Jambo! The newest AKL Information thread

[AKLover]

So do anyone that has stayed recently how do you feel about the bus situation? Is it good/bad? Are they coming often?
We are trying to decide if we need to rent a car or if we will be alright relying on buses this trip.

 

[TangledHairDon'tCare]

What's the lotion situation? We didn't get any at Jambo last year, but I'm wondering if Kidani is still providing it.

Also, is there any difference between the dvc studios at Jambo vs Kidani?

 

[AKLover]

What's the lotion situation? We didn't get any at Jambo last year, but I'm wondering if Kidani is still providing it.

Also, is there any difference between the dvc studios at Jambo vs Kidani?

All Disney resorts were supposed to be discontinuing lotion in 2019, they were giving it while supplies lasted so each resort was running out at different times.

Unless that has changed and they have since decided to keep lotions I wouldn’t expect to see any.

 

[dgbg100106]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2020 & 2021
If you have any updates please let me know…
2020
August
8/12 - 8/20 JRoyster86 - AKL
8/18 - 8/24 KimBean - AKL
8/19 - 8/28 Minnieloves4 - AKL
8/22 - 8/29 JenniJ - AKL Jambo
8/29 - 9-/3 missyek - AKL
8/29 - 9/6 LuvinDisney83 - AKL
8/31 - 9/11 amilli12 - Jambo
September
9/4 - 9/13 arrical8 - Jambo
9/7 -9/12 lexybear - AKL Jambo
9/7 - 913 sweetyk83 - AKL
9/8 - 9/12 Gerweniel - AKL Jambo
9/8 - 9/14 Chenthorne - AKL Jambo
9/8 - 9/16 Jonathan Friedman - Jambo
9/8 - 9/19 cincystamper - AKL Jambo
9/11 - 9/20 AKLover - Jambo
9/13 ‐ 9/1Jess6 .stw AKL
9/13 - 9/26 Disneylvr1972 - AKV Kidani
9/18 - 9/21 denise_q - Kidani
9/22 - 9/25 crazymomof4 - AKL
9/23 - 9/25 osufeth24 - AKL Jambo
9/23 - 10/3 jf256 - AKL
9/26 momimouse27 - Kidani
9/27 - 10/2 karen4546 - AKL
9/27 - 10/4 sndral - AKV Kidani
9/28 - 10/7 Disnerd6838 - Kidani
October
10/8 - 10/11 vamassey1 Kidani
10/12 - 10/20 aml1676 - AKL
10/17 - 10/23 TheCars16 - AKL
10/20 - 11/3 kristenrice - AKL
10/21 - 10/28 Ismo -AKL
10/21 - 11/4 ThinkBelieveDream&Dare - AKL
10/30 - 11/6 DizDaD7 - SSR
November
11/1 - 11/6 P'colaBeachBum - BC
11/4 - 11/10 goodeats - AKL Kidani
11/6 - 11/20 Johnnyg49 - AKL
11/10 ‐11/15 Chime - AKL
11/14 - 11/16 brewhome - AKV Jambo
11/15 - 11/20 tinabina919 - AKL Jambo
11/18 - 11/20 Fitzwoman27 - AKL
11/19 - 11/21 melissa723 - AKL
11/21 - 11/28 #1eeyoregirl - AKL Jambo
11/21 - 11/28 henry72 - AKL Kidani
11/27 - 12/5 Tomania- AKL Kidani
11/28 - 12/6 Eeyore daily - AKV Jambo
December
12/1 - 12/15 RailRunner - AKL
12/2 - 12/13 sndral - AKV Jambo
12/5 - 12/12 ZOOMAMA - AKL CL
12/6 - 12/9 goofball04 - AKL Jambo
12/9 - 12/13 Tinkernelle83 - SSR
12/11 - 12/17 Meglen - AKV Jambo
12/13 - 12/18 melana - Kidani
12/15 - 12/19 Lilias - AKL
12/18 - 01/03 joech - AKL
12/25 - 1/17 Greg36 - AKL
12/27 - 1/3 Pooh12863 - AKL Jambo
2021
January
1/6 - 1/13 gillep AKV CL
1/26 - 2/6 Elsaalltheway - AKL
February
March
3/21 - 3/26 karen4546 - AKL
April
4/4 - 4/10 mom23guys2 - Jambo
May
5/2 - 5/6 Tinkerbelle83 - AKV
5/25 - 5/29 MickeyT - AKL
June
6/23 - 6/25 Tinkerbelle83 - Kidani
6/23 - 6/27 Calminthestorm - Jambo
July
August
September
October
November
December

