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

[Donald is #1]

Oops, one more question. Do any of the CL rooms have a pool view, or is it all savanna?

Are you staying at the 'hotel' portion or the vacation club portion? If you are in the hotel portion then the CL rooms are all savanna view. If you are staying in one of the DVC rooms, then it could be either savanna or pool view.

 

[maiapapaya]

Are you staying at the 'hotel' portion or the vacation club portion? If you are in the hotel portion then the CL rooms are all savanna view. If you are staying in one of the DVC rooms, then it could be either savanna or pool view.

I'm confused. We are thinking about booking CL for a trip next year. Today when I was playing on the reservation website I'm sure it said there are "standard view" CL (with a view of the garden/courtyard) and one bedroom suites, that have savanna or pool views (we were disappointed because we want savanna view). It appeared that the two bedroom suites were the only CL rooms with a guaranteed savanna view (I was searching under AKL, not the villas) Is there another category that wasn't showing because of availabilty? We would love to book a savanna view room CL (which didn't seem to exist) or one bedroom CL, with a guaranteed savanna view. Is this possible? I didn't see any listed (I checked two different dates, so didn't think it was an availability issue).

 

[Donald is #1]

I'm confused. We are thinking about booking CL for a trip next year. Today when I was playing on the reservation website I'm sure it said there are "standard view" CL (with a view of the garden/courtyard) and one bedroom suites, that have savanna or pool views (we were disappointed because we want savanna view). It appeared that the two bedroom suites were the only CL rooms with a guaranteed savanna view (I was searching under AKL, not the villas) Is there another category that wasn't showing because of availabilty? We would love to book a savanna view room CL (which didn't seem to exist) or one bedroom CL, with a guaranteed savanna view. Is this possible? I didn't see any listed (I checked two different dates, so didn't think it was an availability issue).

OK let's see if I can get this right. (Someone please correct me if I am wrong)

OK the 1 bedroom suites are really DVC rooms that can be booked, if available, by the regular reservation system. (Same goes for the 2 bedroom) The DVC rooms (5 1 BRs and 5 studios) can be either pool or savanna view and the view is not guaranteed. If you want or don't mind a "regular hotel room" i.e. not a suite, then you should be able to book the normal AKL (i.e. hotel) conceirge rooms. The hotel concierge rooms are all savanna view.

Did this make any sense or did I confuse you further?

 

[maiapapaya]

OK let's see if I can get this right. (Someone please correct me if I am wrong)

OK the 1 bedroom suites are really DVC rooms that can be booked, if available, by the regular reservation system. (Same goes for the 2 bedroom) The DVC rooms (5 1 BRs and 5 studios) can be either pool or savanna view and the view is not guaranteed. If you want or don't mind a "regular hotel room" i.e. not a suite, then you should be able to book the normal AKL (i.e. hotel) conceirge rooms. The hotel concierge rooms are all savanna view.

Did this make any sense or did I confuse you further?

I am somewhat confused about the suites actually being DVC rooms since I didn't search under the "villas" and I didn't think that DVC rooms were available to the general public more than 9 months in advance (the dates I was looking at were Oct/Nov 2011). I just thought they (the one/two bedroom CL suites) were just suites, like other resorts have suites and that the DVC rooms (in the main building) would fall under the normal rules of the DVC for booking. Anyways ... my main issue is I would like a CL room (I don't really want a suite), but I also want savanna view and on the WDW reservation site the only CL non-suite that showed up was "standard" CL room. They were described as having a garden/courtyard view, not savanna (the other room descriptions were very specific if they have a savanna view).

 

[hematite153]

Anyways ... my main issue is I would like a CL room (I don't really want a suite), but I also want savanna view and on the WDW reservation site the only CL non-suite that showed up was "standard" CL room. They were described as having a garden/courtyard view, not savanna (the other room descriptions were very specific if they have a savanna view).

Sounds odd since all of the AKL CL regular rooms are Savannah view. But, I notice from your signature that you are a family of 5. I think the AKL rooms only hold 4, so, it may be that the size of your party is bumping you into the suites.

 

[Kathy Z]

I'm just curious. I was just on the WDW reservation site and they have "savanna view" and "Arusha view" listed as two different categories. What is the difference? Is it just because Arusha is more centrally located & therefore more desireable?

I just skimmed this page quickly so your question might have been answered already. Beginning January 1, 2011 Arusha view is a higher cost than the other savanna view rooms.

 

[maiapapaya]

Sounds odd since all of the AKL CL regular rooms are Savannah view. But, I notice from your signature that you are a family of 5. I think the AKL rooms only hold 4, so, it may be that the size of your party is bumping you into the suites.

