Thinking AKL in Feb, but...

[mgc]

Hi All,
We are thinking about AKL/Jambo in February (renting points from a friend). We've stayed there once before and loved it- it is a resort where we truly want to take advantage of all of the activities and get in some good pool time. My question is: With the pool at Kidani being refurbished during this time, should I expect that the pool at Jambo will be extra crowded? And if so, would you expect it to be terribly overcrowded? We've got other resorts that we love too, so if the Kidani refurb would negatively impact our stay and ability to enjoy the pool and activities at AKL, I would probably book elsewhere. Just wondering if all of you experts have any insight. Thanks very much!

 

[HiStitch626]

With a trip in February, I think you will be fine. Florida can get cold in the winter and even on warmer days in February there might not be many people at the pool. We are Floridians an do not get in the water if the air temps are below 80º.

And, you may be aware of this, but I wanted to mention this since you said you wanted to take advantage of all the activities. Currently, the hotel sections of Jambo are closed. Only the DVC floor is open. The only dining at the resort is quick service Mara for breakfast and dinner. The other dining areas are still closed as the is store and lounge. The only activities at the resort are a few pool-side games. There are no cultural representatives or animal specialists in the overlook areas. Things may change by February, but currently Disney has not announced further opening at AKL.

 

[mgc]

With a trip in February, I think you will be fine. Florida can get cold in the winter and even on warmer days in February there might not be many people at the pool. We are Floridians an do not get in the water if the air temps are below 80º.

And, you may be aware of this, but I wanted to mention this since you said you wanted to take advantage of all the activities. Currently, the hotel sections of Jambo are closed. Only the DVC floor is open. The only dining at the resort is quick service Mara for breakfast and dinner. The other dining areas are still closed as the is store and lounge. The only activities at the resort are a few pool-side games. There are no cultural representatives or animal specialists in the overlook areas. Things may change by February, but currently Disney has not announced further opening at AKL.

Thank you for this! Yes- I am aware of the current limited services, I guess I am being optimistic that February will look a little more normal.? Also great point about the pool in February. We were there last Feb (right before the world as we knew it changed!)...and I was surprised the pool wasn't crowded. It must be that we are hardy New Englanders and anything above freezing in Feb is pool weather for us

 

[ppony]

Even in March, I never noticed appreciable crowds on the warmer days. It’s still chilly even though the pool water is warm. Once you get out

 

[Best Aunt]

...I am aware of the current limited services, I guess I am being optimistic that February will look a little more normal...?

Well your guess is as good as mine. My guess is that the gift shop, restaurants (Boma and Jiko), lounge and activities in Jambo House will not re-open until the hotel rooms (not DVC rooms) in Jambo House re-open. And Disney may be taking advantage of this opportunity to keep guests in fewer hotels rather than having all of the hotels open and needing to discount the rooms.

 

[mgc]

Well your guess is as good as mine. My guess is that the gift shop, restaurants (Boma and Jiko), lounge and activities in Jambo House will not re-open until the hotel rooms (not DVC rooms) in Jambo House re-open. And Disney may be taking advantage of this opportunity to keep guests in fewer hotels rather than having all of the hotels open and needing to discount the rooms.

Good point, thanks for sharing. We can't book until 7 months out anyway, hopefully by then we will have a better sense of what's going to happen. If still no plans for a full re-opening of Jambo at that point, maybe we 'll book elsewhere. Thanks again!

 

[Dakota731]

What are the dates of the pool refurbishment?

 

[mgc]

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[mgc]

What are the dates of the pool refurbishment?

From the Disney website:
"From January 2022 through April 2022, the Samawati Springs Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village may enjoy the Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House."