Kidani Village?

[hurricanepat]

So we got our Magical Express packet today and we found out we are staying at the Kidani Village...we originally were not sure of which section of AKL because we got the room through a time share. How were your experiences at this resort? Are there any pros or cons at staying at either one of the AKL resorts? It looks beautiful and we are both extremely excited.

 

[shoppingnut]

I haven't stayed at Kidani, but I have stayed at AKL and I loved it. It is one of the most unique hotels that you can experience at WDW in my opinion. Kidani is the Disney Vacation Club resort that was built next to AKL.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Staying there for the first time starting this weekend. I purchased AKL as my home resort earlier this year, so I decided to give it a try. I have visited the resort before, and thought that it is very nice. I also think Sanaa is one of the better table service secrets at WDW.

From my reading there are a few complaints that seem to get mentioned the most. As with AKL in general some people complain about the remoteness (but others love it). I have also seen a number of complaints about the size of the resort and how it can take a long time to get from your room to the front of the resort. I don't know how bad this could be in relation to other long hallway resorts such as Yacht/Beach or Wilderness Lodge. The only complaint that I do somewhat understand is the rather off placement of the pool. It is off to the front of the resort and you have to do some walking down the parking lot areas in order to get there. When I went to explore the resort not too long after its opening, this was one thing that stuck out for me as being unusual. Overall though, I think it is a very nice place and I am looking forward to my first stay.

 

[wdw4brits]

Kidani is fantastic! The villas are even better than the ones at AKL. They feel bigger and more modern.
My only problem is the fact that you might end up with a room about a 10min walk from the lobby! The corridors are soooooooo long

 

[Billy6]

My family and I stayed at Kidani Village this past June,2010.

Some of the pros/cons, that I have formulated by opinion only.

To some, the remoteness is good and to some bad. To me, I was indifferent. We didnt have a problem with Disney transportation at all. The buses showed up regularly without that much wait time. The park buses drop off there first and then go to Jambo House and on to the park. And the exact opposite for DTD and BB buses. So if you want to eat at Jiko or Boma and dont want to walk, just take a park bus there and a DTD bus back.

Kidani doesn't have a counter service restaurant, so we did go to Jambo a few times to eat at Mara. The pool at Kidani does have a bar that serves a decent lunch menu plus a "room service" type of menu that is a bit more expensive and will deliver it to the pool bar. Kind of a "bento box" meal.

The length of the resort is probably the biggest con of Kidani. From the lobby or game room, gift shop to the rooms can be a long walk. Also to and from the pool can be a pain. There are elevators placed at intervals in the hallways that make getting to the parking and pools a bit easier, but it is what it is...a long walk.

The store/gift shop leaves a little to be desired. You are better off going to a local grocery store to stock up on those items. The Disney merchandise selection was limited and rather dissapointing. Jambo House's gift shop is bigger and more selections.

The rooms, however, are amazing. We had a two bedroom dedicated villa. The Lion King details on everything are fantastic, especially in the master bathroom. We had 9 people there, and there wasn't any complaints of "enough room". The kitchen was a bit small from other villas that I have stayed in(we have a Marriott Vacation club membership too).

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need more info....

 

[hurricanepat]

Thanks for the input. I don't mind the walk, if its anything like the walk from the far side of Coronado Springs lake or the Carribean Beach lake I don't see the big deal. Yes, the lack of a counter service at the Kidani kind of sucks but im not big on breakfast....as long as I can get a coffee somewhere I don't mind.

 

[moonchild925]

Have stayed on both sides and bought into AKL as my home resort. I love both sides. I think the best restaurants in any resort are located here. Jiko is a absolute must do on every trip to the world for me. The other options are great too....I have never found transportation to be a problem here. I don't mind the walking because really anything you do at wdw is going to involve plenty of it. No matter what view room you booked you will have plenty of vantage points to take in the animals and the overall theming and decor are the most unique on property and perhaps even the world...My only 2 very tiny gripes about kidani are that I do think every dvc/deluxe level resort should have a quick service option. granted walking or bussing to the mara at jambo house isn't a huge deal but it would be nice to have a closer option and would ease the congestion there at busier times of year. if the pool bar served a light breakfast that would be fantastic. The other miniscule issue i had this last trip was that the mosquitos at the pool were horrendous. Disney does do a phenomenal job of keeping pests to a minimum on the whole. This most likely was a fluke thing. but just a word to the wise to bring some bug repellant in the event you need it. Have a great trip!

 

[hurricanepat]

We do have reservations at Jiko which we are both excited for, it sounds like a great restaurant.

 

[shoppingnut]

We do have reservations at Jiko which we are both excited for, it sounds like a great restaurant.

The food is excellent there, you will definitely enjoy it.

 

[dreamfinder]

The only real downside in my opinion is that there is no CS at Kidani house. They do have pool side service, as well as a mug refill station. The food at Saana, Jiko and Boma is awesome. The savannahs are great, and the bus service isn't any worse than any other resort. AKL is out favorite resort by far.