The All-New "unofficial" AKL/AKV's Jambo & Kidani FAQ thread.....

[Donald is #1]

Is it true that you need to request at least 3 or 4th floor to be able to see the savanna? What is a good request for a room?

It all depends upon what you personally prefer. I have had a room on the 2nd floor (AKL - Arusha Savanna) and loved it because I seemed so close to the animals. I have also had rooms on the 5th (Sunset savanna AKV Jambo) and 6th (Sunset Savanna AKV Jambo). I thought that 5th floor view was fine, but the 6th floor view I didn't like because the trees below my room on the savanna blocked my view of some of the animals.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

On another website it says that the 1-BR's in Kidani have 2 different layouts. They even had pictures. One with a king size bed and one with 2 queen size beds. But when we tried to make a request for the room with the 2 queen size beds we were told they weren't available. Am I right in assuming that the person that posted the pictures was mistaken and that there is only the layout with the king size bed?

 

[ohiotinkfan]

Just back from AKL Jambo studio (AP...rate) with 2 adults and 2 teens. We had the value studio, but did get a view of the animals and the new AKL Kindina (spelling???) Village. I don't recommend the value studio unless you are a party of two, very small! We have stayed at AKL many times before and we always enjoyed this resort in the past, just in a different room.

I did notice that the busses were very crowded at park pick-up points. At AKL the bus wasn't too crowed to get on, but at any park area it was an issue. Since the "Village" now shares the bus the first drop off is at the "Village" and it seemed most people were getting off at Jambo so that created a problem with people being able to get off the bus. Also, the drivers usually didn't announce which stop you were at and many people didn't know which location they were to get off at, especially at night. When the Village opens fully I can’t imagine how the bus situation will be!

Overall, AKL is still a nice place to stay and you can't beat the animal views but it is getting busier.

 

[Donald is #1]

On another website it says that the 1-BR's in Kidani have 2 different layouts. They even had pictures. One with a king size bed and one with 2 queen size beds. But when we tried to make a request for the room with the 2 queen size beds we were told they weren't available. Am I right in assuming that the person that posted the pictures was mistaken and that there is only the layout with the king size bed?

Yes you are correct. The person that posted the information that you saw was mistaken. There is only 1 configuration for a 1 BR villa at AKV Kidani and that has 1 king bed.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Yes you are correct. The person that posted the information that you saw was mistaken. There is only 1 configuration for a 1 BR villa at AKV Kidani and that has 1 king bed.

Thank You!

 

[mmmears]

I did notice that the busses were very crowded at park pick-up points. At AKL the bus wasn't too crowed to get on, but at any park area it was an issue. Since the "Village" now shares the bus the first drop off is at the "Village" and it seemed most people were getting off at Jambo so that created a problem with people being able to get off the bus. Also, the drivers usually didn't announce which stop you were at and many people didn't know which location they were to get off at, especially at night. When the Village opens fully I can’t imagine how the bus situation will be!

Overall, AKL is still a nice place to stay and you can't beat the animal views but it is getting busier.

Thank you so much for the detailed update on AKL. It's sad to hear it's so busy there. One of the things I enjoyed most was how remote and quiet it felt when we stayed there. At least Kidani won't be complete when we go back. It sounds like they have some work to do with transportation.

 

[floridaminnie]

Does anyone have a recent schedule of activities at Jambo House?

I have one from last December, but I'm wondering if it has changed significantly ...

Thanks!!

I'm looking for it too! Leaving Wed for three days at AKL then a 7 day cruise. If no one has one out there, I'll scan one when I get back. Hoping someone has one though!

 

[RachelTori]

JUNE ACTIVITIES - JAMBO HOUSE:

Flamingo Activity: Interact with animal experts to learn more about the feeding strategies of pelicans and flamingos. (bead activity) 9:30am at Uzima Flamingo Pond

Animal Tracking: Help track our friend Donald using scientific research equipment. (bead activity) 10:30am-12:30pm at Arush Rock.

Make your own Beaded Jewelry (Wed & Sat): Meet at Simba's Cubhouse to create your own beaded necklace or bracelet. For ages 13 and above. (paid activity; adult focused) 11:00am-1:00pm at Simba's Cubhouse.

Arts and Crafts (Sun, Mon & Thur): Join the Recreation Cast on the Uzima Springs Pool Deck near the arcade for arts and crafts. (paid activity) 11:00am-1:00pm at Uzima Pool Deck.

Ceramics Activity (Tues & Fri): Join us for the ceramics activity and create your own work of art. This is a paid craft and prices will vary. Pieces are picked up the following day. 11:00am-1:00pm at Simba's Cubhouse.

Medallion Rubbing: Create your own piec of African artwork. 12:30pm in the Lobby.

Cookie Decorating: Join Boma staff to decorate your own cookie. 1:00pm at Boma.

Face Painting at the Mara: African face paintings are done by our African Cultural Representatives. 2:00pm-2:30pm in the Mara Dining Room.

Hidden Habitats: Explore the interactions between the plants and animals that live around the Uzima Springs Pool. (bead activity) 2:00pm-4:30pm at Uzima Flamingo Pond.

African Games and Crafts: 3:00pm-4:00pm at Uzima Pool Deck.

Pin Trade with "King Pin" (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri): Bring your Disney pins to trade or start your pin trading experience. 3:00pm in Zawadi Marketplace.

