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pros and cons please....
- Thread starter goofy5380
- Start date
Weather_Lady
Well-Known Member
We recently went through the same thing. We ended up choosing Jambo, but there are wonderful aspects to both and the differences seem quite minor. I found these articles and previous discussion threads helpful in figuring out the differences between the two -- perhaps they'll assist you as well. (Note that we rented DVC points, so some of these are comparing and contrasting DVC rooms.) Also, older articles leave out the fact that Sanaa (at Kidani Village) now serves a CS breakfast.
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blog.dvcrequest.com
www.mouseonthemind.com
Jambo or Kidani? Pros and Cons?
We’re thinking of renting points but would like to know details: do they have their own pools? With slide? Closest to bus stop? Closest to main resort? TIA!
Jambo House and Kidani Village: Which Works? Â
So, you want to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. The real question is, which building? Not everyone is aware that there are, in fact, two separate buildings at Animal Kingdom — Jambo House and Kidani Village. For those who have not visited the resort since before 2009, the addition of...
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Cabin Options at Walt Disney World - Cabin Critic
Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Nestled on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground ... Read moreCabin Options at Walt Disney World
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correcaminos
Well-Known Member
We love AKL as a whole, but far prefer Kidani to Jambo. If doing a 1 bedroom or above you get an extra bathroom and a little more space. I find the savanna on Kidani is better. I prefer parking under the hotel so the car doesn't stay out in the sun. I love how quiet and relaxing it feels. We find everything about the pool better at Kidani. The QS is at the pool as an FYI. Sanaa is our favorite restaurant so it's nice to be there. The community hall is at Kidani and a lot of fun. First on and off going to the parks.
Negatives?
A long walk to the Mara if you need more QS options
The lobby is smaller
Negatives?
A long walk to the Mara if you need more QS options
The lobby is smaller
Club Cooloholic
Well-Known Member
I am going to be doing Kidani(at leat the plan so far) for the first time next trip as well after twice staying in a regular Jambo room. I chose Kidani because of the bigger room (2-bed), and to change it up. We have a standard view.
Two pros and cons I have figured out are...
Pro- The pool bar is nice at Kidani because you can actually observe some animals right there.
Con- Unlike Jambo that has several viewing areas scattered throughout the wings of the hotel, I think Kidani only has some windows...no area to sit and look other than the main area by the lobby.
nickys
Premium Member
A lot of the resort activities are at Jambo Lodge, but it’s an easy 10 minute walk between the two (albeit not a scenic one). Or there’s a shuttle bus.
I prefer the pool area at Kidani, and it has a bonus of a viewing area to Pembe savannah where the red river hogs are, but you can use both pools. The gym is at the entrance to the pool area, not sure if Jambo has it’s own gym.
The outlook at Kidani is right outside Sana’a, so you can take a drink outside very easily.
There are places to view the animals along the hallways certainly on the entrance level, which is technically the third floor (I think).
I prefer the pool area at Kidani, and it has a bonus of a viewing area to Pembe savannah where the red river hogs are, but you can use both pools. The gym is at the entrance to the pool area, not sure if Jambo has it’s own gym.
The outlook at Kidani is right outside Sana’a, so you can take a drink outside very easily.
There are places to view the animals along the hallways certainly on the entrance level, which is technically the third floor (I think).
Something unique about DAK Jambo area is that before the alligator attack that killed the little boy at the GF resort there were very few alligators warning signs like we see today in every body of water in WDW. At the DAK guest tennis courts there is a very little sign behind the fence line/retention pond of the tennis courts which warns guests of alligators that has been there for almost 10 years.
correcaminos
Well-Known Member
Nope, there is seating on balconies in areas at Kidani. You can also do it from the Community Hall if all the rockers are full.
The Kidani pool bar is amazing honestly. The view is a part of it too That's where the okapi are though IIRC.
We found we also liked the activities at Kidani more than Jambo. Forgot that as well.