 

[kayteekt]

@dgbg100106 We'll be there this fall, Oct. 25 - Nov. 1 (Jambo)
& Jan. 2-9 & April 11-17. Lucked up on the value rooms this go round

 

[preemiemama]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2020 & 2021
If you have any updates please let me know…
2020
August
8/12 - 8/20 JRoyster86 - AKL
8/18 - 8/24 KimBean - AKL
8/19 - 8/28 Minnieloves4 - AKL
8/22 - 8/29 JenniJ - AKL Jambo
8/29 - 9-/3 missyek - AKL
8/29 - 9/6 LuvinDisney83 - AKL
8/31 - 9/11 amilli12 - Jambo
September
9/4 - 9/13 arrical8 - Jambo
9/7 -9/12 lexybear - AKL Jambo
9/7 - 913 sweetyk83 - AKL
9/8 - 9/12 Gerweniel - AKL Jambo
9/8 - 9/14 Chenthorne - AKL Jambo
9/8 - 9/16 Jonathan Friedman - Jambo
9/8 - 9/19 cincystamper - AKL Jambo
9/11 - 9/20 AKLover - Jambo
9/13 ‐ 9/1Jess6 .stw AKL
9/13 - 9/26 Disneylvr1972 - AKV Kidani
9/18 - 9/21 denise_q - Kidani
9/22 - 9/25 crazymomof4 - AKL
9/23 - 9/25 osufeth24 - AKL Jambo
9/23 - 10/3 jf256 - AKL
9/26 momimouse27 - Kidani
9/27 - 10/2 karen4546 - AKL
9/27 - 10/4 sndral - AKV Kidani
9/28 - 10/7 Disnerd6838 - Kidani
October
10/8 - 10/11 vamassey1 Kidani
10/12 - 10/20 aml1676 - AKL
10/17 - 10/23 TheCars16 - AKL
10/20 - 11/3 kristenrice - AKL
10/21 - 10/28 Ismo -AKL
10/21 - 11/4 ThinkBelieveDream&Dare - AKL
10/30 - 11/6 DizDaD7 - SSR
November
11/1 - 11/6 P'colaBeachBum - BC
11/4 - 11/10 goodeats - AKL Kidani
11/6 - 11/20 Johnnyg49 - AKL
11/10 ‐11/15 Chime - AKL
11/14 - 11/16 brewhome - AKV Jambo
11/15 - 11/20 tinabina919 - AKL Jambo
11/18 - 11/20 Fitzwoman27 - AKL
11/19 - 11/21 melissa723 - AKL
11/21 - 11/28 #1eeyoregirl - AKL Jambo
11/21 - 11/28 henry72 - AKL Kidani
11/27 - 12/5 Tomania- AKL Kidani
11/28 - 12/6 Eeyore daily - AKV Jambo
December
12/1 - 12/15 RailRunner - AKL
12/2 - 12/13 sndral - AKV Jambo
12/5 - 12/12 ZOOMAMA - AKL CL
12/6 - 12/9 goofball04 - AKL Jambo
12/9 - 12/13 Tinkernelle83 - SSR
12/11 - 12/17 Meglen - AKV Jambo
12/13 - 12/18 melana - Kidani
12/15 - 12/19 Lilias - AKL
12/18 - 01/03 joech - AKL
12/25 - 1/17 Greg36 - AKL
12/27 - 1/3 Pooh12863 - AKL Jambo
2021
January
1/6 - 1/13 gillep AKV CL
1/26 - 2/6 Elsaalltheway - AKL
February
March
3/21 - 3/26 karen4546 - AKL
April
4/4 - 4/10 mom23guys2 - Jambo
May
5/2 - 5/6 Tinkerbelle83 - AKV
5/25 - 5/29 MickeyT - AKL
June
6/23 - 6/25 Tinkerbelle83 - Kidani
6/23 - 6/27 Calminthestorm - Jambo
July
August
September
October
November
December

We'll be there July 11-19, 2021 for our first visit "home". Staying at AKV-Jambo.