Nope that's not it because our oldest won't be coming with us next year, so I've only been putting in DH & our two youngest. I'm wondering if it was something with the reservation system. Now I'm getting the correct info and the rooms with the "garden/courtyard view" are CL one bedroom suites - standard view. Seriously, I'm not smoking crack! I was playing with the system all afternoon and it was describing the standard CL rooms all with garden/courtyard view! (which didn't make sense to me) And just now within a new session while I'm playing around this new category of one bedroom - standard view CL pops up (with the description of garden/courtyard view) and all of the standard rooms CL are now described with savanna view. I would think I'm losing it, but my sister was pricing out rooms too and read the same thing. Think I need a drink ... Anyways, thanks for trying to help me sort it out!!

 

[hematite153]

I'm wondering if it was something with the reservation system.

Okay, now you're hitting on it! They just did a major system upgrade and lots of things aren't working properly.

If you get what you were looking for online, great. If not, try calling.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Nope that's not it because our oldest won't be coming with us next year, so I've only been putting in DH & our two youngest. I'm wondering if it was something with the reservation system. Now I'm getting the correct info and the rooms with the "garden/courtyard view" are CL one bedroom suites - standard view. Seriously, I'm not smoking crack! I was playing with the system all afternoon and it was describing the standard CL rooms all with garden/courtyard view! (which didn't make sense to me) And just now within a new session while I'm playing around this new category of one bedroom - standard view CL pops up (with the description of garden/courtyard view) and all of the standard rooms CL are now described with savanna view. I would think I'm losing it, but my sister was pricing out rooms too and read the same thing. Think I need a drink ... Anyways, thanks for trying to help me sort it out!!

I've noticed the CL 1 & 2 BR suites that do not sound like the set up of the DVC CL suites. Here's a "standard view 1BR suite-club level" I found on the disneyworld site:

This suite has one bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, ceiling fan and bath. It also has a parlor with a queen-size sleeper sofa, ceiling fan and private balcony. Sleeps 6. All suites are non-smoking. Amenities include in-room safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), alarm clock with CD player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffeemaker, refrigerator and Pack 'n Play® playard. A full-size crib is available upon request. These One Bedroom, Kilimanjaro Club Suites offer a view of a garden courtyard area. The Kilimanjaro Club includes advanced Walt Disney World Resort Itinerary Planning service, personalized Front Desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge, which serves refreshments from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, complimentary Health Club access, weekday newspaper delivery of USA Today, complimentary fax assistance and the opportunity to book and experience Wildlife Discovery Excursion at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Club Level Guests can book and experience the Sunrise safari and the Wanyama safari.

Here's one they call 1BR suite Club Level. Again it doesn't sound like DVC-don't those have king bed in the bedroom?

This suite has one bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, ceiling fan and bath. It also has a parlor with a queen-size sleeper sofa, ceiling fan and private balcony. Sleeps 6. All suites are non-smoking. Amenities include in-room safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), alarm clock with CD player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffeemaker, refrigerator and Pack 'n Play® playard. A full-size crib is available upon request. One Bedroom, Kilimanjaro Club Suites offer a view of one of the savannahs at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or a view of the pool. The Kilimanjaro Club includes advanced Walt Disney World Resort Itinerary Planning service, personalized Front Desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge, which serves refreshments from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, complimentary Health Club access, weekday newspaper delivery of USA Today, complimentary fax assistance and the opportunity to book and experience Wildlife Discovery Excursion at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Club Level Guests can book and experience the Sunrise safari and the Wanyama safari.

And another they call 2 Bedroom Club Level:

These suites offer 2 bedrooms, a separate sitting area, ceiling fan and 2 baths. The first bedroom has one king-size bed, the second bedroom has 2 queen-size beds or one queen-size bed and one set of bunk beds, and the parlor has a queen-size sleeper sofa. Sleeps 8. All suites are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible suites are available. Amenities include in-room safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), alarm clock with CD player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffeemaker, refrigerator and Pack 'n Play& reg; playard. A full-size crib is available upon request. Two Bedroom, Kilimanjaro Club Suites offer a view of one of the savannahs at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Kilimanjaro Club includes advanced Walt Disney World Resort Itinerary Planning service, personalized Front Desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge, which serves refreshments from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, complimentary Health Club access, weekday newspaper delivery of USA Today, complimentary fax assistance and the opportunity to book and experience Wildlife Discovery Excursion at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Club Level Guests can book and experience the Sunrise safari and the Wanyama safari.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Okay, now you're hitting on it! They just did a major system upgrade and lots of things aren't working properly.

If you get what you were looking for online, great. If not, try calling.

I've noticed these "suites" since before the upgrade.

 

[maiapapaya]

I've noticed these "suites" since before the upgrade.

