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

[caribear]

Just a quick review....My dd (6), ds(2) and I spent 1 night at AKL Kidani Village in a studio last Monday. I rented points from a DIS member on the DVC thread. We had a great time!! We only live about 35 minutes from the parks so this was a non-park visit solely for the purpose of enjoying the resort/pools. We did not have a savannah view room, but constantly saw lots of animals as we walked around the resort....giraffe, zebra, wildabeast, anoke cattle, emu.....a couple of others too. We loved the new pool over at Kidani Village! The slide is much longer/faster than the one over at Jambo House (and not as crowded either!)....plus the kids play area is wonderful for the younger kids (although my 6 year old...soon to be 7....loved it also!) as my DS had a blast running through all of the different water spouts! The only downfall to the pool at Kidani (for us anyway) was the fact that there is no covered walkway from the villas to the pool area....so when the downpour of rain came we were stuck huddled under the pool bar for an hour. Consiquently my dd wanted a small snack size bag of pretzels while we were waiting for the rain to clear....cost me $2.55!!! The lifeguard did mention that there are lightening poles on top of the bar so we were safe from the lightening. We did go over to Jambo house, but the pool seemed much more crowded.....so we only stayed long enough for the kids to play on the playground for a little while.

The kids also participated in finger painting and face painting (which is only dots of crayola washable paints on their hands/faces) at Jambo House along with other activities at the Community Hall in Kidani Village. Community Hall had coloring pages, postcards, suncatchers...and a few other items that the kids could color for free. Then they had some ceramic and clothe items that you could color/paint for a small fee. There was a Wii, 3 playstations, a fooseball table and a pool table also. I also noticed a button maker...for $1 per button. My dd spent about an hour playing a traditional African game with a wonderful CM in the lobby of Kidani Village. They had a small table promoting Camp Kidani and several CM's engaging the kids with games/info about their country.

I did get a refillable mug, but the options at Kidani are limited with Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Nestee Iced Tea, Rootbeer and Powerade Fruite Punch....plus the Nescafe coffe in the lobby gift shop. Many more drink choices at Mara though. We did go to Mara twice for lunch....lots to choose from and relatively quick service.

To go from Kidani Village to Jambo House you can board any bus except the DTD bus...or walk along the pathway which has trivia boards posted along the way. From Jambo House to Kidani you can only board the DTD bus.....so it is much quicker to get from Kidani to Jambo than it is from Jambo to Kidani.

That's about it! If you have any questions I will try to answer them!

 

[TyRy]

s&k's mom - I'm very sorry to hear about your dad.

caribear - thanks for the review...we can't wait to check it out in September even though we are staying at Jambo house.

 

[sjkwheeler]

Both pools are available to all guests at both Kidani and Jambo House (the original AKL which has been renamed Jambo House). Have a great trip in November!

First let me apologize too for asking about this same/already answered question. We will be staying at AKL - Savannah View (not Villas or Kidani Village). I was under the impression that we could not use the pool over at Kidani Village? Is that true or am I truly a blonde and missing someting

Thanks for your help!

 

[Flossbolna]

First let me apologize too for asking about this same/already answered question. We will be staying at AKL - Savannah View (not Villas or Kidani Village). I was under the impression that we could not use the pool over at Kidani Village? Is that true or am I truly a blonde and missing someting

Thanks for your help!

I have not stayed there since they opened Kidani, but was interested in that question, too. I know that when it opened a number of people who stayed there explained that it was really one resort and all facilities were shared. I think there was even an information paper posted which stated that as well. I will try to dig it up!!

 

[s&k'smom]

Thank you for the kind thoughts, it's been pretty rough, but sometimes and I know this sounds silly we do things to plan our AKL trip to take our minds off things, the magic of Disney works in mysterious ways!

 

[caribear]

First let me apologize too for asking about this same/already answered question. We will be staying at AKL - Savannah View (not Villas or Kidani Village). I was under the impression that we could not use the pool over at Kidani Village? Is that true or am I truly a blonde and missing someting

Thanks for your help!

I have only stayed at Kidani lately....but when I checked into Kidani they told me we can use both pools, but the pool at Kidani required a room key. Not sure if that meant that only those staying in the villas could use that pool or that because the pool was a little separate from the building (not as directly attached as the one at Jambo House...thus you did not need to walk through the lobby to get to the pool at Kidani), but I will tell you that the pool gate was never closed all the way so we never had to use our key. I also overheard several others at the pool say they were staying at Jambo House.

 

[rstanley]

I just received a pin code that will allow us family to stay at a Disney Resort and my kids are really excited about AKL because of all the animals.

I can't decide whether or not to reserve a standard room or a savannah view.

Is the Savannah view worth it? And if so what is the best location?

Thanks!!

