Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village Reviews: An In-Depth Look

Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a distinct villa-style resort and one of the more recent Disney Vacation Club additions at Walt Disney World. This review delves into the room accommodations, the overall atmosphere, and provides an assessment of which type of guest would best appreciate this particular resort experience. As part of our ongoing coverage of Walt Disney World resorts, providing comprehensive Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village Reviews is essential for guests planning their stay.

While we hadn’t previously published a dedicated review for Kidani Village, Animal Kingdom Lodge has consistently held a top position in our rankings, including being named our #1 Deluxe Hotel at Walt Disney World. Taking that further, many consider it the best resort overall among the Deluxe tier. This review has been long-awaited. Although we’ve stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge multiple times, capturing sufficient room photos for a thorough review took some planning.

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With a recent stay at Kidani Village, we are finally able to offer this detailed account. While our personal preference slightly leans towards the main lodge, Jambo House, Kidani Village stands out as a remarkable alternative, offering most of the advantages found in the main building while possessing its own unique charm and features. Comparing the two properties is common when considering where to stay; insights into disney animal kingdom jambo house reviews can also be helpful for making a decision.

Let’s explore the primary advantages and disadvantages of choosing to stay at Kidani Village within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Understanding these points is key for anyone seeking detailed Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village Reviews.

Location: The Elephants in the Room

The first point to address is the location. While Animal Kingdom Lodge holds immense appeal, its positioning relative to the majority of Walt Disney World attractions, with the exception of Animal Kingdom park itself, is relatively inconvenient. This spatial separation is a necessary compromise, as the unique savanna and animal viewing opportunities that define the Lodge would simply not be feasible in a more central, bustling area.

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Considering Animal Kingdom Lodge in isolation, it’s an exceptional resort experience. However, its location makes it a challenging practical recommendation for guests whose priority is proximity and easy access to all parks. For first-time visitors aiming to maximize their time in the parks or those who require convenient afternoon breaks back at their resort, Kidani Village might present a less practical choice compared to other resorts like those on the monorail loop or near Epcot/Hollywood Studios.

Conversely, for frequent visitors, couples, or retirees seeking a more relaxed pace or a resort experience that is a destination in itself, it is difficult to suggest a better option at Walt Disney World. In fact, the overall hotel experience is among the best anywhere.

The Savanna Experience and Theming

The most compelling reason to stay here is undoubtedly the expansive savanna located just outside the resort, where approximately 30 species of African animals roam freely in view of guests. While some might imagine only common animals, the savanna hosts a diverse range, including zebras, giraffes, various antelopes like kudu, and ostriches. Sitting in a rocking chair or relaxing on a balcony overlooking this live habitat is incredibly calming and offers a distinct departure from the usual energy of theme park visits. This animal viewing opportunity is, by a significant margin, the premier attraction of both Animal Kingdom Lodge and its Kidani Village component. For comprehensive animal kingdom villas kidani village reviews, this unique feature is always highlighted.

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This feature alone would place Animal Kingdom Lodge among the top resorts at Walt Disney World, but the experience extends further. The rich theming woven throughout the lodge is a masterful blend of stunning design by Disney Imagineers and the display of authentic artifacts. The resort houses one of the largest collections of African art in the United States. Simply wandering through the resort demonstrates the same level of meticulous attention to detail seen in the Animal Kingdom park itself was applied to the Lodge’s design.

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No other resort at Walt Disney World makes such a concerted effort to inspire and educate guests about its cultural source material. It’s commendable how both the main Lodge and Kidani Village aspire to be more than just themed environments presenting an idealized version of Africa; they aim to educate and immerse guests more deeply. The presence of “Cultural Representatives” from various African nations at the Lodge significantly enhances this educational aspect, and the complimentary daily tours offer valuable insights into the design and intent behind Kidani Village. In this sense, Animal Kingdom Lodge feels akin to a hospitality version of EPCOT Center.

Dining and Amenities at Kidani Village

These cultural and animal viewing aspects are arguably the two greatest strengths of Kidani Village. While the main Lodge might feel slightly grander, Kidani Village is undeniably impressive. Similarly, the dining options in the main Lodge are generally considered superior, though Sanaa, located within Kidani Village, is often cited as one of the most underrated restaurants in all of Walt Disney World, known for its unique African and Indian-inspired cuisine and savanna views.