I didn't think these sounded like DVC either, though a pp said they were. I read a long time ago about some of the CL rooms in the main building being taken over for DVC so I wondered if that's what they were talking about? I'm not familiar with AKL at all, so I don't know (I thought all of the DVC were in the new buildings).

The suite descriptions that are showing now make sense. What I was seeing this afternoon seems to have been the description for the "standard view 1BR suite-club level" showing as the description for the "standard room - CL". The "standard view 1BR suite-club level" wasn't even showing as a category this afternoon.

 

[hematite153]

I've noticed these "suites" since before the upgrade.

There are definitely some non-DVC AKL suites. I didn't think any of them had a standard view, but, I suppose it's possible.

What I was positing is that she couldn't find regular CL rooms because of the upgrade.

 

[lovesdumbo]

There are definitely some non-DVC AKL suites. I didn't think any of them had a standard view, but, I suppose it's possible.

What I was positing is that she couldn't find regular CL rooms because of the upgrade.

Where (what floor) are the non-DVC suites?

I made a reservation today and while waiting on hold they said the reservation system would be down again-I think all day tomorrow.

 

[PNO4TE]

Where (what floor) are the non-DVC suites?

I made a reservation today and while waiting on hold they said the reservation system would be down again-I think all day tomorrow.

I know that there are suites in the turret-like rooms that have savanna views. Not certain where else they are located. All suites at AKL would have CL access. Unless that is something else that Disney is tweaking today!

 

[jenseib]

Nope that's not it because our oldest won't be coming with us next year, so I've only been putting in DH & our two youngest. I'm wondering if it was something with the reservation system. Now I'm getting the correct info and the rooms with the "garden/courtyard view" are CL one bedroom suites - standard view. Seriously, I'm not smoking crack! I was playing with the system all afternoon and it was describing the standard CL rooms all with garden/courtyard view! (which didn't make sense to me) And just now within a new session while I'm playing around this new category of one bedroom - standard view CL pops up (with the description of garden/courtyard view) and all of the standard rooms CL are now described with savanna view. I would think I'm losing it, but my sister was pricing out rooms too and read the same thing. Think I need a drink ... Anyways, thanks for trying to help me sort it out!!

Yes!~ the site is still really whacky and I hear it will be going down again for a few more days on the 19th.

 

[Jess6001]

What food if any is offered at the pool bar?


Maji Pool Bar offers a variety of beverages including specialty drinks, as well as a limited assortment of food items such as Club Sandwich, Tandoori Chicken Caesar Salad, Fresh Fruit Cup, and frozen novelties – menu subject to change. There are 2 options for dining down by the pool. There are some round tables with 4 or 5 chair around and there is a 'quick service' style menu. This is items kept in a fridge behind the bar menu here;

The second option is private dining at the pool side (delivery charge and 18% applies as if you ordered in the room) this comes complete in a box
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Fe-V6UqccOc/SfuFcpGcJtI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/_nPMIbvQThQ/s512/CIMG1520.JPG

I would love to know more about the private dining at the poolside. Can you use DDP credits for this? If so, what credits do you have to use?

Also, I know there are stations to refill your mugs at, but in the pictures I only see pop options. Are there coffee and tea stations to refill your mugs at, too, in Kidani?

 

[Michelle_R]

Question about cereal. Does the resort store sell mini cereal that comes in it's own bowl, or are they the mini boxes that I will need to buy bowls for? Thanks!

 

[Lilmattie13]

I just skimmed this page quickly so your question might have been answered already. Beginning January 1, 2011 Arusha view is a higher cost than the other savanna view rooms.

Is Arusha view in kidani or jambo house? We are staying at kidani in a 1br villa for vaca not dvc in Nov and have been wondering if there is a special section of savanna view we should ask for.

Thanks for your help.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Question about cereal. Does the resort store sell mini cereal that comes in it's own bowl, or are they the mini boxes that I will need to buy bowls for? Thanks!

I can't say that I've actually paid attention at AKL but other resorts sell cereal in bowls so I'm sure AKL does also.

Another option would be to place an order with www.minimus.biz They have a huge selection of cereal bowls and all sorts of other travel size items. If you order $20 they have free shipping. They do a great job of keeping food and non-food items separate. I've ordered many times and shipped right to the resort. They are on the west coast so I order 2 weeks out.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I know that there are suites in the turret-like rooms that have savanna views. Not certain where else they are located. All suites at AKL would have CL access. Unless that is something else that Disney is tweaking today!

Thanks! Found this on Allears and while it looks like they haven't updated the facts page there since DVC units were converted at Jambo it must be the other floor suites that are non DVC:

The suites are located at the end of the animal trails. From the outside of the Lodge, they are the ones located within the rounded parts of the building, with the curved balconies, topped with thatch. They are located on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors. Even the ones below 5th floor still have concierge access.