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

[nicolepdonnelly]

Hi Everyone! I asked elsewhere, but I'll repost here. I'm sure these have already been answered elsewhere on this thread, but it is a loooooong thread! We booked AKL for next June. It will be our first trip to this resort. It was the only deluxe resort we didn't get to see this past June; hence, we still have a few questions about it. We've only stayed at WL so far and absolutely loved it. However, we wanted to try out AKL for a change plus DH thinks it would be super cool to see animals roaming around. We are animal lovers so we think this resort will be a great fit for us. We can't wait to try it out, but we still have a few questions about it:

1. What are we going to love about this resort besides the amazing theming?
2. Are there any special things we should request and/or try to fit in during our short stay (4 nights)? We are traveling with DD (9 yr) and DS (4 yr).
3. Is there a way to get from AKL to AK without using the bus?
4. Do the shuttles that take people from AKL to DCL leave the resort at noon? Or do they leave right after check out? 11AM?
5. How big is the pool slide at this resort? DD is a fish and loves the pool slides!
6. How far is the wading pool from the main pool? DS hates the water and will only splash around in the wading pools.
7. How many Hidden Mickeys does the resort have? We like to look for these.
8. Is Jiko ok to do with kiddos, or should we check them into the kids program?
9. In the kids programs, if it happens to coincide with dinner time, do the children get fed? Provided we pay for it of course! DH and I are considering this option.
10. Will the kids like the children's programs?
11. What do they typically do in the kids programs?
12. What is your favorite thing to do at this resort?


Any input would be greatly appreciated.

My kids loved the night vision viewing, they also liked the story teller. Wee were ususally at the parks when alotof the other activities like musical instruments, cookie decor. etc were happening. All of these things were free and an adult went with them. Never did the Simbas club care.

 

[candeeapril]

I agree w/ the other posters. We couldn't believe how many activies they have for the kids. Our kids wanted to participate in everything. We probably spent about two days just hanging out at jambo and Kidani swimming and doing the activities. I would highly recommend going to the Kidani village pool. It is amazing!! They have a big water play area for the kids. Also they had a pool party while we were there. The kids LOVED it!!! Have a great trip! This was our first trip to AKL too and we fell in love. Never want to stay anywhere else.

 

[Figment1990]

Does anyone know if the construction on the Kidani bus stop has been completed yet? We're staying there in 14 days!

 

[Magic2000]

We stayed at AKL for the first time Nov 19-25 and LOVED it!!! The Kidani bus stop was not finished at that time, but it didn't look like they had much more work to do. Hopefully, it will be finished in the next two weeks!!!

Have a great trip!

 

[MomsOf2boys]

Does anyone know if the construction on the Kidani bus stop has been completed yet? We're staying there in 14 days!

I just got back on Dec 1st and they were not finished yet.. actually, they looked finished and were hanging Christmas garland but they were still blocked off and not yet using them for buses.

 

[MomsOf2boys]

I just wanted to take a minute or two and say that this was the first time we had seen Kidani. We LOVE AKL and we were not sure how well we would take to Kidani after something so grand as Jambo. We were surprised!

Although I will always love Jambo, with its great lobby and grandness, Kidani was a warm and inviting resort that was perfect for us as well. We had a split stay between the two and found ourselves going back over to Kidani after we had left. We swam there, we played pool there, I curled up with a book by the fireplace and enjoyed the sun setting while the kids played video games. It was very comfy and just as beautiful. Your jaw doesn't drop to the floor when you enter, but you do sigh and think, awww... home at last.

 

[wide receiver]

We are staying in a one bedroom at Kidani in a few weeks. We have a standard room view, I am wondering what area in the hotel to request. Also very important to us is that we do not have road noise. Anyone have an idea?

 

[PearlySwan]

For those who took the time to answer my questions.... just wanted to say

 

[RachelTori]

Does anyone know if the construction on the Kidani bus stop has been completed yet? We're staying there in 14 days!

Donald is #1 posted that the Kidani Bus Stop is OPEN!!!

(she's there now - lucky lady!! )

 

[J&C@Disney]

Hey you guys!

Not sure if this is the right place to post (sorry if its not)

We have been to Jiko and absolutley loved it! we have heard they do a special wine tasting there.

Does anyone know anything about this eg cost, times, how you book?

any info would be great

Thanks so much

 

[disrev]

So I started a thread with this question, but had no luck on responses. I've enjoyed reading this thread to learn about AKL, and am thinking you fine folks may be able to give me some insight...


We (me, dw, dd 2) are heading to AKL Jambo January 28-February 4. I've read in multiple places that the Uzima Pool will be closed for rehab January 4-29, but haven't heard anything directly from Disney.

Can anyone confirm if these are actually the dates Disney is communicating?

Also, I've been a part of several construction projects at my workplace where the projected finish date has to be moved back.

Can anyone comment how reliable are the finish dates for rehabs on Disney property?

Thanks!

 

[Flossbolna]

So I started a thread with this question, but had no luck on responses. I've enjoyed reading this thread to learn about AKL, and am thinking you fine folks may be able to give me some insight...


