Planning a DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas? You have a few major choices to make!
Jambo House or Kidani Village? Will you rent points, use your own points (if you’re a DVC member) or book directly through Disney? What time of year should you visit? How long is the ideal stay? Savanna View or Standard View?
Here are all the important questions that we will be answering in today’s post.
This post is all about everything you should know before booking your DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.
DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
What is DVC (Disney Vacation Club)?
Are you curious about Disney Vacation Club (DVC) and how it operates? Let’s take a moment to explore the essence of DVC.
In simple terms, DVC involves acquiring a tangible interest in one of Disney’s deluxe resorts. This ownership comes with an annual allocation of points, which serve as a unique currency. These points can be utilized for stays across a spectrum of Disney accommodations or even traded for lodgings globally.
The brilliance of this system lies in its flexibility. By embracing a points-based structure, DVC empowers you to customize your Disney getaways. When you purchase a predetermined number of points, you gain access to an array of DVC resorts – including Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.
Where is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas (Jambo House and Kidani Village) is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World.
This Resort is unique, because it has a Savanna – with real animals! This theming is the main reason that guests choose to stay here.
As the name of the Resort suggests, Animal Kingdom Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is located in the Animal Kingdom Park area – at 3701 Osceola Pkwy, Bay Lake, FL 32830.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas is one of the most inexpensive DVC (at Disney World) properties to stay at, which is another great reason why many guests love staying here!
Choosing Between Jambo House and Kidani Village: Where Should You Stay?
One of the delightful quandaries when booking a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas is deciding between Jambo House and Kidani Village. Each has its own unique charm and flaws, and your choice could significantly shape your Disney experience.
In September 2023, I stayed at both Jambo House and Kidani Village, and noticed that although they are both located at Animal Kingdom Lodge, they are noticeably different – and not always for the better.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Dining Delights: Jambo House boasts an array of enticing dining options. Whether you’re savouring the rich flavours of Jiko – The Cooking Place, indulging in the buffet at Boma – Flavors of Africa, or enjoying a quick service meal or snack at The Mara, culinary delights are abundant.
- Splendid Pool: The pool at Jambo House is a haven of relaxation. With its lush surroundings and intricate details, it provides a luxurious escape, making your downtime as magical as your park adventures. In my opinion, it is one of the best feature pools on Disney World property.
- If you stay at Jambo House, there is the option of Club Level Studios and Villas (but keep in mind that availability is very limited).
- The theming is more extravagant at Jambo House.
RELATED POST: Decoding Luxury: Is Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level Worth the Wild Price Tag
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Very limited dining: While Kidani Village may offer fewer dining options than Jambo House, it still maintains quality. Sanaa, with its delightful blend of African and Indian cuisine, stands out. But, if you want a simple quick service meal or snack, you have to go over to Jambo House. That is slightly irritating if you’re short on time.
- Poolside Serenity: Kidani Village features a commendable pool, although it might not boast the grandeur of Jambo House. Nevertheless, it provides a tranquil space to unwind after a day of Disney excitement.
- Quieter – Kidani Village is more peaceful, as it receives fewer visitors. With more limited dining options and a less impressive lobby, it’s a lot less busy – which is nice when you want to relax after a long day at the Disney parks.
- Kidani Village also has a great pool that shouldn’t be overlooked!
The Verdict: Where Should You Stay?
Choosing between Jambo House and Kidani Village ultimately depends on your preferences. If you crave a wealth of dining choices and a lavish pool experience, Jambo House might be your ideal retreat.
On the other hand, if you seek a quieter ambience and are content with slightly fewer dining options, Kidani Village offers a serene escape without compromising on the magic. Whatever your choice, both locations promise an unforgettable stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.
In my experience, Jambo House is the most convenient place to stay. But I can acknowledge that I still enjoyed staying at Kidani Village, and though I wouldn’t rush back, I would stay there again.
On the other hand, I have already booked my next stay at Jambo House, because I had a more positive experience – mainly due to the convenience and more elaborate theming.
Types of Accommodation, Points & Prices of DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge Stay at Animal Kingdom Villas
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House – Accommodation, Points & Prices
Studio – Value (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 7-17 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $458/night – $865/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $147/night – $357/night
Once again, it’s extremely difficult to book these rooms unless you have an Animal Kingdom Villas DVC contract.
Deluxe Studio – Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 10-23 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $526/night – $994/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $210/night – $483/night
Deluxe Studio – Savanna View (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 13-22 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $696/night – $1,174/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $273/night – $462/night
Deluxe Studio – Club Level (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 18-36 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $798/night – $1,439/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $378/night – $756/night
Just like the Value Studios and Villas at Jambo House, Club Level accommodation has extremely limited availability, and is incredibly difficult to book.
