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

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Checking in tomorrow!! Excited to cross Kidani off my list! I've stayed everywhere else at WDW except the GF Villas!

 

[drusba]

I am so excited.

We are staying at Kidani for the first time from August 12-17 in a Studio Savannah View. My parents had some points (they own at BCV) that were going to expire, and I was the only one available to use them. Wahoo!

I will be alone with my DD4 and DD8 for most of the trip, but my DH is planning on coming for a long weekend. On the 18th we are moving to BLT for 3 nights as well.

I have never stayed at AK before, since my parents home resort is BCV we always stay there. This thread has been so helpful, and I just have a few questions for all of you experts.

1) I am trying to figure out room requests. We are AP holders, and go multiple times a year, but it will be August, and I have never gone in August, we usually go in November, January or February. The pool at Kidani is going to be critical, so I was going to ask for Near Lobby, sunset savannah Zebra wing (near pool), with a secondary request of Rafiki elevator. I think I would be ok with the Giraffe (South) wing too, as long as it was close to lobby - but was wondering how far a walk it was from the South wing to the pool.

2) We will have a car and my plan is to only use the buses to go to MK and maybe AK. I figure driving to EP and HS is preferable, especially since we will be doing rope drop on our park days. Any thoughts? I will have a double stroller for the girls most days, so I need to consider hauling that around as well.

3) This is a bonus trip (we just went in February, and are going back again in November), so I am not too worried about hitting the parks. We definitely want to do a few things, but for the first time ever, I plan on hanging out at the resort more than usual. Any tips for fun things to do besides the pool? I know they have campfires and outdoor movies, and I have read about "crafts" etc... any idea what some of that stuff is and what times it usually happens?

Thank you all!!

1. If you are staying at Kidani, there is no "Zebra" or "Giraffe" wing. Those are just animals shown in a picture of Kidani and are not names of the wings like Zebra Trail and Kudu Trail are at Jambo. Best request to get close to the pool is room "close to the Rafiki elevator," not "close to lobby." The Rafiki elevator is on the north wing and if you go down it to the under-building parking garage, it provides the shortest possible walk from the building to the pool. That area puts you only a little way down the hall from the lobby so you would still be fairly near the lobby.You should also include with that request a "Sunset savanna" view. A request for close to the lobby could put you on the south wing from which the walk is somewhat long and you either have to walk through the lobby or by it outside to get to the pool.

2. Plan is likely good one with a caveat that it might depend on where room is. MK is the worst park to drive to because of the need to take both a tram and either the monorail or boat to finally get there from the parking lot. The bus system is usually pretty good at AKL for any of the parks but driving is still quicker except potentially MK. AKL is only a ten minute bus ride. Nevertheless, a factor may be where your room is. For example, if requests are not met and you end up way down the hall of the north wing, you may want to consider driving to AKL also, and possibly even MK, because the walk from end rooms to bus stop can easily be 10 minutes or more with children. With the under-building parking and elevators along the wings, you can park fairly close to your room regardless of where it is. Once in a car you can drive to AKL in five minutes and to the others in 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Kidani has a community hall with games and arts and crafts; have not personally done any of the arts and crafts so cannot comment. As a DVC member, you can now also do the Sunrise Safari. For an old schedule of activities (but still close to the same) go here and to post number 40 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36685973.

 

[NMDisneyMom]

So we are getting ready for our first DVC stay after becoming owners last year. It will be myself and DD, and we have a 1BR SV in Jambo house. I have no idea what kind of room request to make , except that my DD loves animals, especially zebras. This trip is all about her birthday (10 years while we are there), so I'd like to make a request to get the best view I can.

I would be very appreciative if you all could give me some tips as to room requests. Otherwise, I probably will go with luck of the draw.

Thanks for the help.

 

[princessekrus]

1. If you are staying at Kidani, there is no "Zebra" or "Giraffe" wing. Those are just animals shown in a picture of Kidani and are not names of the wings like Zebra Trail and Kudu Trail are at Jambo. Best request to get close to the pool is room "close to the Rafiki elevator," not "close to lobby." The Rafiki elevator is on the north wing and if you go down it to the under-building parking garage, it provides the shortest possible walk from the building to the pool. That area puts you only a little way down the hall from the lobby so you would still be fairly near the lobby.You should also include with that request a "Sunset savanna" view. A request for close to the lobby could put you on the south wing from which the walk is somewhat long and you either have to walk through the lobby or by it outside to get to the pool.

