POR vs AKL Kidani

[pluto377]

Trying to decide between these two, but concerned about the lack of QS at Kidani. I'm a solo traveler so I don't like to do a lot of sit down. Which resort would you choose?

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Personally I'd go with POR.
Plenty of good food options plus boat transportation to Disney Springs and just better transportation service to the parks in general.

 

[Mle8308]

POR. Everything is too spread out (for me) at AKL. Granted, POR is big, too, but it seems more walkable. I would actually recommend POFQ over POR, it's a smaller footprint and only one bus stop and new rooms. I think AKL is just too far away from everything, it's quite a long bus ride to/from almost anywhere. Plus at POR you have some good QS options as well as a table service option. No table service at POFQ, but there is a lounge with beignets! And the boat to Disney Springs is great.

 

[RanDIZ]

AKL! It’s not even close. Sanaa to go, Mara or Maji pool bar all have great options for QS.

 

[Anthony1971]

We love AKL. The QS on the Kidani side is limited. They do have a van that will go to Jambo as well as the DS bus. If this sounds like it is a big inconvenience then POR will offer more in the way of CS.

 

[monsterkitty]

This is tough! How long is your stay and can you do a split stay?

I love the AKL/Kidani, but I also love the ease of POR and POFQ because of their smaller sizes. Like a pp, I would also suggest POFQ over POR if possible because it's smaller size and I like the theming better. I also really enjoy being able to take one of the boats to Disney Springs instead of a bus.

Personally, I would stay at POFQ or POR to save the money and use that to do a tour at one of the parks.

 

[Dug720]

AKL. It's not that far of a walk over to Jambo. And you get the extra evening hours with AKL. You don't with POR. (Granted, I'd stay at a Value before I'd stay at one of the Port resorts - I'm just not a fan.)

 

[Tonberry]

If you are leaning towards POR, I'd suggest getting a preferred room, especially if you're going anytime in the late Spring/Summer/early Fall.
We stayed in a Mansion room and while they are beautiful, the walk in the heat and humidity is a killer. You'll need to add a lot of time for busses if you plan on going to any parks as the resort has multiple bus stops and some may or not be close to you depending on where your room is.

 

[RoseGold]

Kidani has downside, but food is not it. Pool bar, the convenience store, and you can order from the bar. Or order groceries because you will have a fridge.

 

[nursejackie]

Stayed at Kidani village and wouldn't stay again, too disjointed from the main resort IMHO. We booked POR next year. I like having two resorts' quick service options within walking distance of my room, and a boat to DS for more choices.

 

[writersblock]

AKL for days but I’d do Jambo. It’s the best resort IMO. I wanted to love PO, and I didn’t.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Another vote for Kidani. I really like POR, stayed many times solo, and the food court is nice. However, it can't compare to Sanaa to go. I've loved my solo trips there, sitting my meal from Sanaa. A few times, when the weather's nice, it's a short walk to Mara at Jambo for butternut squash soup. Don't forget to stop in the lobby shop in Kidani where there are refrigerated items, a drink machine, and zebra domes! That's one reason why my next solo trip will be at Kidani.

 

[Brian Noble]

Kidani advantages: Peaceful, quiet. Savanna views are unique. Sitting on the balcony with a coffee or club soda and watching things play out is lovely.

POR advantages: A little more active. Boat service to Disney Springs. Less expensive.

I think I'd pick based on how much "energy" you want to be in the middle of. Need a more vibrant stay? Pick POR. Want something a little more serene? Go with Kidani.

 

[Michelleybelle]

Trying to decide between these two, but concerned about the lack of QS at Kidani. I'm a solo traveler so I don't like to do a lot of sit down. Which resort would you choose?

Kidani has an AMAZING qs breakfast at Sanaa! And Sanaa is super convenient to mobile order when you don't feel like doing real table service. You can choose the time you want to grab it, and you can pick from smaller/less expensive dishes to better suit your needs. And the Mara is honestly a really quick walk or internal shuttle if you want the variety.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just returned from staying at Kidani, and I learned something about Sanaa-to-go that the traveler should be aware of. For most of the entrees now, you have to actually go to the restaurant to order (for dinner there's only one entree you can order ahead). Then you need to wait (hang around there) while they prepare it. The CM who works with Mobile Order there told me about the change, but she didn't explain why they made that change. Just "We decided to make the change".
The breakfast they have is great-the banana brûlée french toast-I'll dream about it.