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Location
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Animal Kingdom Resort Area
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Category
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Deluxe & Deluxe Villa
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Theme
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Africa comes alive – literally. The resort itself is surrounded by the African savanna and the animals that inhabit it. The Jambo House building is styled after traditional African Kraal (coral). A genuine thatch roof, hand carved furniture and staffing by native Africans make this a truly immersive experience. Hours will be spent sitting on the balcony watching the animals spend their day. Uzima Spring bubbles up from within the lobby atrium, and spills over the wall at Victoria Falls lounge. From there it pools alongside Boma before continuing outside past Jiko and meandering into Uzima Spings pool.
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Central Building
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Jambo House is the original building and has Registration, Restaurants, and Shopping. Kidani Village it's own Registration, resturants and shopping. As a guest of Animal Kingdom Lodge, you are welcome to use the facilities at either building.
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Resort Layout
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The resort consists of two buildings: Jambo House and Kidani Village. Each branch of Jambo House has a name: Ostrich, Kudu, Zebra & Giraffe Trails.
Kidani Village has two wings.
There are Four savanna’s: Uzima, Arusha, Sunset and Pembe (opens Fall 2009)
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Please Note: For the safety of the animals, balloons are not allowed into the resort – you will have to check them with Bell Services. Also, do NOT throw any object or food into the animal enclosures – doing so can result in being ejected from the premises. Towels, etc cannot be hung over the balcony rail to dry.
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Be aware there are cameras everywhere to monitor the safety of the animals – you will be told for privacy, close your blinds.
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Facts & History
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Opening year
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2001. Jambo House Villas opened 2007. Kidani Village opened 2009 |
| History |
Never one to pass up an opportunity, Disney recognized the potential of the Animal Kingdom theme park. The up-close and personal animal encounters the theme park offered inspired the creation of a hotel that would transplant the African bush to Florida. Land had been set aside during the planning stages of Animal Kingdom for a resort of some kind. The idea of a African Safari was perhaps the most natural, and thus the Animal Kingdom Lodge was born. Featuring Thatch roofs, furniture hand carved in Zimbabwe and African cultural artifacts, the building itself is a treat for the senses. And did we mention the 35 acres of African savanna surrounding the resort? |
| Design |
Designed by Peter Dominick, of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge fame, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will follow the kraal African village design, a semi-circle concept with a distinctive "theme" carried throughout its architecture, landscape and interior designs. |
| Expansion |
In 2007, 134 rooms in the original Animal Kingdom Lodge were converted into Disney Vacation Club properties; making this the eighth DVC resort. The original building has been given the name Jambo House. The Zawadi Marketplace was remodeled to provide more groceries for guests. To the Northwest, Kidani Village adds 324 additional Deluxe Villa rooms to the Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas. Kidani Village will have it's own check-in desk, restaurants, shop and recreation facilities - though all Animal Kingdom Lodge guests will have access to facilities at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. Kidani Village will also add a fourth savanna and introduce Okapi. |
| Christmastime |
A large Christmas tree stands tall in the main atrium. It is covered in animal and African cultural ornaments. Safari-themed bunting lines the balconies and columns. Down where Victoria Falls pools next to Boma, the local chefs create a gingerbread village each holiday season. |
Types of rooms
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Standard -
Parking lot
Woods
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344 Sq ft. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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344 Sq ft. King, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand. Possible daybed.
Accommodate 2 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Pool
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344 Sq ft. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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344 Sq ft. Queen bed and twin bunk beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand..
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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344 Sq ft. King, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand Possible daybed.
Accommodate 2 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Savanna
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344 Sq ft. 2 Queen beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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344 Sq ft. Queen bed and twin bunk beds, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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344 Sq ft. King, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand.
Accommodate 2 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Kilimanjaro Club
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344 Sq ft. Club Level room. 2 Queen beds or King & daybed, Tub/shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV/DVD, nightstand. Concierge amenities available.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Suites
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Suites available. Inquire for more information.
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Handicapped
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344 Sq ft. King, Roll-in shower & toilet, double vanity, table with 2 chairs, dresser with TV, nightstand, small bench and wall hooks.
