Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

When Walt Disney World opened Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in 2001, it brought a piece of African savanna to central Florida. In 2009, the resort expanded with the addition of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, a Disney Vacation Club property that takes the African lodge experience to new heights. Let’s explore this extraordinary resort that combines luxury accommodations, cultural immersion, and up-close wildlife encounters. Kidani Village is a Walt Disney World deluxe villa resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Summary

• Opened in 2009 as a Disney Vacation Club property expansion of Animal Kingdom Lodge, featuring exclusively villa accommodations in various sizes from studios to three-bedroom grand villas, with rooms designed to combine African-inspired décor with modern amenities.
• Built in a distinctive horseshoe shape inspired by traditional African kraal design, the resort overlooks two savannas (Sunset and Pembe) where guests can observe more than 30 species of African wildlife from their rooms and public viewing areas.
• Features Sanaa, a signature restaurant combining African and Indian flavors, known for its unique bread service and panoramic savanna views through floor-to-ceiling windows, making it possible to watch wildlife while dining.
• Offers extensive recreation options including the 4,700-square-foot Samawati Springs Pool with a 128-foot water slide, the interactive Uwanja Camp water playground with three age-specific zones, sports facilities (tennis, basketball, shuffleboard), and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
• Provides a range of cultural activities and educational programs, including wildlife viewing with night vision goggles, African cultural immersion experiences, educational programs about African wildlife, and art activities led by cultural representatives from various African nations.
• Connected to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge via a walking path and shuttle service, allowing guests to access additional dining options (Jiko, Boma, The Mara) while maintaining its own distinct, more intimate atmosphere with typically longer walks to amenities due to its elongated design.
• Incorporates authentic African art, artifacts, and cultural elements throughout the property, from the intimate lobby featuring traditional African artwork to the carefully curated decorative elements in guest rooms and public spaces.

Jambo House

Jambo House opened first in 2001 as the original Animal Kingdom Lodge building. In 2007, Disney began converting a portion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to create Disney Vacation Club (DVC) accommodations. This project specifically converted the fifth and sixth floors of the original Animal Kingdom Lodge building into DVC villas. The conversion was completed in 2008, and these DVC rooms became known as “Jambo House.” The conversion transformed approximately 134 standard hotel rooms into 109 DVC villa units. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House is a separate resort from Kidani Village, though they share many restaurants and amenities.

In 2009, Disney expanded the resort by adding Kidani Village, which was purpose-built as a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property. While both buildings now contain some DVC rooms, Kidani Village is exclusively DVC accommodations, whereas Jambo House offers both standard hotel rooms (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) and DVC villas.

Kidani Village Architecture

The architecture of Kidani Village draws inspiration from traditional African kraal design, where villages were built in a horseshoe shape to protect livestock in the center. Award-winning architect Peter Dominick Jr., who also designed Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House, incorporated this authentic architectural element into Kidani Village’s distinctive curved shape.

The resort’s design pays homage to the diverse cultures of Africa through thoughtful details at every turn. The name “Kidani” means “necklace” in Swahili, and like a necklace, the building gracefully curves around the savanna. The lobby features traditional African artwork, including hand-carved wooden sculptures, authentic tribal masks, and intricate textile designs that tell stories of various African cultures.

Imaginative touches blend seamlessly with authentic African elements. Massive timber beams support dramatic thatched-style roofs, while intricate wooden screening creates compelling shadow patterns throughout the day. The warm color palette of earth tones, rich browns, and deep reds reflects the natural landscapes of Africa, creating an immersive environment that transports guests thousands of miles away from Florida.

Kidani Village Lobby

The lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village serves as more than just an entrance – it’s an immersive introduction to the African experience that awaits guests. The space combines authentic African design elements with practical functionality, creating an atmosphere that immediately transports visitors from Florida to the African continent.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by soaring 46-foot ceilings supported by massive hand-carved wooden beams. The lobby’s design draws inspiration from traditional African royal courts, featuring a central gathering space surrounded by intimate seating areas. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space while providing glimpses of the savanna beyond.

