Villas at Wilderness Lodge vs Animal Kingdom Villas

[Shelliemay]

Ughh its so hard to make a decision .but what do you guys think about BLT 2 bedroom villas standard view? We just found out that the price is actually the same with VWL and a bit cheaper than AKV Savanna View. The location seems to be superb but I'm not sure about the view in standard-view room and does the hotel feels like a typical Hilton and less-disney? Thanks!

 

[slappy magoo]

Well, a 2BR at BLT will have 3 bathrooms. So will a 2BR unit at VAK (except for Value size accommodations) but Wilderness Lodge will only have 2 bathrooms. So, there's that.
What you will see in a "Standard View" room at BLT can vary; some of the views, while not of the Lake or MK, can be quite nice, overlooking the resort's greens and sometimes you'll even get a bit of the lake, too (if the videos at youtube are to be believed). With Animal Kingdom you will definitely be getting a unique an unforgettable experience as far as a view goes. Were I in your situation, I have 2 little girls so I'd opt for BLT so I could quickly and easily get to MK, plus monorail access to Epcot, and Poly and GF, PLUS boat access to Fort WIlderness and Wilderness Lodge, if you ever want to resort hop, dine in their restaurants, do Hoop De Do or the Poly Luau etc etc.. Once they're older I'd be more inclined to stay at VAK, but for now, BLT.

 

[wedenterprises]

Has anyone stayed at Kidani but used the Jambo pool? How much of a pain is it to walk over to Jambo to use their pool? Let's assume your room is close to the Kidani lobby...

 

[jeffk410]

Has anyone stayed at Kidani but used the Jambo pool? How much of a pain is it to walk over to Jambo to use their pool? Let's assume your room is close to the Kidani lobby...

I've done this numerous times. Stayed at Jambo and used Kidani and vice versa. I really don't find it to be a far walk at all.

 

[wedenterprises]

I've done this numerous times. Stayed at Jambo and used Kidani and vice versa. I really don't find it to be a far walk at all.

Thanks! Good to know. Is the best way over on the path outside, or is there a shortcut indoors? I just ask because the resort map isn't super clear as to how accessible this pathway is.

It looks about the same distance as staying in the Beach club villas and walking over to stormalong bay...

 

[jeffk410]

Thanks! Good to know. Is the best way over on the path outside, or is there a shortcut indoors? I just ask because the resort map isn't super clear as to how accessible this pathway is.

It looks about the same distance as staying in the Beach club villas and walking over to stormalong bay...

There is an outdoor path; I don't believe there is a short cut. I suppose it could be long if you are at the opposite side of Kidani, but I think people tend to exaggerate the walk. It's a nice walk to burn off the calories from Boma.

 

[wedenterprises]

There is an outdoor path; I don't believe there is a short cut. I suppose it could be long if you are at the opposite side of Kidani, but I think people tend to exaggerate the walk. It's a nice walk to burn off the calories from Boma.

haha absolutely. I feel better, thanks. Did you prefer the AKL pool or the Kidani pool? Both look amazing, but the AKL pool has such an amazing setting. Reminds me of the WL pool a little bit.

 

[Rob562]

Thanks! Good to know. Is the best way over on the path outside, or is there a shortcut indoors? I just ask because the resort map isn't super clear as to how accessible this pathway is.

It looks about the same distance as staying in the Beach club villas and walking over to stormalong bay...

If it's hot out, you can walk at least some of the way indoors on the Kidani side of it. Stay indoors down the hallway on the Jambo side, until you come to the elevators two sections from the end. Go down to the ground floor and you're halfway there.

Off-hand I don't know if you need a room key/Magic Band to get into where those elevators are from outside, and if they do only a Kidani card/Band might work.

Another option, you can take a bus from Kidani to Jambo and back again. The theme park buses all stop at Kidani first so you can hop on there to ride to Jambo, and the Downtown Disney bus stops at Jambo first so you can hop on there and ride to Kidani.

-Rob

 

[wedenterprises]

Thank you! I figured there were elevators further down on the jambo side... Good to know!

 

[jeffk410]

haha absolutely. I feel better, thanks. Did you prefer the AKL pool or the Kidani pool? Both look amazing, but the AKL pool has such an amazing setting. Reminds me of the WL pool a little bit.

I actually like the Kidani pool area better. Just my personal preference, but I really like the lay out of the hot tubs and pool. I am staying at Jambo in May and I imagine we will end up at the Kidani pool area more often.

 

[wedenterprises]

I can't wait to see both, but Kidani seems the quieter of the two.