Seven isn't too far away-y-y-y-y-y; in fact it's here now! AKL Lite Thread presents:

[wendypooh]

Kim, it's half a mile???????????? WOW - it sure doesn't seem like it!!!

Also, I forgot to mention....... they used to have a golf cart that ran back and forth from the resorts......... I'm not sure if they still do that, or if they EVER did it during the summer months, but - they used to do it!! Maybe they still do!

 

[John's Mom]

There is a ten-passenger van that runs between Jambo and Kidani. It picks up at the front doors. We rode this van in July and December.

 

[John's Mom]

The walk between Jambo and Kidani only takes about ten minutes. It doesn't seem like half a mile.

 

[franandaj]

Sorry Alison, I didn't realize you'd posted when I posted!!! ---- But see, we're all here to help!!

Hey, the more information the better!

Kim, it's half a mile???????????? WOW - it sure doesn't seem like it!!!

That's from Porte Cochere to Porte Cochere. We were in the second "pod" from the Jambo end when we stayed, so the walk was a lot shorter for us.

 

[kimmar067]

Kim, it's half a mile???????????? WOW - it sure doesn't seem like it!!!

...well, when you compare it to walking around the parks.... [ ]

 

[DizDaD7]

For all the weight that we gain on the vacation, a half mile seems like just about the right amount to walk it back off.LoL

 

[kimmar067]

For all the weight that we gain on the vacation, a half mile seems like just about the right amount to walk it back off.LoL

...you said it, Thunder-butt....

 

[dgbg100106]

well isn't that weird, your sis got ahead of you in your own post...

 

[kimmar067]

well isn't that weird, your sis got ahead of you in your own post...

....the DIS knows to post by order-of-importance....

 

[PrincessRhi]

Well it's pretty easy to find people who like to complain about virtually anything. Is the resort big? Yes. Is it remote from the rest of WDW? Yes. However how you handle this and your reactions are up to you.

You can make some room requests to minimize resort size issues. If you think you'll want to eat at the CS restaurant at Jambo request close to that. If you want easy bus access, request close to the lobby. People here can give you other ideas based on what's important to you.

The only stops for the bus are the Kidani and Jambo house stops, other than those it's the parks. AK is very close, the only really far away park is MK. The other parks and DTD aren't next door, but they're hardly far far away. One of the nice things about KV is that it is removed from everything, you really feel like you're in another world.

If you're not running around to the parks constantly you'll have plenty of time to check out the fire pit, night vision goggles, and all the other neat stuff. Check the activity sheets for times and locations. And have a great time!

Thanks

Oh trust me, I take the complaints with a grain of salt because EVERYONE complains, and usually about the dumbest things. I just thought it was interesting that those were the complaints even in the four and five star reviews, and maybe people are just spoiled with the proximity of nearly everything else at Disney. Some reviewers made it sound like a death march and was surprised since the pictures don't make the hotel look THAT big. The way I look at it is that I want a savanna view, not a view of animals and Mr. and Mrs. Smith hanging out on their balcony in their skivvies. It kind of requires some distance. If getting an unadulterated view of animals costs me walking a mile, I'll take the mile. I'm sure if things were close, the complaints would be that it didn't feel authentic enough.

We're both AP holders and this will be our fourth trip to the World since the Marathon-- we actually leave tomorrow to stay at POR for the weekend. Surprisingly it's also the first trip where I won't be running a race or doing a trip with family/friends. I'm excited for it to just be "us time". I envision lots of time by the pool, maybe a few hours a day at the parks, and definitely nerding out with all the neatly-themed African stuff between both resorts. Being in another world sounds heavenly.

 

[PrincessRhi]

For all the weight that we gain on the vacation, a half mile seems like just about the right amount to walk it back off.LoL

So. True.

Although with some of the things I eat on vacation, a half mile per snack is about apt. It's vacation though, so it's only half the caloric intake, right?

 

[PrincessRhi]

Congrats on your trip - you will LOVE Kidani, it's our home resort and we love it!!! I will try to answer your questions!!

Kidani is "large" in the aspect of walking distance from the lobby to some of the rooms, it CAN be a trek, esp. if one is tired from the parks all day. So, that is true, however, it's worth the walk!!! The rooms are so well appointed and the view is priceless. Are you in a studio or 1br? As for "tons of stops" - NO, there are 2 stops. ONE at Kidani and ONE at Jambo house, the bus stops at Kidani first. We NEVER drive our car anywhere, but, depending on WHEN your trip is, you DO want to give yourself at least 30 mins to an hour to get where you need to be, i.e. - dining adr's. - I personally don't think it's too far from everything - the appeal for me is that it's not "close" to everything - the only way you'll know if it's right for you guys is to try it out, but, I'm pretty sure once you do you'll love it!! As for the pool, it's not right in the middle of the resort, like most resorts, so I guess that's why some find it odd, but, I don't think it's "too far" and NO you don't have to walk in the parking garage to get there, at least we didn't!!!

