Love it and the feel of the resort. The studios are the largest of any of the DVC resorts.
We are really loving the feel of AKL lately as it is so different from our HR. The darker colors are right for us now and we choose this resort as the main place we stay on our trips.
You can not do wrong with either resort. What are your plans for the trip, parks, resort only, and/or DS? If you are thinking of this year, you may already be out-of-luck for finding something except at your HR. From mid-Sept through mid-Jan is the DVC highest demand time of the year. Parts of November are already within the 7 month booking window and you may have to piece together a multi-resort stay.

 

[Barbydoll8]

Agreed you can not go wrong w/ any DVC resort but I own at AKL and always prefer to stay there. OKW is very large and I didn't care for it as much. AKL has a lot to do for kids. Differences in Kidani over Jambo is that Jambo is the main hotel. So it's the hotel with DVC rooms. Kidani is just DVC rooms.
Be warned the shower heads in Kidani can be a little needle like so careful with the pressure. I hope they replace them soon.
The Kidani studios are slightly bigger than Jambo but both are nice. AKL studios have a small living area with a pull out. OKW studios do not (at least that I have stayed). They have 2 queen beds and a small table with chairs like a dinette. I prefer the couch/living area in AKL.

 

[alisonslp]

we are AKL owners and prefer it but our stays at OKW have been good. I think it really depends on what you want to do for this trip. Do you want to go to disney springs to walk around (OKW will ferry you there), wake up to breakfast and animals on your balcony (AKL), hang out at the pool (I would pick AKL but OKW has a nice one - and sauna too, which the other resorts do not have), be closer to the parks (OKW for sure), Bright vibrance (OKW) or woodsy, comfy (AKL).

As other have noted, it may be difficult to book specific dates for nov at this point but if you are flexible and possibly ok with a weekday trip, you should be ok. We have booked both in oct/nov within the 7 mth window without too much difficulty but we are almost always flexible with our dates and we don't mind split stays, with 2 night stays in various resorts.

Also, if you do get stuck, SSR is almost always available for 1bdrms. Their studios do sell out though. I find it to be very similar to OKW and is even closer to disney springs - walking distance. It is a huge property and has golf. Great for talking walks. Great pools as well.

 

[BillPA]

If it's just 2 of you are getting a studio, I would go for AK. That way you have a sofa to sit on instead of the bed. We love our original home, OKW but when it's just my wife and I we prefer the studios with a sofa.

 

[jerseyduke]

OWK Studios are two beds, with no couch. AK has a couch.

To me, AK is dark (which may or may not be bad). It is certainly more heavily themed. Savanna view is quiet nice, watch the animals while you have coffee in the morning.

OKW is more of a community. Sort of like a bunch of clustered townhouses, where as AK is much more like a hotel. OKW you feel like you are in a neighborhood.

Kidani is the all DVC resort. Jambo house is the actual Animal Kingdom Lodge that had some rooms converted to DVC villas. Probably a little more hustle and bustle in the lobby of Jambo.

I do not think you can go wrong with either. Both are very nice, just different.


OKW does not really have a true quick serve option, but Oliva's is a hidden gem!

 

[alisonslp]

OKW does not really have a true quick serve option, but Oliva's is a hidden gem!

It is good to point that Kadani doesn't have a quick serve either. Jambo does. And both have service at the pool areas. but no true quick serve in Kidani (unless they have changed that? - that would be wonderful!)

 

[sunryzez]

Thank you for all the advice. Today started the 7 month window and I got a standard view studio at the Jambo house. I am super excited. What are the must do's there? Also should I of requested a higher level floor? Thanks!

 

[carlbarry]

Thank you for all the advice. Today started the 7 month window and I got a standard view studio at the Jambo house. I am super excited. What are the must do's there? Also should I of requested a higher level floor? Thanks!

OK, I don't know why I read "Jambo" and my brain said, "Answer for Kidani."
As poster below said, all DVC units are on the 5th floor, which is 3 floors above the savanna. The lobby is on the third floor, and from the lobby you walk down one flight to get to Arusha savanna.
But the rest of my statement stands: visit Kidani, take a look at their savannas, including the one you see from their pool area.
Take a tour, several are offered. Go to a presentation at night by a cultural representative.
And, of course, use the night vision binoculars!

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

Thank you for all the advice. Today started the 7 month window and I got a standard view studio at the Jambo house. I am super excited. What are the must do's there? Also should I of requested a higher level floor? Thanks!

All the DVC rooms (other than the club level rooms) at Jambo are on the 5th floor so no need to request a floor!
I love Jambo. Love the pool, love the Mara (quick service restaurant) and especially love the large lobby!
Have fun and enjoy!!

 

[carlbarry]

OK, I don't know why I read "Jambo" and my brain said, "Answer for Kidani."
As poster above wrote, all DVC units are on the 5th floor, which is 3 floors above the savanna. The lobby is on the third floor, and from the lobby you walk down one flight to get to Arusha savanna.
But the rest of my statement stands: visit Kidani, take a look at their savannas, including the one you see from their pool area.
Take a tour, several are offered. Go to a presentation at night by a cultural representative.
And, of course, use the night vision binoculars!