An extension of Animal Kingdom Lodge with its own savanna, pool, and restaurants — a quieter retreat with all the wildlife magic.
Kidani Village, which opened in 2009, is the dedicated DVC sister property to Jambo House at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. While the two resorts share theming, dining, and shuttle service, Kidani feels meaningfully different in a few key ways: its inventory is entirely DVC (no hotel rooms), the building is laid out in a single sweeping curve rather than a vertical tower, and it has its own private savanna (the Pembe Savanna) plus its own pool complex anchored by the Samawati Springs Pool with a 128-foot waterslide.
Floor plans at Kidani lean larger than Jambo. There are no Deluxe Studios on the highest floors with concierge service the way Jambo offers; instead, Kidani specializes in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens, in-suite laundry, and balconies that often feature direct savanna views. Several of the 2-bedroom 'Lock-Off' villas can be split into a Studio + 1-bedroom configuration, providing flexibility for families or groups traveling together.
A frequently overlooked perk: Kidani's pool complex is significantly less crowded than Jambo's Uzima Pool, and is right next to Sanaa restaurant — meaning you can grab a snack or cocktail steps from a lounge chair. The walking path between Kidani and Jambo takes about 8–10 minutes and passes through observation decks where you can spot wildlife along the way.
Bus service to all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks. Internal shuttle to Jambo House. Walking path between Kidani and Jambo (about 10 minutes). Bus service to Animal Kingdom is the shortest commute (~12 minutes).
Larger families and groups taking advantage of multi-bedroom villas, anyone who wants Animal Kingdom Lodge's theming with a quieter, less hotel-like atmosphere, and savvy DVC owners who prize the larger floor plans.
Sanaa, located inside Kidani's main lobby, is one of the most underrated restaurants on property — the bread service (with nine accompaniments) is famous, and many tables look directly onto the savanna. The Maji Pool Bar serves quick-service items and drinks poolside.