The lobby’s lighting deserves special mention, with custom fixtures designed to resemble traditional African jewelry and ceremonial objects. During daylight hours, these fixtures work in concert with the natural light to cast intricate shadows across the space. As evening approaches, the lighting creates a warm, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of an African sunset.

Art plays a crucial role in the lobby’s design. The space houses one of the largest collections of African art at Walt Disney World, with pieces carefully selected to represent various regions and cultures. Glass display cases showcase smaller artifacts, while larger pieces, including masks, sculptures, and textiles, are integrated throughout the space. Each piece includes interpretive information about its cultural significance and origin.

The lobby features several distinct areas:

• The check-in area, designed to resemble a traditional African marketplace with its wooden counters and thatched roofing
• A comfortable seating area centered around a large fireplace, which serves as a gathering spot for families
• The Kidani Village Library, a cozy nook filled with books about African wildlife, culture, and history
• A children’s area with African-themed games and small-scale furniture
• The Johari Treasures shop, which offers African-inspired merchandise, resort necessities, and unique handicrafts

The lobby also serves as the starting point for many of the resort’s cultural activities. Daily programs often begin here, including storytelling sessions, cultural demonstrations, and wildlife education presentations. Cast members from various African nations, wearing traditional dress, are often present to share information about their home countries and answer questions from guests.

A notable architectural feature is the lobby’s careful integration with the outdoor spaces. Large doors open onto the Sunset Savanna viewing area, creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. This design choice reinforces the connection between the built environment and the natural world, a key theme throughout the resort.

The overall effect of the lobby’s design elements creates an atmosphere that balances grandeur with intimacy, helping guests feel both impressed by the space and comfortable within it. It serves as an effective introduction to the African-inspired experience that characterizes a stay at Kidani Village, setting the stage for the cultural immersion and wildlife encounters that await.

Kidani Village Accommodations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village offers a variety of villa accommodations, each thoughtfully designed to combine African-inspired aesthetics with modern comfort. The resort features four main room categories that can accommodate different group sizes, with several view options available for each type.

Studio Villas – Studio villas serve as the resort’s standard room type, though “standard” hardly describes these well-appointed accommodations. At approximately 366 square feet, these rooms sleep up to four adults, with a queen-size bed and a full-size sleeper sofa. Each studio includes a convenient kitchenette equipped with a microwave, small refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and basic utensils – perfect for quick breakfasts or light meals. The bathroom features a tub/shower combination and split design, with the toilet and shower in one room and the vanity area separate, allowing multiple guests to prepare for the day simultaneously.

One-Bedroom Villas – Stepping up in size, one-bedroom villas offer approximately 710 square feet of space and can accommodate up to five guests. These villas feature a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a separate living room with a queen-size sleeper sofa and sleeper chair, and a full kitchen. The kitchen comes fully equipped with full-size appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and all necessary cookware and utensils. One-bedroom villas also include a stackable washer and dryer, making longer stays more convenient. The master bathroom is particularly luxurious, featuring a whirlpool tub, separate shower, and double vanity.

Two-Bedroom Villas – Two-bedroom villas, spanning approximately 1,080 square feet, can comfortably accommodate up to nine guests. These spacious accommodations combine all the amenities of a one-bedroom villa with an additional bedroom featuring two queen beds. The second bathroom includes a tub/shower combination and single vanity. Some two-bedroom villas are dedicated units, while others are “lock-off” villas that combine a one-bedroom villa with a studio villa, offering more flexible booking options.

Grand Villas – The crown jewels of Kidani Village are its grand villas. These impressive three-bedroom, four-bathroom accommodations span approximately 2,200 square feet across two floors. The first floor features a massive living room with cathedral ceilings, a formal dining room that seats eight, a breakfast bar, and a full kitchen. The master bedroom is also located on the first floor, while two additional bedrooms occupy the second floor. Grand villas can sleep up to twelve guests and include multiple balconies, perfect for savanna viewing.

