We're booked for our first Kidani visit. Tell me what I need to know!

[StuckinPA]

Our waitlist with David's came through yesterday and while I could not get a value or standard studio at Jambo or Kidani, we were able to get a savannah view. I originally didn't want to pay that, but I figure we'll order groceries and do some breakfast/snacks in room and forgo park hopping to cover the difference. We're very excited. Will be just me (the mom) and my 9-year-old son who is finally tall enough to ride whatever he wants. Now - what tips can you give me for the resort? 212 days! But who's counting?

 

[com_op_2000]

Your kid will love the splash area of Kidani, it is the largest of all DVC resorts. The CMs are great make sure you talk with some of them, they will tell you all about their home countries. Schedule some time to tour the resort, the artifacts scattered throughout the resort and over at Jambo can be very interesting to learn about the culture of Africa.
The closest places to get groceries are both on Hwy 192 about 3 miles from the resort. They are a Publix and a Super Target, right across the street from each other.

 

[Atchley]

We were at Kidani last year and it is a lot of walking. We were in the Pumbaa section and it was quite a hike to the bus stop, lobby, or the pool. The lobby/gift shop is where you will fill your reusable mugs. By the time you walked down and walked back, your drink was gone. We have always made use of our mugs but it is almost too much of an effort at this resort if you are any distance from the lobby. Next time, we will probably take some two liters of pop with us to keep in the room.
All this being said, I loved the resort. We are planning on going again next year and taking my SIL and BIL with us.
Look around at all of the art. It is fantastic! Have a good trip.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Zebra domes are awesome. If you are using the meal plan grab like 6 packs as snacks and throw them in the fridge. The busses when we went were a pain. They pick up at jambo first then Kadani. I think we were skipped over by quite a few busses because they were full. Take the 6-7 minute walk and get a bus from there.

 

[mybabesuz]

Zebra domes are awesome. If you are using the meal plan grab like 6 packs as snacks and throw them in the fridge. The busses when we went were a pain. They pick up at jambo first then Kadani. I think we were skipped over by quite a few busses because they were full. Take the 6-7 minute walk and get a bus from there.

When did this happen??? They have always been Kidani first and then Jambo except for DTD.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

When did this happen??? They have always been Kidani first and then Jambo except for DTD.

This is correct. The bus stops at Kidani first when going to the parks. It's Jambo first for DTD buses. So, if you want to go to Jambo House from Kidani, just hop on the first park bus. To return, hop on a DTD bus. Or it's a short walk if you don't want to wait for a bus.

 

[mecllap]

Take binoculars, and plan to spend some time at the resort. You 9yo might enjoy the night-time night-vision goggle-viewing that they offer, and both pools.
I drive so I have a lot of stuff. I save some by handling my own luggage and stuff; I take a "beach cart" of my scrapbooking cart, which helps with boxes, bags, odds and ends. If you are in Jambo, parking can be a long way from your room (sounds like Kidani may be better for that -- will find out in a few weeks). Esp. at AK, having a car is very helpful. Have also gone back to taking our own lunches into the Parks (for cheaper, better quality, healthier food).

 

[Kidanifan08]

Sanaa offers a lunch a few times per week where you can dine with animal specialists. I tried searching it on the WDW site, and it still shows up, but the link does not work for some reason. You may be able to call WDW-DINE to inquire about it. If your son is into animals, it may be a nice opportunity for him to ask questions of the animal expert!

Sanaa is an excellent restaurant to try, if you like flavorful african-inspired food. The prices are fairly reasonable, by Disney standards. The buffet dinner at Boma is excellent, as well. At least your son is still young enough for the children's price at the buffet's.

The pools at Kidani and Jambo are both excellent, although I think we like Kidani better. The slide at Kidani is awesome. They have poolside activities during the day that your son may enjoy participating in.

The park buses stop at Kidani first, which is nice. The ride to MK is the longest, but probably only about 20 minutes, once you get on the bus.

Have a great time!