 

[1GoldenSun]

I'm at Jambo now. On the plus side, it's very quiet and restful, the pool is just busy enough to not feel weird while still giving you all the room you could want (maybe 10-20 people is the most I've seen), buses still come regularly and have plenty of space (we're often the only ones on the bus), and the lobby and grounds are beautiful and serene with usually not a single person in sight. We're on the 5th floor, and looking down over the railing into a completely empty lobby is a lovely visage I never expect to see again, but uniquely special. The resort isn't so empty as to feel creepy, but it is a little...lonely...but in a way that I kind of enjoy. The music is playing in the lobby but I've never seen anyone behind any of the desks and there are very rarely any guests in the lobby. I occasionally see a mousekeeper. I feel sure that there must be someone back there somewhere and if a guest approached the desk I feel like someone would appear eventually, but I haven't tested that. All the shops and restaurants are dark and closed off behind gates/doors, and the big fireplace is cold and deserted.

Even with Kidani mostly open the dining/beverage options are severely lacking. I bought a drink mug, but catching a shuttle between Jambo and Kidani has been hit-or-miss and it's a long way to walk for a Coke Zero. I haven't seen any early morning shuttles (they're more prevalent once the pools open), and it doesn't really matter because the shop (forgot the name) doesn't open until 8:00. You'll see people wander down with mugs in hand, see the shop doors still pulled closed, and head back to their rooms. I sat in the lobby from 7:00am until they opened at 8:00 yesterday and saw probably 20 guests do this. Sanaa opens at 7:30 for breakfast, but that's the earliest cup of coffee available on property. The shop has zebra domes (yay!) but little else in terms of actual food, leaving Sanaa (which I love but don't want a full service meal every night), and the pool bar which shuts down as soon as a drop of rain falls (I've yet to see it open). We live fairly locally so I brought some prepared foods and also picked up some good cheeses, hummus, fruits, raw vegetables, French bread and almonds so we're pretty well set (we have a studio so no REAL cooking). I would hate to think about relying ONLY on the food here. You'd have to eat in the parks or go to Disney Springs. I knew this going in though and don't personally have a problem with it.

Oh, and there was lotion in our room at Jambo, and it was also at Kidani when we stayed there a few weeks ago!

 

[brockash]

I'm at Jambo now. On the plus side, it's very quiet and restful, the pool is just busy enough to not feel weird while still giving you all the room you could want (maybe 10-20 people is the most I've seen), buses still come regularly and have plenty of space (we're often the only ones on the bus), and the lobby and grounds are beautiful and serene with usually not a single person in sight. We're on the 5th floor, and looking down over the railing into a completely empty lobby is a lovely visage I never expect to see again, but uniquely special. The resort isn't so empty as to feel creepy, but it is a little...lonely...but in a way that I kind of enjoy. The music is playing in the lobby but I've never seen anyone behind any of the desks and there are very rarely any guests in the lobby. I occasionally see a mousekeeper. I feel sure that there must be someone back there somewhere and if a guest approached the desk I feel like someone would appear eventually, but I haven't tested that. All the shops and restaurants are dark and closed off behind gates/doors, and the big fireplace is cold and deserted.

Even with Kidani mostly open the dining/beverage options are severely lacking. I bought a drink mug, but catching a shuttle between Jambo and Kidani has been hit-or-miss and it's a long way to walk for a Coke Zero. I haven't seen any early morning shuttles (they're more prevalent once the pools open), and it doesn't really matter because the shop (forgot the name) doesn't open until 8:00. You'll see people wander down with mugs in hand, see the shop doors still pulled closed, and head back to their rooms. I sat in the lobby from 7:00am until they opened at 8:00 yesterday and saw probably 20 guests do this. Sanaa opens at 7:30 for breakfast, but that's the earliest cup of coffee available on property. The shop has zebra domes (yay!) but little else in terms of actual food, leaving Sanaa (which I love but don't want a full service meal every night), and the pool bar which shuts down as soon as a drop of rain falls (I've yet to see it open). We live fairly locally so I brought some prepared foods and also picked up some good cheeses, hummus, fruits, raw vegetables, French bread and almonds so we're pretty well set (we have a studio so no REAL cooking). I would hate to think about relying ONLY on the food here. You'd have to eat in the parks or go to Disney Springs. I knew this going in though and don't personally have a problem with it.

Oh, and there was lotion in our room at Jambo, and it was also at Kidani when we stayed there a few weeks ago!

Thx for the report. I really find it crazy thst they're basically having guests stay at an otherwise closed resort. While the other resorts don't have everything open; they at least have a counter service place open...so crazy.

