Shocking Confession

[My 2 princesses]

Seems like most of you favor Kadani over Jambo. Our thoughts were the opposite, we really like the feel of Jambo and quick access to Boma, Jiko, and Mara. If you were not renting a car would you choose Jambo?
If not, why Kadani?
Thanks

This was our first ever DVC stay, so I can't help much. However, we were trying to compare the 2 resorts while there and we do like the QS restaurante at Jambo as Kidani lacks in this department. There seems to be more activities at Jambo as well. We can't compare rooms, but I did not see a small slide at the Jambo house pool, but there is one at Kidani and this is a big bonus for my 2.5 year old as she loves the slide. Other than that, we were thinking of trying Jambo next time, but still not sure. I would be interested to hear from others who like Jambo.

 

[dianeschlicht]

AKV- Kidani is my DS#1 -16yo- FAVORITE resort. What a nice birthday present.



We fell the same way about Kidani. We are staying at OKW in 8 days because I planned an impromptu trip and unable to book AKV and I think my kids would rather stay at AKV but its still Disney. I booked this trip only about a little over a month ago.

I think AKV although popular is still available at 7mths. Why not add on and keep your BCV if you can?

Judith

Interesting.... We own at both OKW and AKV. I like both, but we LOVE OKW. It's just "home" to us while AKV still feels like a destination vacation. Maybe that's the difference. We love the embiance and animals and decor at AKV, but OKW is so relaxing and "homey", that even when we are at AKV, we long for the accommodations at OKW.

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

My kids want to try all the DVC resorts and I felt the same way until Kidani was finally completed. After staying at Kidani twice, I've told them that I would be happy to only stay there in the future and NEVER STAY AT ANOTHER RESORT. I am so happy knowing that we have the 11 month booking window for Kidani for the next 47 years or so!

 

[gkrykewy]

Seems like most of you favor Kadani over Jambo. Our thoughts were the opposite, we really like the feel of Jambo and quick access to Boma, Jiko, and Mara. If you were not renting a car would you choose Jambo?
If not, why Kadani?
Thanks

I generally agree with you. We liked Kidani very much, but our next two reservations are at Jambo (one for a value studio, one for a concierge studio). Those two jambo-exclusive room categories notwithstanding, I think we prefer the quicker restaurant/pool access and jaw-dropping nature of the Jambo lobby. On the other hand, it's nice having all five floors at Kidani, with an ability to get closer to the animals as a result.

We do not drive, so the kidani parking is a non-issue for us.

 

[heathers4um]

we bought OKW a few months ago for the lush tropics and the laid back feeling, as well as it is so close to DTD and it is the 1st DVC so as corny as it sounds, for historical character.

BUT...my very next contract hands down will be AKV. And that may happen as soon as we go in Nov! I cannot wait to call AKV home! Its my favorite and will be all fo the kids favorite too!

I plan on taking asking for a quick tour when we resort hop over there and am almost more excited for that then anything else!

 

[jblrn2b]

Seems like most of you favor Kadani over Jambo. Our thoughts were the opposite, we really like the feel of Jambo and quick access to Boma, Jiko, and Mara. If you were not renting a car would you choose Jambo?
If not, why Kadani?
Thanks

I am not quite sure why I like Kidani - hmmm. Both are great! I think I like the quieter feeling. I love Jambo too but it feels busier. I love Boma, Jiko, and Mara and Sanaa. I never have rented a car at WDW even at Kidani. The buses at Kidani were awesome. I like being transported everywhere - I am momtaxi at home so don't like to drive on vaca. If I need to get to an ADR at night I take a cab and this trip I have a Gardengrocer delivery so I'll let you know how that goes. The nice thing is there is both - something for everyone!!!!

Interesting.... We own at both OKW and AKV. I like both, but we LOVE OKW. It's just "home" to us while AKV still feels like a destination vacation. Maybe that's the difference. We love the embiance and animals and decor at AKV, but OKW is so relaxing and "homey", that even when we are at AKV, we long for the accommodations at OKW.

I am excited to try OKW - my boys didn't like SSR in comparison to AKV so I think they think its like SSR - nothing against SSR Its lovely just not for us. I think we are going to have a wonderful trip- OKW looks awesome. I have read your reviews of it previously and you have convinced me to stay there. We are so lucky to be able to have DVC and try them!!! 6 days to go!!!!! Yeah!!!

 

[jamie&Greg]

Same thing happend with us. We own WL and love WL, BWV and beach club. Stayed at Jamba house and it was nice, but not love. Just did 5 nights at Kidani and FELL IN LOVE

 

[np4gp]

It's kind of funny - we stayed out Kidani (our home resort) back in January for the first time. I left feeling disappointed that it was our home resort. We booked a Savannah view and our view was of the fence that rode the line between the far far far left of the Savannah and the pool/dumpster. I was so upset because we had talked up the view of animals to our son for weeks...lol. We had a view of BIRDS I did call the front desk and they were more than generous with a resort credit equal to the amount of the difference between a standard view and a savannah view times the number of nights we were there (which worked out to around $200 or so). Looking back now though, and reading the other things people love about the resort, I realize that there were just a few things that I didn't like but overall the design, style and friendly atmosphere really do make it an awesome place! Your post made me want to go back after months of swearing we probably wouldn't stay there again.

 

[Rileygirl]

I can understand why you were disappointed np4gp, that does not sound like a great view at all.

I am not sure why exactly I think Kidani is my most favorite DVC, and to be honest, I have not come close to trying them all so who knows?. It may be a culmination of very positive staff experiences, along with phenominal bus transportation, beautiful room, fantastic meals, and a great view.

