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

[princessjv]

OK AKV question...we are renting points and staying in a studio. Do the studios have dishes? I know there are no dishwashers so I'm thinking there may be some disposables. If so, can we request more at the desk? Or should I add some disposables to my grocery order? We just plan to feed the kids breakfast early in the morning---milk, yogurt, mini bagels, etc. Nothing fancy, but dishes would help.

We were just there in Nov. and ours had a large stack of paper plates, paper bowls, a small container with plastic silverware, a can opener and bottle opener, 4 coffee mugs adn 4 glasses.

I warn you that we felt that there was very little storage and I had to be creative unpacking. Thankfully we were able to put our luggage & the pack and play under the bed, which was a big help!

 

[OhThePain]

For those of you who have done both the Sunrise safari and the Wanyama safari, which would you choose to do? I understand that Wanyama is more expensive, but the extra cost doesn't matter (as well as takes care of our visit to Jiko for the trip). So if you were able to do one, which would you suggest?

 

[threebeesatdisney]

Oh could you also let me know what time the movies at Kidani were playing and what was currently showing? TIA

I was trying to remember what nights they were playing. I read on here that it was Mon, Wed and Fri and that sounds correct. We saw Mulan, The Robinsons and Tinkerbell while we were there.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Anyone know if kidani has an airport luggage counter or do you have to lug to jambo house? {refering to returning to airport after trip}

Thanks so much, mky

 

[P&B's Mom]

Anyone know if kidani has an airport luggage counter or do you have to lug to jambo house? {refering to returning to airport after trip}

Thanks so much, mky

Kidani has its own airline check-in counter. It is a very small area in the left corner of the lobby--right next to Bell Services. We have used it twice and it was very convenient. I could see it getting backed up during busy times, though, since there are only two people and one luggage scale.

 

[tlenzendorf]

There are 4 savannah view, 4 standard (pool) view, and 2 parking lot view. You can no longer request a view on value and concierge DVC rooms at Jambo.

Thanks!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Kidani has its own airline check-in counter. It is a very small area in the left corner of the lobby--right next to Bell Services. We have used it twice and it was very convenient. I could see it getting backed up during busy times, though, since there are only two people and one luggage scale.

Thank you!

 

[RachaelA]

For those of you who have done both the Sunrise safari and the Wanyama safari, which would you choose to do? I understand that Wanyama is more expensive, but the extra cost doesn't matter (as well as takes care of our visit to Jiko for the trip). So if you were able to do one, which would you suggest?

Wanyama hands down. We'll do it again. We did not like the Sunrise Safari. Way too many people (and it wasn't even full!) and I didn't feel like it was worth the money (even with the breakfast). I could eat a light breakfast in the lounge for free and then go on the ride at AK for free.

We had a blast on the Wanyama Safari. We had a range of people (us in our 20s, another couple in their 30s and then 2 couples in their 40s and then there were 3 kids ages 10-12). We liked the smaller group. We learned a lot and we had an awesome time at Jiko. I think we stayed at dinner for at least 3 hours talking, eating and drinking wine

 

[ChocoKat]

Just wanted to share: I have been craving the jiko steak and mac and cheese for over a month now!


I really really really need to get myself one the first night, it is decided. I better go check my ADR's

 

[Jenna319]

Chocokat- don't want to burst your bubble but i've heard the jiko filet doesn't come w mac and cheese anymore

 

[cbg1027]

The filet is now served with a potato dish, but you might still be able to request it with the mac n cheese. They haven't stopped making the mac n cheese yet, it's just not served with the steak anymore.

 

[P&B's Mom]

We love Kidani and have stayed twice, but are thinking of trying out Jambo House this upcoming Dec/Jan. I have a few questions.

Besides the number of bathrooms, what are the biggest differences between a 2-bedroom between the two resorts?

Also, is there a Community Hall at Jambo? My kids love this at Kidani.

