Thoughts from AKL-Kidani (Live)

[Metsoskil]

We're at WDW right now, and while my DS3 takes his nap, I figured I'd post a few thoughts about Kidani Village, since it's our first visit here...

The theming is excellent. The lobby is smaller than I expected after being in Jambo House, but I actually like it better. When you walk in the doors, make sure you turn around. The detail above the entry is awesome.

Having never stayed at AKV before, I am impressed with the number of activities, both for kids and adults. Some require a small fee, some are free. I really feel like I could stay here w/ my two kids for a few days, never visit the parks, and still have a great, fun filled vacation.

The walk from Jambo to Kidani is much shorter than I anticipated. 5 to 10minutes from lobby to lobby.

Others have said this before, but the pool at Kidani is very nice, and the play area/kiddie pool is just incredible.

I'm so happy we spent the extra points on the savannah view. Seeing the kids get all excited every time they see an animal is priceless. There don't seem to be as many viewing locations at Kidani for those in non-SV rooms as there are at Jambo. Just the areas around the lobby as far as I can tell. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

We really enjoyed Sanaa. Since we had a 5PM ADR and they opened at 5, we had no problem getting a window seat. It was like eating at the Coral Reef, but with terrestrial animals instead of aquatic animals. Giraffes, Wildebeasts, Ostriches, and Antelope continuously made their way past our window. The kids loved it. The inside of the place is amazing as well. The food was good, but nothing wowed us. I've had more authentic African and Indian food elsewhere. That wouldn't stop us from going again, though. I thought the prices to be reasonable for Disney. We shared the bread service. I had the Shrimp in Green Curry and Spinach & Paneer. DW had the green curry and Chicken in Red Curry. We found the Curries to be a bit oily. The bread service was great. Our server was great. Dessert (the eggless chocolate cake and vanilla coconut rice pudding) was mediocre.

The rooms are beautiful. We are in a studio. Since we have two small kids, and both get the Jimmy Legs while they sleep, we had one sleep on the sofa sans cusions (not pulled out), which was still soft because the pull-out sofa mattress is there. The other kid slept in a sleeping bag on the cusions on the floor. Both were comfortable. The bed for DW and I is among the most comfortable Disney beds we've slept on (We've stayed at BWV, OKW, POFQ, and POP). The pillows are oddly small, but very comfortable.

We ate at the Mara for the first time today for lunch. DW and I had the Chicken Flatbread and the kids had mac n cheese. Everything was good. I liked the cilantro sauce on the flatbread. It's like the green sauce at an Indian restaurant. Very tasty.

DW just informed me that refillable mugs can be filled at the gift shop in the lobby here. I know that was a question we had before coming. It doesn't open until 7:30 though, so if you are an EMH rope-drop person, you may not be able to get your coffee.

I'll post more if anything pops up while we're here. Time to wake DS up to get ready for MK.

 

[wdrl]

I enjoy reading your trip report about Kidani Village. We stayed at Jambo House in June, but had dinner at Sanaa. When we made the ADR, the CM recommended we get a table near a window. We took his advice and really enjoyed the savanna view! Another cast member suggested we try the Zebra Domes, which are available at Mara and the shop in Kidani. They are fantastic, especially if you love chocolate mousse and aren't worried about calories. If you hate dessert, hate chocolate, hate mousse, and hate calories, then I suggest you skip them!

 

[Metsoskil]

I enjoy reading your trip report about Kidani Village. We stayed at Jambo House in June, but had dinner at Sanaa. When we made the ADR, the CM recommended we get a table near a window. We took his advice and really enjoyed the savanna view! Another cast member suggested we try the Zebra Domes, which are available at Mara and the shop in Kidani. They are fantastic, especially if you love chocolate mousse and aren't worried about calories. If you hate dessert, hate chocolate, hate mousse, and hate calories, then I suggest you skip them!

I agree about the Zebra Domes. Had them as dessert w/ lunch (I've also had them at Boma before). They are incredible. Love the Amarula! I did'nt know they were in the gift shop here. That's info my waistline didn't need me to have!