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Author
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ead79
Disney Bride!
Wants the perfect pancake pan
Really likes a lot of NSYNC's songs
I hope my new job isn't like the movie "Office Space"
Registered: January 2000
Location: Marietta, GA, USA
Posts: 13700Review Date: Mon April 27, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Wonderful theme, savannah view is wonderful Cons: None
We stayed at Animal Kingdom Villas in Jambo House (the main building) this past December in a one bedroom concierge villa. We wound up with one of the villas that has a savannah view, which we really enjoyed.
We had a fantastic stay, and just love the elaborate theme of this resort. It is truly exotic, and it transports you to another place. The lobby is gorgeous, and the restaurants are both top-notch.
Our villa was well laid out, and we loved watching the giraffes and zebra outside our balcony each day.
If you're looking for a relaxing place to getaway, then AKV is a great choice! We're booked there again this December to try out the new Kidani Village building, so needless to say we give it two enthusiastic thumbs up!
LilGMom
It makes me want to Kiss on the lips!
I have caught myself laughing more than a few times
Registered: February 2006
Location: NW Florida
Posts: 5706Review Date: Tue April 28, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Room felt big, gorgeous resort, wonderful CMs Cons: Thought Boma was overhyped for breakfast.
Recently my family of four stayed, at Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House in a studio. We had a room that faced the pool and opened toward the lobby. When we checked into the room it was immaculate and I immediately felt at home. We were concerned that since our door was right above the lobby and near the elevator that noise would be an issue but thankfully it never was. Occasionally we could here the ‘ding’ from the elevator but unless you were straining to hear it or specifically trying to hear it the ‘ding was just very faint background noise.
The room had a queen sized bed, a queen sleeper sofa, dresser with a flat panel screen television on top, and the kitchenette area that included a coffee pot, toaster, microwave, deep sink and mini-refrigerator. We’ve stayed in studios before but this one didn’t feel as small as some of the others and I can’t quite put my finger on why. From our balcony we could see the pool and were able to sit on the balcony at night and listen to the faint music coming up from the speaker that was planted directly under our balcony. It was just loud enough to be heard but definitely not loud enough to be noisy or annoying.
We had an issue with the remote control not working when we first arrived so we called the front desk and a ‘mousekeeper’ immediately came to investigate. She told us that they had been having problems with that remote and she’d get a new one for the room that would be waiting for us when we returned later that day. The front desk had told us that they were packed to capacity but not once did we feel like the resort was crowded.
We enjoyed walking around the property, seeing the animals from the various observation areas and our young boys loved the playground area. My only concern with this resort is the playground area and my concern is with the parents that allow their kids to go play here alone. It is a little hidden and off the main paths yet we saw more than a couple of children playing there without a parent in sight. I know it is a Disney resort but kids under twelve should still be supervised, especially at night.
Overall we had another really wonderful experience at the Animal Kingdom Villas and can’t wait to stay there again.
brandylouwho
DIS Veteran
Registered: May 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 974Review Date: Wed April 29, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): beautiful, detailed theme Cons: none? maybe distance form parks and dim lighting.
Our first stay here was in a value one bedroom with a pool view (room 5024 I think). Even being value sized, the room was more than adequate for 2 adults and 2 young children. The decorating details are oustanding. The rooms are a bit on the dark side, but it was never a real issue for us. While we didn't have the savannah view, I thought our pool view was beautiful & relaxing. AKL & now AKV are our absolute favorite resort.
pershing
DIS Veteran
Registered: July 2003
Location: Cape Cod, MA
Posts: 1122Review Date: Thu April 30, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 0
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Fabulous decorative theming in everything-furniture, fixtures etc. Cons: none
We have stayed at DVC Wilderness, Beach Club, and Saratoga Springs also and love AKV the best. Points are very reasonable compared to the other DVC's also, which is nice.
We stayed in a 1 bedroom villa which is so worth it for the full kitchen, washer/dryer and jacuzzi. Not to mention the 2 flat screen TV's and King size bed!
I would love to stay here again.
sacinatl
Earning My Ears
Registered: February 2009
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Posts: 19Review Date: Thu April 30, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): The Animals in your back Yard. African Themeing Cons: The showers in the villas tend to leak into the bathroom.