If you had your choice to stay at either one, which one would it be and why?

Thanks everyone--I need to read through this entire thread. Yea!!!!

 

[ChocoKat]

Chocokat- don't want to burst your bubble but i've heard the jiko filet doesn't come w mac and cheese anymore

The filet is now served with a potato dish, but you might still be able to request it with the mac n cheese. They haven't stopped making the mac n cheese yet, it's just not served with the steak anymore.

Whaaat? Say it isn't so! I keep hearing that it is gone, then back, then gone, they keep playing with my feelings

Ah well, one good thing I did, I added the dish to our reception as a special item to our menu so we will have it at least once. The chefs at the Grand Floridian managed to replicate it for us and it was delish!

I do hope they are still serving the ostrich appetizer, it is one of my all-time favorites too!

 

[OhThePain]

Wanyama hands down. We'll do it again. We did not like the Sunrise Safari. Way too many people (and it wasn't even full!) and I didn't feel like it was worth the money (even with the breakfast). I could eat a light breakfast in the lounge for free and then go on the ride at AK for free.

We had a blast on the Wanyama Safari. We had a range of people (us in our 20s, another couple in their 30s and then 2 couples in their 40s and then there were 3 kids ages 10-12). We liked the smaller group. We learned a lot and we had an awesome time at Jiko. I think we stayed at dinner for at least 3 hours talking, eating and drinking wine

Thanks! That is exactly what I wanted to hear!

I plan on proposing at some point durring the trip, most likely the first night or so. are there any good locations durring the Wanyama to do it? I have about 9 months to plan this out, but I am starting to gather some ideas. She loves animals and Disney (and Jiko) and thought it could be a good opportunity. Any opinions?

 

[PNO4TE]

Just read this in my AllEars newsletter...

As of January 1, 2011 the price of the Wanyama Safari is going up. (This tour can only be booked by Animal Kingdom Lodge Itinerary Planning Office or Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Concierge): Adult: $190.64; Child: $190.64

If your Safari is already booked, the price won't change.

 

[pinkpixie0920]

Whaaat? Say it isn't so! I keep hearing that it is gone, then back, then gone, they keep playing with my feelings

Ah well, one good thing I did, I added the dish to our reception as a special item to our menu so we will have it at least once. The chefs at the Grand Floridian managed to replicate it for us and it was delish!

I do hope they are still serving the ostrich appetizer, it is one of my all-time favorites too!

I was just at Jiko and October and noticed it came with the potato dish but if you ask they will serve it still with the mac and cheese since the mac and cheese is still on this kids menu. I was relieved to hear that.

 

[woodkins]

Sooo excited!! Just booked a CL room for late October!!

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

I'm booked at a Club level for 6/25-6/26 and a 1BR SV in Kidani for 6/26-7/2. I've never switched rooms or hotels before. How has anyone done this in the past? Does bell services come and take the luggage from one room to the other or do you do it?

 

[mommy2mrb]

I'm booked at a Club level for 6/25-6/26 and a 1BR SV in Kidani for 6/26-7/2. I've never switched rooms or hotels before. How has anyone done this in the past? Does bell services come and take the luggage from one room to the other or do you do it?

bell services will handle it for you! enjoy!!

 

[Kathy Z]

During our Jiko meal following the Wanyama Safari on December 17 the filet platter was accompanied by the mac & cheese.

You can book the Wanyama Safari 180 days out from the date of your actual Safari.

For a wedding proposal - how exciting! - you might have a special animal moment during the safari where a proposal would be cute (some giraffes will come real close to check you out.) The sun actually set during our Dec. 17th safari and that would be a great time. Otherwise, I would suggest just before desserts are brought out at Jiko. Let Disney know when you book this but don't tell your girlfriend. I expect that they will have something special for you.

But although it's been done a million times, a wedding proposal with the castle in the background is always pretty special. You could even get that captured by a Photo Pass photographer (they'll use your camera too when you request it.)