Should we stay at Kidani Village or Jamba house next may?

[MiaSRN62]

Well I just realized that DVD rooms are on the 5 & 6 floor...can you have a good SV being that high up?

Just left our one bedroom (5th floor) SV room on Aug 11.
Here's some photos and video from our room :

Now the zoom lens is used in these photos :

Hope this helps to put your mind at ease Lynn........

 

[LisaS]

Just left our one bedroom (5th floor) SV room on Aug 11.
Here's some photos and video from our room...

Wow! Great photos! I assume your room faced the Uzima Savanna since you had two young giraffes on your savanna. They are just adorable!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Wow! Great photos! I assume your room faced the Uzima Savanna since you had two young giraffes on your savanna. They are just adorable!

Thanks Lisa
And honestly, I'm not sure which savanna I was on ? I'm trying to learn about AKV --as much as I can, because dh and I are now considering an add-on here. I know we were in the Zebra Trail area ? And from the resort map we were given, it looks like we faced the Arusha Savanna ? We were in room 5524 if this says anything ? I didn't think we faced the pool side of the resort which looks like it is the Uzima Savanna ? With Kidani Village yet to open, this is going to be one big confusing resort....


EDITED : Lisa...you're right ! We were on Uzima . Dh just came home and confirmed it right away ! You know your stuff. So the baby giraffe are only on that savanna ? I didn't realize this.

 

[MiaSRN62]

You could always have bell services bring the tired children to Kidani - just make sure they are well packed.

This cracked me up tecodis !


Lisa or anyone who might know....is there a thread looming out there with LOTS of info on AKV ? Like the differences between Jambo House and Kidani ? Does it matter which one you are deeded at ? Amenities ? I called my guide yesterday afternoon and he has still not returned call.

Thanks !

 

[LisaS]

Thanks Lisa
And honestly, I'm not sure which savanna I was on ? I'm trying to learn about AKV --as much as I can, because dh and I are now considering an add-on here. I know we were in the Zebra Trail area ? And from the resort map we were given, it looks like we faced the Arusha Savanna ? We were in room 5524 if this says anything ? I didn't think we faced the pool side of the resort which looks like it is the Uzima Savanna ? With Kidani Village yet to open, this is going to be one big confusing resort....

The Zebra Trail runs between the Arusha Savanna (inside the horseshoe) and the Uzima Savanna (outside the horseshoe). In the section of the resort where your room is located, the odd numbered rooms face the Arusha Savanna and the even numbered rooms face the Uzima Savanna. Room number 5524 would face the Uzima Savanna. It would be on the right hand side of the corridor if you were coming from the lobby.

I just took another look at your photos and in the photo showing the sheer curtain in your room, I can see part of a "people pen" near your room. All of the "people pens" are on the Uzima and Sunset Savannas. So it looks like your room faced the Uzima Savanna.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I just took another look at your photos and in the photo showing the sheer curtain in your room, I can see part of a "people pen" near your room. All of the "people pens" are on the Uzima and Sunset Savannas. So it looks like your room faced the Uzima Savanna.

Thank you Lisa...dh confirmed Uzima so you were 100% correct.

Is there an AKV thread with all informative stuff for DVC Members ? Just got off the phone with our guide like 10 min ago and we told him we'll get back to him in a couple days. I just wanted to read a little more before we committed. Thanks.

 

[Lynn5700]

Maria!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!! Those pictures are awesome!!! YAY now I'm excited about SV!!!!

Thank you again

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maria!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!! Those pictures are awesome!!! YAY now I'm excited about SV!!!!

You're welcome. Glad to reassure you Lynn....and give u something to look forward to

 

[kimberh]

I could watch those baby giraffes all day! They are so cute! What great pictures! I'm so glad you survived TS Faye. We had a lot of rain here.

 

[Lynn5700]

They are sooo cute!! One of my favorite animals!

 

[n2mm]

So if I book for May 2009 in Kidani, the pool and community center won't be open yet?? I was hoping that most of the amendities would open when the guest are arriving. I'd be interesting in anything further info.

 

[hakepb]

So if I book for May 2009 in Kidani, the pool and community center won't be open yet?? I was hoping that most of the amendities would open when the guest are arriving. I'd be interesting in anything further info.