We chose a savanna view studio since I really wanted something over the savanna and it was the only availability when we booked. Only having 60 days in advance to book doesn't really leave many things open. We will be there the 21-23 of April, so we anticipate a fairly low crowd. We'll likely only leave the resort to go to Epcot one night (I'm a sucker for drinking around the world), but I'd really like to stay on site for our meals since everyone I know that has tried either has raved about Jiko and Sanaa. Any recommendations at either?

If you are indeed super laid back - Kidani is right up your alley!!! It's is a nice, warm, cozy resort, it is in my opinion, VERY laid back - there is NO hustle and bustle, I guess some people like that, not us, we want to relax on vacation!!! The ONLY drawback to Kidani that some people REALLY have is the no counter service - however, it's a short walk to Jambo for Mara. Also, the pool bar has a few food items and then there is Sanaa - I think it's the hidden gem of any resort restaurant - we LOVE it, it's become a MUST DO for us!! As for the activities, the best advice I can give you is to check the activities board right next to the check - in desk - it'll let you know what is going on each day, when and where!!! Here is a site that gives a LOT of info about Jambo and Kidani - www.aklresort.com there is a dvc section that list all the amenities for dvc. If you have any other questions ask away, a lot of us are owners, and we'd be happy to help you out!!!!

Thanks for the site-- I'll definitely check it out.

CS meals aren't really a big thing for us unless we need a snack, so it doesn't seem too unreasonable to walk to Mara or hit the pool bar if need be.

Quick nerd moment- TUSKER BEER on the menu at Sanaa!?!?! HOORAY! I should have realized that an African-themed hotel/restaurant would offer this, but I am really excited that it's here since we can't really find it anywhere local.

Hmm... is it sad that I"m already wishing it were April?

 

[DizDaD7]

Its like she's in my head ...Reading my mind....

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, Js & Ks!

 

[Angel16]

Good morning everyone

I have been all over check out the DIS this beautiful morning.
My coffee cup has been empty for some time now...guess I had better get something done today.

Have a great day everyone!

Ann

 

[wendypooh]

We chose a savanna view studio since I really wanted something over the savanna and it was the only availability when we booked. Only having 60 days in advance to book doesn't really leave many things open. We will be there the 21-23 of April, so we anticipate a fairly low crowd. We'll likely only leave the resort to go to Epcot one night (I'm a sucker for drinking around the world), but I'd really like to stay on site for our meals since everyone I know that has tried either has raved about Jiko and Sanaa. Any recommendations at either?

We have yet to eat at Jiko - However, as I stated earlier, Sanaa is a MUST DO for us, we LOVE it. I'd recommend it without hesitation.



Thanks for the site-- I'll definitely check it out.

CS meals aren't really a big thing for us unless we need a snack, so it doesn't seem too unreasonable to walk to Mara or hit the pool bar if need be.

Quick nerd moment- TUSKER BEER on the menu at Sanaa!?!?! HOORAY! I should have realized that an African-themed hotel/restaurant would offer this, but I am really excited that it's here since we can't really find it anywhere local.

Hmm... is it sad that I"m already wishing it were April?

Nope, I'm wishing it were April too......... I'm getting my new grandbaby in April - and I'm also wishing it was May already, 2 weeks at Kidani cannot come soon enough!!! Enjoy your trip!!

Good morning, Js & Ks!

Good morning everyone

I have been all over check out the DIS this beautiful morning.
My coffee cup has been empty for some time now...guess I had better get something done today.

Have a great day everyone!

Ann

Good Afternoon Elin & Ann - hope you both have a great day and wonderful weekend!!! Elin, I hope you and Bob get to go to the festival!!! If you do, make sure to bring us back some pics!!!

Brandi - you too!!!

 

[wendypooh]

well isn't that weird, your sis got ahead of you in your own post...

I'm glad you saw that too........... I was thinking I'd lost my mind!!! LOL

 

[dgbg100106]

....the DIS knows to post by order-of-importance....

 

[dgbg100106]

Its like she's in my head ...Reading my mind....

be careful what you think...

 

[dgbg100106]

I'm glad you saw that too........... I was thinking I'd lost my mind!!! LOL

then great minds think alike