Ok, so this happens to be our Home resort as DVC members, but we have stayed in a number of other DVC resorts as well. I absolutly love everthing about this resort. The newer part that is under construction now has a small water park area with fountains and the like. The lobby is beautiful. And the rooms (especially the 1 bedroom villa) are spectacular. I love walking out on the balcony in the morning to see a little herd of zebra eating, or a giraffe. Of course Jinko is a wonderful restaurant if you like unusual dishes. the pool is very nice, with yet another animal range a few steps away. The resort is decorated throughout with African artifacts. You can just walk around the floors and spend an hour just reading on the different exibits. We love to stay on the concierge level. this is one of the few DVC resorts that have such a level. The food provided all day, and drinks at night (yes, alcohole also), it can't be beat. The game room is hugh, and they offer resort only tours for the animal kingdom that you can't book otherwise.
My only complaint is that whoever designed the showers didn't have their coffee that morning. There is bascially no lip between the shower and the floor in the bathroom (it's flat), so water just sort of runs out into the floor. Not much, but towels are needed usually to keep the floor dry. Not good. Other than that, the rooms however are spectacular.
cherylse
Cherylse
Registered: May 2005
Location: 2 hours form the Mouse
Posts: 10Review Date: Fri May 1, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Everything! Cons:
No cons in this absolutely fabulous resort!
xipetotec
DIS Veteran
Registered: March 2005
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 1280Review Date: Fri May 8, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Beautiful resort. WORLD CLASS dining, great facilities Cons: Far from most parks
We had wanted to stay at the AKL for a while, and when they opened DVC units, that worked out great for us.
The resort is beautiful. We stayed in the main building villas as Kidani Village was not open yet. The dining at the hotel is probably some of ( if not THE ) best we've had on property anywhere. Jiko was just such a fantastic ( albeit expensive ) meal and we ate at Boma's buffet for both dinner and breakfast and had a fantastic meal with fantastic service.
There is a trail behind the hotel near the savanah so you can visit with the animals that are wandering around.
The only complaint I have is that this park is extremely far from all parks ( except AK, of course ).
Marc A. 
DIS Veteran
Registered: April 2005
Location: NW burbs, IL
Posts: 1306Review Date: Wed May 13, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Wonderful theme, super pool, tons of activities, love the animals Cons: the location in regards to the parks
My wife and I joined DVC in Feb. of 2008 and bought into the AK Villas.
Our first stay there was in March of 2009 for 11 nights in a 1 bedroom savannah view room.
The check in went smoothly, around a 5 minute process. Our room was clean and neat when we got in. The flat screen tv's in the bedroom and living room areas were reall nice. The DVD player came in handy for the kids.
The kids shared the pull out couch which had plenty of room for them ( they were both under 5 then). Our bed was large and very comfortable as well.
The kitchen was great. The washer and dryer was so handy. We didnt need to pack as much.
We sent a package down from home with some dry goods and laundry detergent.
The savannah was so interesting. There were always animals out and about to look at.
The one thing that seemed strange was that all the DVC room were located in the top 2 floors of the resort which to me didnt seem like the best viewing because you were almost too high (trees).
The kids loved the large pool and the slide.
We ate at Boma and loved it. Next time we will try Sanaa and Jiko.
Glad we bought into this resort.
bsusanmb
DIS Veteran
Registered: July 2004
Location: Near Hershey PA
Posts: 2039Review Date: Sun May 17, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): beautiful resort, attention to detail Cons: lack of quick service/counter service, placement of faucet in whirlpool tub
We stayed in 1 br villa at Kidani May 3-8. The resort is beautiful, but not quite finished. We had a standard view, which was a view of a pond like area, and tall grasses. The bed was very comfy, decor beautiful. Elevators were conveniently placed for the parking area, which is underneath the building and shaded. The faucet in the whirlpool tub is located at the front corner of the tub. There is no way you can put your head under it to rinse your hair. That was a big issue for me. Had to use a cup to rinse my hair when I washed it. I miss a quick beakfast, but no biggie, I guess. I ordered late at night from room service and that was a nice treat. The pool is wonderful...really well designed. The splash area for little ones and bigger ones is really great. I didn't go downt he big slide, but my grandson loved it. The fitness center is nicely placed just above the pool. Overall, we loved it.
donmil723
Stormalong Bay/Castaway Cay Beach Bum
Registered: June 2000
Location: The Midwest California
Posts: 2198Review Date: Sun May 24, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): beautiful interior; animal viewing, many activities Cons: have to take a bus everywhere
We stayed at the AKV Jambo House in a value studio in March, 2009. Our studio overlooked the sunset savannah although some values overlook the parking lot. The value studio is smaller than other DVC studios but it seemed large to my husband and me as we had just been on the Disney Magic.