It has been stated that everything is supposed to be open. But you are dealing with construction schedules. It is possible (some may argue not probable) that weather, material, weather, or regulatory delays might happen, enough so that not all amenities will be open. You may not know if/when until you arrive or you might know every thing will be open and functioning a few months before.
If not knowing is too stressful for you, then do not book Kidani in May.
Of if staying in a new place is really exciting for you, and you can live with a few possible glitches, then go ahead.

 

[KarenPHughes]

Oh my goodness Mia, I got chills looking at those pics! Amazing!

 

[n2mm]

It has been stated that everything is supposed to be open. But you are dealing with construction schedules. It is possible (some may argue not probable) that weather, material, weather, or regulatory delays might happen, enough so that not all amenities will be open. You may not know if/when until you arrive or you might know every thing will be open and functioning a few months before.
If not knowing is too stressful for you, then do not book Kidani in May.
Of if staying in a new place is really exciting for you, and you can live with a few possible glitches, then go ahead.

Thanks, I think I will wait and try to book this one for October (I'm flexible). We have 6 trips planned for 2009, so trying to come up with a game plan. Since the May trip will involve a 2 yo and 4 yo who will be looking for the pool and community center, I'll hold off and do some switching around of my plans. We've all stayed at the AKL and I stayed at the AKV/Jambo in January, we are looking forward to the new building.

 

[timandlesley]

So......... do you think that the restaraunts or a food court will be open at Kadani, that is very important to me. I'm currently booked in late June for 7 nights at Kadani, we want to stay at our new home so badly but it worries me that things may not be ready. We definitely need a bus stop, pool, and restaraunt to stay there, what are your thoughts? Go for it at Kadani or go safe with Jambo?
Lesley

 

[Ratpack]

We are booked for late June as well in Kidani and I have been told by MS that the pools and restaurants will be open. At least that is there plan. I have to believe that if they are not, they will start to call and move people or offere other options. It would be no fun staying 1/2 mile from any food or recreation. Unless they are going to let me stay there and not use my points!! Then I might would be willing to walk to Jambo to swim or eat.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I am torn with how big Kidani will be and how far from the food court it is (particularily the furthest rooms). I'd much rather have a counter service at Kidani than a full service restaurant. Of course, both would be wonderful considering the size of Kidani, but a counter service would be my preference. I looked at the map of AKV that I received last year after touring the SSR model there. That is really a hike if one is staying in the far upper corner of Kidani ! I think they should provide free segways or maybe add a monorail line to get from the furthest end of Kidani to Jambo in order to eat at Mara !

 

[timandlesley]

Is there definitely a sit down and NOT a counter service planned at Kadini? Will there be anywhere to refill mugs? If not, I'll stay at Jambo.
Lesley

 

[MiaSRN62]

Is there definitely a sit down and NOT a counter service planned at Kadini? Will there be anywhere to refill mugs? If not, I'll stay at Jambo.
Lesley

There are many people who really know their stuff when it comes to AKV. I am slowly learning but not nearly as knowledgable as some. I have read though, that there will only be a full service restaurants at Kidani and a gift shop that might sell some food items (like the one at OKW). Initially we thought we might just request Jambo House all the time too---but have a feeling alot will be doing that. Also, we know the rooms are slightly bigger at Kidani and the one-bedroom there has two bathroos vs one bathroom at Jambo House. But perhaps at the new Kidani pool area we will be able to refill mugs ?

 

[dddisrunner]

So......... do you think that the restaraunts or a food court will be open at Kadani, that is very important to me. I'm currently booked in late June for 7 nights at Kadani, we want to stay at our new home so badly but it worries me that things may not be ready. We definitely need a bus stop, pool, and restaraunt to stay there, what are your thoughts? Go for it at Kadani or go safe with Jambo?
Lesley

Hi Lesley!

I had to call member services a few days ago, to change a few things with our Kidani ressie. I asked MS about our concern with the pool, restaurant and bus stop being ready and she said that it would definitely be ready. She told me that the only thing that wouldn't be completed were the new Pembe savannah and those rooms at that end of the property and those that face that savannah, she said that part of Kidani would be ready by Sept. of 09. As you know we share the same guide, and he also confirmed this information for me just yesterday. I hope that makes you feel better. Also, I don't exactly remember what thread it was, but I read that the gift shop will have "food to go items" and a refillable mug station. It also stated the possibility that the pool bar may serve food and have a drink refill station as well.