Which would you pick?

[alafond83]

We are headed to WDW in April - It will be My Husband, Me, Our 3 Kids (5,3&2) and In-Laws. This will be the kids 1st trip. We original had planned an October 2020 trip staying at Saratoga Spring, when I moved the trip to April I switched to a 2 bedroom Savanna View at Kidani. I keep looking at what resorts are available for the week we are going I'm now conflicted. A 2 bedroom is available at Boulder Ridge. We have never stayed at either resort so i'm asking between the two which would you pick? Right now I'm leaning towards Kidani because of the Savanna view for the kids, but I would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks!!

 

[Marthasor]

That's a tough one. Kidani-Savannah view will be lovely and you'll have 3 bathrooms plus the extra sleeper chair in the living room. It's just very remote and, until Jambo House opens, there seem to be very few food choices there. Will you have your own car? The plus side to BRV is more food options and the boat to MK, however, IMHO the BRV villas are in desperate need of a refurb. If I were you, I would keep your eyes open for something to open at Copper Creek (nicer villas than BCV though essentially the same resort), BLT or even BCV to be in closer proximity to parks.

 

[Sarahslay]

I love the savannah view, but, the food options there are less than spectacular. Boulder ridge is a bit easier with both roaring fork and geyser point open for quick food, and whispering canyon. It's also pretty convenient to MK with the boat. I do love the room at Kidani, especially the bathroom situation, but I would have serious issues with food as it stands right now.

 

[alafond83]

That's a tough one. Kidani-Savannah view will be lovely and you'll have 3 bathrooms plus the extra sleeper chair in the living room. It's just very remote and, until Jambo House opens, there seem to be very few food choices there. Will you have your own car? The plus side to BRV is more food options and the boat to MK, however, IMHO the BRV villas are in desperate need of a refurb. If I were you, I would keep your eyes open for something to open at Copper Creek (nicer villas than BCV though essentially the same resort), BLT or even BCV to be in closer proximity to parks.

We will have our own car - but I was tempted by the boat to MK, sometimes not driving is easier for us. And thank you!!

 

[Sunshine11]

Boulder Ridge during current times. Though Kidani is beautiful, it's scarce at Jamba House currently. Wilderness Lodge is beautiful and located conveniently to MK. Enjoy.

 

[VandVsmama]

Boulder Ridge. AKL has hardly any dining open right now.

 

[Disneypapa]

While you can't go wrong with either resort, I would opt for the Savanna view at AKL.

 

[Mazz519]

Stay with Kidani, the kids will love it as well as you and your husband, we love sitting out on the balcony watching all the animals

 

[Shellyred8]

If you have more MK days planned than AK days, I would go with BRV (or CCV if it becomes available). The fewer times you have to pack up the stroller and get on the bus the better, IMO.
If you are planning pool time, both have good pools. They both have a nice splash-pad play area for the littles. And they both have zero entry pools too.

As others have mentioned, the food options at Kidani right now are not great. BRV will have more options to choose from. And if you want to try eating at one of the other MK resorts, just go to MK and hop on the monorail to get to the one you want to go to. That might be a fun adventure for the kiddos too.

 

[Sandiz08]

Boulder ridge right now.

 

[kimmar067]

....you can't go wrong with either resort....

....the architect designed both resorts, so there are some similarities, with obviously, exception to the theming.

 

[kimmar067]

Boulder Ridge during current times. Though Kidani is beautiful, it's scarce at Jamba House currently. .

....SCARCE?? It's downright like a ghosttown!

 

[RoseGold]

I would go Boulder Ridge for transportation. AKL is bussing dependent, and that has been a challenge. I love AKL, but it's not my top pick right now.

Availability is changing constantly now, so keep checking. Maybe you can get BC/BW or BLT?

 

[alafond83]

Thank you everyone! Keep it coming the pros and cons are what is helping with my decision and I appreciate it so much!

 

[Miffy]

You have a car, so transportation issues are not really in play here, although you did mention the boat from WL. Hopefully someone who's stayed there recently will be able to tell you how that's working right now--wait times, etc.

I'd choose Kidani myself and if your kids like animals, having a savanna-view room will be amazing for them. The limited food options (at present--who knows if Jambo will be open by April?) won't be an issue if you stock your fridge. Also, you have the car--another plus on the food side of things.

 

[Dug720]

As someone who doesn't cook on vacation and who does not drive, having more than ONE option for food is a priority for me, therefore Kidani is not a consideration until they open more food options.

 

[MissionMouse]

I think you might consider your park schedule as this defines a good part of your day, under today's restrictive guest operation. Both resorts you have referenced are currently driven/open due to DVC contractual obligations. Their not in normal operations and many areas of the resort remain closed. Location may place a more important part of your decision. Kids in your children's age category tend to prefer MK, but Star Wars or Animals may sway these findings, based upon your own observations-knowledge of your children.

Also, for us, transportation and dining at the resort are an important factor. Driving yourself around property is clearly an option, but for us we prefer to break away and relax...use Disney transportation and you will be a multi generational party of seven. What are your groups dining expectations and do you have plans to use the villa's kitchen? Have you traveled with your in-laws before?

 

[MICKIMINI]

I've stayed at all the above. With your circumstances I'd go for BRV.

 

[kwdw]

Kidani! Here's why (1) You have young kids that will LOVE the savanna view. (2) Three bathrooms. There are seven of you! We stayed at a 2 bedroom in Kidani with 4 adults and 1 kid (3 yo). That third bathroom got used a lot. (3) It's got an awesome splash pad for young kids and frankly, it's got a nice slide at the pool if the adult or older kids are into that.

Now, yes, Kidani is limited on dining at the resort. We bought groceries and had more than enough choices to make everyone happy for breakfast and snacks and a couple dinners in the room. But if you want nothing to do with food prep in your room - then yes, you might want to pick a different resort.