Accommodate 2 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Additional fee for each person over 2 people per room. No charge for children under 17 staying with adults.
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All Disney resorts are smoke free. Smoking allowed in designated locations.
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Interior Hallways |
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All rooms have private balconies or patios.
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Deluxe Villa Studio
Value
Standard
Savanna
Club
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316-366Sq ft. Queen bed, Tub/shower & toilet, single vanity, Dresser with flat panel TV/DVD player, armoire, nightstand, full sleeper sofa, coffee table. Kitchenette with small sink, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffeemaker, dishes & utensils. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryer, in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Villa One Bedroom
Value
Standard
Savanna
Club
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629-807 Sq ft. In bedroom, King bed, Dresser with flat panel TV, nightstand, easy chair, & desk with chair. Bathroom with Whirlpool tub, Shower, vanity & toilet. Kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Sitting room has queen sleeper sofa, coffee table, twin sleeper chair, dresser with flat panel TV/DVD player and table & chairs. Second bathroom (Kidani only) has single vanity, tub/shower & toilet. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, broom. Pak-n-Play crib & high chair. Hair dryer (2), in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail. Electric mixer by upon request.
Accommodate 5 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Villa Two Bedroom
Value
Standard
Savanna
Club
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945-1173 Sq ft. In Master bedroom, King bed, Dresser with flat panel TV, nightstand, easy chair, & desk with chair. Bathroom with Whirlpool tub, Shower, single vanity & toilet. In second bedroom, two Queen beds (or a Studio room if it is a “lock-out”), dresser with plasma TV, nightstands, easy chair. Bathroom with tub/shower & toilet and single vanity. Kitchen with stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Sitting room has queen sleeper sofa, coffee table, twin sleeper chair, dresser with flat panel TV/DVD player and table & chairs. Third bathroom (Kidani only) with tub/shower, single vanity & toilet. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, broom. Pak-n-Play crib & high chair. Hair dryer (2), in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail. Electric mixer by upon request.
Accommodate 9 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Grand Villa Savanna
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2201-2349 Sq ft. In Master bedroom, King bed, Dresser with plasma TV, nightstand, easy chair & desk with chair. Bathroom with Whirlpool tub, Shower, 2 single vanities & toilet. In second & third bedrooms, two Queen beds, dresser with plasma TV, nightstands, easy chair. Bathroom with tub/shower & toilet and single vanity. Kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Sitting room has queen sleeper sofa, coffee table, easy chairs, dresser with plasma TV/DVD player. Dining room with table and 8 chairs. Third bathroom with shower, single vanity & toilet. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, broom in laundry room. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryer, in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail. Electric mixer by upon request.
Jambo House is one floor & has a pool table; Kidani Village is two floors.
Accommodate 12 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Handicapped
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Accessible versions of all accommodations exist. Inquire when making reservation.
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There are some layout differences between Jambo House and Kidani Village. |
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Interior Hallways |
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All rooms have private balconies. |
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Room amenities
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Mini-refrigerator, Hair dryer, in-wall safe, coffee maker & coffee/tea packets, refrigerator, TV with limited cable, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail and ceiling fan. Newspaper on weekdays. Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, face soap, lotion.
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| Club Level amenities include Club Level check in & assistance 7:00am-10:00pm; Secured key access to club level; nightly turndown service, upgraded bathroom toiletries, free fax service, 2 adult bathrobes, Refreshments in Concierge Lounge, library of Disney movies at Concierge desk. |
| See room description for Deluxe Villa amenities. |
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High-speed internet free for DVC members. All others there is a daily fee.
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Crib, bed boards/rails and high chair available by request
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| Animal Spotting Guide |
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Connecting rooms available. Put in your request when booking your room; they are not guaranteed.
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Registration
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Check in
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room guaranteed by 3:00pm/ DVC by 4:00pm
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Check out
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by 11am
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Late check out
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can be requested the night before check-out
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Early arrival
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Be sure to Check-in at the Jambo House or Kidani Village Registration desk upon arrival, the room may be ready early, or at the very least they'll give a phone number you can call from any house phone in WDW to get you're room number - therefore you don’t have to go back to the registration desk.
