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

[arich35]

So I was hoping to stay at AK for the first time in November (hoping for 7 month availability), only want to stay if it is refurbished. What is Kidani like? This would be our first time staying at AK

 

[thanxfornoticin]

So I was hoping to stay at AK for the first time in November (hoping for 7 month availability), only want to stay if it is refurbished. What is Kidani like? This would be our first time staying at AK

It appears all the rooms being offer for guests at Kidnai are only the refurbished rooms. By the time November gets here, the refurb work should be long completed at Kidani, and hopefully getting close to completion on the Jambo side.

 

[muppets3d]

We are going to WDW in mid April and will be staying at Poly and Kidani Savanna room. We currently only have 2 nights at Kidani but are hoping for two more to open up. We have a wait list on and stalk a lot but we are hoping they open up a new block of rooms after they are refurbished.

Any thoughts or experiences on how DVC opens up rooms for booking as their are refurbed? Have they already been factored in planned openings in system based on estimated completion dates or do they normally just release when actually completed. Thanks for any info.

If everything goes to schedule, they won't open up blocks of rooms because the rooms being taken out of inventory and brought back into inventory has already been figured in to the system - members have been able to book these rooms for months of course. The only way more rooms open up for booking is if the refurbishment runs ahead of schedule. So far it doesn't feel like Kidani has been running ahead of schedule, rather it's been right on schedule. But anything is possible, and people do cancel all the time even without DVC releasing rooms after refurbishment - so keep checking!

 

[arich35]

It appears all the rooms being offer for guests at Kidnai are only the refurbished rooms. By the time November gets here, the refurb work should be long completed at Kidani, and hopefully getting close to completion on the Jambo side.

That is what I figured, looking or more of a review of Kidnai and pros and cons over Jambo (besides refurb room)

 

[Mirabell Rose]

That is what I figured, looking or more of a review of Kidnai and pros and cons over Jambo (besides refurb room)

You have access to both Kidani and Jambo when you stay at AKV. You can walk between the two and there is also a shuttle van that runs between the two. Both share the same busses. Stayed and love both, and go between the two for food, pools and activities when we stay. But there are past threads/posts where some insist they would only do one over the other, which I don’t really get.

 

[jess2022]

That is what I figured, looking or more of a review of Kidnai and pros and cons over Jambo (besides refurb room)

There’s some older YouTube videos that talk about this. I remember watching a few years back. AKV is my favorite resort and I stayed at Jambo 3 times before staying at Kidani. I love the grand lobby, the pool, the easy access to everything (food, drinks, ect). This past summer (pre-refurb) I needed a last minute night and found a Savannah view studio available at Kidani. I didn’t expect to like it and I absolutely loved it. It’s not a better or worse than Jambo, but a different. I’ve booked our next trip now for Kidani. It has an incredible community center, and of course, Sanaa. Our Savannah view was amazing. What I fell in love with though is the quiet. Jambo is grand and amazing. Kidani has a more home like feel but still has the same most of the elements of Jambo. I do prefer the pool at Jambo but I think most people prefer Kidani’s pool. Also, if you want to go to Jambo, the shuttle is super quick and easy. It seems to run constantly. If you have specific questions, let me know.

 

[muppets3d]

You have access to both Kidani and Jambo when you stay at AKV. You can walk between the two and there is also a shuttle van that runs between the two. Both share the same busses. Stayed and love both, and go between the two for food, pools and activities when we stay. But there are past threads/posts where some insist they would only do one over the other, which I don’t really get.

If you want a convenient quick service restaurant for example, it's easier to stay at Jambo. There isn't really a quick service at Kidani (the pool bar has a very small food menu). Jambo also has flamingos and you can sometimes get an obstructed view of the savanna in your standard view room. I prefer the vibe of Kidani personally. I am perfectly happy at either and yes I frequently go between the two when staying at one or the other.

 

[melissa70]

Can I ask why everyone wants club level? What is different besides the food that looks kind of junky? I feel like I’d rather have my own food in the kitchen. Is there something else about club level I’m missing?

 

[muppets3d]

Can I ask why everyone wants club level? What is different besides the food that looks kind of junky? I feel like I’d rather have my own food in the kitchen. Is there something else about club level I’m missing?

Why do you think the food looks junky? It's by and large the same food they serve at Boma (except the afternoon snacks buffet which is kind of cheap I agree).

 

[thanxfornoticin]

The AKL Club Level is an awesome way to spend a trip. The service, food, and atmosphere are excellent. I love walking out of the room and right to the CL selections for breakfast, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack some days, and enjoy an evening treat some days. Since Covid reopening, the afternoon snacks aren't as good as they used to be - but the food and choices are definitely not 'junky'. But there's nothing preventing you from dining in your own room and cooking in your own kitchen!

 

[melissa70]

Why do you think the food looks junky? It's by and large the same food they serve at Boma (except the afternoon snacks buffet which is kind of cheap I agree).

