Simple Question - AKV Jambo House vs. Kidani Village

[todd222222]

I'm looking at renting points but think I want to get a room at Jambo house.

When a member makes the reservation do they select the Jambo House or Kidani Village? Or do you just put in a request?

If you only do a request how do you know where to check in?

Thanks!
Todd

 

[Kidanifan08]

The DVC member can specifically choose to book at Kidani or Jambo. Each building has it's own registration desk.

 

[Peaseblossom]

Yes, when I went through Dave's, I sent an e-mail first specifying Jambo, and they were able to accommodate. The reservation specified "AKV - Jambo House".

 

[erionm]

If using Disney's Magical Express or Disney Cruise Line transfers, you will be drop you off at the building you are staying at.

 

[todd222222]

Thanks everyone - just what I needed...

Now - which one is better? lol

We will be a family of 5 so we are looking at a one bedroom. In the past we have used the counter service area a lot...especially at Pop. When we did stay at Jambo House a few years back we were not too impressed with the counter service at AKV. I understand Kidani Village doesn't even have a counter service area....but maybe this won't be a problem with the full kitchen in the 1 bed room. Plus I'm concern with the size of Kidani Village and the walk to the buses or parking lot (we will have our own car) if we have a room way out there.....decisions, decisions....

 

[keaster]

Depends on what your family needs/wants are!

The Kidani 1-bedroom has two full baths (Jambo 1-bedrooms only have one bath), so with a family of five that extra bath would be handy.

Also with your own car, there is covered parking at Kidani.

As you mentioned there is no counter service at Kidani, so if grabbing quick meals is your thing then Jambo is better. We personally don't mind the walk between the two (takes 5-10 minutes).

You'll have fun no matter what you choose!

 

[erionm]

In addition to the extra bath at Kidani Village, the 1-bedrooms at Kidani Village are just under 100 square feet larger (710 sq ft vs 807 sq ft).

 

[lilpooh108]

The resort is laid out in a sprawling "U" shape. In the center of the U are the different savannahs.

There are also yummy restaurants on-site: Boma, a breakfast/dinner buffet serving americanized ethnic foods, and the Mara, a counterservice that also sells soups/breads/chicken/dessert. The fare here is above average for Disney resort food.

KIDANI VILLAGE--


1. Kidani is on the opposite side of the Savannah, across from Jambo

2. Kidani is newer, and consists entirely of DVC (vacation club) villas rather than hotel rooms

3. Kidani may be booked directly through Disney or through private owners

4. Kidani has most of its parking underneath the building, so its convenient for people with cars (as compared to Jambo's sprawling parking lot)

5. ALL Disney buses stop at Kidani first, so you want to stay here if you have kids in strollers (first dibs on seats).

6. Kidani 1 bedroom & 2 bedroom villas have an extra bathroom in the living area that Jambo villas do not have.

7. Jambo has yummy Boma restaurant and the counter service restaurant, Mara. Kidani has Sanaa, a sit down Indian food restaurant.

8. Jambo has the more impressive lobby with more of a hotel feel. Kidani is super quiet and isolated. (We prefer Jambo due to its lobby & convenience).

 

[Hitched2BellesCastle]

Thanks everyone - just what I needed...

Now - which one is better? lol

We will be a family of 5 so we are looking at a one bedroom. In the past we have used the counter service area a lot...especially at Pop. When we did stay at Jambo House a few years back we were not too impressed with the counter service at AKV. I understand Kidani Village doesn't even have a counter service area....but maybe this won't be a problem with the full kitchen in the 1 bed room. Plus I'm concern with the size of Kidani Village and the walk to the buses or parking lot (we will have our own car) if we have a room way out there.....decisions, decisions....

It really depends on what your looking for in a resort. Jambo is a lot busier than Kidani...louder but more going on. They have more restaurant choices and a counter service like you mentioned. They have a pretty large gift shop which is great for killing time as well. If you have a car then your all set at Kidani....a majority of their parking is underground and spans a large part of the resort. So all you have to do is take an elevator to the basement and your at your car. The parking is labeled so you know where to park your car in relation to what room number your staying in. I prefer the quieter Kidani. It seems more homey and welcoming. I also prefer the pool at Kidani.

 

[todd222222]

Lots of great info - Thanks everyone!

 

[erionm]

3. Kidani may be booked directly through Disney or through private owners

Same with the DVC Units at Jambo House.

5. ALL Disney buses stop at Kidani first, so you want to stay here if you have kids in strollers (first dibs on seats).

Only the Theme Park buses stop at Kidani Village first. The buses that are headed to Downtown Disney stop at Jambo House first and then go to Kidani Village.

 

[SamSam]

You said you had a car so you could easily pick up groceries and do breakfast and easy meals in your room.

We love Kidani because it's more laid back and seems quieter. The pool area, especially for young kids is fantastic...can't wait to take my grandkids.

It's truly just personal preference. Some people love Jambo best, other Kidani.