***The Official AKV Owners And Lovers Thread***. Come And Chat

[PlutoNotPlanet]

STUDIO PICTURES

View attachment 1031179View attachment 1031180View attachment 1031181View attachment 1031182View attachment 1031183View attachment 1031184View attachment 1031185View attachment 1031186View attachment 1031187View attachment 1031188
Posted on FB by April Scapin

Nice!

So (for studios) they didn’t change the stuff between the Murphy bed and the bathroom! Glad to see the furnitures (incl. table&chairs) were kept! And a new carpet!

Though I still like the animal tiles in the bathroom, the hand held shower head changed the game of showering the toddler!

 

[MikeOhio]

They really nailed this. Perfect refurb.

 

[tx911]

Congrats to all the AKV owners out there. Y'all got a fantastic refurb!

 

[TikiFan]

Nice! I do wish they had been able to put a pull-down bed under the TV in the studios, but hey, they kept the table and chairs, so I am very happy! Can't wait to stay at AKL again soon!

 

[katyc67]

Nice! I do wish they had been able to put a pull-down bed under the TV in the studios, but hey, they kept the table and chairs, so I am very happy! Can't wait to stay at AKL again soon!

Are the table and chairs (and kitchen stools) comfortable?

 

[Cfabar1]

A personal pet peeve of mine with DVC rooms is why they can't always have nice glass in them for the shower...

Some do have it. Every room on the Disney Wish has it, but DVC seems stuck with these ugly glass shower designs in a lot of rooms - even recent ones... Makes no sense to me, especially since we pay for 98% of it!

 

[RangerPooh]

I am also! I do wonder whether the armoire is the same one, or whether it's a new, identical to what was there before. Whichever, the one in the picture appears to be in good shape, that's all that matters.

Can’t say for certain, but it might just be similar. Recently Cast Connections has had the dressers, balcony chairs, and tall lamps available for purchase.

 

[intamin]

Hopefully this is allowed but here's a youtube video of the 1BR

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XCmxO-7sgw

 

[twinklebug]

I have mixed feelings on the updates.

Positives: The new sofa bed situation is wonderful, also glad to see the TV stand become a bed as other resorts have had for years. Love that they kept much of the same furniture and color palate.

What I'm on the fence with: The flooring. It looks nice now as it's new. Perhaps the new flooring will at least reduce the noise the bar stools make when being pulled out. Lets hope it can hold up to that use (I don't think it will and it may start to show scuffing early). Also, why is the 10x mirror in the bathroom mounted so low in the video? That does not look like an HA room.

What I don't like: They removed the character tiles from behind the sinks in the studios as well as the mural over the tub in the bathroom. Those touches were heartwarming.

What I wish they added: personal directional lighting on the sides of the headboard. Some other resorts have this.

 

[Mirabell Rose]

Nice!

So (for studios) they didn’t change the stuff between the Murphy bed and the bathroom! Glad to see the furnitures (incl. table&chairs) were kept! And a new carpet!

Though I still like the animal tiles in the bathroom, the hand held shower head changed the game of showering the toddler!

I’ve never stayed in a studio at AKV. So it looks like there is just a shower and no tub/shower? Is this correct?

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I have mixed feelings on the updates.

Positives: The new sofa bed situation is wonderful, also glad to see the TV stand become a bed as other resorts have had for years. Love that they kept much of the same furniture and color palate.

What I'm on the fence with: The flooring. It looks nice now as it's new. Perhaps the new flooring will at least reduce the noise the bar stools make when being pulled out. Lets hope it can hold up to that use (I don't think it will and it may start to show scuffing early). Also, why is the 10x mirror in the bathroom mounted so low in the video? That does not look like an HA room.

What I don't like: They removed the character tiles from behind the sinks in the studios as well as the mural over the tub in the bathroom. Those touches were heartwarming.

What I wish they added: personal directional lighting on the sides of the headboard. Some other resorts have this.

Wish they would have added grab bars in the bathrooms. I’m not handicapped, just getting older.

 

[mrsap]

Refurbished Two-Bedroom Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village​

As expected, the entry area features new paint and carpeting, while most structural elements like doors and trim remain unchanged. The refreshed tones are warm, neutral, and consistent with the rest of the villa.

---

Bathroom Enhancements​

The bathrooms have received a full overhaul, just like the Studios:

• Striking orange and clay-toned tile continues into these larger spaces
• Modern glass shower doors and a dual showerhead system
• Wood-accented vanity with new sinks, countertops, and framed mirrors
• Dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash mounted directly in the shower

This is a huge step up from the previous version and brings Kidani in line with the best DVC refurbishments to date.