2. Plan is likely good one with a caveat that it might depend on where room is. MK is the worst park to drive to because of the need to take both a tram and either the monorail or boat to finally get there from the parking lot. The bus system is usually pretty good at AKL for any of the parks but driving is still quicker except potentially MK. AKL is only a ten minute bus ride. Nevertheless, a factor may be where your room is. For example, if requests are not met and you end up way down the hall of the north wing, you may want to consider driving to AKL also, and possibly even MK, because the walk from end rooms to bus stop can easily be 10 minutes or more with children. With the under-building parking and elevators along the wings, you can park fairly close to your room regardless of where it is. Once in a car you can drive to AKL in five minutes and to the others in 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Kidani has a community hall with games and arts and crafts; have not personally done any of the arts and crafts so cannot comment. As a DVC member, you can now also do the Sunrise Safari. For an old schedule of activities (but still close to the same) go here and to post number 40 http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36685973.

Thank you so much, that is super helpful. I will put in the room request just like you suggested.

 

[psac]

Checking in tomorrow!! Excited to cross Kidani off my list! I've stayed everywhere else at WDW except the GF Villas!

Did you get a good room? Of all the places you've stayed, do you have a favorite? Enjoy!

 

[psac]

So we are getting ready for our first DVC stay after becoming owners last year. It will be myself and DD, and we have a 1BR SV in Jambo house. I have no idea what kind of room request to make , except that my DD loves animals, especially zebras. This trip is all about her birthday (10 years while we are there), so I'd like to make a request to get the best view I can.

I would be very appreciative if you all could give me some tips as to room requests. Otherwise, I probably will go with luck of the draw.

Thanks for the help.

By SV I assume you mean Savanna View and not Standard View? If so, I think Zebra Trail, Arusha View is best for Jambo.

 

[NMDisneyMom]

By SV I assume you mean Savanna View and not Standard View? If so, I think Zebra Trail, Arusha View is best for Jambo.

Yes I did mean Savanna View. Thanks for the recommendation. That's what I will request.

 

[abja09]

By SV I assume you mean Savanna View and not Standard View? If so, I think Zebra Trail, Arusha View is best for Jambo.

I am staying at Jambo House in August in a savannah view studio so I too appreciate your insight on a room request. If I am renting DVC points does the owner have to put in the request and if so when? If i do not make a request what savannah view may I have? I believe the DVC is on the 4th or 5th floor correct? Thanks!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

We checked in yesterday around 4pm. The cm was able to put my own cc on for my charging which was great. The room was ready of course. 3rd floor all the way at the end near Jambo which was pretty far even with a car. I asked the check in cm If we could move closer to the pool or lobby bc I'm working for a few days and my friends one has to do school work and the other one has to work from "home" for a day in the room so having a two year old closer to the pool would be nice ! Cm said we have nothing and didn't offer to check so I called down when I got to the room and they said they had several rooms clean that we could move to and asked why we didn't ask the cm check in girl....

We we're moved to 5th floor 3 rooms from rafiki elevator!! The room was great but my only two complaints is that we're using dvc points and bc they don't change towels daily there was only one hook plus the towel rack and no other hooks in the bathroom. I also prefer a bathroom that at least has the sink on the outside as opposed to everything being in one room but that's personal choice. I loved loved loved all the outlets there were around the room but liked the studio at Jambo house better I think There are 3 adults and one 2 yr old in our room. The couch was very stiff and thin as many have said. I'm Going to enquire about a egg crate later I like the mug refill stations at the pool and gift shop to make up for the lack of food court! Other than that it's great so far! I wish I was at blizzard with my friends right now instead of typing on my lunch break!!!!

 

[psac]

I am staying at Jambo House in August in a savannah view studio so I too appreciate your insight on a room request. If I am renting DVC points does the owner have to put in the request and if so when? If i do not make a request what savannah view may I have? I believe the DVC is on the 4th or 5th floor correct? Thanks!

