Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at has long been a favorite destination for Walt Disney World guests. The extensive African theme complete with art, dining and animals has been a big draw for guests to enjoy a unique adventure in their accommodations. In the last year, several of the rooms at the Lodge have been converted into Disney Vacation Club studios and villas. Now, beginning on May 1 of this year, Disney Vacation Club has opened an entirely new resort as part of the Animal Kingdom Lodge family. The resort is called the Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village. And it is truly spectacular.

Swahili for "necklace", the Kidani Village resort is definitely a jewel in the Disney Resort family collection. The entire resort is richly decorated in African art, music and architecture. Everywhere guests go, they are surrounded by the details that only Disney could bring to life. From the moment you arrive at the resort, you are transported to Africa.

The art. Ask any cast member at Kidani Village and they will proudly tell you that between the new Kidani and the existing Animal Kingdom Lodge, now called Jambo House, Disney owns and displays the largest collection of African art outside the continent of Africa. From the pieces presented in the lobby to the cleverly displayed masks, bead work and figurines tucked into custom made shelves in the walls, the artwork is an inviting and enchanting way to actually touch Africa. Guest are encouraged to explore the textures and details of the artwork and fabrics to become more acquainted with the culture.

The animals. When hardy travelers think of an African vacation, the word "safari" comes to mind. After all, what would Africa be without its exotic and fascinating animals? Kidani and Jambo House are no exception to the safari theme and Disney takes it to the uppermost level. Stand on the balcony of one of the rooms at Kidani classifies as "savanna view", peek out any window in the hallways, step out to the rocking chairs outside the library, or wander down to the overlook and gaze in wonder at the live and very active zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, ostriches, ankole cattle and more creatures as they make their way through their lives right in front of you. Imagine beginning every day of your vacation taking an idle glance outside and being rewarded with the sight of zebras chasing each other or a baby giraffe running after his mother. Magic!

The rooms. Kidani Village offers Disney Vacation Club members and other Disney World guests their choice of accommodations. Beginning with the one room studio, the villas include a one bedroom, two bedroom and a three bedroom grand villa for families of all sizes. The rooms are all spacious and continue to all encompassing African theme with custom furniture, textiles and fabrics, and wall decorations. Hidden Mickeys on the carpet, comforter and in the bathroom remind you that you are still in Disney World, and a Simba or two may peek out at you from the curtain sheers. With a small kitchenette in the studios and a full kitchen with washer and dryer in the larger villas, the rooms will envelop every guest in the African fantasy and will provide guests' every need.

The pool. A short walk outside the lobby brings guests to Samawati Springs pool, where they can choose between a lovely pool with a larger and small slide, or a full out water playground that satisfies kids of all ages. Take your baby or toddler to the tiny pool on one side of the playground, or treat your older kids to a water gun fight on the other side. There are plenty of tables and lounge chairs surrounding the pool and the Maji pool bar is available for private dining, light snacks, frosty beverages and a refill station for soda mugs. The Kidani pool is an excellent and refreshing respite from the Florida heat and the Disney parks activity!

Dining. At this time, guests can choose to dine at the table service restaurant, Sanaa. Sanaa features tandoori meats, fresh naan bread and many other Indian and African ethnic tastes while surrounded by elaborate fabrics and art and views to the savanna. Don't care to sit down for a formal meal? Head out to the pool and order private dining featuring Sanaa's cuisine at the Maji Pool Bar. Lighter fare is also available at Maji for a quick sandwich or salad and Johari Treasures in the lobby sells snacks and items guests can prepare in their rooms. At this time there is no formal quick service restaurant at Kidani Village, but as the resort grows, there is always hope.

Activities. Kidani Village is filled with activities for children and adults. The Community Hall has board games, arts and crafts and a more formal "Camp Kidani" where children can become junior savanna guides by learning about topics ranging from African Art to African sports and games, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, and more. Adults can take classes in African drumming, there are tours of the art and dining at both Kidani and Jambo House, and plenty of organized games at the pool. Pin trading is an event, and for those who like to kick back and relax in their rooms, dvd's are available to borrow in the gift shop.

Kidani Village is by no means just the younger sister of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House. She is a full fledged beauty of a resort all on her own, and as Disney continues to grow and build Kidani, guests will continue to flock to the splendor and grace that is this resort. And they will find themselves deep in the heart of African, while in the heart of the Disney magic!