Animal Kingdom Lodge is comprised of two unique areas, Jambo House and Kidani Village. Jambo House (the original Animal Kingdom Lodge) has both Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rooms and regular guest rooms. Kidani Village has only DVC-type room. Each area has its own check-in lobby but share all other facilities. The term "Disney Vacation Club Villas" refers to the Disney Vacation Club accommodation at both Jambo House and Kidani Village.

This FAQ is about Kidani Village.

What is Kidani Village?

Kidani Village is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort situated next to Jambo House. Kidani Village was announced on October 1, 2006 as the 2nd phase of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney Vacation Club property. Kidani (ki-DAH-nee) means “necklace” in Swahili.

The village consists of studios, one and two bedroom units, and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Unlike other DVC resorts, Kidani has its own front desk, lobby concierge, luggage and valet services. The Kidani villas offer more spacious floor plans than those found in other Disney Vacation Club Resorts and all one-bedrooms will sleep up to five people and have 2 bathrooms. Kidani has its own pool and recreation area as well as a sit down restaurant and DVC member lounge.

Kidani Village officially opened on May 1, 2009 with approximately 65% of the villas available and all the amenities. The remainder of the resort, Pembe Savannah and the remaining villas, opened in September 2009.

What's the difference between Kidani Village and Animal Kingdom Lodge?

Animal Kingdom Lodge opened April 16, 2001 as a regular Disney resort. In 2006, the Disney Vacation Club announced it would open villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge in two major phases. The first phase converted some of the regular guest rooms into value and regular DVC accommodations, which for the first time included concierge villas.

Phase One of the villas opened in July 2007 in the original Animal Kingdom Lodge, now called Jambo House. The newly constructed Kidani Village opened May 1, 2009 as a separate structure. Other features of Kidani Village are a table-service restaurant, Sanaa, celebrating African-inspired cuisine with a dash of Indian flavor; a zero-entry themed pool, Samawati Springs; and Uwanja Camp (Swahili for play area), a wet activity playground. The remainder of the resort, Pembe Savannah and the remaining villas, opened in September 2009.

Disney Vacation Club Members and their Guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom villas will be able to enjoy the amenities of both Jambo House and Kidani Village, regardless of in which building they are staying.

See the FAQ for Jambo house for more information about this section of the resort.

Where is Kidani Village located?

When arriving at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House is the first section of the resort you encounter. Kidani Village is located about a half-mile further down the road. There is a walkway connecting these two sections. The Animal Kingdom theme park is nearby, however you cannot walk there. You must drive or take Disney transportation.

Tell me more about the look and feel of Kidani Village.

Kidani Village was designed with three themes, Fabric, Proverbs, and Art. And when it comes to Art, it is abundant everywhere. But it’s far more than just paintings hanging from the wall. The building was designed with all types of artistic creations in mind. Everywhere you see alcoves and recessed shelves that were designed specifically for sculptures and statuary.

Kidani Village was designed by architect Peter Dominick, the same gentleman who designed the original resort. This becomes evident when you enter the lobby. The style is very reminiscent of Jambo House, yet different. The towering ceiling and grand windows are similar, but the artwork and smaller room size imparts a cozy feel.

The “fabric” theme is very evident in the lobby. The major patterns used throughout Kidani Village are from the fabrics of the kente cloths of Ghana and the kuba cloths of the Congo.

What are the savannas like?

Kidani Village has 2 savannas, Sunset and Pembe. The Sunset Savannah which is part of the Jambo House has been expanded and now stretches to Kidani Village. The Pembe savanna is unique to Kidani Village.

As you exit the main lobby of Kidani on the first floor, you walk out to an animal viewing location. This is the spot where you can get up close and personal with the animals. There is also a knowledgeable cast member on hand to answer any questions you might have about the creatures roaming nearby.

A fire pit surrounded by rocking chairs can also be found here for tranquil evenings with friends and family.

Are the animals and birds on the savannas 24 hours a day? Where do they sleep?

