Would Kidani open if Uwanja is not complete?

[ranthony]

Considering that constuction is moving along well ahead of schedule,there is a good chance that we'll be able to stay in Kidani next March, which would be great!

However, would Kidani actually open for occupancy without having the pool area complete? Could guests be expected to trek over to Jambo for the pool?

We're thinking about very few park days with time to just enjoy the resort, but if I have to hike a half mile with kids in tow (and wet suits) I'd reconsider and request Jambo this go around.

What do you think?

 

[tomandrobin]

Considering that constuction is moving along well ahead of schedule,there is a good chance that we'll be able to stay in Kidani next March, which would be great!

However, would Kidani actually open for occupancy without having the pool area complete? Could guests be expected to trek over to Jambo for the pool?

I think that the first section will get done by December/January. But I do not think the pool area or the restaurant will be open until the spring. But I would not take what I am saying to heart. I think that we all will know alot better by July/August.

 

[DisneyCruisin']

We heard rumors while at a DVC presentation that they expected Kidani to be open by the end of Fall 2008 - that they were that far ahead of schedule. I asked if it would be completed by then and was told they expect completion first quarter of 2009. Now, this was by someone at DVC. I was told they like to under promise and over deliver and since Jambo was finished SO far ahead that they are able to focus on Kidani and get it ready even quicker.

Take it as a rumor - but it at least sounds great!

 

[spiceycat]

well I don't remember any DVC resort opening without at least one pool. If it is the main one or just a temporary pool - don't know.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I really doubt they would open for occupancy without the pool ready. It has never happened before.

 

[LisaS]

I think that the first section will get done by December/January. But I do not think the pool area or the restaurant will be open until the spring. But I would not take what I am saying to heart. I think that we all will know alot better by July/August.

I agree that the pool and restaurant will probably open in the spring rather than this winter. Given how the construction is progressing (starting at the end closest to Jambo House and working their way along) and given the pool is at the far end, they will still be working on that end of the building when phase 1 opens. There could even be heavy construction equipment still in use at the pool end of the resort at that time. The first rooms to open will be those closest to Jambo House and it won't be that much further to walk to the Jambo House pool than it would be to walk to the Kidani pool area.

 

[tomandrobin]

I agree that the pool and restaurant will probably open in the spring rather than this winter. Given how the construction is progressing (starting at the end closest to Jambo House and working their way along) and given the pool is at the far end, they will still be working on that end of the building when phase 1 opens. There could even be heavy construction equipment still in use at the pool end of the resort at that time. The first rooms to open will be those closest to Jambo House and it won't be that much further to walk to the Jambo House pool than it would be to walk to the Kidani pool area.

The other factor with the pool (which I forgot to mention) is if it opens in January, it is still considered chilly. There would not be too much use anyway. This is the time of year Disney will close and refurbish the existing pools.

 

[pilferk]

IMHO, they won't open without at least the pool (but maybe not the water play area, pool bar, etc) open. I'd be shocked, because the guest satisfaction issues would be, I think, immense. I also don't think they'd try to offload the demand from Kidani onto the Jambo pool, even for 3 to 6 months. I would suspect they would be more likely to hold off on opening ANY phases at all, rather than opening without the pool.

I think it's also likely they have SOME sort of food service functional before they open, too. Maybe not Saana, but something, even if it's temporary.

All just my humble opinion, of course.

 

[holcomb-mania]

Glad to hear Kidani is ahead of schedule. I'm really looking forward to staying there in Jun09.

I really wish there was going to be a CS restaurant in Kidani, though.


eta:
With Uzima off-limits to pool-hopping, does that mean Samawati and Uwanja will be as well?

 

[pilferk]

Glad to hear Kidani is ahead of schedule. I'm really looking forward to staying there in Jun09.

I really wish there was going to be a CS restaurant in Kidani, though.


eta:
With Uzima off-limits to pool-hopping, does that mean Samawati and Uwanja will be as well?

1) We asked about a CS restaurant at Kidani, and were told there would be some sort of CS type quick service option. I'm not sure it will be at the same level as, say, Mara. Instead, maybe something in the normal "sundries" shop that doubles as a grab and go , or maybe the pool bar will serve some "grab and go" type items. Or, heck, maybe the guides and CM's we've talked to were all just wrong..which is just as likely, let's face it. But I have to think that, with 300+ rooms at Kidani, there will be SOMETHING, and they won't make you trek over to Mara for a CS offering....I mean, it's not like the studio guests actually have a kitchen! If not...I agree, that going to be problematic.

2) I think AKV DVC guests (and maybe the rest of the AKL guests...not sure) will have "free reign" between the two pools. I suspect, but haven't been told for sure, that pool hopping for DVC owners staying at OTHER resorts will be restricted, just like it is with Uzima.

 

[LisaS]

I also don't think they'd try to offload the demand from Kidani onto the Jambo pool, even for 3 to 6 months.

There isn't that much demand for the pools in December and January. I think they will want to have the pool open in time to meet the demand (Feb or early Mar at the latest) but I will be surprised if they open it as the very first rooms in Kidani become available. I've been to WDW in both Dec and Jan and while DH and I take advantage of every possible pool day, the pools have never been very busy when we've been there, even when the temperature was nearly 80 degrees. We haven't been there during Christmas week so I expect the pools do get crowded at that time.

 

[pilferk]

There isn't that much demand for the pools in December and January. I think they will want to have the pool open in time to meet the demand (Feb or early Mar at the latest) but I will be surprised if they open it as the very first rooms in Kidani become available. I've been to WDW in both Dec and Jan and while DH and I take advantage of every possible pool day, the pools have never been very busy when we've been there, even when the temperature was nearly 80 degrees. We haven't been there during Christmas week so I expect the pools do get crowded at that time.

It was moderately busy, on the days we visited, in early january. It was also 80+ degrees, most days, which might not be the norm. We've been lucky to see that type of weather BOTH times we've visited during that time of year (2006 and 2008).

And I feel exactly the opposite as you do: I don't think they'd open ANYTHING without easy access to a pool. They never have, as far as I remember. It's the one deal breaker, IMHO. Maybe they would, but they'd need to give everyone booking a heads up that the pool would not be available, in order to avoid a PR/guest satisfaction nightmare. And I think if they GAVE guests that heads up...few people would take them up on booking those rooms.

I guess we'll have to wait and see....

 

[ranthony]

and I didn't feel the pool was busy at all. I remember specifically thinking that the pool did not seem busy considering it was between Christmas and New Year's and very warm. (87 degrees when we left Epcot on the 29th!)

I could see a a few of the buildings in Kidani opening and guests only having access to the pool in Jambo. I guess I'll have to wait and see how things progress. I will not be staying in Kidani even if the option is there if there is no pool.

Now, I'm wondering about the lobby. If only a few Kidani buildings are open at first I can see all DVC guests having to check in at Jambo and then going to Kidani. The Jambo lobby is beautiful, so I wouldn't mind that too much.