Kidani Village Room Views

Kidani Village offers three distinct view categories, each providing a unique perspective of the resort grounds:

Savanna View: The most sought-after room category overlooks either the Sunset Savanna or Pembe Savanna. These rooms offer direct views of grazing animals, including giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Each savanna-view room features a private balcony equipped with two chairs and a small table, perfect for wildlife watching at any time of day. The positioning of these rooms along the resort’s distinctive curved design ensures optimal viewing angles of the wildlife areas.

Pool View: These rooms overlook the Samawati Springs Pool area and surrounding courtyards. While they don’t offer wildlife viewing, they provide convenient access to the pool complex and often feature lovely sunset views. The ambient sounds of the water features can create a peaceful atmosphere, particularly in rooms overlooking the quiet pool areas.

Resort View: Resort view rooms might face the parking area, resort entrance, or courtyard areas. While these rooms lack the premium views of their savanna-view counterparts, they often provide the best value and can be ideal for guests who plan to spend most of their time in the parks.

The rooms feature rich wood tones, hand-carved furniture pieces, and authentic African artifacts that create an immersive atmosphere. The bedding includes premium linens with African-inspired patterns, and the walls showcase artwork depicting African wildlife and cultural scenes. Even the smallest details, such as the bathroom tiles and light fixtures, incorporate subtle African motifs.

Accessibility Options

Kidani Village offers several accessible room options in each villa category. These rooms feature modified bathrooms with roll-in showers or tub seats, wider doorways, and lowered closet rods and kitchen countertops. The resort also provides assistive devices for guests with hearing disabilities, including specialized alarm clocks, door knock sensors, and TTY equipment.

Room Location Considerations

When booking a stay at Kidani Village, room location can significantly impact the overall experience. Rooms closer to the lobby provide easier access to dining and transportation, while rooms at the ends of the resort’s wings offer more peaceful surroundings but require longer walks to amenities. The resort’s unique horseshoe shape means that some rooms, particularly those near the ends of the building, can be quite far from the main lobby – sometimes requiring a 10-15 minute walk. However, these rooms often provide some of the most private and unobstructed savanna views.

Kidani Village Wildlife Viewing Experiences

Perhaps the most extraordinary feature of Kidani Village is its 21-acre wildlife savanna, where over 30 species of African animals roam freely. From private balconies or several viewing areas throughout the resort, guests can observe giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and various African antelope species in a natural setting.

The Sunset Savanna, which Kidani Village overlooks, offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities at Walt Disney World. Professional animal specialists maintain the savanna and ensure the animals’ well-being while providing educational opportunities for guests. Night vision goggles are available at no additional charge, allowing guests to observe nocturnal animal behavior after sunset.

Kidani Village Cultural Programs

Kidani Village goes beyond typical resort offerings by providing rich cultural experiences. The resort’s African-inspired activities program, led by cultural representatives from various African nations, offers insights into the continent’s diverse traditions, music, and art.

The Sanaa Cultural Center hosts regular educational programs where guests can learn about African wildlife conservation, traditional crafts, and customs. Children particularly enjoy the African face painting sessions and drum circles that teach traditional rhythms and their significance in African cultures.

Kidani Village Dining

One of the most compelling aspects of staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is the access to an impressive array of dining options. While Kidani Village hosts the acclaimed Sanaa restaurant, guests can also easily access the restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House via a convenient shuttle service or a pleasant walking path that takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Sanaa Sanaa, meaning “work of art” in Swahili, represents the culinary crown jewel of Kidani Village. Located on the ground floor with panoramic views of the Sunset Savanna, this table-service restaurant combines African cooking methods with Indian flavors to create a unique fusion cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the restaurant, allowing diners to observe wildlife while enjoying their meals, particularly during breakfast and lunch hours when animals are most active.