The pool area was nice with lots of loungers in the sun as well as the shade. I like the sun. DH likes the shade.
We enjoyed eating at Mara. The African stew was very good as was the couscous salad served with the chicken pita.
Although we really prefer our home resort, BCV, we liked AKV and would stay there again.
guynwdm
It is a full time job just trying to keep up with all the posts.
Registered: August 2007
Location: West Des Moines, IA
Posts: 299Review Date: Wed June 3, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Theming and the animals Cons: Very long hallways, lighting in rooms
I stayed here (Jambo House) for 3 nights in a studio with my 75 yo father. We arrived in the evening and so just briefly looked out the balcony and headed to bed. It was difficult finding the light switch and did a bit of stumbling to find the switch in the middle of the room by the bed. In the morning the animals were out and roaming and created the best spot for having breakfast ever. My father enjoyed it to the point that he did not want to go to the parks and spent one morning just enjoying his coffee and the animals. It was so relaxing there.
John255x
Earning My Ears
Registered: November 2005
Posts: 3Review Date: Sun June 7, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Savannah View & Activities Cons: Jamba & Kidani
We stayed two nights at Kidani Village in two Studio from May 28 - May 30th.
The staff was friendly and had various activities for the kids. Depending on your Savannah view, you may only see certain animals. One of the studio had good views of the giraffe, while the other had various animals moving around. It's definitely a unique resort, which makes it special. The plus of staying at Kidani are the animals, pool, and friendly staff.
The couple of minor negative is that Kidani didn't have all the services available as at Jamba House. You can take the bus service to Jamba as it's the next stop before going to parks or about a 5 minute walk. Kidani did not offer Quick Service options if on the Disney meal plan and pickup for the DCL cruise is not available at Kidani.
Also, depending on the room location, it can be a long walk to the lobby. Kidani means "necklace", which is the design of the building and the lobby is at the middle.
bsusanmb
DIS Veteran
Registered: July 2004
Location: Near Hershey PA
Posts: 2039Review Date: Sun June 7, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): beautiful Cons: far from attractions
This is a review of the Kidani village. We stayed there when the resort opened in a one bedroom standard view. It was just beautiful, such attention to detail. We have stayed at AKL and this has exact same theme, but the rooms are larger. The pool is great, don't know what it will be like when the resort is in full operation. Nice children's area. Needs a counter service. Parking under the building is great...shade.
mommyceratops
Covets Clown School
Kevin's best buddy (you happy now?)
Totally Addicted to DisUnplugged!
Registered: January 2006
Posts: 2648Review Date: Mon June 22, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Beautiful, Great and constant entertainment for everyone Cons: None
This is one of my favorite DVC resorts! We were one of the first members to stay here and it was by far the best time! I only have good things to say about our stay.
I loved the Lion King theme to the room, it is one of our favorite movies so I was thoroughly loving it!
Constant entertainment for the kids!
goofybeagle 
beaglemom
Registered: August 2008
Location: Not Close Enough to WDW
Posts: 175Review Date: Wed July 29, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Animals on savanah, quiet resort for a relaxing stay, closest resort to Animal Kingdom, Cons: Bus rides are much longer to the other theme parks since Animal Kingdom Lodge is so far out compared to other resorts
My husband and I have stayed in the Animal Kingdom Villa's,Jambo House 4 times. This is our personal favorite Disney resort. The theming is just amazing and gives such an authentic feel to the resort.
There is a large variety of wild life on the savanah. Imagine waking up to Giraffe, Zebra, and other wildlife outside your balcony every morning. One evening we were enjoying the hot tub and happened to look up to find a Giraffe snacking on the leaves of a near by tree.
We enjoy the Mara quick service, they offer a nice variety, fair pricing , and a large seating area. We give thumbs up for Boma breakfast and dinner and recommend dinner at Jiko, which we thought was very delicious, we did have a waiter who was a bit to be desired. He was a on the pushy side and we did feel rushed. The meal was excellent!
