Second Year In A Row - Kidani #1

[lugnut33]

I was listening to the WDW Today podcast, which includes Len Testa who is a co-author of the Unofficial Guide, and they were going over the results from the previous years resort satisfaction surveys and for the second year in a row Kidani is the #1 rated resort at Disney with a "B+". As a precentage more people would stay there again and more people would recommend the resort. It also got high marks for its pool and staff. It got an "F" for lack of quick service dining options and that is the only reason it didn't get an overall grade of "A". No resort at Disney got an overall "A".

For reference Jambo came in 4th. Aaaaand, Boardwalk came in dead last.

What is interesting is many many of the posters on this site dislike AKL. There was a thread not so long ago about the resort you never want to stay at and I think AKL was in the lead. There was some serious hate going on for AKL which I didn't get. So I was very glad that AKL Kidani did so well in the UG survey because I love that resort. Of course, different strokes for different folks.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

We own at BLT and AKV and so far, Kidani is our first choice hands-down and we have a 6YO DD. For owners that can't book at 11 months, BLT has been virtually impossible for us to book at the times we need to travel, admittedly, so we haven't even stayed there but a couple of nights.

We love Kidani. We love the staff and the ambience. We have never been treated as anything except "millionaire guests" there and we appreciate that. It's perfect for us.

 

[DizGirl20]

Thanks for sharing - we just returned from a 1 week stay at Kidani and absolutely loved it! Personally, the lack of a counter service restaurant does not bother me in the least. In fact, I kind of like it in that I think it keep things a bit "quieter" if that makes any sense. I think the theming is amazing and the cast members are attentive and friendly. We totally felt submerged in the African culture. So far we have stayed at WL, OKW and BCV and this is the first time at any resort that I was actually able to sleep through the night - it was so darn quiet (and during "peak season" nevertheless!). I am so happy we decided to purchase our first contract at AKV

That being said, to each their own. There are some resorts I do not care for that others seem to love on this board. But hey, it's Disney, and what other time share offers you the option to experience unique accommodations every time you vacation?!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I could have answered that survey! I think Kidani is great but the lack of counter service always gives me pause in staying there.

 

[Harlemgirl720]

Don't let the fact that there isn't quick service there deter you. You have to try it there at least once. I love it there.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I liked it a lot. We'll actually be back there this fall for our first split stay.

 

[twinklebug]

I'm so happy Kidani rated well! The lack of counter service forces my teens to eat healthier options in-room. Of course, DS prefers to trek over to AK and hit the Flame Tree BBQ when true hunger hits.

Kidani is right on par in my heart with WLV... and that says A LOT! The only thing missing are boats, but then again, when's the last time you saw boats on the savanna? Maybe when there was an ark floating around? I would love to see their buses themed like safari vehicles - but that's a dream since all resorts share the same buses.

I think Jambo's OK doesn't deserve a low rating, but then again I really don't want to stay there because of the noise coming off the lobby. It's just too busy for me.

 

[Sammie]

Have to wonder who is the test audience for their surveys, cash guests or DVC members. I would have to believe the results between the two groups would be very different.

 

[DenLo]

. . . Aaaaand, Boardwalk came in dead last.
. . . .

I just listened to the same Podcast and it was Boardwalk Inn that came in last. It was sort of hard to follow as to which resort they were talking about.

In case anyone else is interested, here's the link to the podcast.

http://www.studioscentralradio.com/shows/Episode_871_-_05-02-11.mp3

 

[Sammie]

I just listened to the same Podcast and it was Boardwalk Inn that came in last. It was sort of hard to follow as to which resort they were talking about.

In case anyone else is interested, here's the link to the podcast.

http://www.studioscentralradio.com/shows/Episode_871_-_05-02-11.mp3

Thanks for the link. As a DVC member I don't buy the Unofficial guide or subscribe to the website, and I would imagine most members do not.

So to me this survey would most reflect cash paying guests and more than likely those that are not repeat guests, so the results do not surprise me at all and to me do not reflect what DVC members would rank.

Also they need to play their podcast back and listen. It is very hard to follow and they definitely need to slow down.

I will take the DIS podcast any day.

 

[SamSam]

Shhhhhhh! Don't let everyone know how wonderful Kidani is, it might become very difficult to book at!

DH and I absolutely love Kidani! We own at BCV and AKV, and DH (at first) said he much preferred BCV because of the locations....one year we had a split reservation, started at Kidani, then moved to BCV for our final week...DH said, "I miss Kidani".

 

[CruznLexi]

We own at Kidani and love it! It is a bus ride away for QS and the food at Saana is wonderful!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I just listened to the same Podcast and it was Boardwalk Inn that came in last. It was sort of hard to follow as to which resort they were talking about.

In case anyone else is interested, here's the link to the podcast.

http://www.studioscentralradio.com/shows/Episode_871_-_05-02-11.mp3

Actually, if you listen to the entire podcast, they have a specific DVC member rating of the DVC resorts, and in that one, BWV was dead last. AKV/Kidani was first, BLT second and OKW third.

 

[Jay2009]

Based on your post I went and downloaded that episode and was happy to hear the good news. I'll be in Kidani in September.

 

[Havana]

I stayed at Kidani for the first time last week. We have stayed at Jambo three times previously.
We drove over to Jambo a few times to go to the Mara. We get to experience the grand Jambo lobby while we are there, but then go back to the peaceful Kidani. I really enjoyed it and appreciated the quietness of Kidani

 

[DenLo]

Actually, if you listen to the entire podcast, they have a specific DVC member rating of the DVC resorts, and in that one, BWV was dead last. AKV/Kidani was first, BLT second and OKW third.

Actually Len says Boardwalk and later says it's because it a convention hotel and that speaks for itself as to why it's rated so low. So I think the podcast was referring to Boardwalk Inn not BWV.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Actually Len says Boardwalk and later says it's because it a convention hotel and that speaks for itself as to why it's rated so low. So I think the podcast was referring to Boardwalk Inn not BWV.

Yes, he did say that in the earlier response, but at the end he was only looking at responses for DVC from DVC members. That was where those last numbers were from.

 

[KPOP]

LOVE AKV! So glad that others see it too -

there is a lot of AKV hate on this board...

just get on a bus and deal with it people

 

[wdwfan1]

I wish the bad ratings at the Boardwalk would make it easier to get a room! My last 2 waitlists did not come through and I am not holding out any hope for this year either.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I wish the bad ratings at the Boardwalk would make it easier to get a room! My last 2 waitlists did not come through and I am not holding out any hope for this year either.

Yeah, I think the thing that makes BWV popular is it's location, but the parts people have trouble dealing with have more to do with how the resort is run. He said that BWV got an "F" in bus transportation. That's a biggie for a lot of folks.