The savannas are the actual home for the animals and birds. All animals inhabiting the savanna return periodically to an on-site animal care facility for feeding and routine care. Many of the species browse, as well, on savanna plantings that are part of their everyday diet and are continually replenished by horticulturists.

The animals sleep on the savannas, although they are generally much further back and therefore you can't see them sleep.

Each savanna is closed daily for approximately two hours for cleaning and handling animals, in shifts. Sunset Savannah is usually closed in the morning from approximately 8am - 10am.

A number of the animals are nocturnal and so you may spot them in the middle of the night.

What animals and birds might I see on the savannas?

Animals can be seen from the balcony of your villa. In addition, Kidani Village offers a Savanna Overlook of the first floor outside the lobby. There are also overlooks on the 2nd floor on both sides of the lobby.

Many of the same birds and animals found at the Jambo House savannas will be on the Kidani savannas. The Sunset Savannah (shared with Jambo House) features Anikole Cattle, Nyala, Reticulated Giraffe, Ostrich, Waterbuck, Hartland Mountain Zebra, Wildebeest, and African Crowned Cranes.

In addition, Kidani Village will also have Roan Antelope. Pembe savanna is home to Okapi!

Will I be able to touch or feed the animals? What responsibilities do I have regarding the animals and birds?

NO, you may NOT touch or feed the animals. If you attempt to do so, you risk expulsion from the resort.

Safety of both the guests and the animals is very important. As an in-room notice states: "To assist the animal care staff in maintaining the health and safety of the animals, please do not feed them or drop items into the habitats. Also, please do not attempt to approach or cross the barriers designed for guest and animal safety. If any guest attempts to harm the animals or their habitats, they will be immediately asked to leave the resort. During your stay you may notice cameras in and around the savannas. These cameras are for the protection and safety of our animals. For privacy, please close your drapes."

What are the different room options?

Studio - Sleeps up to four, Queen-size bed, plus full-size sleeper sofa, Flat-panel TV and DVD player, Wet bar, small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, Private balcony, 366 sq. ft. in Kidani Village.

One-Bedroom Villa - Sleeps five, Master bedroom suite with king-size bed, Master bathroom with whirlpool tub and a second full bathroom off of the living area, Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, Sleeper chair in living room, Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom. Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher. Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer, private balcony. Villa size 807 sq. ft. in Kidani Village.

Dedicated Two-Bedroom Villa - Sleeps up to nine, Master bedroom suite with king-size bed, Three bathrooms: one is a Master bathroom with whirlpool tub, Second bedroom with two queen-size beds, Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, Sleeper chair in living room. Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom and the second bedroom. Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher. Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer. Private balcony. Villa size 1,173 sq. ft. in Kidani Village.

Two-Bedroom Lockoff Villa - Defined as a Studio plus One-Bedroom, sleeps up to nine. Master bedroom suite with king-size bed, three bathrooms: one is a Master bathroom with whirlpool tub, Second bedroom with one queen-size bed plus one full-size sleeper sofa, Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, Sleeper chair in living room. Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom and the second bedroom. Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher. Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer. Private balcony. Villa size 1,173 sq. ft. in Kidani Village.

Grand Villa - Sleeps up to twelve. Kidani Grand Villas are two-levels (Grand Villa Vacation Homes located in Jambo House are one-level). Master bedroom suite with king-size bed, Four bathrooms: one is a Master bathroom with whirlpool tub. Two additional bedrooms, each with two queen-size beds, Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room. Flat-panel TV and DVD player in living room, and flat-panel TV in master bedroom and both additional bedrooms. Full kitchen includes: coffee maker, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, pots and pans, microwave, toaster, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher. Dining room with dining table and chairs. Laundry area contains stacked washer and dryer. Villas in Kidani Village have an additional sitting area upstairs with a queen-size sleeper sofa (maximum occupancy is 12, but extra sleeper sofa adds flexibility for sleeping arrangements). Private balcony. Villa size is 2,201 sq. ft. in Kidani Village.

How does the Housekeeping work in Disney Vacation Club resorts?

