Old key west vs Animal Kingdom

[redmonster]

Hey there we are planning a trip with her older son and another couple thoughts on one bedroom at old Key West or one bedroom at Kanadi Village pros and cons looking for recommendations. Other couples first trip ever, short on points for a two bedroom so they will be on the couch. Thanks in advance

Ears to you all

 

[TikiBabe]

Can you be more clear on who all is going on this trip? Will it be two couples and an older son or?!

That would make it easier to assist you.

 

[Frederic Civish]

Both resorts are perceived to be an increased away from the parks, but the truth is, transport to the parks is probably faster from Animal Kingdom, Kidani Village, because the buses only make two stops - One stop and Kidani and then one stop at Jambo House, before heading out to the parks. Unlike Old Key West where there are a half dozen stops as the bus winds its way through the resort. And each stop can add 2 to 3 minutes to your trip, if things go as bad as they possibly can. Also, Disney is aware of the concerns people have for distances, from AKL, because it is 'clear out there away from everything else, except Animal Kingdom Park.' So they seem to try harder, and the buses seem to run more often and more regularly.

The decor and ambience at Kidani wins hands down. Kidani has the largest collection of African Folk Art outside of Africa.

Kidani has access to much better pools and restaurants (Uzima pool at Jambo is one of the best at Disney World. The Kidani pool is a favorite of families with younger children. Boma, Jiko and Sanaa are some of the best restaurants in Disney World - if African-Indian-American fusion food is acceptable to you). It does not have a quick service restaurant for breakfast, but you don't need to go next door to the quick service at Jambo House, because the Sanaa restaurant at Kidani functions as a quick service breakfast restaurant in the mornings, and a fine dining, wonderful restaurant at night.

The staff at Animal Kingdom Lodges is usually noted for being super nice.

Animal Kingdom is unique in the United States, and probably the whole world, outside of Africa. There are no other hotels ANYWHERE where they build the hotels around a 'natural' landscape, complete with African wildlife.

Old Key West has a relaxed atmosphere, since it is separate buildings, spread out throughout the resort.

Old Key West is fairly close to Disney Springs. Just walk down to the water and catch a water taxi to Disney Springs.

Both resorts are good, and both are different. Just decide what amenities you like, and enjoy the trip.

 

[BillPA]

I love OKW, but in your case I would pick AK-K. That 2 full bath will be very important.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Agree on Kidani for the 2 full bathrooms. It will make things a lot more comfortable for everyone.

Both 1BR's have a sleeper chair and a queen size pull out in the living area but the extra bathroom at Kidani could be gold for you. Also, there's really nothing quite like AKV.

 

[TCRAIG]

Personally - I prefer OKW over AKK - but agree with others - AKK for the extra bathroom since it’s adults.

 

[Jack shemmer]

Kidani or jambo

 

[Donna M]

OKW will give you more space for sitting in the living room, but the 2 baths can be very handy. I like OKW much better than AK.

 

[Tigger's ally]

We prefer OKW, but like others Kidani would probably work best for you as the two bathrooms would be great. Would definitely take OKW over Jambo though and if you do end up going OKW, make sure you ask for Turtle Pond or South Point in order to have the separate access to the bathroom so they don't have to come through the bedroom to get to the bathroom.

 

[TikiBabe]

AK is my fave, but for you I'd suggest OKW.

 

[rg35]

There's not enough information about your party to make an informed recommendation.

Based on what we do know, I would recommend AKV because you will want the two full bathrooms.

OKW 1 bedrooms have only one bathroom, and in buildings 11-29, the only access to that bathroom is through the master bedroom. I do not know if this has changed post-renovations - someone else will need to advise on that.

 

[Firepath]

Two couples, two bathrooms! Splurge on Savannah view if you can. It's fantastic!

 

[sjh383]

We love Kidani - and by the addition of the 2nd bedroom it's even better!

 

[tamu91]

For a first trip, I’d say AKV. Much grander lobby, savannah view and great trio of restaurants .

 

[The Jackal]

There's not enough information about your party to make an informed recommendation.

Based on what we do know, I would recommend AKV because you will want the two full bathrooms.

OKW 1 bedrooms have only one bathroom, and in buildings 11-29, the only access to that bathroom is through the master bedroom. I do not know if this has changed post-renovations - someone else will need to advise on that.

They did not fix this in the renovation, not sure why, it would have been an ideal time to do it.

 

[The.disney.couple]

Go with Kidani! I absolutely love the theming there and OKW isn't by a park either so transportation would be similar, Maybe Kidani has the slight edge?? Although, OKW is close to Disney springs which could be important to you. At Kidani you will have 2 bathrooms. Also, go for the Savannah view at Kidani if you can

 

[gharter]

Just not a fan of OKW.
Both are a good distance by bus to several parks.
Love AKL, we own there, so I'm biased, but love the 1 BR Savannah views. Plenty of room and the 2 BR are awesome!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Most OKW buildings do not have elevators, only three do in fact. I would go with Kidani.

 

[Wakey]

You will get differing opinions as both resorts have their fans and detractors in equal measure.
OKW if you like walking. There is literally nowhere to walk at AKV, which is why I don't care for it. The gym running machines get full because there's nowhere to run. At AKV I saw desparate exercisers running around the car parks. But I appreciate many people are not bothered about that
OKW has tons of places to run and walk, and a great path all the way to SSR and Disney Springs.
Also all those restaurants a short hop away.
Kidani pool is not good. When I was there it was overrun by bees that were stinging people. My wife was stung. Much prefer Turtle Pond pool.
AKV is also v dark , great theming but on cloudy days makes me feel depressed.
But my kids loved Kidani. Good hospitality house.
Depends what you like. I wouldn't worry about journey times to parks from either. Bus journey times from Boardwalk to MK are much worse when they stop at Dolphin.

 

[Chuck S]

Just a note...if you do book OKW, do NOT book the Near Hospitality category. Buildings 11 to 29, which includes near HH, only have one entrance to the bathroom, through the master bedroom. Buildings 30 and above have a second entrance through the laundry room.