 

[AKLover]

I'm at Jambo now. On the plus side, it's very quiet and restful, the pool is just busy enough to not feel weird while still giving you all the room you could want (maybe 10-20 people is the most I've seen), buses still come regularly and have plenty of space (we're often the only ones on the bus), and the lobby and grounds are beautiful and serene with usually not a single person in sight. We're on the 5th floor, and looking down over the railing into a completely empty lobby is a lovely visage I never expect to see again, but uniquely special. The resort isn't so empty as to feel creepy, but it is a little...lonely...but in a way that I kind of enjoy. The music is playing in the lobby but I've never seen anyone behind any of the desks and there are very rarely any guests in the lobby. I occasionally see a mousekeeper. I feel sure that there must be someone back there somewhere and if a guest approached the desk I feel like someone would appear eventually, but I haven't tested that. All the shops and restaurants are dark and closed off behind gates/doors, and the big fireplace is cold and deserted.

Even with Kidani mostly open the dining/beverage options are severely lacking. I bought a drink mug, but catching a shuttle between Jambo and Kidani has been hit-or-miss and it's a long way to walk for a Coke Zero. I haven't seen any early morning shuttles (they're more prevalent once the pools open), and it doesn't really matter because the shop (forgot the name) doesn't open until 8:00. You'll see people wander down with mugs in hand, see the shop doors still pulled closed, and head back to their rooms. I sat in the lobby from 7:00am until they opened at 8:00 yesterday and saw probably 20 guests do this. Sanaa opens at 7:30 for breakfast, but that's the earliest cup of coffee available on property. The shop has zebra domes (yay!) but little else in terms of actual food, leaving Sanaa (which I love but don't want a full service meal every night), and the pool bar which shuts down as soon as a drop of rain falls (I've yet to see it open). We live fairly locally so I brought some prepared foods and also picked up some good cheeses, hummus, fruits, raw vegetables, French bread and almonds so we're pretty well set (we have a studio so no REAL cooking). I would hate to think about relying ONLY on the food here. You'd have to eat in the parks or go to Disney Springs. I knew this going in though and don't personally have a problem with it.

Oh, and there was lotion in our room at Jambo, and it was also at Kidani when we stayed there a few weeks ago!

Honestly....this sounds so fantastic to me. I’m very much looking forward to our upcoming stay, with the year I’ve had I need a nice quiet retreat.

Thank you so much for posting this in detail.

Are you in a studio? Do they have in room coffee makers out?

 

[TangledHairDon'tCare]

I'm at Jambo now. On the plus side, it's very quiet and restful, the pool is just busy enough to not feel weird while still giving you all the room you could want (maybe 10-20 people is the most I've seen), buses still come regularly and have plenty of space (we're often the only ones on the bus), and the lobby and grounds are beautiful and serene with usually not a single person in sight. We're on the 5th floor, and looking down over the railing into a completely empty lobby is a lovely visage I never expect to see again, but uniquely special. The resort isn't so empty as to feel creepy, but it is a little...lonely...but in a way that I kind of enjoy. The music is playing in the lobby but I've never seen anyone behind any of the desks and there are very rarely any guests in the lobby. I occasionally see a mousekeeper. I feel sure that there must be someone back there somewhere and if a guest approached the desk I feel like someone would appear eventually, but I haven't tested that. All the shops and restaurants are dark and closed off behind gates/doors, and the big fireplace is cold and deserted.

Even with Kidani mostly open the dining/beverage options are severely lacking. I bought a drink mug, but catching a shuttle between Jambo and Kidani has been hit-or-miss and it's a long way to walk for a Coke Zero. I haven't seen any early morning shuttles (they're more prevalent once the pools open), and it doesn't really matter because the shop (forgot the name) doesn't open until 8:00. You'll see people wander down with mugs in hand, see the shop doors still pulled closed, and head back to their rooms. I sat in the lobby from 7:00am until they opened at 8:00 yesterday and saw probably 20 guests do this. Sanaa opens at 7:30 for breakfast, but that's the earliest cup of coffee available on property. The shop has zebra domes (yay!) but little else in terms of actual food, leaving Sanaa (which I love but don't want a full service meal every night), and the pool bar which shuts down as soon as a drop of rain falls (I've yet to see it open). We live fairly locally so I brought some prepared foods and also picked up some good cheeses, hummus, fruits, raw vegetables, French bread and almonds so we're pretty well set (we have a studio so no REAL cooking). I would hate to think about relying ONLY on the food here. You'd have to eat in the parks or go to Disney Springs. I knew this going in though and don't personally have a problem with it.

Oh, and there was lotion in our room at Jambo, and it was also at Kidani when we stayed there a few weeks ago!