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Express Check out
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Upon arrival you can leave a credit card on your room account. It can then be used to make charges to your room during your stay. And then, the morning you leave, an itemized bill will be on your door handle. If there are any problems, then you can contact the Front Desk - otherwise you're all set and can leave without going back to Registration.
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Magical Express
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for those of you flying into Orlando Intl Airport, Disney is making it even easier to get to their World. You’re given special tags to put on your luggage. Then when you arrive in Orlando, just get on the Magical Express bus – they’ll take you to your resort to check in. You go off and have fun, and you’re bags show up in your room later that day. Before your departure, you'll get a letter saying when you should be at the lobby to check your bags and catch your bus to the airport.
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What you get at check in
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Resort Map: shows Jambo House
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Resort ‘newsletter’, Habari, includes dining, shopping, and recreation info for the resort. Also has other important resort information and phone numbers.
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"Your Guide to the Magic" with dining, shopping, recreation and WDW property map
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WDW Theme Park times Guide
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| Recreation Guide for Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas |
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Key to the World -- your room key not only opens your room, but is also your early entry ID, charge-to-room card, and perhaps your theme park ticket – Don’t Loose It
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If you drove, then you’ll get a parking pass – use it or your room key to park for free at the theme parks, and also to get through the security gate back at your resort.
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What to ask for
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Wild About Safety coloring book for kids (or big kids)
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Theme Park maps
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Resort amenities
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Lobby Concierge
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Located inside the Lobby of Jambo House & Kidani Village. Your source for tickets, dining priority seating, dinner shows, recreation reservations, fishing or fireworks cruises, and other information
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Business Services
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fax & other limited services through front desk
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Bell Services
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Located just inside the lobby of Jambo House & Kidani Village. Valet, luggage service, taxi & limo
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Valet Parking
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Desk located under portico of Jambo House & Kidani Village. Available for a daily fee, free for DVC.
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Airline Check-in
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On the day of your flight you can print out your boarding passes for select airlines. Located inside Registration lobby of Jambo House & in Kidani Village.
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Laundry
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Guest laundry located along Kudu Trail and next to Simba’s Clubhouse in Jambo House. Also off lobby in Kidani Village. Laundry services also available for pick-up/drop-off in your room.
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Fitness Center
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Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center located near Uzima pool. No additional charge for resort guests at Fitness Center. Massage treatments 8:00am-8:00pm. Call 407-938-4715
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Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center located at Samawati Springs. No additional charge for resort guests at Fitness Center.
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Salon
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Not available at this resort
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Child Care
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Simba’s Clubhouse available from 4:30pm to midnight. Located near The Mara. Call 407-939-3463 to make reservations.
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Misc Services
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ATM & postal box are located inside Lobbys. Stamps available in Zawadi Marketplace & Johari Treasures.
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Wifi
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Not available at this Resort
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Ice & Vending Machines
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Located near the elevators and in each atrium.
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Wheelchair rental
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As a guest of the resort, you can request a length-of-stay wheelchair rental. A refundable deposit is given at Lobby Concierge and you are given use of a push-style wheelchair for the length of your stay. Available on a first-come first-serve basis.
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Recreation
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Pools
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Uzima Pool has zero entry and a water slide. There is also a kiddie pool and 2 spas. Located at Jambo House.
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Samawati Springs has zero-entry, a water slide and 2 spas. Located at Kidani Village.
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Towels available at both pools.
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| Life jackets available free of charge. Located at Uzima & Samawati Pools. |
| Arcade |
Pumbaa’s Fun & Games arcade is located next to The Mara.
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Safari So Good Arcade is located at off the Kidani Village lobby.
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Rentals & Sports
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Not available at this resort
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Community Hall located off the Kidani Village lobby.
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Tennis, Basketball and shuffleboard courts. Located at off Kidani Village.
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Playground
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Hakuna Matata Playground located near Uzima Pool.
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Uwanja Camp water playground located at Samawati Springs.
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Jogging trails
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Not available at this resort.