I think it might also be the subtle atmosphere of Kidani. I have heard people mention how calm and quiet Kidani is, and I did not think of this as a real asset. Maybe because its a sorta 'standalone' DVC property, with its own check in area, it feels a lot less like a hotel, and a lot more like a vacation home. Not millions of people checking in, and rushing around, like at the BC. (Although I enjoy the fun atmosphere of busy beach club, I think I prefer the calm and relaxing atmosphere of Kidani after being in the parks)

At Jambo house, I fell like I am in a beautiful hotel, the lobby is inspiring, but it has that same sense of rush/urgency as the BCV, imo. The smaller, quieter Kidani is my preference, it is still OMG beautiful lobby, just on a smaller scale.

Disclaimer- I nevr have stayed at Jambo, so I cant give opinions on how it truly compares with Kidani. I think if we stayed longer then a week at Kidani, I wonder if not have a convienent food court location might end up being a pain in the butt. As it was, we stayed 4 days Kidani, and brought breakfast items for the morning, lunched in the parks, and then did dinners on site (or at the park). The Kidani/beach club split was a nice combo, sortof a best of both worlds. At Kidani, we did the AK, BB and MK. The transportation was phenominal. At BCV we did Epcot and Studios.

I will say, that to me, hands down, I would pick Kidani over beach club. I know lots of people would disagree, and thats ok! I think there is an old indian saying that goes something like this - if everyone liked the same thing, everyone would want my squaw!

Maybe because I felt like I could truly relax and unwind when we got back to Kidani after the parks made it feel more like a vacation, and not go-go-go. I also think I had better try OKW, because it may appeal to me as well.

I guess I am going to have to do an add on!

 

[dbs1228]

I cannot wait to try AKV myself, I loved touring the place! With that being said really consider your options and whether or not you want to stay at BCV and if you have flexibility. I have made 4 ressies since March for May, Dec, Aug and Feb (studio in Aug 2 bdroom the other times) and AKV was available for all ressie BCV was not available for any. Just something to consider, and I have to agree what I saw of AKV I LOVED!

 

[FoxberryJam]

All our previous DVC stays have either been at BWV or BCV, because us adults and our kids LOVE the whole Boardwalk atmosphere at night. For years before becoming DVC owners, we have always stayed at either the Swan or Dolphin. Our first ever "away from Boardwalk" stay is coming up in exactly 1 month at Kidani, in a 2-BR Savannah View. I'm really looking forward to it, as I've only been to Jambo House a few times for dinner, have never seen Kidani, other than in pics.

I'm hoping I don't miss the Boardwalk area TOO much at night!

 

[twinklebug]

Rileygirl, I bought at AKV while they were still building Kidani because of the incentives had and my DS LOVED our stay in a Jambo studio when I rented points. I admit was not crazy about the resort - in fact I really wanted to buy VWL but price, time and dues wise it made more sense to buy AKV.

After our first stay at Kidani I was extreamly happy with our purchase - it was nothing like Jambo. After our second stay at Kidani I started to get that homesick feeling for it and felt guilty when booking stays at other resorts It's a great "small" resort with fantastic rooms, lobby and bus/parking, but you're right, it's the fantastic CMs who put it well over the top.

I'm now planning our next trip for summer 2011 and I really want Kidani, but with only a handful of points we might wind up over in a Jambo/value unless I convince myself to borrow.

 

[Rileygirl]

I cannot wait to try AKV myself, I loved touring the place! With that being said really consider your options and whether or not you want to stay at BCV and if you have flexibility. I have made 4 ressies since March for May, Dec, Aug and Feb (studio in Aug 2 bdroom the other times) and AKV was available for all ressie BCV was not available for any. Just something to consider, and I have to agree what I saw of AKV I LOVED!

I hear ya DBS1228. I think I am keeping my BCV points, and am going to try and switch out half my ressie at the 7 month point. I may also try and buy AKL points for transfer if I want concierge, or perhaps one day, the grand villa. I may buy a small add on at akl, enough for a split stay. Right now though, Im outa points for this year -- next trip is over a year away, sigh.

I hope you have a great visit FoxberryJam - enjoy the serenity, and the fantastic TS restaraunts.

Twinklebug- I think I would not have liked Jambo house as much as Kidani, but am not 100% sure. I will have to try out concierge at Jambo one day, its on my bucketlist (when did my to do list turn into a bucket list )

 

[eporter66]

We stayed at Kidani last fall for our WDW vacation and fell in love with the resort. The staff were fantastic, and our daughter loved the animals and the look of the place. When I was booking this year, I asked our daughter where she wanted to stay, and without hesitation she said can we go back to where we were last year. Thankfully I had no problem at the 7 month window.

We rent a car, so we have no transportation issues, and I could spend hours just relaxing and watching the animals. We loved our 1 bedroom - so we came away with all positives from our first stay. Looking forward to this October!

You are right about the CM's, incredibly friendly and helpful. Imagine all the people they meet every day, and there were one or two CM's who remembered our daughter's name over the three or four times we say them during the trip. Always chatting - getting us to come down for the little parade/march they do around the lobby in the evening with the drums, singing, and chanting. They were by far the most welcoming staff we have encountered at Disney, and that is saying something special since we usually get excellent service, but they were completely above and beyond, regardless of if they were doing check-in, conceirge, or just working the lobby. FANTASTIC

Our contract is at SSR and though I doubt we would sell to buy at AKV, we hope to stay there more often. Maybe the fact that it is a little far out will keep it off the hot list of resorts, which would be fine by me if I can book it at the 7 month window every year!!!