Culinary Tour: Join a cultural representative on a tour of our award-winning restaurants, Boma & Jiko, and discover the flavors of Africa. (adult focused) 4:00pm at the Boma Podium.

Music of the Savanna: Learn to play an African instrument and play your part in the circle of life. (bead activity) 5:00pm in Sunset Lounge.

Wildlife Games: Test your animal knowledge with our animal experts. (bead activity) 6:30pm in Sunset Lounge.

African Folktales: Take a seat around the Arusha Rock fire pit and enjoy an African folktale. 7:30pm at Arusha Rock Fire Pit.

Primal Parade: Shake, beat, or rattle African instruments as you follow our parade through the lobby. 7:50pm at Arusha Rock Fire Pit.

Animal Viewing with Night Vision: View the savanna using our night vision goggles. 8:30pm-11:00pm at Uzima Overlook.

Cultural Safari: Join our cultural representatives on a 20-minute tour of their native homeland. (adult focused) 8:30pm in Sunset Lounge.


HTHs!

 

[floridaminnie]

Thanks so much!

 

[DebbieB]

On another website it says that the 1-BR's in Kidani have 2 different layouts. They even had pictures. One with a king size bed and one with 2 queen size beds. But when we tried to make a request for the room with the 2 queen size beds we were told they weren't available. Am I right in assuming that the person that posted the pictures was mistaken and that there is only the layout with the king size bed?

I think they are getting confused with 2 bedrooms. All 2 bedrooms have a king in the master. The 2nd bedroom varies. Lockoff 2 bedrooms (1 bedroom plus 2 studio) have a queen & a double sleeper sofa in the 2nd bedroom. Dedicated 2 bedrooms have 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom.

I was at Kidani last week. It was awesome! We were on the 3rd floor, about in the middle (Timon section). I think closer to the lobby has better animal views, the giraffes only came down to our area late in the afternoon.

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks so much!

Glad to help!

 

[ctfigment]

Are there behind the scenes Savannah tours? We are staying at KV in Feb.

 

[Promomx2]

Okay , we thought we weren't even going on vacation this year, dd is getting married in Jan so all funds are going to that. But after seeing the fall sale, I was able to get AKL standard for a few nights and the we're switching to Allstar sports. Is this room going to still give us the special feel of AKL? Or should I change to a moderate deluxe?

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

Does anyone know where the wheelchair accessable family rooms are? Please

 

[xoktenox]

Staying in a standard view studio in Kidani in Nov/Dec. Does anyone have any room request suggestions? I want to be fairly close to Jambo house and the Kidani pool. Also, what are the chances that we'll actually have a view of the pool or something and not the parking lot? Thanks for any help you guys can give!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I think they are getting confused with 2 bedrooms. All 2 bedrooms have a king in the master. The 2nd bedroom varies. Lockoff 2 bedrooms (1 bedroom plus 2 studio) have a queen & a double sleeper sofa in the 2nd bedroom. Dedicated 2 bedrooms have 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom.

I was at Kidani last week. It was awesome! We were on the 3rd floor, about in the middle (Timon section). I think closer to the lobby has better animal views, the giraffes only came down to our area late in the afternoon.

Thank you! The 2 queens would have been better for us but we will make it work! I think my DH made a request for 3rd or 4th floor. I will let him know that it may be better closer to the lobby.

 

[caribear]

Is there any updated info on the Activities during the day?? The 1st post is dated from 2007...just wondering if anything has changed. I know I saw a recent post with a picture of the Activities page, but now I cannot find it.

Does the Cub's Den offer free activities from 12-4 (or something like that) like the Neverland Club at the Polynesian offers??? Just wondering if we can hang out there if it rains so the kids can play.......

We are only going for 1 night - no parks....basically a time for the kids to enjoy the resort and the pool areas. Thanks!!

 

[floridaminnie]

Is there any updated info on the Activities during the day?? The 1st post is dated from 2007...just wondering if anything has changed. I know I saw a recent post with a picture of the Activities page, but now I cannot find it.

Does the Cub's Den offer free activities from 12-4 (or something like that) like the Neverland Club at the Polynesian offers??? Just wondering if we can hang out there if it rains so the kids can play.......

We are only going for 1 night - no parks....basically a time for the kids to enjoy the resort and the pool areas. Thanks!!

Look at post 1948.

 

[caribear]

Look at post 1948.

Thanks! Guess I didn't look carefully! Do you know if the kids club is also open during the day to play or do these activities take the place of the kids club being open? I think I called it the Cub's Den, but that is the Wilderness Lodge...oops....but maybe it is Simba's Clubhouse......Thanks!

 

[anbouk]

It all depends upon what you personally prefer. I have had a room on the 2nd floor (AKL - Arusha Savanna) and loved it because I seemed so close to the animals. I have also had rooms on the 5th (Sunset savanna AKV Jambo) and 6th (Sunset Savanna AKV Jambo). I thought that 5th floor view was fine, but the 6th floor view I didn't like because the trees below my room on the savanna blocked my view of some of the animals.

Donald is #1....seems like you are a AKL expert. We will be heading to Jambo first time as DVC members. We are requesting a 1 BR Pool, what request should I make so we are close to marketplace, lobby, elevators, anything else we should know Thanks so much!