Question about Kidani

[KM2004]

I have a one bedroom savanna view booked at Kidani in November. I'll be travelling with my husband and two children, ages 1.5 and 3. I've been really looking forward to this trip, but in lots of the reviews I've read people are complaining about the long hallways. Are they really that bad? For anyone who has stayed there did you wish you had chosen a different resort?

 

[ajf1007]

I have a one bedroom savanna view booked at Kidani in November. I'll be travelling with my husband and two children, ages 1.5 and 3. I've been really looking forward to this trip, but in lots of the reviews I've read people are complaining about the long hallways. Are they really that bad? For anyone who has stayed there did you wish you had chosen a different resort?

IMO, the hallways are long, especially when you have the savanna view. But they have never bothered me too much. I don't think they are any worse than being at another resort buildings and buildings away from the bus stop. I bet if you searched enough threads, you'd find the same complaints by some at all of the resorts. Of course, any steps you take after a long day of walking at the parks feels too long. I wouldn't worry too much about it too, you'll love the view and the resort so much, you may not even notice!

 

[Lezlee]

We only stayed one night after our cruise in June.. and I giving benefit of doubt believe they were having computer issues and the room we were assigned as savannah view didn't really seem to be savannah view.. So would not say hallways were issue except that we had to walk down them three different times trying to get room resolved so they seemed super long!
First room was one section over from end.. and had it been a view of the inside savannah would have been great! But was view of the backs of giraffe cages.. and second room was still occupied... third room was great...
You park right under your room basically so unless you are going to be going to lobby a lot the halls shouldn't be issue... Would suggest requesting room closer to lobby if going to be using Disney transportation...
So hope this helps somehow.. Have a great trip!!!

 

[drusba]

Call and make a request for "close to the lobby." It is not a guaranteed request but if you get it, you will get ideal views and be close to all amenities such as pool, restaurant, bus station, community hall, store.

Kidani is unique in having a longer internal hallway walk from lobby to end rooms than any other resort or hotel in the world. The distance from lobby to end rooms on the north wing is about 1/3 mile or about a 5 1/2 minute walk adult pace. The distance is a little shorter to the end of the south wing. Though bearable, that can be a grueling trek with small children, particularly when returning from a park at the end of a day. I have witnessed people on the end actually take their car to the lobby when they wanted to get something quick at the store. (Parking is actually ideal because you park right under building and there are elevators along the wings and thus you can always park your car soemwhat close to your room)

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Just returned from Kidani Aug 6th, and yes, the hallways are long. AKV & BWV are hotel type of accomodations and the hallways are a factor but if you are able to walk or ride a scooter then it's not an issue that should make you dislike the resort.

I prefer kidani to Jambo, the layout of the villas are better, the extra bathroom is great, the decor is lighter, and in summer the covered parking is a dream! The long hallways not much of a consideration given all of the positive the resort has to offer!

 

[kwdw]

One benefit of the long hallways - the walk back to your room from the bus stop is INSIDE (mainly). Really nice when it's hot and humid and you just want AC, or when it's below 30 degrees outside and you didn't bring enough clothes and you can't feel your nose anymore, or when it's raining at 1 am with a half asleep toddler and arms full of packages! Sometimes a walk in a climate controlled hallway seems nicer than walking outside.

 

[Rob S.]

I also prefer Kidani over Jambo for the room layout. I don't mind the long hallways because as PP mentioned, it's inside the air conditioning. I've stayed at the end of those long hallways at BWV, and getting to the bus is much farther over there.

 

[logan115]

Guessing that with a 1.5 and 3 yo you'll have a double stroller or two single strollers. If you get a room on one of the ends with a long walk, just put the kids in the stroller after you get off the bus (or out of the car) and you'll be fine.

Our DD was 1.5 when we were at Kidani last year and LOVED seeing the animals.

By the way, the Community Hall has tons of coloring pages for the kids, you can color them there or get a few to take back to the room - a lifesaver to keep the kids (thinking the 3 yo) busy for a little while.

Enjoy,

Chris

 

[Granny]

I've been really looking forward to this trip, but in lots of the reviews I've read people are complaining about the long hallways. Are they really that bad? For anyone who has stayed there did you wish you had chosen a different resort?

Yes, if you are at the far end of the resort the hallways are fairly long. But not only are they air conditioned, they have several locations as you walk down them where you (and your children) can look out at the savanna and maybe see some animals.

All in all, the long hallways are really nothing compared to walking around the parks. We have stayed at Kidani twice now and the last time was the second to last villa at the end of the hallway.

As noted, you can request "close to the lobby elevators". That would cut down the walk. Or you could the southern leg of the resort so that any walk to Jambo is that much shorter.

I wouldn't worry about people complaining about long hallways. I've seen people on these boards complain about the long VWL hallway, and it is only about 10 villas long! It's all perspective and attitude, IMHO. I wouldn't think twice about staying at Kidani...you'll enjoy it!

 

[KM2004]

Thanks for the positive responses everyone!
It's true that we probably walk a few miles through the parks, so a long hallway shouldn't be a big deal. Now I feel like a lazy bum for asking about this!

 

[majortom1981]

The walks through the hallway are not that bad. They are about the same as the walks from some of the rooms at saratoga springs to the bus stops. Atleast in kidani its air-conditioned.

Also they have the african proverbs,music,animal viewing areas, and art (with descriptions) to keep you occupied during the walk.

 

[RDP]

It's a great resort, the walk to the room is no big deal, and you don't need to walk to the lobby to get to your car, you just take the nearest elevator.