The restaurant’s interior design draws inspiration from East African markets and spice trade routes. Hand-carved wooden columns reminiscent of market posts define different dining areas, while traditional African artifacts and artwork adorn the walls. The lighting fixtures mimic traditional woven baskets, casting intricate shadows that enhance the atmospheric dining experience.

Sanaa’s signature dish, the Indian-style bread service, has become legendary among Disney dining enthusiasts. This starter features five different types of naan bread (traditional, garlic-ginger, spiced, onion kulcha, and paneer paratha) accompanied by nine distinctive accompaniments ranging from mild to spicy: cucumber raita, roasted red pepper hummus, mango chutney, tomato-date jam, tamarind chutney, coriander chutney, garlic pickle, red chile sambal, and spicy jalapeño-lime pickle.

Sanaa serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast menu offers a unique blend of traditional American favorites with African and Indian twists, such as the Sunrise Sandwich featuring curry-spiced scrambled eggs. For lunch and dinner, the menu changes seasonally but typically includes slow-cooked meats, sustainable seafood, and vegetarian options. Popular entrées include the Potjie-inspired slow-cooked dishes, where guests choose from various proteins and accompaniments served in traditional African cooking vessels.

Sanaa Lounge Adjacent to the restaurant, the Sanaa Lounge provides a full bar and limited menu of small plates. The lounge offers specialty cocktails inspired by African and Indian flavors, along with an extensive wine list featuring South African vintages. It’s an ideal spot for guests waiting for their table or those seeking a more casual dining experience.

Maji Pool Bar Located near the Samawati Springs Pool, this outdoor venue offers a variety of grab-and-go items, light snacks, and refreshing beverages. The menu includes pool-side favorites like sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads, along with African-inspired snacks and tropical cocktails.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining Options

Jiko – The Cooking Place Considered one of Walt Disney World’s finest restaurants, Jiko – The Cooking Place offers a sophisticated dining experience that celebrates the flavors of Africa. The restaurant’s name means “cooking place” in Swahili, and the space is designed to evoke the feeling of an African sunset, with warm lighting that gradually dims throughout the evening to mirror the setting sun.

The menu at Jiko features contemporary African cuisine with influences from the Mediterranean and India. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its extensive South African wine list, one of the largest collections in North America. Signature dishes include the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon with African-inspired accompaniments and the Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shank. The restaurant’s wood-burning ovens add unique flavors to many dishes, while traditional African spice blends create distinctive taste profiles not found elsewhere at Walt Disney World.

Boma – Flavors of Africa Boma offers a buffet-style dining experience that showcases the diverse cuisines of over 50 African countries. Located on the lower level of Jambo House, the restaurant’s design is inspired by an African marketplace, with thatched-roof serving stations and authentic African decor.

Breakfast at Boma features both traditional American breakfast items and African-inspired specialties, including the famous African pastries and the restaurant’s signature juice blend. Dinner presents an even more extensive array of African flavors, with multiple carving stations, African soups and stews, and an impressive selection of desserts, including the famous Zebra Domes.

The Mara Named after the Mara River that runs through Kenya and Tanzania, The Mara is Jambo House’s quick-service restaurant. The restaurant’s design elements reflect an African marketplace, with painted walls depicting African wildlife and indigenous art. The Mara offers grab-and-go items, made-to-order meals, and specialty desserts, including the popular Zebra Domes also served at Boma.

Victoria Falls Lounge Located on the mezzanine level of Jambo House, Victoria Falls Lounge overlooks the lobby and provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and light appetizers. The lounge is designed to evoke the feeling of the famous African waterfall, with subtle water elements in its decor. The menu features African-inspired appetizers and an extensive selection of South African wines and specialty cocktails.

The Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House offers a perfect blend of refreshment and African ambiance. This open-air venue, positioned alongside the 11,000-square-foot Uzima Pool, features a thatched roof design that provides welcome shade while maintaining the resort’s authentic architecture. The bar serves tropical cocktails, African and domestic beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, along with light snacks and small plates. Its unique location offers simultaneous views of both the pool and the Uzima Savanna, allowing guests to potentially spot wildlife while enjoying their drinks, creating an experience that perfectly captures the spirit of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Cape Town Wine Room and Cellar Adjacent to Jiko, this intimate space hosts wine tastings and special events. The room houses an impressive collection of South African wines and can be reserved for private dining experiences.

In-Room Dining at Kidani Village offers room service daily from 7:00 AM to midnight. The menu includes a selection of items from their respective restaurants alongside traditional American favorites. For villa guests, kitchens can be stocked prior to arrival through Disney’s grocery delivery service.

The combination of restaurants between Kidani Village and Animal Kingdom Lodge provides guests with an impressive variety of dining options, from quick-service meals to some of Disney World’s finest dining experiences. The ability to easily access both locations’ restaurants adds significant value for guests staying at either resort.

Kidani Village Recreation

The Animal Kingdom Lodge complex offers guests access to two distinctive pool areas – the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village and the Uzima Pool at Jambo House. Guests staying at either resort can enjoy both pool complexes, creating expanded aquatic recreation options.

Samawati Springs Pool Complex at Kidani Village

The Samawati Springs Pool serves as Kidani Village’s primary aquatic destination. “Samawati” means “blue” in Swahili, reflecting the pool’s stunning azure waters. This 4,700-square-foot zero-entry pool features several distinctive areas designed for different age groups and swimming abilities.

The pool’s most striking feature is the 128-foot water slide, designed to resemble a natural rock formation. Guests enter the slide through what appears to be an abandoned research facility, adding to the pool’s themed narrative of a repurposed African watering hole. The slide includes both covered and uncovered sections, providing an exciting journey before splashing into a dedicated plunge pool.

The zero-depth entry area is particularly beneficial for young children and guests with mobility concerns, allowing them to gradually wade into deeper water. Multiple depths throughout the pool accommodate different swimming abilities, with clear depth markers and strategic placement of lifeguard stations ensuring guest safety.

Adjacent to the main pool, the Uwanja Camp water playground provides three distinct zones for different age groups:

• Observation Station (for children 4 and under): A gentle play area featuring small slides, shallow pools, and gentle water features perfect for toddlers
• Base Camp (for children 5-7): A medium-intensity zone with water cannons, small slides, and climbing features
• Departure Zone (for children 8 and older): The most active area, featuring water dumps, multiple slides, and various spray features

Uzima Pool Complex at Jambo House

The Uzima Pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House is one of Walt Disney World’s largest resort pools. “Uzima” means “healthy” or “wholesome” in Swahili, and at 11,000 square feet, this expansive pool offers plenty of space for guests to enjoy aquatic activities.

The pool’s design draws inspiration from natural African watering holes, with zero-depth entry points that mimic the gradual slope of a natural shoreline. Rock outcroppings and lush landscaping create the feeling of swimming in a natural setting, while strategic viewing areas allow guests to observe the surrounding savanna while enjoying the pool.

The Uzima Pool features a 67-foot-long water slide that winds through artificial rock work, creating an exciting experience for guests of all ages. The slide’s theming continues the natural African aesthetic, making it appear as though it was carved through ancient stone.

One of the most distinctive features of the Uzima Pool is its location adjacent to the Uzima Savanna, allowing swimmers to potentially spot zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife while enjoying the water. The pool’s design includes several viewing areas where guests can pause their swimming activities to observe the animals.

Shared Pool Amenities and Features

Both pool complexes offer several important amenities:

Temperature Control: Both pools are heated to a comfortable temperature year-round, typically maintained between 82-85 degrees Fahrenheit, making them enjoyable even during cooler months.

Hot Tubs: Each pool complex features multiple whirlpool spas strategically placed around the pool deck. These hot tubs are particularly popular during evening hours when temperatures cool down.

Pool Bars: The Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village and the Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Jambo House provide convenient access to beverages and light meals without leaving the pool area.

