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

[WDWKOOK]

~Did CL staff greet you upon arrival?---- YES

~Was the lounge kept neat and clean?---- YES

~Were items replenished? ---- YES, sometimes you might have to ask for something you want but overall yes in time

~What did you like/dislike about the lounge, food, staff and your 4th floor room location?I have stayed twice and every time I have loved it more, mostly just the convenience of it all. and the Sunrise Safari! You can see pictures on my TR starting on page 10

Thank you for answering my questions. Sounds like you'd definitely return

 

[WDWKOOK]

2 weeks from Tuesday!!! I cannot WAIT to stay at this resort for the first time!!!

Have a and a happy first stay

 

[Kathy Z]

Lisa, we just wore the same clothes we had on all day for our Wanyama Safari and Jiko. You will be taken directly from the safari to Jiko with no opportunity to change clothes at that time. You certainly can make a change from what you wore earlier in the day to something else before showing up for the Safari. Since our day both began chilly and ended chilly we didn't have to worry about changing from shorts to something more dressed up. The two gals who did change into dresses were rather cold while on the safari.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Lisa, we just wore the same clothes we had on all day for our Wanyama Safari and Jiko. You will be taken directly from the safari to Jiko with no opportunity to change clothes at that time. You certainly can make a change from what you wore earlier in the day to something else before showing up for the Safari. Since our day both began chilly and ended chilly we didn't have to worry about changing from shorts to something more dressed up. The two gals who did change into dresses were rather cold while on the safari.

thanks Kathy, just didn't want to show up casual and have them say "go change" this will be our resort day, so just hanging out anyways! I got some really cute t-shirts made with Minnie head on it, her bow is animal print!

 

[sherabby]

Can non-DVC guests staying at AKL Jambo House use the pool area at Kidani? It looks like it may offer a little more for my young kids than the pool at the lodge.

DVC staying at the lodge can use the pool at Kidani correct? How do they know you are staying there? Do you need to show a room key to enter?

 

[VA_mouseman]

Two weeks from today we head back down to the World! We'll be staying at Kidani Village, our first time at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

We have a Savannah view studio, but I'd like to call soon to request a studio as close as possible to the lobby. We've been at the end of long hallways too many times before (I'm talking about you, BWV).

I'm guessing the right side (name?) of the lobby is the better choice, since it appears that the bus stops are on that side (we won't have a car with us). I'm less concerned with what floor we might be on.

For those who have requested a general location for their room, what is the success rate?

 

[mommy2mrb]

they no longer are taking room request at WDW...you can always try...and ask again at check in!
enjoy your trip....we are going to stay at the AKL for the first time 4/6 - 4/9 and can't wait!!!

 

[threebeesatdisney]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diz Kids View Post
Can non-DVC guests staying at AKL Jambo House use the pool area at Kidani? It looks like it may offer a little more for my young kids than the pool at the lodge.

Quote:
"DVC staying at the lodge can use the pool at Kidani correct? How do they know you are staying there? Do you need to show a room key to enter?"


You DO NOT have to be a DVC member or DVC guest at Jambo House to use the pool at Kidani. As long as you are a registered guest in whatever category room at JAMBO house you are allowed to enjoy both "sister resorts". The same is for anyone staying at Kidani. They are allowed to come to JAMBO house and use the pool, food court, etc. You do not need a room key to enter the pool area or the bathrooms.

 

[VA_mouseman]

they no longer are taking room request at WDW...

I'm not going to request a specific room, since the odds of that one being available are slim. I'm interested to know if 'general' requests for a room location (for us, as near to the lobby as possible) are granted.

 

[mommy2mrb]

I'm not going to request a specific room, since the odds of that one being available are slim. I'm interested to know if 'general' requests for a room location (for us, as near to the lobby as possible) are granted.

from what I've read on other threads, not taking any kind of requests, but still try!

 

[VA_mouseman]

from what I've read on other threads, not taking any kind of requests, but still try!

Thanks for the quick followup. I'll try ... no harm in that.

 

[BWVNUT]

from what I've read on other threads, not taking any kind of requests, but still try!

FYI, I just talked to DVC Member Services on Tuesday and they allowed me to put a request on my room reservation for my April stay at Jambo, but she did remind me twice during the conversation that it IS a request and it may not be granted...

 

[mommy2mrb]

I'm not DVC, so just stating for regular rooms!
thanks!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

So excited, I will go back and read more about everything, but I wanted to actually physically type it out and read it...

DH is bringing me to Disney for my birthday. First trip alone in almost 20 years. Last one was our honeymoon...