Housekeeping is different than when you pay nightly for a hotel room.

Trash & Towel Service - For stays of seven or less nights, Trash & Towel Service is provided on day four. With Trash & Towel service, Housekeeping will: Empty trash and replace liners in trash bins, provide fresh bathroom linens, replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap, replenish facial tissues, paper towels and toilet paper, replenish coffee, sugar, cream and sweeteners, replenish dishwashing liquid, dishwashing detergent, sponges and laundry detergent as needed in one-, two- and three-bedroom Vacation Homes.

Full Cleaning Service - For stays of eight or more nights, Full-Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash & Towel Service is provided on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full-Cleaning service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash & Towel Service, plus: Change the bed linens, vacuum and dust, clean the bathroom(s), clean the kitchen/kitchenette and wash the dishes.

You may also choose to pay for daily housekeeping or have additional towels etc. Check with the front desk for information and pricing.

How much does it cost to stay at Kidani Village?

Disney Vacation Club members should login to the Member Website for current point charts.

2010 KIDANI ROOM RATES

(Resort Tax Not Included)

Room Type	New Years 1/1/-1/2	Value 1/3-2/11 7/18-9/30 11/28-12/16	Regular 4/11-7/17	Peak 2/12-4/10	Holiday 12/17-12/31
Studio Max 4	$505	$340	$390	$470	$515
Studio Savanna Max 4	$575	$410	$470	$555	$610
1 Bedroom Max 5	$680	$480	$540	$625	$710
1 Bedroom-Savanna Max 5	$750	$550	$620	$710	$805
2 Bedroom Max 9	$1,190	$665	$860	$1,080	$1,225
2 Bedroom Savanna Max 9	$1,260	$735	$940	$1,165	$1,320
3 Bedroom Grand Villa Savanna Max 12	$2,215	$1,555	$1,780	$2,005	$2,260

Where do I check in?

You check in at the Front Desk of Kidani Village. Parking is underneath the resort.

Check-In for the Villas is 4:00 pm and Check-out is 11:00 am. You will be allowed to check in earlier if your room is ready when you arrive, but based on my experience with other Disney Vacation Club resorts, don't count on it! If your room is not ready, you can leave your bags with Bell Services and go off exploring. You also are given a phone number to call and check if your room is ready (before going all the way back to the resort to find out it's not).

Disney Resort buses take guests from Jambo House and Kidani Village to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, and Downtown Disney.

The Kidani Village bus stop is located adjacent to the Porte Cochere.

Resort buses will be able to transport guests between both buildings. At Kidani Village, guests can board any theme park bus, as the next destination will be Jambo House. At Jambo House, guests can board any Downtown Disney bus, as its next destination will be Kidani Village.

Alternatively, there will be a sidewalk that connect the two buildings for people interested in walking. However, please note that from porte cochere to porte cochere the distance is half a mile so this is not a leisurely stroll between buildings. Also, most of this walkway borders the parking lot.

There is a walking path between the Porte Cochere of Kidani Village and Jambo House. It is approximately half a mile point to point. If you are at the far end of Kidani Village (Zazu Parking area) your walk to Jambo House will be much shorter. The walking path travels along the parking lots.

What are the restaurants like?

Two dining options are available at Kidani Village:

Sanaa - Sanaa, meaning "work of art," defines the atmosphere and the cuisine at this restaurant — with beautifully prepared food and an atmosphere simmering with style. The restaurant is planning to serve familiar foods from tandoor ovens and slow-cooked specialties with the flavorful spices of Africa. Menu items are tentatively scheduled to include tandoori selections, curry entrees, salad sampler platters, paneer cheese with spinach, and Indian style breads. The inspiration for the creative menu is the many cultures and cuisines along the historical spice route—Africa, India, China and Europe. There is a 24 seat bar/lounge area inside Sanaa. Lunch Menu Dinner Menu

Maji Pool Bar - Maji means "water" — water, water everywhere! If you're looking for something cool to drink to revive you from the heat, whether it's water or something more unusual, look no further than this bar located near Samawati Springs Pool.