Towel Service: Complimentary towels are available at both pools, with convenient return stations located throughout the pool areas.

Lifeguard Coverage: Both pools maintain full lifeguard coverage during all operating hours, with staff trained in Disney’s comprehensive water safety protocols.

Accessibility Features: Each pool complex includes lifts and other accessibility equipment to ensure all guests can enjoy the water. The zero-depth entry points also facilitate easy access for guests with mobility considerations.

Additional Pool Area Features:

• Abundant lounge chairs and umbrellas positioned around both pool decks
• Convenient restroom and changing facilities
• Pool hopping privileges between both resorts
• Evening pool hours (varying seasonally)
• Special poolside activities scheduled throughout the day
• Private cabanas available for rental (seasonal availability)

The combination of these two distinctive pool complexes provides guests with varied aquatic experiences. The Uzima Pool offers a more naturalistic, savanna-integrated swimming experience, while the Samawati Springs Pool complex provides more interactive water play features through its Uwanja Camp area. Together, they create comprehensive water recreation options that complement the resorts’ African theme while providing refreshing entertainment for guests of all ages.

The state-of-the-art Survival of the Fittest fitness center, offers modern exercise equipment and complimentary fitness classes. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the tennis courts, basketball court, and shuffleboard areas. The Community Hall provides board games, craft activities, and video games for indoor entertainment.

Kidani Village Transportation

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village offers a robust transportation network to help guests navigate Walt Disney World Resort. Understanding the various transportation options helps guests plan their days efficiently and maximize their vacation time.

Bus Transportation to Theme Parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park The closest park to Kidani Village is Disney’s Animal Kingdom, located approximately one mile away. Direct bus service runs continuously throughout the day, with the journey typically taking 5-7 minutes. Buses begin running 45 minutes before the park opens and continue until 2 hours after park closing. During peak times, buses generally arrive every 20 minutes.

Magic Kingdom Park Transportation to Magic Kingdom requires a direct bus ride from Kidani Village to the Magic Kingdom Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The journey typically takes 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses start running 45 minutes before park opening and continue until 2 hours after closing. During peak operation hours, buses typically arrive every 20 minutes. After arriving at the TTC, guests can choose between the monorail or ferryboat for the final leg to the Magic Kingdom entrance.

EPCOT Direct bus service to EPCOT runs throughout the day, with the journey taking approximately 20-25 minutes. As with other park transportation, service begins 45 minutes before park opening and continues until 2 hours after closing. During peak times, buses typically arrive every 20 minutes. The bus drops guests off near the main entrance of EPCOT, providing convenient access to both the front entrance and International Gateway.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Bus service to Hollywood Studios operates on a similar schedule to other parks, with the journey taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run from 45 minutes before park opening until 2 hours after closing, typically arriving every 20 minutes during peak operations. The bus stop at Hollywood Studios is conveniently located near the park entrance, also providing access to the Disney Skyliner station for those wishing to explore other resorts or visit EPCOT’s International Gateway.

Disney Springs Transportation

Bus service to Disney Springs operates throughout the day, with increased frequency during evening hours when Disney Springs experiences its peak attendance. The journey typically takes 20-25 minutes. Morning service to Disney Springs begins at 9:00 AM, with return service running until 2:00 AM or one hour after Disney Springs closes, whichever is later. During peak evening hours, buses typically arrive every 20 minutes.

Inter-Resort Transportation

Between Kidani Village and Jambo House A convenient internal shuttle runs continuously between Kidani Village and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. This complimentary service operates approximately every 10 minutes throughout the day and evening. Alternatively, guests can use the scenic walking path between the two buildings, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes and offers savanna viewing opportunities along the way.

To Other Disney Resorts Guests wishing to visit other Disney Resort hotels have several options:

• Take a bus to Disney Springs and transfer to another resort-specific bus
• Take a bus to any theme park and transfer to another resort’s bus
• Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft
• Take a Minnie Van (available through the Lyft app)

Transportation Tips and Considerations

Bus Stop Locations Kidani Village’s main bus stop is located outside the lobby entrance. The covered waiting area includes digital displays showing expected arrival times for the next buses, comfortable seating, and protection from the elements. A secondary bus stop is located near the halfway point of the resort’s wing.