If you like african decor I highly recommend visiting the Zawadi Marketplace.
bbrnca
an addiction is a bad thing unless it is a Mouse thing
Registered: June 2006
Location: Ontario, CND
Posts: 356Review Date: Wed August 12, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): everything Cons: not much
We stayed here from July 19-24 in a 2brm lockout we were 6 in our party and there was plenty of room for everyone... from the time we checked in which was very quick to the time we left we were treated like family.... the CM at the front door to the front desk everyone was so friendly. We have fallen in love with the resort. We are very glad that this is our home resort.
Honor
Earning My Ears
Registered: July 2006
Location: Midwest
Posts: 57Review Date: Sun October 18, 2009 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Theme, uniqueness Cons: Kitchen layout
We stayed in a 1 bedroom at Kidani Village for July 2009. About half the resort was open at the time. Beautful resort. Clean comfortable villa with unique savannah views. Relaxing. Great pool area. Made good use of the small but satisfactory work out room. Wish there was a good place to go running in the Animal Kindgom area. Jambo House is a quick and easy 5-minute walk. The floor plan of the 1 bedroom is a little strange. The kitchen breakfast counter butts into the table booth, leaving a very narrow passage into the living room but with a large area of wasted space behind the barstools and next to the table booth. The kitchen cabinets are awkward, with no cabinets or shelves on the wall in common with the bathroom (just a blank wall). So storage is awkward in the kitchen.
pmanko
Mouseketeer
Registered: May 2009
Location: state where we cling to our bibles and our guns!
Posts: 169Review Date: Mon January 4, 2010 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: $230.00 | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Animals, quiet, great childrens pool play area; pool Cons: no quick service (other than pool)
One Bedroom Villa - Kidani Village:
Two adults - one toddler.
Dec 13 to 19, 2009
WOW! I don't easily impress but this was a very impressive resort and I got a great price!! We stayed in a one bedroom villa poolview - room 7727 and it was a great location. Not too far from lobby -but, not too close either. We were near the Rafiki (sp?) elevator so we could quickly get to the pool via the back entrance. We did not pay extra for savannah view and we worried we would be near bus stops and having a noisy room; so, I requested a quiet room and we got a pool view! A few times I worried the noice would be too loud from the afternoon "pool" activities and would wake my 2 year son from his nap; but, rooms are very insulated - so really did not affect him/us.
Villa was very spacious I thought and had a very large balcony.
You can tell it is new - everything still in great condition. This alone is a reason to stay!
A special bonus was having two bathrooms - esp. after son napped or went to bed before us.
We requested a full size crib even though ea. room has a pack n play. Stackable laundry machine/ dryer in entryway linen closet was very handy. We were able to come for 6 night stay with one checked bag (lg) and 3 carryon's! I ordered groceries from garden grocer - we did have some issues with the delivery and my order was missing a few items. So, that was dissappointing and caused me to miss over 2 hours at the pool on our arrival day - bummer.
Kitchen was galley type w/ breakfast bar (3 stools); not a lot of cupboard space so keep that in mind you plan on buying a lot of groceries - you could probably use the linen closet as a pantry unless you had other people staying with you - and they needed to use for their clothes.
Both bathrooms are big and spacious with plenty of storage, but, they are dark - so make up application can be tricky. Both have tubs. The master bathroom was one of the largest in a resort I have seen - maybe wasted a bit too much room that could have been used for living room. It had a very large walk in glass enclosed shower. A full 2 person jetted tub - filling up takes a long time. A separate water closet. The fans are all sensored by motion and are a bit loud (at night). Big vanity and closet with safe.
Big King bed and dresser with flat panel tv. We put the crib by the bed next to the bathroom. Sliders from bedroom to balcony.
We had no real issues with buses. The longest we waited was probably 15 mins and even at resorts we always were able to get on the first bus that came...
Kidani is the usually the first stop and first to be let off - then the bus goes to Jambo house - this makes it nice as many people are loading/unloading at Jambo.
The is very nice at Kidani - zero entry with two slides. It has plenty of chairs/loungers and a great childs play area. The playground is at Jambo house - but, Jambo does not have a childs pool play area.
