If you want to add a little extra magic to your trip to Disney, consider staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Villas. In this post I dive into all of the perks of Kidani Villas, as well as the downsides of staying in this resort!
What animals can I expect to see from my room?
If you are lucky enough to book a savanna view room you can expect to see many wonderful animals who roam throughout the property! Be warned, the animals are not confined to certain areas and their presence cannot be guaranteed, they roam freely. Typically though, they are fed throughout the day at rotating areas around the property so they will wander over to your area at some point! Do not expect them to be within reach though. There are discreet fences in place that contain the animals a safe distance from the hotel balconies.
I consider the ability to view the animals a huge benefit. It was so nice to unwind in the room and head out to sit on the balcony when the animals strolled in. If you have kids who enjoy going to the zoo, this is sure to be a hit and a stay they will remember!
What Activities Can I Partake In?
There are many activities throughout the week for you and your group to partake in. Some of these options you must pay for, but most are free! From poolside activities, arts and crafts, a campfire with complimentary marshmallows, bingo, or a sunset slumber party you won’t be bored staying at this hotel. Check out the photo for an idea of what activities may be offered during your stay at the Kidani Village.
Can I visit Jambo House?
If you book at Kidani Village and want to check out what Jambo House has to offer you will be excited to hear that going from one to the other is a breeze! A shuttle comes every 5-10 minutes and goes back and forth from one lobby to the other. Jambo House has a lot to offer including the restaurants Boma and Jiko, a great pool, and the Mara (a quick service with plenty of options to choose from).
Quick Service Options at the Hotel
Like I mentioned above, the Mara is a quick service location at Jambo House with many different food options. Over at Kidani Village we tended to eat poolside at Maji Pool Bar. Check out the enormous hot dogs!
The unsung hero of Kidani Villages- Two bathrooms!
Kidani Villas has something quite rare for Disney Hotels. That is two bathrooms in a one bedroom villa. I’ve stayed with five people at Old Key West in a One Bedroom Suite, with one bathroom, and things got crowded! It is so incredibly nice to have two bathrooms especially when you are traveling with people you may not be so comfortable with. Typically, the bathroom is behind the bedroom door, and if the couple you are staying with close the door at night you may encounter an awkward situation trying to access the toilet in the dark. Two bathrooms are such a bonus when getting ready in the morning before the parks, and showering off after enjoying the pool.
Reasons to Skip a Stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
I personally enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and have stayed here many times. However, there are a few facts that may dissuade you from booking this hotel. Firstly, consider what kind of park-goer you are. Do you stay at the Disney parks from rope drop to fireworks? If so, it may be hard to catch some of the animals. I was gifted night vision goggles recently (random I know!) and decided to bring them with me this trip. I was able to see so many animals at night from our balcony that without the googles I would have no idea were so close! But, unfortunately most people don’t pack night vision goggles on their trip to Disney and you would be limited in how many animals you see.
Another reason you may not want to stay at the Lodge is transportation. If you value being able to walk or take a boat to either one of the Parks, or Disney Springs, you will be disappointed with your transportation options at Kidani Villas or Jambo House. Transportation is limited to either Disney Buses or your personal vehicle, or Ubers, Taxis & Minnie Vans.
I would absolutely stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Villas again because of the unique experience it offers. The opportunity to relax on the balcony with your family while watching exotic animals roam the grounds freely is truly magical. If you want a taste of the experience, but don’t want to commit for an entire trip, consider dropping by for dinner!