I'm horrible with numbers but I am 99% sure it is the 2nd floor. One floor down is Sanaa which is the bottom level.
hystericalbende
Member
When we were there the buses were shared between the two, and Kidani was the first pick-up/drop-off. That was amazing. It was inconvenient to travel to Mara in order to have more food options, but overall we liked Kidani.
Club Cooloholic
Well-Known Member
I meant along the hallways, in Jambo the buildings have them, at mid points in the wings, not just near the lobby. See below thread...
What is going on with the design of Animal Kingdom Lodge?
The theming is beautiful, the animals are very cool but my god…the design of the entire resort is so baffling to me. We stayed in Kidani village. While I love the idea of underground parking, it doesn’t exactly go along with the idea or the theme of being on an African safari. While in...
correcaminos
Well-Known Member
Ah gotcha. I like the ones at Kidani enough though. We'll be using them if our standard view on our next trip has a lousy view. I guess as much as Jambo wow'd me when it opened my heart went to Kidani after doing multiple stays and visits.I meant along the hallways, in Jambo the buildings have them, at mid points in the wings, not just near the lobby. See below thread...
What is going on with the design of Animal Kingdom Lodge?
The theming is beautiful, the animals are very cool but my god…the design of the entire resort is so baffling to me. We stayed in Kidani village. While I love the idea of underground parking, it doesn’t exactly go along with the idea or the theme of being on an African safari. While in...
nickys
Premium Member
I meant along the hallways, in Jambo the buildings have them, at mid points in the wings, not just near the lobby. See below thread...
What is going on with the design of Animal Kingdom Lodge?
The theming is beautiful, the animals are very cool but my god…the design of the entire resort is so baffling to me. We stayed in Kidani village. While I love the idea of underground parking, it doesn’t exactly go along with the idea or the theme of being on an African safari. While in...
Well I sat in the huge window areas all along the hallways and looked out onto the savannah. And you can go out onto balcony areas too.
He did say he may have missed them; he definitely did!
Club Cooloholic
Well-Known Member
A few standards have some animal views I think, but they tend to be pretty far from the lobby
correcaminos
Well-Known Member
We don't mind walking. There are quite a few on the backside view of the savanna not far from the pool. We'll consider requesting that area
Club Cooloholic
Well-Known Member
My plan was well, dont go next November and we should be in good shape lol
correcaminos
Well-Known Member
We're there in March. I just hope it's warm enough to use the pool!
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
I wouldn't stay at Kidani if Jambo is available. The wow factor of the lobby makes such a big difference, and the lack of QS at Kidani is a dealbreaker for me.
eliza61nyc
Well-Known Member
Love kidani, although in the interest of full disclosure I always stay there so can't compare it to Jambo. I love the smaller size, the pool is amazing.
Pirate's Life
Member
We have stayed at both but prefer Kidani for a lot of the same reasons mentioned above:
1. extra bathroom in the 1 bedroom suite
2. we bring our car so parking under the rooms is a nice feature, plus you can essentially park near your room
3. buses pick up and drop off first which is essential because we've seen people at Jambo have to wait for the next bus
4. it's a little more peaceful
5. quick walk or drive to Jambo for the larger gift shop and additional restaurants
1. extra bathroom in the 1 bedroom suite
2. we bring our car so parking under the rooms is a nice feature, plus you can essentially park near your room
3. buses pick up and drop off first which is essential because we've seen people at Jambo have to wait for the next bus
4. it's a little more peaceful
5. quick walk or drive to Jambo for the larger gift shop and additional restaurants
Simba’s Mom
Active Member
I've stayed at both, and I much prefer Jambo. I LOVE the lobby, and I'm not impressed with Kidani's. Both times I've stayed at Kidani, I've requested main floor and close to lobby. The first time, I was about 4 rooms from the far end, and on the 3rd floor. Next time we were a little closer (in actuality, Less far), and at least on the main (lobby) floor. Also at Jambo, if you want "cozy", the Sunset Lounge, in back of the front desk, really fits the bill. The food offerings are better. And the one time my luggage was lost was when I stayed at Kidani-the front desk had delivered it to an empty room, and it sat there for about 6 hours, until they finally located it for me.