Christmas time is a special time to visit - the lobbies are all decorated as well the parks. The week we choice was NOT very crowded. I heard the week before and obviously Christmas week was packed...
The longest we waited for a ride was 20 minutes, which was due to planning and use of fastpasses.
I can't wait to go back and I believe we would probably stay at AKL-Kidani again... due to the lower point cost and larger one bedroom villas mainly.
Minor issues: a few kitchen supplies were missing and the DVD was not hooked up. Housekeeping was pretty prompt - however, maintenance was a bit behind.
JEThompson99
Mouseketeer
Registered: February 2010
Location: Conowingo, MD
Posts: 118Review Date: Mon February 8, 2010 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Unsurpassed Resort at WDW Cons: Farthest resort from the theme parks, save for the Animal Kingdom park.
As my pros say, this resort is truly Unsurpassed by the others because of all it offers. If you like animals, this is the place for you! Get a savanna view room to watch the animals from your own balcony! I stayed at the Kidani Village part for 5 nights and saw many of the animals in the savanna. The rest you can see by simply exploring the rest of the resort grounds. Great pools, recreation, a gym, a modest arcade, and lounging areas are available to all guests. There is even a selection of restaurants, varying prices, table or quick service. But park goers beware: It will take a long time to get to any park but the Animal Kingdom, especially long to reach Magic Kingdom.
paulasillars
Body in New Zealand, mind in Walt Disney World
Winner of the ABD Potty Olympics
Registered: June 2001
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 1740Review Date: Wed October 20, 2010 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 8
Positive aspects of the product (pros): beautiful resort and very quiet Cons: very uncomfortable bed and pull out sofa
Studio at Kidani Village - #7961
2 adults, 1 senior
Oct 2 - 12 2010
We had wanted to stay at AKL since it first opened and on this trip we decided to get a studio for the time we were at WDW.
We were on the 5th floor a little ways along from the elevator - it was a quick trip down to the uncover parking but a really long walk to the pool and even further to the reception area - a good 10 minute walk so not very convenient for doing a quick load of laundry.
The room was very quiet and we only noticed noise from the ajoining 1 bedroom on one evening when the people next door must have just checked in and were obviously excited to be there.
The room and resort were gorgeous and we very much enjoyed our stay.
The only issue we had were the beds. They were quite possibly some of the most uncomfortable beds I've ever slept on (and I'm very well travelled including to some developing countries).
The pull out sofa bed which my mother slept on was like a rock - far worse than the sleep couch on DCL which people often complain about (we had come directly from a DCL cruise to Kidani).
The main bed wasn't much better - the matress was so firm that I would actually wake up every time I needed to turn in my sleep and it was badly affecting my shoulders.
The pillows were also horrible!
We haven't had this issue with beds at any of the other Disney resorts we have stayed at so this came as quite a suprise!
bellebookworm9
Future Au.D.
Registered: May 2009
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 2856Review Date: Tue November 2, 2010 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: $1,350.00 | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Almost everything Cons: Smoking area, motion fans
We stayed at Kidani for 11 nights in May (5/17-28) renting DVC points-a great option, it cost us less than an All Star! It was overall fantastic! We stayed in a standard view studio and our view was not at all bad-and there's plenty of areas to view the animals from. We were in room 7509. We had requested a higher floor near the lobby and our requests were met.It was just my mom and I and the studio was plenty big enough for the both of us. I slept on the couch and found it comfortable enough. Our only complaints about the room: The table and chairs seem too big for the room, when the couch is pulled out there isn't much room to move around, the motion sensor fans in the bathroom will start if you're in the hallway (and they're loud), and my mom got some ant bites only in her bed the last few nights. After she told the desk about it and got the sheets changed it was fine. The only other thing we disliked was that the main walkway to and from the buses is also the smoking area. Yuck! All the staff was friendly and responded to anything we needed in a timely manner. The walk to Jambo House for Mara and their pool was not bad at all. We much preferred Kidani over Jambo-everything seemed more home-like and we loved the pool. Better slide than Jambo, and there's the Uwanja play area. We checked out Community Hall, and used the free laundry facilities. We will not hesitate to stay here in the future. In fact, I think I'm so spoiled that I don't know if I'll stay anywhere else!
