Jambo! The newest AKL Information thread

[pepperandchips]

This is our first time staying at AKL-Kidani Village. We are in a studio room. We have 2 little girls ages 2 & 7. What would you al suggest we request for our room? They will be all about the animals, so I'm not sure if it would be possible to request a room with a partial view?

That is precisely what I would request! We were in this room (can't remember which floor) a couple years ago:



Our view wasn't the world's best but there were a few smaller animals below at times.

 

[DizDaD7]

Anyone ever stayed in one of the value rooms? Do any of them have a partial Savannah view?

I, believe there are some 1 bedroom values, in the front left 2 pods of buildings, over on the Ostrich Trails. I had a studio value and did have a nice pool view room, on the Giraffe trail, kind of above JIKO.

 

[SA mom]

Thank you all for the tip on asking for a partial savannah view room. We stayed in 3526 with a few of the people pen. Wonderful views of the animals. However, the bus system was terrible. We waited well over 30 minutes for buses on EMH morning. Then the bus came but couldn't take everyone waiting. I think often times the bus fills up at Kidani Village and skips Jambo House. It was nice, but the inconvenience of being so far away from anything else has going back to the Swan for future visits.

 

[bwbuddy5]

Thank you all for the tip on asking for a partial savannah view room. We stayed in 3526 with a few of the people pen. Wonderful views of the animals. However, the bus system was terrible. We waited well over 30 minutes for buses on EMH morning. Then the bus came but couldn't take everyone waiting. I think often times the bus fills up at Kidani Village and skips Jambo House. It was nice, but the inconvenience of being so far away from anything else has going back to the Swan for future visits.

I agree with your bus comments, it definitely happens from time to time. But, you can page back through this thread and find posts of how some have thought the buses were great, and you can go to the thread for the monorail resorts and read where some gave up on the long lines for the monorails, and walked instead.

Sounds like results vary.

 

[brent02139]

Thank you all for the tip on asking for a partial savannah view room. We stayed in 3526 with a few of the people pen. Wonderful views of the animals. However, the bus system was terrible. We waited well over 30 minutes for buses on EMH morning. Then the bus came but couldn't take everyone waiting. I think often times the bus fills up at Kidani Village and skips Jambo House. It was nice, but the inconvenience of being so far away from anything else has going back to the Swan for future visits.

When we saw there was no way we would make the bus ride in time, we called Minnie van ride, sucks to spend $20 but beats staying frustrated

 

[Sailormoon2]

Just joining this thread to keep up to date on all the AKL news, as we will be staying at JAMBO in August, so excited!! It will be our first time staying there, although we have visited plenty of times for the awesome food!

Could anyone tell me if there is a gym on property? I know there is one at Kidani, but I assume I can't use it since that's DVC, right?

 

[MemphisVanessa]

Just joining this thread to keep up to date on all the AKL news, as we will be staying at JAMBO in August, so excited!! It will be our first time staying there, although we have visited plenty of times for the awesome food!

Could anyone tell me if there is a gym on property? I know there is one at Kidani, but I assume I can't use it since that's DVC, right?

Jambo House has the Zahanati fitness center and it is across from the pool. When you are outside by the pool, it is down to the right from Jiko.

 

[DizDaD7]

Just joining this thread to keep up to date on all the AKL news, as we will be staying at JAMBO in August, so excited!! It will be our first time staying there, although we have visited plenty of times for the awesome food!

Could anyone tell me if there is a gym on property? I know there is one at Kidani, but I assume I can't use it since that's DVC, right?

Jambo House has the Zahanati fitness center and it is across from the pool. When you are outside by the pool, it is down to the right from Jiko.

Like Memphis V stated, there is the one over at Jambo, which is quite nice, but there also is a smaller one over at Kidani as well. It's right when you enter the gated area at the top (to the entrance)of their pool area.. Smaller but You can utilize that one as well

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

What are the chances of receiving a partial view if you make that your only request? I'm not opposed to paying for a savanna, but the partial view standard rooms seem to be a steal!

 

[pepperandchips]

What are the chances of receiving a partial view if you make that your only request? I'm not opposed to paying for a savanna, but the partial view standard rooms seem to be a steal!

I'm sure others have requested it and not gotten it, but I'm at 100% for having that particular request honored. I think there are quite a lot of them.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I'm sure others have requested it and not gotten it, but I'm at 100% for having that particular request honored. I think there are quite a lot of them.