 

[Donald is #1]

I'm sorry if this has already been posted, I've been off the board for a while helping my dad RIP, we are headed to AKL in November can folks staying their swim at the pool area of the Villa's? Thanks very much.

I'm sorry to hear about your dad.

 

[mmmears]

I just received a pin code that will allow us family to stay at a Disney Resort and my kids are really excited about AKL because of all the animals.

I can't decide whether or not to reserve a standard room or a savannah view.

Is the Savannah view worth it? And if so what is the best location?

Thanks!!

IMO a savanna view is worth it. We loved looking out over the savanna as the sun came up. That said, if it's too much money, I'd take the standard room. Any room at AKL is great and there are plenty of public viewing areas that overlook the various savannas.

We were overlooking the Arusha savanna (the big one in the middle). It was a fantastic experience!

 

[PirateMomma412]

I just received a pin code that will allow us family to stay at a Disney Resort and my kids are really excited about AKL because of all the animals.

I can't decide whether or not to reserve a standard room or a savannah view.

Is the Savannah view worth it? And if so what is the best location?

Thanks!!

Yay for your pin code! AKL is so amazing!! I would definately choose the savannah view if you have the chance! Sure there are public viewing areas, but there is nothing like hopping out of bed each morning, racing to the curtains, and throwing open the patio door to see what animals are waiting for you outside! My kids did this every morning without fail! Who am I kidding....I was right there with them!
The savannah view is what makes this very magical place feel like your own piece of Disney heaven!

 

[Flossbolna]

I just received a pin code that will allow us family to stay at a Disney Resort and my kids are really excited about AKL because of all the animals.

I can't decide whether or not to reserve a standard room or a savannah view.

Is the Savannah view worth it? And if so what is the best location?

Thanks!!

I think it really depends on what you want. I have never stayed in a savanna room. For me the proce difference was just to high. But then I don't spend that much time in my room when I am at WDW. However, we always had a pool view room. The pool area is very lush and you won't have to be afraid of being over the bus stop, the road etc. So my advice would be to go with a pool view!

 

[rstanley]

What trail and savannah should I request for my savannah view room reservation?

And how much should I add to the reservation? Is asking for the trail, savannah and floor too much?

Thanks!

 

[PirateMomma412]

What trail and savannah should I request for my savannah view room reservation?

And how much should I add to the reservation? Is asking for the trail, savannah and floor too much?

Thanks!

I'm so excited for you-you will not regret the savannah view! The last time we stayed we faced the Arusha savannah (which I would definately request!) and the Kudu trail. Kudu was sooo nice-but we were in the fourth pod from the lobby and in the evenings when we were tired it was a loooong walk! However, we saw so many animals down there! It is absolutely alright to provide a couple requests-but keep it to just 2-3, listing the most important first & so on. For example our requests this time are: Zebra Trail, 2-3 pod. (we are staying club level so our Arusha savannah is a given! )
We decided to give the Zebra trail a go because it is closer to the pool & restaurants. Here is a view from our Kudu trail room, though-glorious!!

 

[rstanley]

I'm so excited for you-you will not regret the savannah view! The last time we stayed we faced the Arusha savannah (which I would definately request!) and the Kudu trail. Kudu was sooo nice-but we were in the fourth pod from the lobby and in the evenings when we were tired it was a loooong walk! However, we saw so many animals down there! It is absolutely alright to provide a couple requests-but keep it to just 2-3, listing the most important first & so on. For example our requests this time are: Zebra Trail, 2-3 pod. (we are staying club level so our Arusha savannah is a given! )
We decided to give the Zebra trail a go because it is closer to the pool & restaurants. Here is a view from our Kudu trail room, though-glorious!!

Thank you for all the information. I'm confused about the pod request...what are pods? Also should I try to request a certain savannah or floor level if I request the Zebra Trail? Does anyone end up on the first floor with a Savannah view or is it the 2nd floor and higher?

Thanks!

 

[mmmears]

There are no savanna rooms on the first floor -- only 2nd & up. 4th floor Arusha Savanna is where the CL rooms are. If you're not staying CL, I would think that 3rd floor would be great, since it's on the same level as the lobby. That would save you waiting for the elevators over and over.

The "pods" are the buildings (they are really all one building, but there are "breaks" between sets of rooms with hallways with windows. Hard to explain, but if you look at a map of AKL you'll probably see what I mean. The first "pods" are closest to the lobby, so very convenient, but the views seem to better the farther out you go. So for the best view, you may have a longer walk.

Zebra trail is convenient to the elevators down to the pool and the Mara QS place, so I like that location. But we actually saw more animals from our room on the Kudu side of the trail (both Arusha savanna). There are different animals out on different savannas, so that may make a difference to you, too.

