Happy 2014! Are you ready to start planning your next Disney vacation? This month I’m going to recap my last visit to Walt Disney World’s resort Animal Kingdom Lodge- Kidani Village.
We had previously stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge- Jambo House so we were excited to see the difference with Kidani. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the savannah. My husband will never forget hearing his special needs brother yelling, “Oh my!” and running to the windows to look at the giraffes. The lobby and entrance are on the 2nd level, so you need to get downstairs to be able to walk outside by the savannah. Sanaa is also located on the ground level.
The lobby at Kidani is different from Jambo in that Jambo had large decorative dance pieces as a focal point where Kidani’s focal point is the large windows. The gift shop is on the right as you enter, a drink fill station was located just within the door. Our room was on the main level as you turn left around the Concierge desk. With all the trouble we had with our annual passes, dining plan, and Magic Bands, we were very happy to be so close to the Concierge and Front Desk. We actually began to be on a first name basis with the morning and night crew at the desk.
We were not lucky enough (again) to get the Savannah View, but there were plenty of windows to intrigue us to look for animals. We really enjoyed getting out the main floor balcony to be able to sit in rocking chairs to watch the savannah. I think we actually saw more animals roaming the savannah on our trip to Kidani, but the savannah walk was more like an in-let rather than the full path like there was at Jambo. My mother-in-law was usually the early riser of the group, so she enjoyed speaking with the African Cast Members during her morning walks through the resort.
She was able to learn about their cultures and the various animals that were on the savannah. The highlight of our trip was being there when the new baby zebra was born- he was out on the savannah within a day of being born!
One thing I thought was interesting was that the pool was hidden from view, and actually took a little hike to locate. There might have been an easier way, but I followed the signs around the outside of our wing of the building. There was a small kid’s play area that was completely empty when I went by. The large pool had a handicapped transfer lift that would be able to put someone in wheelchair in the water.
Another unique feature is the underground parking. Based on your room location, it will tell you where you should park. The cars are kept cool and out of the elements, but transporting items back and forth can be a challenge. The elevator is quite small, and I could see it being a long wait during peak times. There were bell services but they were all busy with other guests both during our unloading and loading. I have to say bell service were very good about getting us a taxi to make sure we got to our ADR at the Contemporary Resort when we were running way late!
Next month I’m off for a stay at Old Key West Resort- I can hear the Jimmy Buffet music already! Have a Magical Day!
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Adrienne is originally from the Chicago area but lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. She went to Disneyland when she was 7, which started her love of Disney. She even named one of her dogs after her favorite princess, Aurora. She and her husband celebrated their honeymoon at Walt Disney World in 2007 and have returned for every anniversary. They have stayed at variety of resorts on property and traveled with friends and family. Adrienne and her husband bought into DVC in May 2011 and rewarded themselves with their first fall trip for some of the special events. Adrienne and her husband consider WDW their “second home” and have become the go-to people for any Disney related questions and advice from friends, families, and acquaintances.
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