---

Living Area: Familiar Comfort, Upgraded Style​

The living space features some of the most impressive upgrades while still preserving elements Members love:

• The Murphy bed is added, and one of the best we’ve ever seen. The red-toned couch folds down to reveal a queen bed adorned with a beautiful Animal Kingdom map artwork that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s framed by built-in shelving and wood accents.
• We now have a look at the interior artwork behind the Murphy bed, and it’s stunning: a dreamy nighttime savanna scene featuring some of our favorite Lion King characters, including Rafiki, Nala, Zazu, and more! The serene setting captures a quiet moment under a full moon, blending familiar characters with a rich storytelling style that elevates the entire room.
• A second pull-down bed can be found beneath the TV console, and it too has received an artistic upgrade. The artwork features Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba asleep under the stars on the savanna, offering another whimsical touch that brings joy to both kids and longtime fans.
• The accent carpet, ottoman, and smart TV all feel elevated and refined.

This room feels cozy and practical, with improved USB and USB-C charging ports throughout.

---

Dining Area: A Familiar Favorite​

One of the most beloved touches is the original dining table, which has been kept intact. Above it, the previously seen colorful woven plates now sit inside an ornate, newly framed display, giving it a fresh sense of artistry.

• The chandeliers above the table and kitchen island are standouts, with a new basket weave design that blends perfectly with the African theming

---

Full Kitchen Upgrades​

This is a full villa, so of course you get the works:

• Stainless steel appliances including fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher
• New sink and fixtures
• Updated paint and backsplash that reflect the new tone
• A Keurig Duo 2.0, so you can make a full pot or use K-Cups

Overall, the kitchen looks fresh and practical for a longer stay.

---

Bedrooms: Subtle and Stylish Enhancements​

Each of the bedrooms in the Two-Bedroom Villa follows the same style cues seen in the Deluxe Studios:

• New tapestry headboards behind the beds
• Updated ceiling fans with leaf-blade designs
• Refreshed carpet in bedrooms, while the rest of the villa features vinyl plank flooring
• Original bed frames and dressers remain, helping preserve that rustic, detailed Kidani charm

If some pictures are not working, click on the link above.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

I’ve never stayed in a studio at AKV. So it looks like there is just a shower and no tub/shower? Is this correct?

I can't tell from the pictures. For the studio pre-refurb I stayed recently, it's a tub without glass doors. It's possible hey are refurbing them now

 

[muppets3d]

I’ve never stayed in a studio at AKV. So it looks like there is just a shower and no tub/shower? Is this correct?

The studios all have a tub/shower as far as I'm aware. It's possible that some of the Handicapped accessible rooms have only a shower, I'm not sure - but certainly all the regular studios have a tub/shower.

 

[mrsap]

I’ve never stayed in a studio at AKV. So it looks like there is just a shower and no tub/shower? Is this correct?

No, it’s a shower/tub combo.

 

[mrsap]

Some additional Studio pics:

Refurbished Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village​

From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the updated vinyl flooring that replaces the older carpet, offering a clean, modern feel while remaining in harmony with Kidani’s earthy aesthetic. The hallway has fresh paint and new carpeting, while some original architectural details and door elements remain untouched but refreshed in tone.

Let’s start with the bathroom, which has been fully overhauled. Unlike the more limited updates seen at other resorts like the Grand Californian, Kidani’s bathrooms are completely modernized:

• New vanity and countertops with rich wood detailing
• Vibrant orange-and-earth toned tile in the shower area, featuring both rain and handheld showerheads
• Glass shower doors replacing curtains
• Built-in shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers
• Updated lighting and artwork

The design strikes a great balance between rustic and refined, with darker wood framing around the mirror and pops of color that reflect the African-inspired theming.


While we said goodbye to the zebra print tile, we welcomed a new colorful backsplashthat brings a cheerful brightness to the space. You’ll still find a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and now a Keurig Mini, which is a nice upgrade for morning coffee lovers. Cabinet hardware and paint have also been refreshed.

One of the most noticeable changes is the pull-down Murphy bed, replacing the traditional sleeper sofa. The vibrant red couch offers comfortable daytime seating, and when pulled down, reveals a cozy bed featuring soft linens and an adorable piece of artwork of Simba and Nala resting under a starlit savanna sky. The handles on the Murphy bed integrate seamlessly with the resort’s architectural design.

Other enhancements in this space include:

• Colorful throw pillows and accent rug
• Refreshed lighting and wall art
• A stunning sunset savanna mural on the front of the Murphy bed

The main bed remains the same platform style as before, but now features a new tapestry behind the headboard with updated patterns that mirror the resort’s visual storytelling. Charging has been improved throughout the room, with both USB and USB-C ports added.

You’ll also notice:

• An upgraded smart TV for streaming
• Retained yet refreshed dresser and armoire, consistent with Kidani’s rustic wood style

The two chairs and table appear to have been reupholstered, keeping the carved wood structure but offering brighter fabric. Above the table hangs a new mirror with colorful stained-glass accents and a subtle nod to The Lion King with Simba and Pumbaafeatured in the top panel.

The balcony remains the same, offering serene views of the resort’s grounds or savanna, depending on your room category.

---

• Refurbishments are currently ongoing and expected to continue through May 2026 at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
• Jambo House refurbishments will follow after Kidani is completed and run through January 2027
• Room features include Murphy bed, upgraded bathroom, improved tech, and brighter thematic elements

If pics aren’t showing, click on link above to see them all.