If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to stay. And if you’re considering Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas, you might be wondering which building to choose — Kidani Village or Jambo House.
The answer, as with many things at Disney, is not simple!
Both Kidani Village and Jambo House are part of the same overall resort, but they offer very different experiences. Kidani Village is more secluded and peaceful, with a focus on the savannas and the animals that live there. Whereas, Jambo House is more bustling and lively, with a focus on the African art and culture that inspired the resort.
So which one should you choose? We’ll take a closer look at what each building has to offer. But first, why are there two buildings to begin with?
Overview of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Disney Deluxe Resort that is designed to mimic a traditional African kraal, or village, with guest rooms arranged around a central courtyard, a.k.a. the savanna!
When it opened in 2001, the hotel consisted only of Jambo House, which is the main building that houses the lobby, restaurants, and most of the guest rooms. But in 2009, the Disney Vacation Club expanded to the resort resulting in the addition of Kidani Village — a separate building located next door. This made the resort even bigger and added more guest rooms and amenities.
So, while Kidani Village is technically a separate building, it is still part of the overall Animal Kingdom Lodge resort and shares many of the same amenities with Jambo House.
One of the most noticeable differences between the two resorts is that the Jambo House lobby is much larger than the Kidani Village lobby.
But, the great news is that, regardless of the building you choose, you’ll be treated to views of real wildlife living on the Disney-created savanna! You’ll see everything from giraffes to zebras to waterbucks to ostriches and more.
Now, let’s dive into some of the major differences between these two and answer the looming debate: Kidani vs Jambo.
Room Types at Kidani Village and Jambo House
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, both Kidani Village and Jambo House offer a range of room types including deluxe studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas. The villas are spacious and come with a host of built-in amenities including full kitchens or kitchenettes, living rooms, and separate bedrooms.
Really, the biggest difference in the Kidani vs Jambo debate is that Kidani Village is dedicated only to DVC Villas. In contrast, Jambo House also includes standard guest rooms, not just villas.
Kidani Village Rooms
At Kidani Village, you can choose from a deluxe studio, one bedroom villa, two bedroom villa, and three bedroom grand villa. But, you’ll want to pay attention to what view you’re choosing! If staying in a room with wildlife views is important to you then you’re going to want to choose one of the villa rooms with a savanna view (which does cost more).
When it comes to how much space you’ll have in the rooms, the Deluxe Studios are the smallest and considered “value rooms” (because they’re the cheapest). They sleep up to four guests.
The Kidani one-bedroom villas sleep up to four guests and feature a king-size bed and a queen-size sleeper sofa.
The dedicated two-bedroom villas sleep up to nine guests and feature a king-size bed in the master bedroom, two queen beds in the separate bedroom, and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room.
The three-bedroom villas are actually TWO-STORY grand villas and sleep up to 12 guests! They feature a king-size bed in the master bedroom, two queen-size beds in the second and third bedrooms, and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room.
Jambo House Rooms
Like the Kidani rooms, Jambo House features deluxe studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas.
The deluxe studios at Jambo House are like standard rooms that you might expect at a hotel and sleep up to four guests and feature two queen-size beds, a kitchenette, and a small seating area.
The one-bedroom villas at Jambo House sleep up to four guests and feature a king-size bed and a queen-size sleeper sofa, as well as a full kitchen, separate living room, and extra bathroom.
The two-bedroom villas feature a king-size bed in the master bedroom, two queen-size beds in the second bedroom, and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room and sleep up to nine guests.
And, lastly, the three-bedroom grand villas sleep up to 12 guests and feature a king-size bed in the master bedroom, two queen-size beds in the second and third bedrooms, and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room.
It’s also important to note that not all rooms at Jambo House have savanna views. So, if having a savanna view is important to you, make sure to book a room that specifically mentions it. And, keep in mind that the rooms at Jambo House tend to book up quickly, especially during popular times of the year because there are fewer Disney Vacation Club Villas in the hotel compared to Kidani Village.
Dining Options at Kidani Village vs Jambo House
Now onto what many consider the most important part of any Disney trip — the food!
The good news is that you certainly won’t go hungry when you stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — there are quite a few restaurants to choose from including table service restaurants, quick service restaurants, and pool bars. But, there are some differences in your food options between the two buildings. Here’s what you need to know.
Kidani Village Dining Options
Sanaa is the only restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village, but that shouldn’t necessarily deter you from staying here because it is REALLY GOOD!
Known as Sanaa, this table service restaurant offers African and Indian-inspired cuisine and boasts stunning views of the savanna (so you can watch the animals roam while you eat!). While the entire menu is noteworthy, Sanaa is best known for its bread service which includes FIVE different breads and NINE accompaniments (aka sauces).
