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

[sjs314]

Hi there,
We are on our way to our first stay at kidani Village in two weeks. I am sending a box of a few supplies we need to the resort and I'm not sure if I send it directly to Kidani Village or if I send it to AKL? I have both addresses but I'm not sure which is the proper place to send it. Thanks

Excellent Thread with all the info about shipping to your resort, just follow this link below

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2437212

 

[hematite153]

Lots to do at AKL -- you can keep yourself so busy that you don't have time for the parks.

The main difference between Jambo and Kidani for the 2-bedrooms is that the Kidani ones have an extra bathroom.

 

[sunnyd_83]

Thanks!

 

[Jimbo59]

Lots to do at AKL -- you can keep yourself so busy that you don't have time for the parks.

Can you tell me some of your favorite free activities at AKL?

 

[hematite153]

Can you tell me some of your favorite free activities at AKL?

I've only actually stayed there once for two nights so far. But, it's the one resort we go to hang out at around ADRs.

For resort guests:
- Kidani has a community hall with lots of fun stuff to just go in and hang out with.
- Both Kidani and Jambo have loads of daily activities. (I was walking around on the afternoon of our one stay there and ran across t-shirt decorating. So, I made a fun disney/AKV shirt for my DW.)
- There's usually some form of game around the pools in the afternoon.
- Tennis courts and I think some other court sport options
- Drumming lessons
- Young children animal activities
- Adult oriented animal activities

Things that anyone can do:
- There are extensive animal viewing areas. Pull up a rocking chair, or lean against the window and enjoy! At several times of day there are naturalists from Africa standing around to tell you about the animals you are seeing (and about their home country if you ask).
- There's a campfire with story-telling each night at different times at Kidani and Jambo (so you could go to both in one night). One of the cast members will tell you a story from their childhood.
- Eat a meal at Sanaa, Boma or Jiko. All are fantastic!


Some of the posts on this thread have included peoples' lists of activities available during their stays.

Enjoy!

 

[haleofafamily]

Is there a juice option at the mug refill stations at Kidani?

Can you use counter service credits from the dining plan at the Kidani pool?

 

[kdfogliano]

Is there a juice option at the mug refill stations at Kidani?

Can you use counter service credits from the dining plan at the Kidani pool?

no juice station, just soda lemonade coffee and tea in the gift shop and soda/lemonade at the pool.

you can you CS credits at the pool

 

[CarpeDisney]

We are looking to stay in a 2 bedroom villa next summer. What is the difference between jambo and kidani? Are there pics somewhere of each? I saw the pics on the Disney site and they look super new and really nice. Are all rooms this updated? What would you prefer? Thanks for the advice!

Dischick4778,

There are a few things to consider when deciding between Kidani and Jambo. All of which come down to personal preference.

1. Number of Bathrooms: Jambo 2BR has 2 full baths, while Kidani has 3 full baths (1 off each bedroom, and 1 off of the kitchen)
2. Dining options in the immediate buildings: Kidani has one TS restaurant while Jambo has multiple dining options including a counter service option.
3. The Villas in Jambo house are all located on the upper floors, while Kidani has them on all of the floors. With the lower floor options, the views of the animals are a bit more intimate. (Only matters if you want a savanna view)
3. For younger kids, Kidani has a great community hall with movies, games, activities, etc.
4. Bus Service: Both buildings share the same bus line. For the MK, Epcot, DHS, and AK routes; the buses stop at Kidani first, then Jambo, then proceed to the parks. For DtD; the buses stop at Jambo First, then Kidani, then proceed to DtD

Also, when booking a 2BR, consider if you want a lock-off unit (consists of a one bedroom unit and a connecting studio unit . The studio unit will have a queen bed, a pull out couch, and a kitchenette) or a dedicated 2BR (the 2nd bedroom of this unit will have two queen beds)

here are a few pic links:
Jambo: http://allears.net/acc/g_aklv.htm
Kidani: http://allears.net/acc/g_kidani.htm

 

[thumper*]

Can you tell me some of your favorite free activities at AKL?

