OKW OR KIDANI VILLAGE

[crate1]

Need your experienced advice. I have booked a one bedroom OKW May 12 for one week. The price is good and we need the separate bedroom with 5 of us. It sounds like renovations are taking longer than expected. Now, I’m wondering if we will be happier with AK Kidani one bedroom. Just concerned about It being remote and taking longer to get to each park. What do you guys think and why? Thanks so much.

 

[chalee94]

OKW 1BRs are the largest in the DVC system (about 1000 sq ft). I stayed at OKW at the end of Nov 2017 - the room wasn't renovated but was still in great shape. Buses can take a while to loop around the resort depending on where you are staying. The location is fairly central on property but you do take a bus everywhere except for the boat to DS.

Kidani 1BRs do have an extra bathroom. And giraffes. IMO, it does feel remote (I like that both AKV and OKW are a bit of a step back from the noise and bustle of the parks) and the bus to MK in particular feels like it takes a while.

Both are very nice options but if prices are pretty equal, I'd lean toward Kidani for the extra bathroom. But there are trade-offs at every resort, so a positive attitude and a bit of planning is recommended regardless.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When they do the renovations at OKW, they take out a few buildings at a time. So you won't be bothered at all. It looks like the Turtle Pond buildings (to the left of the pool) may be next on the list, along with the pool area there. Even if you do not get a renovated villa at OKW, they are not bad. The bathrooms are the focus of the latest renovation, but you'll get the Key West themed bathroom instead of the contemporary gray one if you get a villa that hasn't be renovated yet. Everything still works and is clean.

But the best thing about KV one bedroom is the extra bathroom. It won't be nearly as spacious as the OKW one bedroom, but the extra bathroom is nice. The kitchen will be smaller at KV as well. And you'll have a stackable washer and dryer at KV instead of the full sized washer and dryer at OKW.

 

[Hopefully]

I would go for the extra space at OKW

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

To me there are no resorts at Disney that are as unique as Animal Kingdom. The authentic art, animals on site, great dining options and wonderful pools are just too great to pass up. OKW is fine but any resort can be like OKW. All resorts are closer to some place than another. I vote for Kidani ...hands down ...no questions asked. Also, I dont think OKW has elevators in most of the sections....carring luggage up stairs....ugh...no thanks! .

 

[a742246]

For a 1 bedroom I would go with KV, that extra bathroom will be needed. For a studio or a two bedroom unit I would go with OKW.

 

[CanadianAli]

We love the extra bathroom and it wins every time we consider OKW. I get drawn in by the option of space, but then I get pulled back down to reality with the extra bathroom. Plus, there is a mystique there that I don't see in OKW. Both are nice and you won't regret either, but my gut tells me AKV.

 

[kirstenb1]

We're DVCrs, and have stayed at both. The last 7 yrs, the kids have asked for AKL, either Jambo or Kidani. At OKW, I like that you park right in front of the unit, and there's a nice big porch. Pool is good, and American cuisine at the restaurant. Very tropical, Florida type vibe.

Kidani feels exotic. Beautiful décor, unusual foods, great pool. Really small balconies, which is a minor drawback. Parking is underground. Bus does feel like it takes a long time to get anywhere. If you have kids under 10, there is a great splash section at the pool. There are nice porches just off the main lobby that I enjoy just relaxing on in the evening. You can see the animals from them. For our June stay, we are currently waitlisted. If you want Kidani, you probably need to jump on it.

 

[Disneypapa]

a74, I love the penguins.

I also agree with your remarks. I own DVC at OKW and like it the best because of the extra space, laid back atmosphere, parking at front door, etc. With a 1 BR getting the extra Bathroom at AKL with five people is more of a necessity and would be the best choice. BTW, I like AKL too.