 

[rstanley]

There are no savanna rooms on the first floor -- only 2nd & up. 4th floor Arusha Savanna is where the CL rooms are. If you're not staying CL, I would think that 3rd floor would be great, since it's on the same level as the lobby. That would save you waiting for the elevators over and over.

The "pods" are the buildings (they are really all one building, but there are "breaks" between sets of rooms with hallways with windows. Hard to explain, but if you look at a map of AKL you'll probably see what I mean. The first "pods" are closest to the lobby, so very convenient, but the views seem to better the farther out you go. So for the best view, you may have a longer walk.

Zebra trail is convenient to the elevators down to the pool and the Mara QS place, so I like that location. But we actually saw more animals from our room on the Kudu side of the trail (both Arusha savanna). There are different animals out on different savannas, so that may make a difference to you, too.

Thank you for explaining it to me I'm assuming club level is the same as concierge...probably out of our budget I wonder if I should even request a certain trail or savannah since it seems like there are several that are good.

Also can I make a request for a 3rd level room or is that too specific?

Are there any trails/savannah's that you would not recommend?

 

[rstanley]

I have a few more basic questions about AKL


1. Do you have to call ahead to reserve night vision goggles from the front desk or do you just request them at check in…and do you get to use them for your entire stay?

2. I’ve heard great things about the food at Boma but we are picky eaters. We are staying at AKL so our dining options are limited. Do they have something for everyone at the dinner seating (the breakfast seating shouldn’t be a problem)?

3. Also…what are the best lunch/dinner items off the menu at Mara? Is Mara ethnic…it looks safe but someone said they have weird spices in some of the food?

4. Are we able to go to all the quick service restaurants on property or are the Villa restaurants off limits?

Thanks!!

 

[Donald is #1]

1. Do you have to call ahead to reserve night vision goggles from the front desk or do you just request them at check in…and do you get to use them for your entire stay?

You can't actually reserve the night vision goggles. Every night, CMs are out at the Uzima savanna with 2 pairs of them and let people use them for a few minutes. So they are a shared resourse and can only be used with the CMs right there. I have normally seen a line for a few families each time that I have gone to use them.

2. I’ve heard great things about the food at Boma but we are picky eaters. We are staying at AKL so our dining options are limited. Do they have something for everyone at the dinner seating (the breakfast seating shouldn’t be a problem)?

I believe so, but someone else can probably answer better since it has been a couple of years since I have eaten there.

3. Also…what are the best lunch/dinner items off the menu at Mara? Is Mara ethnic…it looks safe but someone said they have weird spices in some of the food?

Mara is a normal counter service place with a few other items. So you can get pizza, burgers etc. Personally, I love the chicken (it does have some different spices on it).

Are we able to go to all the quick service restaurants on property or are the Villa restaurants off limits?

Thanks!!

You can go to any resturant on property that you like. If you are referring to AKL/V itself, there are 4 restuarants: Mara, Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa. Only Mara is quick service.

 

[joelp]

I have a few more basic questions about AKL


2. I’ve heard great things about the food at Boma but we are picky eaters. We are staying at AKL so our dining options are limited. Do they have something for everyone at the dinner seating (the breakfast seating shouldn’t be a problem)? Pretty much - and the spices/flavors are not REALLY REALLY exotic ... You gotta give it a try!!

3. Also…what are the best lunch/dinner items off the menu at Mara? Is Mara ethnic…it looks safe but someone said they have weird spices in some of the food? The African stew is good (but spicy!!) and so are the shrimp ... the chicken was OK. There are also burgers, etc. The muffins and croissants are really good at breakfast.


Thanks!!

You're welcome!!

 

[mmmears]

Thank you for explaining it to me I'm assuming club level is the same as concierge...probably out of our budget I wonder if I should even request a certain trail or savannah since it seems like there are several that are good.

Also can I make a request for a 3rd level room or is that too specific?

Are there any trails/savannah's that you would not recommend?

I think you should be able to ask for a particular floor or a particular savanna if it's important to you. As others have said before, the more requests you make the harder it is for them to give you what you're asking for. I make one request (whatever is the most important to us). I don't think there are any bad savannas, but I can see that some people may prefer one over another. Don't forget that if you don't like your view, you can ask to be moved to another room.

I have a few more basic questions about AKL
2. I’ve heard great things about the food at Boma but we are picky eaters. We are staying at AKL so our dining options are limited. Do they have something for everyone at the dinner seating (the breakfast seating shouldn’t be a problem)?

I just wanted to add that Boma has some really basic food choices, like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, salads, breads and desserts (just in case you don't like the food there). However, the food they serve there is much more interesting and tasty IMO than at any other Disney buffet. It's definitely worth a try. I can't imagine a trip to WDW without a dinner at Boma.