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Children’s activities
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Inquire at Simba's Clubhouse & Community Hall.
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Caricature artist
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Located in the Jambo House Lobby
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| Pressed penny machines |
Located in The Mara |
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Disney cartoons
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Available in both Lobbies and at The Mara
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Other Entertainment
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Lodge Tours daily – check for times.
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Cultural Presentations, Storytelling & Animal Programs by Arusha Rock or inside by Ogun's Firepit – check for times.
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| Relax in the Sunset Lounge off Jambo House lobby. |
| Stay warm by Ogun's firepit in Jambo House lobby. |
| Enjoy the view of Sunset Savanna or play games in The Library off Kidani Village Lobby. |
Dining
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Boma
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Buffet style dining – enjoy the smells and tastes of Africa. Located on First Floor, Jambo House.
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Breakfast 7:30am-11:00am
Dinner 5:00pm-10:00pm
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Sanaa
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Table service dining - African food with Indian flavors. Located on First floor off Kidani Village lobby.
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Lunch
Dinner
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Jiko – the Cooking Place
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Fine dining, extensive collection of South African wines. Located on First Floor, Jambo House.
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Dinner 5:30pm-10:00pm
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Victoria Falls
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Full service bar & appetizers. Located on Second floor, Jambo House.
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4:00pm-midnight
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The Mara
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Counter Service dining, snacks and wines. Located outside by Uzima Pool.
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Breakfast 7:30am-11am
Lunch/Dinner 11am-11:30pm
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Uzima Springs
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Full service bar and snacks. Located by Uzima Pool
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11:00am-dusk
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Maji Pool bar
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Full service bar and snacks. Located by Samawati Springs.
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11:00am - dusk
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In-room Dining
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Full selection of entrees, deserts and beverages.
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Breakfast 6:00am-11:00am
Lunch/Dinner 11:00am-midnight
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BBQ grill
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Self serve grill available. Located at Kidani Village Sport courts.
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Refillable Mug
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Available for purchase and use at The Mara
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Shopping
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Zawadi Marketplace
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Lodge logo items, African gifts and clothes, standard WDW souvenirs, clothes for all ages, nick-nacks, housewares, etc. Food, drinks, and various sundries available. Located off Jambo House lobby.
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Johari Treasures
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Lodge logo items, African gifts and clothes, standard WDW souvenirs, clothes for all ages, nick-nacks, housewares, etc. Food, drinks, and various sundries available. Located off Kidani Village lobby.
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| Disney's Photopass |
View and buy your photopass pictures. Located outside Zawadi Marketplace. |
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Package Pick-up
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Packages sent to the resort from the Theme Parks can be picked up at the designated counter inside Zawadi Marketplace or Johari Treasures.
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Transportation
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Monorail
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Not available at this resort
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Buses
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Bus stops located outside Jambo House & Kidani Village main entrance.
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Bus transportation to all Theme Parks, water parks and Downtown Disney.
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To travel from Jambo House to Kidani Village, take the Downtown Disney Bus. |
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To travel from Kidani Village to Jambo House, take any Theme Park Bus. |
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Boat
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Not available at this resort
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Walkway
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Not available at this resort
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Pros
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Breathtaking resort – the design and décor are amazing.
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It’s practically surrounded by animals – you’ll find reasons to go back to your room to watch them. If you have them, bring binoculars too.
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The food no only smells great, it also tastes great. Boma offers the chance to sample unique foods without having to risk the entire meal.
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Cons
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For a deluxe resort, it’s a shame you have to take the bus everywhere – at least there are no other resorts on your line.
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Boma is buffet only, which stinks if you can’t justify $25 worth of food.
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Some people note the low light levels in the room – you may wish to bring along an additional light for use in the bathroom area.
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Other than watching animals and the pool, there is no other recreation. Note: the with Kidani Village construction, a new pool and recreation center is part of the plan.
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Other info
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My last stay was
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December 15-16, 2008
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Number of times I’ve stayed here
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2
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Address & phone
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2901 Osceola Parkway
Bay Lake, FL 32830
Main: (407) 938-3000
Fax: (407) 938-4799
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