Besides Arusha, you could get Sunset (which isn't as nice at Jambo as at Kidani) and I forget the other one by the pool. Your owner has to call Member Services any time up to about 2 weeks before your arrival. Good luck!

We checked in yesterday around 4pm. The cm was able to put my own cc on for my charging which was great. The room was ready of course. 3rd floor all the way at the end near Jambo which was pretty far even with a car. I asked the check in cm If we could move closer to the pool or lobby bc I'm working for a few days and my friends one has to do school work and the other one has to work from "home" for a day in the room so having a two year old closer to the pool would be nice ! Cm said we have nothing and didn't offer to check so I called down when I got to the room and they said they had several rooms clean that we could move to and asked why we didn't ask the cm check in girl....

We we're moved to 5th floor 3 rooms from rafiki elevator!! The room was great but my only two complaints is that we're using dvc points and bc they don't change towels daily there was only one hook plus the towel rack and no other hooks in the bathroom. I also prefer a bathroom that at least has the sink on the outside as opposed to everything being in one room but that's personal choice. I loved loved loved all the outlets there were around the room but liked the studio at Jambo house better I think There are 3 adults and one 2 yr old in our room. The couch was very stiff and thin as many have said. I'm Going to enquire about a egg crate later I like the mug refill stations at the pool and gift shop to make up for the lack of food court! Other than that it's great so far! I wish I was at blizzard with my friends right now instead of typing on my lunch break!!!!

Glad you like the new location! As we said, those end of hall rooms at Kidani are killer. We were in a 1BR, and I agree about the outlets. Usually we have to power share between all our iDevices, this time we had outlets coming out the wazoo!

 

[abja09]

Besides Arusha, you could get Sunset (which isn't as nice at Jambo as at Kidani) and I forget the other one by the pool. Your owner has to call Member Services any time up to about 2 weeks before your arrival. Good luck! Glad you like the new location! As we said, those end of hall rooms at Kidani are killer. We were in a 1BR, and I agree about the outlets. Usually we have to power share between all our iDevices, this time we had outlets coming out the wazoo!

I will be sure to put in my request. Thanks!

 

[nalajms]

I asked the check in cm If we could move closer to the pool or lobby ...Cm said we have nothing and didn't offer to check so I called down when I got to the room and they said they had several rooms clean that we could move to and asked why we didn't ask the cm check in girl....

That's so rude! We're heading there in 9 days Hoping for a room near the lobby as well. Who did you call when you got to the room? And did they charge you to change rooms?

 

[Anna114]

We checked in yesterday around 4pm. The cm was able to put my own cc on for my charging which was great. The room was ready of course. 3rd floor all the way at the end near Jambo which was pretty far even with a car. I asked the check in cm If we could move closer to the pool or lobby bc I'm working for a few days and my friends one has to do school work and the other one has to work from "home" for a day in the room so having a two year old closer to the pool would be nice ! Cm said we have nothing and didn't offer to check so I called down when I got to the room and they said they had several rooms clean that we could move to and asked why we didn't ask the cm check in girl....

We've had great experiences, about room availability. We were shown the rooms that were available and those that would be available if we were willing to wait. We always (after a bad experience) pack on the off chance we have to wait. In my Dooney and Bourke overnighter we have shorts and comfortable shoes for me.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

That's so rude! We're heading there in 9 days Hoping for a room near the lobby as well. Who did you call when you got to the room? And did they charge you to change rooms?

I called the front desk from the room. It usually is someone in the back office that answers and she transferred me to the room assigner. We spoke to a manager about it just so they were aware.

 

[ali in wonderland]

We are staying at Kadani in a 1 BR standard view next week. We have a car and will be using it to drive to most parks. I have a walking disability. Can you help me with room request suggestions? I am looking to be close to the pool, and maybe a peak at some animals. Also not too far of a walk from parking. Thank you.

 

[nighttowll]

We are staying at Kadani in a 1 BR standard view next week. We have a car and will be using it to drive to most parks. I have a walking disability. Can you help me with room request suggestions? I am looking to be close to the pool, and maybe a peak at some animals. Also not too far of a walk from parking. Thank you.

You want to request to be to close to the elevator that is near the pool then. Sorry, I don't know the name, but I'm sure someone on here can tell you. Parking is underneath the hotel, so you can park beside the elevator you requested to be near.

