Jambo House vs Kidani Village: Which is the Best?
If you're planning a trip to Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge, you might be wondering which section to stay in: Jambo House or Kidani Village. Both offer unique experiences, and the decision ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities.
Jambo House is the original building of Animal Kingdom Lodge and has a grand, impressive lobby. It's also closer to the restaurants and shops, making it a more convenient option. On the other hand, Kidani Village is newer and offers more spacious rooms, particularly in the studios. It also has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, which may be appealing if you're looking for a more peaceful stay.
When it comes to the pools, Kidani Village has a more exciting play area for kids, while Jambo House's pool is more serene and includes a walk-in area and a slide. Both pools are similarly themed and have hot tubs and a bar with snacks and drinks.
For our family, the accessibility of Jambo House wins out. The travel from Kidani to Jambo house for restaurants and shops is too much of an inconvenience and time suck for us. But let’s talk about it!
Overview of Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a world-class zoo right outside your window. This deluxe resort is known for its African theme and offers two distinct sections: Jambo House and Kidani Village.
Distinct Features of Jambo House
Jambo House is the main building of Animal Kingdom Lodge and features a grand lobby with a thatched roof. The resort offers stunning views of the savanna. Jambo House has a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and villas. The resort also has a fitness center, pool, and several dining options.
One of the unique features of Jambo House is the ability to view animals from your room. Many of the rooms have balconies or patios that overlook the savanna, where you can see animals like giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. The resort also has several viewing areas where you can see the animals up close.
Unique Aspects of Kidani Village
Kidani Village is a separate building from Jambo House and is located a short distance away. This section of the resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club and offers villa-style accommodations. But keep in mind you don’t have to be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay there! Kidani Village has its own lobby and pool, but only one dining option.
One of the unique aspects of Kidani Village is the larger room sizes. The villas at Kidani Village are generally larger than those at Jambo House, with some villas offering up to 3 bedrooms.
Overall, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great option if you're looking for a unique and immersive experience at Walt Disney World. The resort's African theme and ability to view animals up close make it a popular choice among guests. Whether you choose to stay in Jambo House or Kidani Village, you're sure to have a memorable stay.
Accommodations Comparison
When it comes to accommodations, there are some key differences between Jambo House and Kidani Village. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from each:
Room Types and Sizes
Both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer a range of room types, including hotel rooms, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, grand villas, and deluxe studios. However, there are some differences in size and layout between the two resorts. The Kidani Studios and Villas are all slightly larger than Jambo house, and the size difference becomes larger with bigger villas.
View and Location Differences
One of the biggest differences between Jambo House and Kidani Village is the location. Kidani requires a significant walk or short van ride to Jambo House for access to Disney bus transportation, the Mara or main restaurants at Jambo House. The walk is about 8-10 minutes. This is on top of what can be a 6-8 minute walk from your room at Kidani to the lobby, due to the distance of the rooms from the lobby. For our family, this was quite frustrating.
Jambo House has access to 3 savannas, Arusha, Uzima and Sunset. Kidani has access to two savannas, Sunset and Pembe. Both have similar views available and similar animals.
Dining Experiences
When it comes to dining, Jambo House is the clear winner.
Dining at Jambo House
Jambo House is home to two signature restaurants: Jiko - The Cooking Place and Boma - Flavors of Africa. Jiko offers a fine dining experience with an African-inspired menu, while Boma offers a buffet-style dining experience with a variety of African-inspired dishes.
Jiko is known for its extensive wine list, which features over 1,000 bottles from around the world. The restaurant also offers a Chef's Tasting Menu, which allows you to sample a variety of dishes. Boma, on the other hand, is a great option for families and those who want to try a little bit of everything. The buffet features a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, meats, and desserts.
Kidani Village also has a quick service restaurant called The Mara. The restaurant offers a variety of quick and easy options, including sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Dining at Kidani Village
Kidani Village is home to one table service restaurant: Sanaa. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with views of the savanna and a menu that features African-inspired dishes with Indian flavors. Sanaa is a great option for families, as it offers a variety of dishes that are sure to please everyone.
Kidani does not have a quick service restaurant and has a much smaller lobby shop with limited food and drink options.
Amenities and Recreation
When it comes to amenities and recreation, both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer a range of options to keep you entertained during your stay. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect at each resort:
Pools and Play Areas
Both Jambo House and Kidani Village have their own pool areas and both are great for kids. At Jambo House, you'll find the Uzima pool, which features a water slide, zero-entry pool, and a nearby playground for kids. Meanwhile, Kidani Village has the Samawati Springs pool area, which has a zero-entry pool, a water slide, and a children's splash zone.