canter2u
Earning My Ears
Registered: April 2010
Location: FingerLakes NY
Posts: 27Review Date: Wed February 2, 2011 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Theme, animals, smells of food, ethnic music, pool, restaurant Cons: Smoking area is right at the corner everyone has to pAss to get to the buses
This my favorite resort. I love looking out from the room and seeing different animals all day and night. The walk to the lobby doesn't bother me as I always believe everyone could use a little more exercise. There may not be counter service at Kidani but you have a refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker and microwave! I always walk to jambo house for Boma dinner or more animal viewings. The pool at Kidani is great, slide is really great! Great armosphere. I always stay here for my private winter vaca with kindle, delis and iPad. Treat myself to some behind the scenes tour and great food. Highly recommend.
JJJJJETS
Earning My Ears
Registered: November 2011
Posts: 15Review Date: Tue November 29, 2011 Would you recommend the product? No | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 6
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Beautiful as always Cons: Killed Palmetto bugs 11/21/11 and 11/22/11 in our room
We're DVC members at the Animal Kingdom...want to make you all aware I killed Palmetto bugs in our bathroom villa on the fifth floor...scared the heck out of my family...complained to the front desk and was only told they'd send an exterminator and credit us $75...be warned, bring glue traps as they were huge...Boma restauarant food was spicy and choices were limited...beds and pillows were very uncomfortable...we have been here before and this was our worst visit...
pasgt21
DVC Since 1994 BWV / OKW - Annual Pass Holder
Registered: June 2005
Location: Shillington,Pa
Posts: 43Review Date: Sun December 4, 2011 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 8
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Location,nice room,size, savanna view Cons: Beds & Pillows, loud loud alarm clock bird at 6am !!
We are checking out of 7603 at kidani village today :-( we really like the resort and the room but could they find worse pillows ??? wow We stayed here for the savanna view. Just remember with the view comes the noise of the super loud birds at 6am
mjaclyn
Currently in Wonderland
Registered: December 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 1645Review Date: Wed February 8, 2012 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Beautiful resort, gorgeous clean room, super friendly staff, awesome dining options Cons: Buses - nothing that stood out as 'bad' we just prefer other modes of transportation
My family and I recently stayed in Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas at Jambo House. We rented a one bedroom standard view as well as a studio standard view. There were no two bedroom units available, however, our two rooms were right next to each other and were connecting, so I'm not exactly sure why it wasn't listed as a two bedroom. All of the two bedroom units in AKLV Jambo are lock-offs so we would have had the exact same room for less points. Anyway, the rooms were GORGEOUS. We had a view of the pool area which was very nice. I had requested rooms close to the lobby and that is exactly what we received. They were actually IN the lobby a very short distance from the bridge that goes across the entire room on the 5th floor (I believe). We ate at the Mara and 2 meals at Boma which were so delicious. We had a great time here and would definitely stay here again. I really didn't see any problems with the bus system. We did have to wait one morning for a bus but it only seemed like 10 to 15 minutes. Beautiful resort, wonderful staff, great dining options. We did not get a chance to use the pool.
look1angel
Forever a Disney Fan
Registered: March 2009
Location: Georgia for now
Posts: 433Review Date: Mon February 27, 2012 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Peacefull, spacious, clean, warm & inviting Cons: none
Stayed in the Grand Villa in 12/2010 at Jambo. Although our main DVC resort is AK Kadani there was nothing available. Needless to say it was way beyond our expectations. 5th floor all one level & the pool table was a huge hit. The diningroom table had more than enough room for all 10 of us to sit at. Very little wait for the busses. The lounge was a wonderful way to relax & have a drink after a long day at the parks. The pool area was always clean & not very crowded. Nothing better than stepping out to see all the animals roaming quietly below the balcony. Only drawback to the Grand Villa's are there is no late checkout, not even an extra hour. I believe this is because it is so large & housekeeping takes a bit longer. At 11am they were knocking on the door ready to come in. I would recommend this Villa at Jambo & hope to stay there again soon.
