We just booked AKL Kidani Village Grand Villa in May. Would love to hear everything you love about this resort as it will be our first time staying there. We are DVC members.
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AKL - what do you love?
- Thread starter Grand&Miraculous
- Start date
zurgandfriend
Well-Known Member
The AKL is unique. The theming, restaurants live animals and gift shop are very different from any thing you'll find in WDW.
My only complaint is that it's far away from everything else. Of course some people may find that an advantage.
My only complaint is that it's far away from everything else. Of course some people may find that an advantage.
AkiraRaptor
Meega, nala kwishta!
AKL DVC owners too. Make sure you get a Sanaa dinner reservation, great place. And try Jiko at AKL Jambo House too.
We always rent a car for our stays, so the distance never is an issue as we drive to the parks and resorts every day. Hardly ever use the busses anymore. Plus, we don't have to wait for a crowded bus at park closings.
The two resorts have lots of daily things to do too. Check out the resorts information when you get there for a schedule. They have lots of art and museum pieces all about both resorts, plenty of activates for both kids and adults. And the animals of course too.
Have fun!
We always rent a car for our stays, so the distance never is an issue as we drive to the parks and resorts every day. Hardly ever use the busses anymore. Plus, we don't have to wait for a crowded bus at park closings.
The two resorts have lots of daily things to do too. Check out the resorts information when you get there for a schedule. They have lots of art and museum pieces all about both resorts, plenty of activates for both kids and adults. And the animals of course too.
Have fun!
MickeyLuv'r
Well-Known Member
It is a nice hotel. Theming is great! Do walk around to see the art around the hotel if you have time. Pool is great. I'm not sure what AKL currently offers for resort activities, but in the past those were also fun at AKL. I also recall having fun searching the lobby for hidden Mickeys, though that was also some time ago.
I would stay there more often, but last time we did the food court was not that great for breakfast. With a nice kitchen, you'll be all set to use it for breakfast. The other sorta downside is that it takes a little longer to get to 3 of the 4 theme parks compared to some of the other deluxe/DVC hotels (by bus), but still manageable. It is close to AK.
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
side note for current conditions…. Kidani construction has the whole lobby and main Savanah viewing closed.
BeanCounterBob
Active Member
Oh how we love the bread service at Sanaa! Typically we will go there for dinner one night, and then order bread service to go another night. We are DVC at Jambo, but we order Amazon Fresh for breakfast, waters, and snacks....and the luggage services will hold all of that for you, and then bring it to your room. Also, my daughter loves Simbas Cubhouse at Jambo house. Its nice to walk around and look or animals and just soak in the enviroment.
HakunaMatata89
Premium Member
dinner at Jiko's after or/followed by an adult beverage or two during a stroll outside overlooking the enclosures.
Kevin_W
Well-Known Member
This is certainly a YMMV situation, but I think the commonly-cited park distance is overblown, unless comparing it to a crescent lake report where you can walk to two parks. If you visit each park once over 4 days you will spend a total of ~20 minutes longer on a bus compared to staying at a closer resort. To my mind, that's not that big of a deal.
I agree with zurg's plusses - the theming and the animals. What other hotel in the world can you go to and see Okapi outside?
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
it depends on how you visit and park hop. It can definitely add to your transportation times but I think it’s worth it!
I could easily spend several days at the animal kingdom lodge, never leave, and be very content. It’s also a great place to spend a rainy day since the lodge is all one building with covered walkways to everything.
mattpeto
Well-Known Member
I think it's overrated too, but a full week there with all buses is maddening - even if the buses are timely (which in most cases they are). A long walking path from Jambo to AKL would really help IMO. It wouldn't be short- it might be the same length from the Poly to MK - but it would nice alternative.
Kevin_W
Well-Known Member
That's a good point. I don't know if there is enough room next ot the road/waterways, but using google maps I measured just under a mile from the front of AKL to security at AK. It was maybe a couple hundred feet farther than Dolphin to DHS, which is a path I've taken many times.
Dr.GrantSeeker
Well-Known Member
In the original planning stages of the resort there was supposed to be a walkway from Jambo house to the theme park. I don’t know why they ended up never building it or at least revisiting it now. I think people today show interest in a walking as a way to get around WDW and especially if I could walk from the TTC to MK or Studios to Epcot. Those aren’t short walks.
Tony the Tigger
Well-Known Member
There is a gym with two saunas near the pool.
Quick service: zebra domes and banana cupcakes.
Dinner: Jiko. Love it. Can walk outside and see the animals, including at night.
Never had a bad time there.
Quick service: zebra domes and banana cupcakes.
Dinner: Jiko. Love it. Can walk outside and see the animals, including at night.
Never had a bad time there.
TrainsOfDisney
Well-Known Member
Yes!!!!! I’d say the QS at Jambo is maybe the best QS at any resort. I can’t think of one I think is better. Variety, quality, and friendly!
mattpeto
Well-Known Member
While Jambo’s lobby is the grand jewel of AKL, Kidani is massively underrated. The pool and splash pad are excellent. Sanaa is one of the best restaurants on property and the QS breakfast makes it easy to get a window view and just takes you to far away place.
Kidani 1 bedrooms have 2 full baths, which is a huge thing when staying with 4 or 5 people. It helped me sell DVC to my wife. And that’s where we own today.
Kidani 1 bedrooms have 2 full baths, which is a huge thing when staying with 4 or 5 people. It helped me sell DVC to my wife. And that’s where we own today.
broncobill
New Member
We are also staying there this coming May. We are not DVC members but rented points. We will be staying in a Deluxe Studio Savannah view. This is my wife's favorite resort just for the animals. We do not mind bus transportation only.