Accessibility All Disney transportation is fully accessible for guests with mobility challenges. Buses are equipped with lifts and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and ECVs. Cast Members are trained to assist guests requiring special accommodation.

Peak Travel Times During peak travel times (typically park opening, park closing, and dining hours), bus waiting times may be longer. It’s recommended to allow extra travel time during these periods:

• Morning park opening (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
• Afternoon park hopping time (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
• Evening park closing (1-2 hours around published closing times)
• Disney Springs evening rush (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

Transportation Planning Tools Guests can use the My Disney Experience app to view real-time bus arrival information. The app provides estimated arrival times for buses to all destinations, helping guests plan their departures efficiently.

Alternative Transportation Options Beyond Disney’s complimentary transportation, guests have access to several other options:

• Minnie Van service (available through the Lyft app)
• Traditional rideshare services (Uber, Lyft)
• Taxi services
• Rental cars (self-parking is complimentary for resort guests)

By understanding these transportation options and planning accordingly, guests can minimize travel time and maximize their enjoyment of Walt Disney World Resort’s various destinations. The comprehensive transportation network ensures that despite Kidani Village’s seemingly secluded location, all of Walt Disney World’s attractions remain easily accessible.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Conservation Efforts

Disney’s commitment to wildlife conservation is evident throughout Kidani Village. The resort participates in various conservation initiatives, including species survival programs and environmental education efforts. The savanna’s design incorporates natural barriers and carefully planned landscapes that protect both animals and guests while maintaining an authentic African atmosphere.

The resort’s architecture includes numerous environmentally conscious features, from water conservation systems to energy-efficient lighting. These efforts align with Disney’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the guest experience through sustainable practices.

Planning Your Stay

Booking a stay at Kidani Village requires careful consideration of several factors. As a Disney Vacation Club property, rooms are primarily available to DVC members. However, non-members can book rooms through Disney directly when availability permits, typically at premium rates reflecting the resort’s unique offerings and high demand.

The best rooms for wildlife viewing face the Sunset Savanna, though these typically command higher prices and book quickly. Standard view rooms, while less expensive, may overlook the parking area or resort grounds rather than the savanna.

Special Experiences and Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Kidani Village offers special experiences that enhance guests’ appreciation of African culture and wildlife. During major holidays, the resort features unique cultural celebrations that blend African traditions with seasonal themes.

The resort’s animal specialists regularly conduct special tours and educational programs, some complimentary and others requiring additional fees. These might include early morning safari experiences, animal tracking activities, or special dining events with animal care experts.

Why Kidani Village

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village represents a remarkable achievement in themed resort design, successfully combining luxury accommodation with cultural authenticity and wildlife conservation. The resort offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience African culture and wildlife while enjoying Disney’s legendary service and attention to detail.

For families seeking more than just a place to sleep between theme park visits, Kidani Village provides an educational and culturally enriching experience that becomes an integral part of their vacation rather than just a base of operations. The resort’s commitment to authenticity, from its architecture to its cultural programs, creates an immersive experience that honors and celebrates African heritage while providing all the comforts expected from a deluxe Disney property.

Whether watching giraffes graze from your balcony, learning traditional African crafts, or sampling exotic cuisines at Sanaa, Kidani Village offers experiences that can’t be found anywhere else at Walt Disney World. It’s a testament to Disney’s ability to create environments that educate and inspire while providing world-class hospitality and comfort.

For those fortunate enough to stay here, Kidani Village isn’t just accommodation – it’s an integral part of the vacation experience that creates lasting memories and potentially inspires a deeper appreciation for African wildlife and culture. In achieving this, the resort fulfills Walt Disney’s vision of creating experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire in equal measure.