So we will be spending 3 nights at POFQ's and then on my birthday transferring to AKL Concierge Standard Level for 3 nights... (just looked at my receipts and they have me at POFQ for 8 nights and AKL for 2, and all in the same days - I really need to get it fixed tomorrow!!. Feel bad for DH, he really tried!!)

Do you all think that adding the third night will be okay?? I am really worried now?

I have have never stayed Concierge level any where in my life. Is the standard CL view a Savanah view or could we be looking at the parking lot. I have always had terrible luck, and our room needs to be semi-handicap due to my back injury (I fixed that today and that is why I am now booked so many nights all over Disney)

The breakfast Safari everyone talks about, would that be a nice birthday present. We were suppose to do the Dessert Wishes Party but it is booked?? Do I need tickets to Animal Kindgom for that day to do it? Would it be too late to book Mid February??

Sorry about all the questions, but I am totally out of my mind excited. My husband in the sweetest person in the world, and I am so glad to call him my best friend. I have been horrible in a funk lately and really don't deserve this.

Thanks to anyone who can help or would like to spend some time talking with me re: our stay. I haven't booked anything for Thur, Fri, or Saturday during our AK time, I am just so awestuck that I am really STUCK with the planning.

 

[PNO4TE]

So excited, I will go back and read more about everything, but I wanted to actually physically type it out and read it...

DH is bringing me to Disney for my birthday. First trip alone in almost 20 years. Last one was our honeymoon...

So we will be spending 3 nights at POFQ's and then on my birthday transferring to AKL Concierge Standard Level for 3 nights... (just looked at my receipts and they have me at POFQ for 8 nights and AKL for 2, and all in the same days - I really need to get it fixed tomorrow!!. Feel bad for DH, he really tried!!)

Do you all think that adding the third night will be okay?? I am really worried now?

I have have never stayed Concierge level any where in my life. Is the standard CL view a Savanah view or could we be looking at the parking lot. I have always had terrible luck, and our room needs to be semi-handicap due to my back injury (I fixed that today and that is why I am now booked so many nights all over Disney)

The breakfast Safari everyone talks about, would that be a nice birthday present. We were suppose to do the Dessert Wishes Party but it is booked?? Do I need tickets to Animal Kindgom for that day to do it? Would it be too late to book Mid February??

Sorry about all the questions, but I am totally out of my mind excited. My husband in the sweetest person in the world, and I am so glad to call him my best friend. I have been horrible in a funk lately and really don't deserve this.

Thanks to anyone who can help or would like to spend some time talking with me re: our stay. I haven't booked anything for Thur, Fri, or Saturday during our AK time, I am just so awestuck that I am really STUCK with the planning.

We did almost the exact same trip last month. Started out at POFQ and then moved over to AKL CL for the remainder of the vacation. Our reservations on paperwork looked weird too, but when I called AKL IPO they assured me that everything was fine. I am sure yours is too, but I would call this morning just to put your mind at ease!

All AKL CL rooms are savanna view. You are set there!

We love the Sunrise Safari. It is a quiet, informative tour with lots of time out on the savannas with a "personal" guide who works with the animals all the time. If you are at AKL on the nights/days you need to be to book the safari I would definitely think of setting it up. Again, the AKL IPO cast members can handle that for you. They will take your cc to hold the spaces but it won't be charged until the morning of your safari. These book up fast so I would think about booking it ASAP! You will need tickets into the park in addition to the cost of the Safari. They take your tickets at the Club Lounge the morning of the Safari and scan them so you have to have one to take the tour.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The Safari is typically only offered on Thursday and Sunday morning, so definitely call and make sure they can get you in!

 

[Jenna319]

2 weeks from Tuesday I will be heading down w/ my family for our 1st stay at AKV Kidani! I can barely contain my excitement! Put in a request for 2nd floor close to lobby as we will be travelling w/ a 2 year old and a 70year old so hopefully not too much walking.... we will be in a standard studio.... I am renting points..... would there be any chance at all to ask for an upgrade at check-in and pay the difference....

 

[bookwormde]

WDW went to a computer preasignment program for rooms, most hotels do this now, that does not mean that they are not taking request.

It saves a lot of time for the resorts and should actually give more time to handle requests.

bookwormde

 

[quirty30]

2 weeks from Tuesday I will be heading down w/ my family for our 1st stay at AKV Kidani! I can barely contain my excitement! Put in a request for 2nd floor close to lobby as we will be travelling w/ a 2 year old and a 70year old so hopefully not too much walking.... we will be in a standard studio.... I am renting points..... would there be any chance at all to ask for an upgrade at check-in and pay the difference....

Unfortunately you cannot pay cash to upgrade a DVC stay on points.

 

[Jenna319]

Ah that's what I figured, and prob no chance of free upgrades when renting points right?