Only 1 night in DVC. Where would you stay?

[readytogotodisney]

After booking our January trip, my parents had 44 points left for the 2012 year. My Dad said that I could use some for them for the night before our cruise next May.

We'll be flying in on Saturday afternoon/morning, and leaving for the cruise the next morning, so not a lot of time. We won't be going to the parks at all, probably just DTD and maybe watching the fireworks from the Poly. We want to stay somewhere that we haven't before (and might not ever stay at).

So our options are...

AKL - with a savanna view. It might be nice to stay there since I highly doubt we ever will there on any other trip.

SSR - great to be able to take the boat to DTD - one of the things I know we'll be doing while on DW property, but I don't know much else about the resort.

 

[work2play]

Stay at BLT! You can watch the fireworks from the TOWL! Better than standing at the Contemporary and a short walk back to your room.

 

[disneynutz]

Are you going to be really wanting to run around after your flight and early check out the next morning? If you want DTD stay at SSR, I would go to bed early to be rested for my cruise but that's just me.

Bill

 

[Sammie]

Definitely SSR,

 

[lucyem]

We are staying at BLT for one night next spring before a cruise. We have little interest in a whole week at BLT. But we do want to check it out. Since you expect to be in DTD then SSR is probably the way to go. But if you want a more laid back evening then try AKL.

 

[delaneyc52]

SSR definitely...for one night, this is the place to be. DTD is so accessible and overall it's a lovely resort. While I also love AKV, it's something to savor over several days.

 

[readytogotodisney]

We already have stayed at BLT once, and have another trip scheduled for there in January. We've actually have stayed at BWV, BCV, BLT, OKW, and WL (although not the villas). I think this is an opportunity to check out a new DVC resort, and we've stayed at all but SSR and AKL, that's why those are our choices.

 

[Sammie]

I would request Congress Park, great views of Downtown Disney, really nice quiet pool and new rehabbed rooms.

 

[Kidanifan08]

If DS2 is traveling with you, then I am going to vote for AKV-Kidani. He would love seeing the animals and the pool and the water play area are great for a toddler. You could plan a nice dinner at Sanaa. DTD is a haul from AKV, so if that is a desire, then AKV may not be a good choice. Personally, I don't think I would want to go to DTD on a Saturday evening before needing to get up early the next day for a cruise. If you just want to relax, a sunset savanna view at Kidani is just the ticket!

There is one risky part to my recommendation . . . you will probably fall in love with the place and that will ruin your anticipation of never staying there again!!

 

[twinklebug]

All the DVCs are beautiful, but Jambo/Kidani is a unique experience unto itself. Between the 2, I prefer Kidani for the peacefulness.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Since you would never stay there another time, I'd do AKV-Kidani and take advantage of the cultural exchange presentations, drum circle, and visits with the Africans who are there as guides around the fire pit/savanna area. There is so much to do on site of AKV, that you wont even begin to take it all in for the short time you would be there.

 

[bulldogbaker]

It would be between BLT lake view and AKL savannah view (jambo house). Would probably go with AKL though. It just seems to me when you walk in that place you get transported to somewhere unlike any where else. The smells, the design, and the views of the savannah are just amazing. There is always something to do at that place.

 

[BabsBunny]

I would skip DD and do AKV Jambo. I'd enjoy the pool in the afternoon and then have a drink at the lounge followed by dinner at Boma or Jiko. The next morning you just go downstairs and wait for the bus to your cruise.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've done a single night in a Treehouse, AKV Jambo and Kidani, BWV and BCV. We were usually going on a cruise afterwards, and when we stayed at BCV, we booked an early character breakfast! It was a great way to get set for the cruise!

 

[papertraveller]

Animal Kingdom Jambo or Kidani, hands down. It's a perfect start to your vacation.

 

[readytogotodisney]

I think I've decided on AKL. Next decision, Jambo or Kidani? I know VERY little about AKL since it's never been a realistic choice for us before. Which one do you like and why?

 

[Kidanifan08]

If you have never eaten at Sanaa, then you should stay at Kidani and dine there. It is a fantastic restaurant and surprisingly affordable. Since you are traveling in January, the weather can be hit or miss, so the pool situation is not a big issue, although the Kidani pool area is great, especially for kids. Kidani is more peaceful than Jambo, since it it has a smaller lobby with less traffic. The community room at Kidani is really nice and the fire pit and animal viewing decks on the lobby level are awesome.

We stayed at Jambo on the concierge level earlier this month (which I loved!), but I wished we could have been at Kidani. There is just something about that place that puts you in a different state of mind.

 

[WiggleWorm]

Biased because that's where we own, but we just love it there. The animals and the water playground are awesome for the kids. Watch the animals with night vision at night or sit around fire pit or relax in pool.

 

[WiggleWorm]

Forgot to add my opinion of Jambo vs. Kidani. For just one night before a cruise, I'd say Kidani because of water playground, pool, and it's quieter. We prefer to stay in Jambo because there's the big store, more restaurants (including the quick-service Mara), big playground, and lots of activities. But honestly, you can't go wrong!

 

[Pirate Me]

We always have a hard time choosing between AKV and BCV so we usually split stay. For one night, though, I think I would like to do AKV Jambo more. I'm not a big fan of Kidani. We stayed there one night when a Jambo room wasn't ready yet. I like how Jambo has access to the large gift shop, food court, arcade, and more savanna views.