I think i just saw the snacks..I don’t usually eat breakfast so I guess I wouldn’t be interested in that

 

[muppets3d]

I think i just saw the snacks..I don’t usually eat breakfast so I guess I wouldn’t be interested in that

Probably not worth the points premium for you then. The dinner buffets are good but I wouldn't pay the points premium just for that personally.

 

[sndral]

Can I ask why everyone wants club level? What is different besides the food that looks kind of junky? I feel like I’d rather have my own food in the kitchen. Is there something else about club level I’m missing?

Among the literally thousands of DVC villas there are exactly 5 lock off club villas - 5 one br.s & 5 studios. Thus they are unique & very very hard to secure. Not everyone values the club experience, but for those who do, Jambo’s 5 lock offs are the only DVC option.
Is it worth it to me as an AKV owner to pay the point premium & hassle w/ walking a club stay - no, but for someone w/ a larger group who can utilize the club offerings to save $$ on food & drinks (including wine/beer) & enjoys the ambiance, it makes sense.
Surprising to see the food labeled as ‘junky’ - if my google AI is accurate Jambo’s Kilimanjaro club food is ranked #1 at WDW & most reviews I’ve read are quite positive about the food offered during each of the 5 ‘meals.’ It looks great in the photos I’ve seen - but I love Boma & Jiko’s food, so no surprise there .

 

[melissa70]

Among the literally thousands of DVC villas there are exactly 5 lock off club villas - 5 one br.s & 5 studios. Thus they are unique & very very hard to secure. Not everyone values the club experience, but for those who do, Jambo’s 5 lock offs are the only DVC option.
Is it worth it to me as an AKV owner to pay the point premium & hassle w/ walking a club stay - no, but for someone w/ a larger group who can utilize the club offerings to save $$ on food & drinks (including wine/beer) & enjoys the ambiance, it makes sense.
Surprising to see the food labeled as ‘junky’ - if my google AI is accurate Jambo’s Kilimanjaro club food is ranked #1 at WDW & most reviews I’ve read are quite positive about the food offered during each of the 5 ‘meals.’ It looks great in the photos I’ve seen - but I love Boma & Jiko’s food, so no surprise there .

I’ve only seen pictures and it looked like stuff from hotels when they have a continental breakfast. I didn’t really look deeply into it. I’m sorry if anyone got offended

I’m sure it’s fine. I was really just wondering if there were other benefits to club level

 

[melissa70]

FWIW I love all the restaurants, even the quick service at Jambo.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I’ve only seen pictures and it looked like stuff from hotels when they have a continental breakfast. I didn’t really look deeply into it. I’m sorry if anyone got offended

Yea, if you see the offerings in person they have all day, that's not the sense we get. It's a really nice lounge with some unique and tasty offerings, food and drink. It's also the only club level that offers DVC members the chance to book it with points. All other club levels around WDW are for cash rooms. Even AKL club is shared with a number of cash rooms at the resort, so while there are very few DVC rooms available, the lounge is often busy.

 

[muppets3d]

I wouldn't call club level God's gift or anything. The food and service isn't as good as what you get on DCL. It is definitely not just conference center food though, at least not at AKV. They do have your basic continental breakfast items like muffins and cold cuts but at each meal time except afternoon snacks they have selections from Boma or Jiko, along with alcohol served in the evening. It's the only way I will volunteer to stay in a studio, to be honest. Otherwise I insist on a 1br.

 

[RickNJane]

FWIW I love all the restaurants, even the quick service at Jambo.

We prefer Jambo over Kindani mainly for the QS and the lobby. My family has a lot of picky eaters and there is nothing for them at Kindani. I know you can take the shuttle or walk between, but after a long day, I would rather not make that commute. My Grandkids also spent a lot of time in Jambo's lobby doing rubbings of the floor medallions and doing the activities. We surged on a GV at Jambo. Great Room with 3 balconies and a pool table! However never splurged on club level and probably won't. We will be back at a GV!

 

[melissa70]

We prefer Jambo over Kindani mainly for the QS and the lobby. My family has a lot of picky eaters and there is nothing for them at Kindani. I know you can take the shuttle or walk between, but after a long day, I would rather not make that commute. My Grandkids also spent a lot of time in Jambo's lobby doing rubbings of the floor medallions and doing the activities. We surged on a GV at Jambo. Great Room with 3 balconies and a pool table! However never splurged on club level and probably won't. We will be back at a GV!

The GV looks amazing! I love that it has a pool table! I hope to stay in that room someday

 

[Wedgeout]

Can I ask why everyone wants club level? What is different besides the food that looks kind of junky? I feel like I’d rather have my own food in the kitchen. Is there something else about club level I’m missing?

You are actually noticing some truth to this Club level. It’s probably a feeling of being pampered & convenience. (Similar to any other club level at these resorts).

But if look at the point difference and put an actual value on those points. (Dues etc), you could come close to a wash by booking Boma each night & have quick service mornings.

Those sixth floor rooms don’t even have a spectacular view of anything, out the sides of that Jambo main lobby, up in the thatched roof.