Opinion on AKV

[gatch1818]

Hello all, just wanted to ask anyone's experience at AKV? I booked a Studio, Savanah view for my daughter & grandkids around Thanksgiving. Whats the chances for them to see many animals that time of the year? How are the restaurant options there? Pools? Kids area? Oh! its at the Kidani. They will have lots of questions for me. DW and I will be at the BCV, our 1st choice always.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

You will see Animals. If it's below 50 degrees, they will keep the Giraffe's inside until the sun is up and it's warmer. There are many spots to see them (including your savanna view room). If it is cooler, you can always go out to the fire pit (off the Kidani lobby). There will be animals out around there at night.

There is no counterservice restaurant at Kidani (you have to walk over to Jambo). The table service restaurant at Kidani is very, very nice.

Your daughter and grandkids should have a blast.

 

[disneynutz]

Just so you know, it's not like being in the middle of a heard of animals. Disney puts food out at different places and different animals are attracted to the food. Different rooms can have completely different experiences. We have been in a room where all we saw was a couple of birds and a hog, another room two Water Buffalo's.

They will see more animals in the lodge area and there is a viewing platform.

Bill

 

[bulldogbaker]

Yeah, I agree with Bill. It is hit or miss. Really depends on the room. We have stayed at the AKL twice, and the first time saw probably 6 different animals right outside our door. The second time we just saw a couple of buffaloes as well.

 

[wildernessDad]

It depends on what time you are in the room and what time the animals are out and roaming.

 

[DisDad07]

We have stayed at both Jambo and Kidani and maube by luck have had great views. the best view time, I think, is in the morning right after the put the food out. Visit the fire ring and they usually have a cast member there to help dicide what animal you are looking at. just a really great time for all.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Well, I love AKV.
I have stayed there 3 times now, all Jambo.
Saw alot of animals each time, and lucky enough to have giraffes quite near my room. So cool!
As previously stated, there are different animals in different areas, and they are not out all the time, so depending when you are in the room, it may seem like you don't see that much.
I have been really lucky, and had alot to enjoy while having morning coffee on balcony, and other times too.
When you check-in in afternoon and look out the window at the animals, you just have to pick up your phone and call someone and say, "There are (in my case) giraffes right outside my window!!"

 

[gatch1818]

Thanks for info.... I know the weather was a little cool last year around thanksgiving, we were at the BC and only had one day warm enough for the pool. I told the kids last night where they were staying and they were SOO excited! I was shocked to get the room soo easily? This is our first year as DVC members, I reserved two rooms at the BC and had to wait to try for a room at AK, I called on Wed. and had to go on a waitlist, which is what I expected would happen? The very next day I had the email confirmation for the AK! I guess they kinda moved me up the list since I was new or just got really lucky? Im excited for the grandkids!

 

[tagall4]

So would you AK lovers recommend Jambo or Kidani?

 

[vek239]

We were there in March. Grandkids liked the pool at Kidani better. Bus picks up and drops off at Kidani first. Jambo lobby has the better "wow" factor. Counter service meals at Jambo but not at Kidani.