look1angel
Forever a Disney Fan
Registered: March 2009
Location: Georgia for now
Posts: 433Review Date: Mon February 27, 2012 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Warm & inviting Cons: none
I gave it a 9 because...in 2010 we stayed in the Jambo Grand Villa SV. We, for the first time, stayed at the Kidani Grand Villa SV in 10/2011 with family & friends. I must admit had I not already stayed in the Jambo Villa I would have been in complete awe, but because I now had a comparison I preferred Jambo over Kidani. Kidani was a 2 level Villa & no pool table 
& the dining area was alot smaller only seating 6 at the table with 4 bar stoolsat the bar. Not having the QS & lounge at our finger tips was a bummer too. Everyone else raved about it. Again, it was a remarkable Villa, but I was spoiled at Jambo. Also, the lobby was not as spectacular at Jambo. But, overall it was a wonderful resort with still that warm & inviting feeling. I would stay here again
Bernie65
Earning My Ears
Registered: March 2011
Location: Hammonds Plains
Posts: 2Review Date: Thu January 3, 2013 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Feels like home Cons:
My family love it here. I'm happy anywhere but my husband and kids always choose Animal Kingdom over all others.
JERME81
Do what you like, Like what you do
Registered: August 2008
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 244Review Date: Fri January 4, 2013 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 8
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Beautiful resort, savanah views, good restaurants and bars Cons: Pool a little far from rooms, some things in room are worn
We stayed in a dedicated two bedroom villa in Kadani Village. I have stayed several times in Jambo house so I was already in love with the decor and animals and the food. This was my first time staying on our points at AKV. The villa was very spacious, everyone had plenty of room. There were 5 adults and two children. Having 3 full bathrooms was great, everyone had their own space to get ready in the morning. Some of the furnishings were a little worn in the villa. Some of the kitchen cabinets were worn and didn't shut all the way. The door knob on the laundry closet was busted. There was a big bleach spot on the carpet in the hall outside our room door. The pool was quit a hike from our room but once you got there the pool area is awesome. The pool bar was great, we love spending time there talking to the bar tenders, they are a wealth of knowledge. Also love the new RFID door keys as well, so much easier to get in the room when you have your hands full.
Splat25
DVC Owner AKV & BLT
Registered: February 2008
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 255Review Date: Fri January 18, 2013 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 8
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Spacious Unit, Spectacular Savanna Views Cons: A/C does work well in Master, Jacuzzi very dirty/unsafe
We stayed for 8 nights Sep 21-29th, 2012 in a 2 bedroom dedicated Kidani room. The overall room was pretty clean and nicely appointed. We really loved having 3 full bathrooms and seperate sleeping room for the kids. We have the deluxe dining plan so we really don't use the kitchen except to keep our drinks and case of water cold and ready to go. The laundry center was nice and we used it often. We were initially assigned a room like 8 buildings away and on the opposite side of the pool where we asked to be near. We had web check-in so I asked for a closer room after I got there and saw where they put us. It took them several hours to get it ready but we got one much closer near the pool where we wanted to be since we use that daily (we are from Alaska so a nice pool is rare here). The wait was not an issue for us since we were going to Legoland that day with the kids (6 and 10). The beds were confortable and the views off the savanna were outstanding of the animals - always a big hit here with all of us.
The negatives to this unit were the AC wasn't cold enough in the main area and master suite. The 2nd room has it's own control and unit and worked so much better....their room was nice and cool - but that was only 1/3 of the unit. Also we had a HUGE problem with the jacuzzi in the master suite this trip. We always get a bottle of bleach from Garden Grocier for our trips since we stay at BLT and AKV on split stays. BLT was nice and cleaned well. AKV was not so nice this time. We fill it up with very hot water and add lots of chlorine and ran it for 30 min with that, then rinsed it out. Black nasty particles began to come out of the jet tubes. This happened repeadidly after 4 cleanings!! I called the front desk and they sent a cleaning crew up, but honestly all they did was "clean the tub" and it still had particles when run again. I even showed the front desk pictures of them. Nonetheless, I continued cleaning the stupid tub like 4 more times....I had a gallon of bleach after all....and it finally got clean. Moral is - be sure to clean the tubs throughly....it might have been some form of mold from old balt salts...who knows. All I know is with that much chlorine and repeaded clenaings there was going to nothing alive there.
Overall, the unit is very nice and we enjoy our stays in AKV Kidani when we visit. The parking is nice when we rent a car for offsite trips and the ammendites like the pool are very nice. The staff is friendly and the animals are wonderful to see. We will be back for our 3rd visit to Kidani in 2014.
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