Among the resort’s relaxing spots, the fireplace area overlooking the savanna at Kidani Village stands out as a truly peaceful retreat. It proved to be an excellent location for unwinding.

Beyond the unique savanna and cultural elements, Kidani Village offers the standard array of amenities expected at a Disney Vacation Club resort or any high-end hotel property. These include a pool area with a water play feature, guest laundry facilities, a fitness center, and more. If you’ve researched accommodations at Walt Disney World, these basic offerings are generally familiar.

For many families, the pool is a crucial amenity. While the pool at Kidani Village is large, lushly landscaped, and includes a nice water play area, it doesn’t necessarily stand out when compared to some of the elaborate “feature” pools found at other Disney resorts. It lacks a distinctive element or theme that makes it truly memorable despite its size. For those looking for reviews that cover pool experiences specifically, many animal kingdom villas kidani village reviews offer detailed perspectives.

Review of the Studio Villa Room

Now, let’s take a closer look at the accommodations. This review focuses on the Studio villa, but Kidani Village also features 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, and spacious 3-Bedroom Grand Villas. As the names suggest, these villas offer progressively larger living spaces and additional amenities like full kitchens and multiple bathrooms.

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The Studio room’s theming aligns perfectly with the overall aesthetic of Kidani Village. We were particularly impressed by the style. The rooms possess a unique character that remains true to the African theme without becoming overly kitschy or garish. There is a noticeable richness in texture and patterning throughout, from the detailed woodwork to the carpet and the art pieces adorning the walls. The design elements come together harmoniously.

Disney has recently been updating many of its resort rooms, sometimes resulting in styles that feel a bit understated or even bland. Fortunately, this is not the case at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The rooms here achieve an excellent balance between distinctive character and a sense of refined comfort. A key factor in many animal kingdom villas kidani village reviews is the quality and theming of the rooms.

The bed in the Studio villa was quite comfortable by Disney standards, though perhaps not matching the absolute peak comfort level one might expect from similarly priced non-Disney luxury hotels. The pull-out sofa bed was also reasonably comfortable for its type. For alternative accommodations at the resort, exploring disney’s animal kingdom villas – jambo house reviews offers insights into room styles and comfort in the main building.

The bathroom area was also thematically pleasing and functional. The split design, with the shower and sink in one space and the toilet behind a separate door, is a setup that works effectively for multiple occupants. While having the shower also enclosed separately would be ideal, this arrangement is quite convenient.

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Adjacent to the bathroom is a small kitchenette, a standard feature in all Disney Vacation Club Studio Villas. This area includes a mini-fridge, sink, toaster, coffeemaker, and microwave. It’s a useful addition for preparing simple breakfasts or snacks in the room, though it’s not equipped for extensive cooking.

Conclusion: Is Kidani Village Right for You?

Overall, Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge stands out as one of the truly special resorts at Walt Disney World. Its theming and atmosphere are arguably unrivaled on property. Disney Imagineers masterfully blended authentic culture and thematic storytelling with high-quality accommodations and a sense of luxury, without sacrificing either aspect. The only notable compromise is its location relative to the parks, which will be a significant factor for certain guests. This location is likely the main reason Animal Kingdom Lodge doesn’t receive even more widespread acclaim from Disney fans, as it would otherwise be a top contender for the best resort overall. While our personal preference slightly favors the main Lodge (Jambo House) due to its slightly more grandiose style and slightly closer proximity to some amenities, Kidani Village is a fantastic alternative and represents a superb choice within the Animal Kingdom Lodge experience. For those reading animal kingdom villas kidani village reviews to make a decision, understanding these trade-offs is crucial.

Whether Kidani Village is the ideal choice for your Walt Disney World vacation depends heavily on your priorities. If you value unique theming, cultural immersion, stunning savanna views with live animals, and a more relaxed resort pace, and if you don’t mind utilizing Disney transportation or having your own vehicle to reach most parks, then Kidani Village offers an exceptional and memorable stay. If maximizing park time with quick access or requiring frequent midday breaks at the resort is your primary focus, a different resort location might be more suitable. Ultimately, the magic of waking up to giraffes outside your window is a powerful draw that makes Kidani Village a truly unique Disney resort experience.