What best? 2 bed at Saratoga or AKV Kidani with 6 month old

[Cindy72]

Hi! So my family and I own at BWV but we are planning a bit last minute so it looks our options for a 2 bedroom is Saratoga or AKV Kidani for our May stay. It will be our first time traveling with our children and new grandchild who will be 6 months at the time. Which resort is best for getting around the resort and to and from the parks too? TIA for your help.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I would for sure choose AKV in a heartbeat. So much more special than SSR. Both are bus only. I have not stayed at SSR but have visited. Due to internal bus loops at SSR I would choose AKV and I would put in a room request to be close to the elevators. The biggest downside to AKV is the long hallways.

 

[sndral]

AKV Kidani has 4 banks of elevators, I think most folks name which elevator they want to be nearest - their names are noted in blue on the map. Zazu is the closest to Jambo House.

The Kidani 2 br.s have 3 bathrooms, park buses stop at Kidani first then Jambo, Disney Springs buses stop at Jambo first Kidani second. AKV is overdue for a refurb & it’s supposed to start this month - the sofa bed couches aren’t very comfortable ATM, I’ve never stayed at SSR but have read that it’s recent refurb. was really nice .

 

[bababear_50]

I've only stayed at AKV Kidani once and found the Long hallways very tiring after a long day at the parks or forgetting the sunblock in the room..
My preference is Jambo house.
SSR used to have boat transportation to Disney Springs ,,not sure if that is still running as it been a few years since I stayed there. Many people walk to Disney Springs from SSR. I enjoyed my stay there.

 

[Brian Noble]

Which resort is best for getting around the resort and to and from the parks too?

I'm not sure there is a huge difference between them. SSR has more internal bus stops, but at Kidani you are potentially much farther from the one and only stop. I have a slight lean to SSR, because I think the more spread-out nature of the buildings and the grounds makes it easier to e.g. go outside for a stroll if necessary, play on the grass, etc.

But you can't really go wrong here.

 

[RuntheMouse]

We own at both and either one is a good choice but those hallways at Kidani can be rough! At SSR we always request Grandstand and near pool. First stop for the busses and if you get near the pool, it’s a short walk to the Carriage House.

 

[DeeBee3]

I actually like both. I prefer the actual rooms at SSR because they are updated and have murphy beds. I like the extra bathroom at Kidani but room def needs new furniture.

I just stayed in the Grandstand section and also requested by the pool. It was a great spot. Took the elevator down and walked over the main building for the food. There is a short walkway. The pool right outside Grandstand has a cute kid splash area, but you are also close to that main pool. We liked our stay there.

By getting the Grandstand area we could use the bus stop at Grandstand which is 1st to pick up or use the last stop which is the one by the main building (The Springs).

 

[RWeThereYetJJ]

I have stayed in both AKL-K and SSR 2 bedrooms. I love both but lean towards SSR for the Disney Springs activities. However, you cannot go wrong with either way. Here are pros and cons I think you should consider.

AKL-K Pros:
1) Savannah views and animals
2) 3 Bathrooms
3) Larger rooms vs SSR so feels a little more spacious.
4) The restaurants: Sanaa in AKL-K, and a nice walk over to Jambo House for Jiko, Boma, and Mara
5) Kidani Pool - per my daughter
6) Covered Parking
7) Publix and Target a short distance from the resort
8) Night-time safari excursion (Cue Toto - Africa music)

AKL-K Cons:
1) Long hallways (Request to be closer to the lobby)
2) Aged furniture - Refurb should take care of that
3) Darker rooms - Hopefully the refurb improves the lighting


SSR Pros:
1) The Springs and Congress Park (Preferred Rooms) less points than AKL-K Savannah rooms.
2) Disney Springs is a short walk from Congress Park or a fun boat ride from The Springs
3) If staying in The Springs, a short walk to 2 feature pools (My daughter prefers The Paddock pool.), SSR restaurants, and other amenities
4) Lots of restaurant choices at Disney Springs and other activities.
5) Lighter colored rooms.
6) Parking close to building.
7) Nice walking path and surrey bikes
8) Near I-4 for a shorter trip to Universal Studios
9) DVC sales center with model rooms to tour to tempt me to buy more points
10) Golf course

SSR Cons:
1) Internal bus route (but really not that bad)
2) Two bathrooms vs AKL-K
3) Smaller rooms vs AKL-K
4) DVC sales center to tempt me to buy more points