At Jambo House there are three dining options:

Jiko - The Cooking Place -- a casual restaurant, serving dinner, that features a taste of Africa in an atmosphere shaped by local traditions and customs. Focusing on simpler, lighter cuisine, it retains the spirit and refinement of a great restaurant while concentrating on the basics of cooking, with an emphasis on the freshest of products. The design represents an abstract view of Africa, with twin wood-burning ovens as the restaurant's icon. Reviews of Jiko.

Boma - Flavors of Africa, a very popular family restaurant open for breakfast and dinner, captures the essence of vibrant life in the African marketplace. This buffet provides guests the ability to savor the African experience, which has multicultural influences. The restaurant showcases an exhibit kitchen, wood-burning grill and rotisserie. The dining areas are under thatched roofs. Reservations for dinner are highly recommended! Boma Breakfast Reviews. Boma Dinner Reviews.

Mara, the quick-service restaurant, open morning to night, offers great food and poolside dining.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurant Menus HERE

Victoria Falls, a mezzanine lounge, serves specialty coffees and teas and a variety of beverages at night. This lounge overlooks Boma - Flavors of Africa.

Uzima Springs is the Poolside bar.

Refillable mugs are available at Johari Treasures, located just off the main lobby in Kidani Village. Soda and coffee refills are available here. You may also refill mugs at Jambo House.

Basketball and Shuffleboard Courts - Shoot some hoops at the half-court, or slide on over for a gripping game of shuffleboard. Use of equipment is complimentary and available at Community Hall.

Community Hall - Looking for rainy day activities? Drop by for planned activities, arts and crafts, board games, table tennis, foosball, Sony PlayStation®2, or downtime TV viewing. Located on the 2nd Floor of the Kidani Village just off the lobby.

Johari Treasures - Find fascinating gifts, Disney Vacation Club logo merchandise, toys or various sundries and groceries you may need. Located in the lobby, this shop has what you are looking for — including complimentary DVD rentals for Disney Vacation Club Members.

Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center - Work out with weights or on treadmills, bicycles or elliptical cross trainers. Located near Samawati Springs Pool, this fitness center is open to all Walt Disney World® Guests over 14 years of age; an adult must accompany Guests under age 18 at all times. 24 hour access for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests.

Safari So Good Arcade - Test your arcade skills while you play classic and new games in this high-tech entertainment room located near the lobby.

Samawati Springs Pool - This zero-entry pool that features a 128-ft. long water slide. Take relaxation to a whole new level in one of the two whirlpool spas near the main pool, or refresh at Maji Pool Bar. Pool towels are provided at the pool.

Tennis Court - Grab a partner and serve up some fun on the courts near the Barbeque Pavilion. Use of equipment is complimentary and available at Community Hall.

Uwanja Camp - Climb elevated-rope bridges, dash through geyser jets, or relax in the waterfall lagoon or beneath the shade of the camp cabanas in this village playground themed as an animal observation site known as Uwanja Camp — Uwanja means "play area." Explore three distinct zones in this children's interactive water-play area — the base camp, the departure zone and the observation station; each area has its own character and activities for age-specific groups.

Jambo House - Guests at Kidani Village are also entitled to use the amenities at Jambo House including the Uzima Pool, Massage and Fitness Center, Hakuna Matata Playground, Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade and Simba's Clubhouse!

*Please note that features and amenities are subject to change, and some activities require a fee, need reservations and have certain age requirements.

What else might I want to know?

Balloons - Guests are asked to leave any balloons they purchase with Bell Services to be stored in the Luggage Room. Balloons pose a health risk to the animals if they were to get into the savanna.

Learn About African Culture - Cultural representatives from Africa are the Lobby Greeters, Savanna Guides and Restaurant Greeters. Feel free to talk with them about their homeland. Also, get an Activities Sheet from the Front Desk or Community Hall to learn about special tours or talks that may take place during your visit.

Stamps - You can purchase postage stamps at Johari Treasures located off the main lobby.