Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas is the eighth Disney Vacation Club timeshare resort, and the fifth located at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, built on a former Retention basin[1] site.
The development was originally announced in October 2006 and the first phase opened in the summer of 2007. This phase included 134 remodeled units (216 guest rooms) on the fifth and sixth floors of the existing Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which opened in 2001. Later construction added 324 units (492 guest rooms) in a new building, Kidani Village, which opened in phases and was completed in 2009. The main building of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is now named Jambo House[2] in order to prevent confusion between the two buildings.[3]
Resort
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is an African lodge-style resort with accommodations that include kitchenettes, or kitchens, and multi-bedroom units. The location features a 21-acre wildlife preserve. Both the Jambo House and Kidani Village have smaller animal habitats that host unique and exotic animals.
The lobby and the villas of Kidani Village extend outwards in a manner meant to resemble the curlicue shape of a water buffalo's horns.[4] Kidani Village itself is a five-story "E"-shaped building. It includes 324 units ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms, as well as an Indian-African Fusion table service restaurant. Inner and outer architecture and decorations are African-inspired, including some indigenous African shrubs and grasses.[1]
Dining
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has three primary dining locations, all featuring African and American cuisine. Sanaa is located at Kidani Village. Jiko, The Cooking Place and Boma - Flavors of Africa are located at Jambo House. Counter-service offerings are also available at Jambo House at The Mara. Drinks and lighter snacks are available at various pool bars and the Kidani Village lobby.[5]
The Sunset Savanna and the Pembe Savanna are home to various African animals, a list of which is provided upon arrival at the resort. Animals listed on the resort site include Zebras, Giraffes, Gazelles, Kudu, Flamingos, and Antelope.[6] Other recreational offerings include pool, campfire activities, watching Disney films, fitness center, community hall.