One-Bedroom Villa – Value (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 17-35 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $747/night – $1,231/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $357/night – $735/night
One-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests)
Number of Points: 20-45 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $806/night – $1,457/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $420/night – $945/night
One-Bedroom Villa – Savanna View (sleeps up to 5 guests)
Number of Points: 27-52 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $1,000/night – $1,552/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $567/night – $1,092/night
One-Bedroom Villa – Club Level (sleeps up to 5 guests)
Number of Points: 38-73 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $1,171/night – $1,818
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $798/night – $1,533/night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Value (sleeps up to 8 guests)
Number of Points: 22-48 points/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $462/night – $1,008/night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 9 guests)
Number of Points: 28-60 points/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $588/night – $1,260/night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Savanna View (sleeps up to 9 guests)
Number of Points: 35-76 points/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $735/night – $1,596/night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Club Level (sleeps up to 9 guests)
Number of Points: 51-98 points/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $1,071/night – $2,058/night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 12 guests)
Number of Points: 68-135 points
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $1,428/night – $2,835/night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Savanna View (sleeps up to 12 guests)
Number of Points: 73-133 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $2,757/night – $4,604/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $1,533/night – $2,793/night
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village – Accommodation, Points & Prices
Deluxe Studio – Standard View (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 10-23 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $468/night – $838/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $210/night – $483/night
Deluxe Studio – Savanna View (sleeps up to 4 guests)
Number of Points: 13-22 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $670/night – $1,109/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $273/night – $462/night
One-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 5 guests)
Number of Points: 20-45 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $771/night – $1,357/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $420/night – $945/night
One-Bedroom Villa – Savanna View (sleeps up to 5 guests)
Number of Points: 27-52 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $906/night – $1,526/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $567/night – $1,092/night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 9 guests)
Number of Points: 28-60 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $1,158/night – $2,380/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $588/night – $1,260/night
Two-Bedroom Villa – Savanna View (sleeps up to 9 guests)
Number of Points: 35-76 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $1,366/night – $2,841/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $735/night – $1,596/night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Standard View (sleeps up to 12 guests)
Number of Points: 68-135 points
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $1,428/night – $2,835/night
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa – Savanna View (sleeps up to 12 guests)
Number of Points: 73-133 points/night
Disney’s Rack Rate: $2,629/night – $4,542/night
Price If Renting DVC Points (assuming $21 per point): $1,533/night – $2,793/night
As you can see, if booking through Disney directly, it is often marginally cheaper to stay at Kidani Village – hinting that it is “slightly inferior” to Jambo House.
That being said, I wouldn’t recommend booking DVC Studios/Villas directly through Disney – unless you find a great deal – because it’s far more expensive than renting or using your own DVC points (if you are a DVC member).
Savanna View VS Standard View: Which Should You Choose?
If I asked you if you’d rather see a parking lot or a peaceful Savanna – with over 30 species of animals?! – your answer would probably be obvious (unless you really like random cars).
But when pricing comes into it, this can change – as you can see above.
I have stayed at Jambo House in a Savanna View room, and at Kidani Village in a Standard View Studio.
While the Standard View was fine, it wasn’t nearly as exciting as the Savanna View.
If you’re planning on sitting on your balcony, and having a lot of resort time during your stay, I would recommend splurging on a Savanna View – if your budget allows.
That being said, if you’re not going to spend much/any time on your balcony, a Standard View may be more suitable. And it can be great value. It only cost me 10 points for the night when I stayed in September 2023!
RELATED POST: Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna View Rooms/Villas – Overpriced or Worth The Cost?
How Long Should You Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas For?
In my opinion, this depends on whether you opt for a Standard or Savanna View.
If you stay in a Savanna View, I would recommend 2+ nights, as that provides you with more time to enjoy the incredible views. However, if you can only stay for 1 night, I think it would still be worth it – as long as you spend most of your time at the resort.
If you’re staying in a Standard View, I don’t think your length of stay matters as much. I only spent one night in a Standard View Deluxe Studio at Kidani Village, and that was fine for me. But unless you don’t mind moving resorts constantly (like me), I’d recommend 2+ nights in a Standard View Studio/Villa. This allows for a more leisurely stay.
What Time of Year Should You Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas?
If you want to see Animal Kingdom decorated for Christmas, I’d recommend booking a stay for mid/late November into very early January.
But if you’re looking for the best Value, September and January are usually the cheapest times to visit.
RELATED POST: Savanna Savings: How to Secure the Best Animal Kingdom Lodge Prices for Your Disney World Trip
Ta Ta For Now
As we bring our wild exploration of DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge to a close, it’s time to reflect on the enchanting journey we’ve undertaken.
From the allure of Jambo House to the tranquillity of Kidani Village, we’ve delved into the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, discovering the nuances that make each stay a truly unique experience.
Are you planning to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas?
This post is all about everything you should know before booking your stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.
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