Hematite gave many great suggestions another is the night vision viewing of the animals on the savanna near the pool. Starts about 9pm.

 

[sunnyd_83]

I thought I read that the night vision was free...good to know...but what exactly is it? I suppose it sounds pretty self explanatory, but is it? Are you outside on the Savanna with night vision goggles walking around for an hour???

 

[mommy2mrb]

Just wanted to share....got our Wanyama Safari booked for 4/7

Can't wait to experience this and AKL, planning on staying the whole day at the resort to see and do EVERYTHING!!!

 

[athenna]

Just wanted to share....got our Wanyama Safari booked for 4/7

Congrats! I haven't done this yet, but looking forward to it, someday!

 

[hematite153]

I thought I read that the night vision was free...good to know...but what exactly is it? I suppose it sounds pretty self explanatory, but is it? Are you outside on the Savanna with night vision goggles walking around for an hour???

The Savannah is safe space for the animals so you cannot go in there -- unless you do the Wanyama Safari.

They do have night vision goggles at one of the viewing spots and you can take a turn looking at the animals on the savannah with them.

 

[thumper*]

Just wanted to share....got our Wanyama Safari booked for 4/7

Can't wait to experience this and AKL, planning on staying the whole day at the resort to see and do EVERYTHING!!!

Congratulations hope you enjoy it as much as I did. There is plenty to do at the resort to keep you busy until you meet the rest of your party at 3:45pm.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Thanks Thumper! know it will be a very special day for us!

 

[dischick4778]

Dischick4778,

There are a few things to consider when deciding between Kidani and Jambo. All of which come down to personal preference.

1. Number of Bathrooms: Jambo 2BR has 2 full baths, while Kidani has 3 full baths (1 off each bedroom, and 1 off of the kitchen)
2. Dining options in the immediate buildings: Kidani has one TS restaurant while Jambo has multiple dining options including a counter service option.
3. The Villas in Jambo house are all located on the upper floors, while Kidani has them on all of the floors. With the lower floor options, the views of the animals are a bit more intimate. (Only matters if you want a savanna view)
3. For younger kids, Kidani has a great community hall with movies, games, activities, etc.
4. Bus Service: Both buildings share the same bus line. For the MK, Epcot, DHS, and AK routes; the buses stop at Kidani first, then Jambo, then proceed to the parks. For DtD; the buses stop at Jambo First, then Kidani, then proceed to DtD

Also, when booking a 2BR, consider if you want a lock-off unit (consists of a one bedroom unit and a connecting studio unit . The studio unit will have a queen bed, a pull out couch, and a kitchenette) or a dedicated 2BR (the 2nd bedroom of this unit will have two queen beds)

here are a few pic links:
Jambo: http://allears.net/acc/g_aklv.htm
Kidani: http://allears.net/acc/g_kidani.htm

Thank you for the advice and the pics. Is Kidani newer? The rooms look much more updated in Kidani as compared to Jambo.

 

[hematite153]

Thank you for the advice and the pics. Is Kidani newer? The rooms look much more updated in Kidani as compared to Jambo.

Yes, Kidani is newer, but, the Jambo rooms are also quite new. Is it possible you are comparing AKV Kidani to AKL Jambo rather than to AKV Jambo?

 

[JenniJ]

Is there a place at AKL to get your nails done? If not what is the easiest resort to get to to get them done?

Just a madi or pedi nothing fancy.

 

[Kathy Z]

To all my disboards friends, please keep my DH in your thoughts and prayers. He is in the hospital for the second time since we planned our upcoming trip to AKL for December. Test results in the next week or two will tell if we have to cancel our trip. I've been off the boards the last four days since he was rushed to the hospital.

 

[sjs314]

I hope it turns out not to be anything serious with DH and you will still be able to take your trip in December, I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers for DH to have a speedy recovery.