 

[drusba]

We are staying at Kadani in a 1 BR standard view next week. We have a car and will be using it to drive to most parks. I have a walking disability. Can you help me with room request suggestions? I am looking to be close to the pool, and maybe a peak at some animals. Also not too far of a walk from parking. Thank you.

The request you want to make is close to the Rafiki elevator, high floor, the latter for chance to see animals in the distance to the right from the balcony. The shortest walk from the building to the pool is from the Rafiki elevator, first (parking garage) floor. However, if you are going next week, you may be too late to put in a request since room assignements may have already begun, but you might try and do so immediately through MS. Note that the under building parking garage runs through the building and with elevators along the wings you can always park fairly close to your room regardless of where room is.

 

[ali in wonderland]

The request you want to make is close to the Rafiki elevator, high floor, the latter for chance to see animals in the distance to the right from the balcony. The shortest walk from the building to the pool is from the Rafiki elevator, first (parking garage) floor. However, if you are going next week, you may be too late to put in a request since room assignements may have already begun, but you might try and do so immediately through MS. Note that the under building parking garage runs through the building and with elevators along the wings you can always park fairly close to your room regardless of where room is.

Thank you so much. I was going to call the hotel directly to make the request. I have always been told to do so at the seven day mark, and so I am hoping it's not too late.

 

[nighttowll]

Thank you so much. I was going to call the hotel directly to make the request. I have always been told to do so at the seven day mark, and so I am hoping it's not too late.

Depending on how early you arrive, you may have luck just holding out for a room to open up located where you want it. We checked in early morning, so I knew the room wouldn't be ready yet. I told them at checkin we were happy to wait all day for a room in the section we wanted to open up if needed. I know sometimes if no one is checking out you can't do that, but sometimes you can. I would never just accept the first room offered to me if it's not where I want to be. We turned down 3 or 4 rooms before one opened up in the section I wanted.

I thought it was funny. The CM kept offering me rooms nowhere near where I had requested to be. Then she'd tell me there was absolutely nothing else available. I'd say that's fine we will wait a few hours for something to open. She would immediately look back down at her screen and magically something a little closer would appear. We kept this charade up until she finally gave me a room in the section I wanted to begin with. Amazing how it wasn't available 5 minutes earlier. I swear I think they are trained to try to push off "bad" rooms onto unsuspecting guests who don't know enough to refuse them.

It would have saved her a lot of time and frustration if she had just given me the request I made to begin with. I mean I submitted it in writing way in advance, followed up two weeks out, called again to verify, and then arrived early and told her we had no plans and were willing to wait until the afternoon if needed to get a room in the section we wanted. I only had one request, not a long list or anything. Is it really that hard to honor it, when obviously it was available all along?

So, I guess the lesson is don't let them push you around, fight for the room you want.

 

[ali in wonderland]

Depending on how early you arrive, you may have luck just holding out for a room to open up located where you want it. We checked in early morning, so I knew the room wouldn't be ready yet. I told them at checkin we were happy to wait all day for a room in the section we wanted to open up if needed. I know sometimes if no one is checking out you can't do that, but sometimes you can. I would never just accept the first room offered to me if it's not where I want to be. We turned down 3 or 4 rooms before one opened up in the section I wanted. I thought it was funny. The CM kept offering me rooms nowhere near where I had requested to be. Then she'd tell me there was absolutely nothing else available. I'd say that's fine we will wait a few hours for something to open. She would immediately look back down at her screen and magically something a little closer would appear. We kept this charade up until she finally gave me a room in the section I wanted to begin with. Amazing how it wasn't available 5 minutes earlier. I swear I think they are trained to try to push off "bad" rooms onto unsuspecting guests who don't know enough to refuse them. It would have saved her a lot of time and frustration if she had just given me the request I made to begin with. I mean I submitted it in writing way in advance, followed up two weeks out, called again to verify, and then arrived early and told her we had no plans and were willing to wait until the afternoon if needed to get a room in the section we wanted. I only had one request, not a long list or anything. Is it really that hard to honor it, when obviously it was available all along? So, I guess the lesson is don't let them push you around, fight for the room you want.

That's really good to know. Thank you!