If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, both resorts offer lounges near their respective pool areas. At Jambo House, you can visit the Uzima Springs Pool Bar for a refreshing drink, while Kidani Village has the Maji Pool Bar.
Shopping and Entertainment
If you're in the mood for some shopping or entertainment, Jambo House wins out. At Jambo House, you can stop by Zawadi Marketplace for a variety of merchandise, including African-inspired souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. Meanwhile, Kidani Village has Johari Treasures, which offers similar merchandise but a much smaller selection.
Both resorts also have their own arcades, which are great for kids and adults alike. At Jambo House, you'll find the arcade near the Uzima pool area, while Kidani Village has its own arcade near the Samawati Springs pool area.
In terms of entertainment, both resorts offer a variety of activities throughout the day. At Jambo House, you can participate in activities like animal viewing, cookie decorating, and drumming lessons. Meanwhile, Kidani Village has activities like animal tracking, face painting, and storytelling.
Both resorts have campfire activities, movies under the stars and access to basketball and pickleball courts.
Services and Conveniences
Transportation Options
When it comes to transportation, both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer complimentary shuttle service to all four Disney theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs. The shuttle buses run approximately every 20 minutes, making it easy for you to get around the resort.
There is also a shuttle van from Kidani to Jambo House, though it’s schedule is hit or miss.
Additional Guest Services
Both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer a variety of guest services to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. The resorts have 24-hour front desk service, so you can get assistance with anything you need at any time of day or night.
If you need help planning your visit to the parks or making dining reservations, both resorts have concierge services available to assist you. The cast members at the concierge desk are friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help you make the most of your time at Disney World.
Other guest services available at both resorts include:
Room service
Laundry services
Childcare services
Merchandise delivery to your room
Wake-up calls
Choosing Your Stay
When it comes to choosing between Jambo House and Kidani Village at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are a few things to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind while making your decision.
Comparing Cost and Value
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between Jambo House and Kidani Village is cost. Both sections of the resort offer different room types and sizes, which can affect the price. For example, Kidani Village offers larger rooms and suites, which are generally more expensive than the rooms at Jambo House.
Another thing to consider is the value you will get for your money. Both sections of the resort offer similar amenities, such as access to the pools and restaurants, but there are some differences. For example, Jambo House has a larger lobby and more shops, while Kidani Village has a smaller, more intimate feel.
Deciding Based on Vacation Needs
Another factor to consider when choosing between Jambo House and Kidani Village is your vacation needs. If you are a member of the Disney Vacation Club and plan to use your points to stay at the resort, you may want to consider which section offers the best value for your points.
If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation and want to be close to the theme parks, Jambo House may be the better choice, as it is closer to the main entrance of Disney's Animal Kingdom. However, if you are looking for a quieter, more secluded vacation experience, Kidani Village may be a better fit.
For our family, Kidani is a great spot for a vacation where we plan to spend more time at the resort and order groceries to the room. Jambo House is the preferred choice when we want to be out of the room, eating at restaurants and exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities does Jambo House offer compared to Kidani Village?
Both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer similar amenities, such as access to the Animal Kingdom Lodge's restaurants, pools, and other recreational activities. However, Jambo House boasts a larger lobby with more impressive decor, while Kidani Village has a more home-like feel to it.
Can guests at Kidani Village use the pool at Jambo House?
Yes, guests staying at Kidani Village are welcome to use the pools at Jambo House and vice versa. Both resorts offer multiple pools, including a zero-entry pool and a water slide.
Are there different restaurant options available at Kidani Village and Jambo House?
Jambo House has more restaurant options available, and most important, has a quick-service option, which Kidani doesn’t!
What are the room differences between a 2 Bedroom Villa at Jambo House and Kidani Village?
Kidani Village's 2 Bedroom Villas have more square footage than those at Jambo House.
Is there a walking path connecting Jambo House to Kidani Village?
Yes, there is a walking path that connects Jambo House and Kidani Village. It is a scenic route that allows guests to view the animals and savannas along the way. It’s an 8-10 minute walk and there are signs directing you.
Are guests able to view animals from their rooms at both Jambo House and Kidani Village?
Yes, both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer savanna-view rooms where guests can view animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes from their balconies. However, not all rooms offer savanna views, so it is important to specify this preference when booking your stay.