The great thing about Sanaa is that you don’t necessarily need a dining reservation to eat there! Guests staying at the resort can order Sanaa To Go through the My Disney Experience app making it easy to grab a bite for lunch or dinner.
And, there’s also a pool bar at Kidani Village, Maji Pool Bar, which serves cocktails and light bites by the pool.
Jambo House Dining Options
Jambo House has more places to eat compared to Kidani Village, including two table service restaurants, a quick service restaurant, and multiple bars.
When it comes to sit-down meals, Jambo House has two of the most unique (and best) restaurants in all of the Walt Disney World Resort — Jiko and Boma!
Jiko — The Cooking Place, a signature restaurant that serves African-inspired cuisine and an extensive list of South African wine. There’s also Boma — Flavors of Africa, which is a buffet-style restaurant that serves African-inspired dishes for breakfast and dinner. Be sure to try the Zebra Domes when you eat here!
If you’re just looking for a quick bite, guests can visit the quick service restaurant —The Mara — which serves African and American cuisine. This is also where you can find the iconic Zebra Domes to-go!
And, if you’re craving a cocktail or light bites, visit the Uzima Springs Pool Bar or head inside to the Victoria Falls Lounge near Boma or the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar near Jiko.
Pool Areas at Kidani Village and Jambo House
Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House and Kidani Village have impressive pool areas that offer a fun and relaxing experience for guests.
Kidani Village Pool Area
Kidani Village has one pool area, the Samawati Springs Pool, which features a 128-foot-long waterslide, two hot tubs, and three kiddie pools that are part of a HUGE kiddie play area known as Uwanja Camp.
There is also a pool bar, Maji Pool Bar, which serves cocktails and light bites nearby.
Jambo House Pool Area
Jambo House also has one pool — the Uzima Springs Pool. It features a large zero-entry pool with a water slide, two hot tubs, and shallow kiddie pools for your littlest travelers.
There is also a pool bar here, the Uzima Springs Pool Bar, where you can grab a drink or snack.
Savanna Views at Kidani Village and Jambo House
One of the unique features of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas is the opportunity to have savanna views from your room. Both Jambo House and Kidani Village offer savanna views, but there are some differences between the two.
Kidani Village Savanna Views
Nearly all of the DVC villas at Kidani Village offer savanna views, with options for views of either Sunset Savanna or Pembe Savanna. The Sunset Savanna is larger and offers views of more animals, while Pembe Savanna is smaller and offers a more intimate viewing experience.
Note that the Standard View rooms have views of the parking lot or pools. These rooms tend to be much cheaper than the savanna view rooms and you’ll still be able to take advantage of the public viewing areas of the savanna when you stay here.
If you’re hoping for some of the best views of the wildlife on the savanna opt for one of the Savanna View Grand Villas!
Jambo House Savanna Views
Like Kidani Village, not all rooms at Jambo House offer savanna views. The resort has two savannas, Sunset Savanna and Arusha Savanna, and only select rooms offer views of these areas. If having a savanna view is important to you, make sure to book a room that specifically mentions it.
Other Amenities at Kidani Village and Jambo House
In addition to the room types, dining options, and pool areas, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House and Kidani Village offer several other amenities that may be important to you.
Kidani Village Amenities
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village has several additional amenities, including:
- Community Hall, a space with board games, pool tables, crafts, and other activities for families
- Spa services at Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center
- Gift shop
- Movies Under the Stars 3 nights a week
- Basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts
- Free locker rentals
- Fire pit with nighttime activities
- Starlight Safari private tour where you’ll be taken out onto the savanna after dark to see 30 species of African wildlife in their natural habitat. Note that this is an additional cost and reservations are required.
- Disney bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Disney Springs, and the Disney Water Parks
Jambo House Amenities
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House also has several additional amenities, including:
- Exclusive animal viewing areas, including a savanna overlook and a flamingo pond. Nightvision goggles are also available in select viewing areas.
- Cultural representatives who offer insights into African culture and wildlife
- Spa services at the Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center
- Gift shop
- Playground
- Free locker Rentals
- Fire pit with nighttime activities
- Disney bus transportation to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Disney Springs, and the Disney Water Parks
All in all, you really can’t go wrong when you’re picking between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas! Kidani Village and Jambo House both offer unique (and special!) experiences and some of the best amenities of any Disney World hotel.
When deciding which resort to choose, it’s important to consider your priorities and preferences, such as the type of room you want, the dining options you prefer, what atmosphere you’re looking for, and whether having a savanna view is important to you.
If you’re considering any of the other Disney World hotels, be sure to check out our dedicated resort pages to find the one that’s best for your upcoming trip. And, stay tuned to The VacationEAR for more of the latest Disney World hotel planning tips, tricks, and updates!