We (me, dw, dd 2) are heading to AKL Jambo January 28-February 4. I've read in multiple places that the Uzima Pool will be closed for rehab January 4-29, but haven't heard anything directly from Disney.

Can anyone confirm if these are actually the dates Disney is communicating?

Also, I've been a part of several construction projects at my workplace where the projected finish date has to be moved back.

Can anyone comment how reliable are the finish dates for rehabs on Disney property?

Thanks!

Hi! We will be at AKL nearly at the same time as you (1/27-2/5)! I have read from numerous people who were contacted by AKL and given the dates you have for the pool refurb. Even though I never heard something from them, but then I booked through a TA...

In the past when reading about refurbs of pools at other resorts, they were generally exactly the dates as anounced. I think I might even have read about pools opening a day or so early. Let's hope for that! Pool Opning on 1/28 would sound good to both of us I guess!

 

[joelp]

And don't forget you can walk over to Kidani and use the pool there ...

 

[mcgraws]

I called the AKL last week to ask this question because we're arriving Feb 3rd and they said that the communication they have indicates it should be finished Jan 29th and generally things go as planned.

 

[disrev]

Hi! We will be at AKL nearly at the same time as you (1/27-2/5)! I have read from numerous people who were contacted by AKL and given the dates you have for the pool refurb. Even though I never heard something from them, but then I booked through a TA...

In the past when reading about refurbs of pools at other resorts, they were generally exactly the dates as anounced. I think I might even have read about pools opening a day or so early. Let's hope for that! Pool Opning on 1/28 would sound good to both of us I guess!

Thanks!

I called the AKL last week to ask this question because we're arriving Feb 3rd and they said that the communication they have indicates it should be finished Jan 29th and generally things go as planned.

And Thanks!

Here's hoping all goes as planned. We'll be fine heading over to Kidani if we have to, but would love to experience Uzima (at least if it's warm enough!)

Hope both of your trips are Magical!

 

[MomsOf2boys]

My letter said it would be completed by January 29th as well. We have gone to Kidani from Jambo to swim and actually just drove down and parked. (I was trying to spare bus riders from seeing me in my suit!)

 

[momtwoboys]

Ok here goes I have a couple questions that may or may not be able to be answered here, just not sure where to put it so here goes....

Booked at AKL for my family of 4 (kids are 9, 11) for April 16-24th. Good right? Well, until we had to downgrade due to $$$ so we booked at POP. Great right at least we are going!?! Just got a phone call from DH from work and a co-worker is offering us 300 points to use in April. I have NO idea what that will get us at AKL Can anyone who has booked on points or who owns DVC tell me what we can book with that amount? Is it not worth it? Help please?? Before the person offers someone else at work, don't want to miss out on an opportunity Thanks in advance Jenny

 

[MomsOf2boys]

Ok here goes I have a couple questions that may or may not be able to be answered here, just not sure where to put it so here goes....

Booked at AKL for my family of 4 (kids are 9, 11) for April 16-24th. Good right? Well, until we had to downgrade due to $$$ so we booked at POP. Great right at least we are going!?! Just got a phone call from DH from work and a co-worker is offering us 300 points to use in April. I have NO idea what that will get us at AKL Can anyone who has booked on points or who owns DVC tell me what we can book with that amount? Is it not worth it? Help please?? Before the person offers someone else at work, don't want to miss out on an opportunity Thanks in advance Jenny

You can get a one bedroom villa for a week, possible a couple days over in fact, in April with a Savannah View! That is great!!! You could also get a 2 bedroom villa with a standard view for those points.

 

[Flossbolna]

Ok here goes I have a couple questions that may or may not be able to be answered here, just not sure where to put it so here goes....

Booked at AKL for my family of 4 (kids are 9, 11) for April 16-24th. Good right? Well, until we had to downgrade due to $$$ so we booked at POP. Great right at least we are going!?! Just got a phone call from DH from work and a co-worker is offering us 300 points to use in April. I have NO idea what that will get us at AKL Can anyone who has booked on points or who owns DVC tell me what we can book with that amount? Is it not worth it? Help please?? Before the person offers someone else at work, don't want to miss out on an opportunity Thanks in advance Jenny

Hope this will work out for you! HAve a look at the points charts and the points calculator here on wdwinfo to figure out what you can get for your dates! http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/index.html

Gave fun planning!

 

[momtwoboys]

Thanks to those who have responded so far!! Are there any DVC in the Jambo house? We stayed there last May and loved it. I know that at Kidani there is no food court like Mara. Also can you get a room with a queen and bunk beds? I'm not sure what comes in a Studio VS. a 1 bedroom. Sorry if these questions are repeats! Just need to be full of knowledge before switching my vacation around again! We don't need a gigantic 2 bedroom unit, so not sure what our options are. Looks like we will be below the 300 points that are offered to us though. Can you stay in a concierge room on points? we need 8 nights, basic dining plan, and also buy our park passes....hmm. This is confusing