Hmmm... Now the choice is whether or not to risk it if I choose AKL!

 

[corn princess]

When making the request, is it better to request partial Savannah view if you have a standard studio or request the specific fun number that is a partial Savannah view?

 

[Dreaming of Cali]

I booked one night at Kidani in a Savannah view studio as a surprise for my daughter’s sweet 16. We are staying 4 nights at Pop first, then when she thinks we are going back to MCO, I’m going to surprise her by driving to Kidani
I have a question about changing and using the pool before our room is ready. Since we will probably arrive at noon and I know the official check in time is 4 pm I wanted to see if there is a place we can change into our swimsuits so we can use the pool while we wait for our room to be available. ⛱

 

[pepperandchips]

When making the request, is it better to request partial Savannah view if you have a standard studio or request the specific fun number that is a partial Savannah view?

It's better to ask for "any partial savanna view" and then maybe say "something like room number XXXX". If you only put the room number without describing why, and that room is unavailable, the room assigner won't know what you liked about that one and you might end up with a parking lot view across the hall.

 

[NikkiDP]

I booked one night at Kidani in a Savannah view studio as a surprise for my daughter’s sweet 16. We are staying 4 nights at Pop first, then when she thinks we are going back to MCO, I’m going to surprise her by driving to Kidani
I have a question about changing and using the pool before our room is ready. Since we will probably arrive at noon and I know the official check in time is 4 pm I wanted to see if there is a place we can change into our swimsuits so we can use the pool while we wait for our room to be available. ⛱

I don't know about Kidani specifically, but we have done this before at other resorts. We left our bags with bell services and changed in the bathroom. I'm sure you wouldn't have any issues doing the same!

That is one awesome birthday surprise! Enjoy your trip and celebration!

 

[pepperandchips]

I booked one night at Kidani in a Savannah view studio as a surprise for my daughter’s sweet 16. We are staying 4 nights at Pop first, then when she thinks we are going back to MCO, I’m going to surprise her by driving to Kidani
I have a question about changing and using the pool before our room is ready. Since we will probably arrive at noon and I know the official check in time is 4 pm I wanted to see if there is a place we can change into our swimsuits so we can use the pool while we wait for our room to be available. ⛱

According to other threads on this there is a restroom with a large shower in it near the fitness center (lockers nearby also). That sounds like a perfect place to change to me. Keep in mind you can also use the Jambo House pool which has a GIANT ladies room next to the lockers with several shower stalls and like 45 potty stalls! Depends whether you want your pool snacks from the Mara or the Kidani pool bar what a great surprise. enjoy!

 

[Abbey1]

When is the best time to write your room request if you are hoping for a partial savanna view? Do you write it when you do early check in? Or tell them when you arrive?

 

[pepperandchips]

When is the best time to write your room request if you are hoping for a partial savanna view? Do you write it when you do early check in? Or tell them when you arrive?

If you booked through Disney, call the reservation center and ask that they put a note on your reservation with your request. If you booked through a travel agent, ask your agent to do it. If you are DVC, call member services or do the online chat/email. If you rented DVC points, ask the member to make the request. No matter how you booked, you can use a touring plans request. This is not a request you can make relying on online check in (there are very few options there, none of which is "partial savanna view") and if you wait until you arrive to ask they may not be able to accommodate you. From all I've heard, rooms are assigned anywhere 3-7 days in advance. Definitely plan to make the request at least 10 days prior to check in. Of course if you are too close or your request was not able to be honored, I would definitely ask at the desk about availability. People want to be moved around all the time and what may be the PERFECT partial savanna view room for you would be the worst room someone else could receive. It's subjective and don't hesitate to ask! The worst they can say is "no".

 

[Dreaming of Cali]

According to other threads on this there is a restroom with a large shower in it near the fitness center (lockers nearby also). That sounds like a perfect place to change to me. Keep in mind you can also use the Jambo House pool which has a GIANT ladies room next to the lockers with several shower stalls and like 45 potty stalls! Depends whether you want your pool snacks from the Mara or the Kidani pool bar what a great surprise. enjoy!

Thank you

 

[Dreaming of Cali]

I don't know about Kidani specifically, but we have done this before at other resorts. We left our bags with bell services and changed in the bathroom. I'm sure you wouldn't have any issues doing the same!

That is one awesome birthday surprise! Enjoy your trip and celebration!

Thank you