Thanks for the report! We check in on Sunday to Kidani but will consider heading over to Jambo for the pool if Kidani is too busy for our comfort.

 

[1GoldenSun]

Are you in a studio? Do they have in room coffee makers out?

Yes, we're in a studio. There is a coffee maker in the room. There are only heavy "paper" cups (and plates and bowls) though, so I wish I'd brought a couple real mugs. I can't remember if that's always been the case in studios; I feel like we've had real mugs/dishes in the past but I may be thinking of units with full kitchens.

 

[AKLover]

Yes, we're in a studio. There is a coffee maker in the room. There are only heavy "paper" cups (and plates and bowls) though, so I wish I'd brought a couple real mugs. I can't remember if that's always been the case in studios; I feel like we've had real mugs/dishes in the past but I may be thinking of units with full kitchens.

Thanks! They def used to have the regular white mugs.

I’ll keep that in mind and make sure I bring some cups. Is it a regular coffee pot or a pod one? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be prepared to bring my own coffee since I won’t see mousekeeping often.

 

[1GoldenSun]

Thanks for the report! We check in on Sunday to Kidani but will consider heading over to Jambo for the pool if Kidani is too busy for our comfort.

I haven't gone to the Kidani pool yet this trip but I stayed at Kidani a few weeks ago and the pool got slightly crowded in the evenings after the parks closed. Not crowded for typical times but crowded for the current situation. I know chlorine kills the virus but chlorine won't do anything about people talking and laughing a few feet away from you without masks on. It's difficult to keep your distance in the pool; people try (for the most part) but they tend to drift into your space without intending to.

 

[TangledHairDon'tCare]

Yes, we're in a studio. There is a coffee maker in the room. There are only heavy "paper" cups (and plates and bowls) though, so I wish I'd brought a couple real mugs. I can't remember if that's always been the case in studios; I feel like we've had real mugs/dishes in the past but I may be thinking of units with full kitchens.

No, we had real mugs in our Studio last September. The question is, do I pack 2 mugs or use it as an opportunity to buy more!

I haven't gone to the Kidani pool yet this trip but I stayed at Kidani a few weeks ago and the pool got slightly crowded in the evenings after the parks closed. Not crowded for typical times but crowded for the current situation. I know chlorine kills the virus but chlorine won't do anything about people talking and laughing a few feet away from you without masks on. It's difficult to keep your distance in the pool; people try (for the most part) but they tend to drift into your space without intending to.

I have a feeling we’ll be at Jambo more often than not. It’s hard to keep my 5yo from drifting!

 

[1GoldenSun]

Thanks! They def used to have the regular white mugs.

I’ll keep that in mind and make sure I bring some cups. Is it a regular coffee pot or a pod one? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be prepared to bring my own coffee since I won’t see mousekeeping often.

It's a regular coffee maker. We were given three regular coffee sachets and two decaf, and I think you can use the chat to request more, if you like the Joffrey's.

 

[1GoldenSun]

No, we had real mugs in our Studio last September. The question is, do I pack 2 mugs or use it as an opportunity to buy more!

I can't believe I didn't think of this! A perfect excuse to add to my Disney mug collection!

 

[SamFaniam]

Thx for the report. I really find it crazy thst they're basically having guests stay at an otherwise closed resort. While the other resorts don't have everything open; they at least have a counter service place open...so crazy.

It is my impression that Disney did not want to open any part of Jambo, but was up against a legal situation because of the DVC accommodations. So, they do have to open rooms, but they don’t have to open any dining because the DVC properties all have at least a refrigerator and a microwave.

 

[brockash]

It is my impression that Disney did not want to open any part of Jambo, but was up against a legal situation because of the DVC accommodations. So, they do have to open rooms, but they don’t have to open any dining because the DVC properties all have at least a refrigerator and a microwave.

I understand that, but I think that's pretty bad business practice.

 

[1GoldenSun]

It is my impression that Disney did not want to open any part of Jambo, but was up against a legal situation because of the DVC accommodations. So, they do have to open rooms, but they don’t have to open any dining because the DVC properties all have at least a refrigerator and a microwave.

Yeah, and I bet if they had a smaller pool as an option they wouldn't have opened the Uzima pool, like they opened the Beach Club quiet pool rather than Stormalong Bay.

 

[Herding_Cats]

is there dishsoap in the studios? IIRC there was a SMALL bottle in the studio at BCV when we stayed there a year and a half ago, but if when we buy mugs I will definitely want to wash them before using for morning coffee. I'm wondering if I may need to add that to my walmart order......