NEWS: Kidani Village opens in phases, new Savanna name, and new resident Okapi!

[carolina_yankee]

This little blurb shows that Kidani Villages will be opening in phases. Phase 1 on May 1, 2009 and phase 2 in September, 2009. Very interesting!

Also, we learn that the new Savanna will be named "pembe" (Swahili for 'ivory') and there will be a new resident beasty! This guy below, the Okapi.

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/335763279_sU8YA-S.jpg

From the DVC member website:

Okapi settling into Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

As development work continues on Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney's Animal Care team has reached a key milestone, welcoming okapi to the resort's animal population. The new animals are becoming acclimated to their new surroundings and will be visible to Members and Guests when the new Pembe Savanna opens as part of the second phase of Kidani Village (currently scheduled for September 2009).

Native to the rain forests of the northern Congo, these herbivores are members of the giraffe family and grow as tall as five-and-a-half feet at the shoulder. While okapi have been Guest favorites at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, this marks the first time the species will call Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge "home."

You can learn more about this species online at www.theokapi.org (http://www.theokapi.org).

[Don13875]

Does that mean they are still working on the rest of it? How much work is left to be done after the opening and what parts other then rooms still needs to be completed? I also bet there might be some loud noise other then the animals. One more question do you know when the whole village will be finished? Thanks

[carolina_yankee]

Reservations for Kidani Village are accepted beginning August 10 for stays beginning May 1, 2009. That date if AKV owners. All DVC owners can book Kidani Village beginning October 1, 2008 for stays beginning May 1, 2009.

I'm betting the phase 1 section includes the lobby, the pool, and the wing that runs South of the lobby. The wing that runs North of the lobby is probably the phase that opens September 2009. I suspect they will have all of the exterior work finished, but will still have to furnish the interior. If there is still construction going on, I wouldn't want to be anywhere over there.

I also don't know if the new Pembe Savanna is the sliver that is North of the North wing (sort of winding around to the pool area), or the area enclosed by the North Wing. If it's the latter, than that means there won't be many animals in that area until September (but not necessary if that wing doesn't open until September, anyway).

Dirk

[lenshanem]

Sooo, I'm assuming the building will still be under construction during those months in between. I would hope the new pool and any other amenities would be done by the first phase completion date? I wonder if there will be any rooms with construction views during those few months?

We have BCV booked for late May with my parents and I know they wanted to try out the new AKV building, but I don't want to even bother if the pool isn't done or there is still alot of work going on. They've been to BCV before with us and would probably like to try something new, but I'm perfectly content staying at home sweet home BCV. Only reason I'd want to go to AKV would be to stay in the new building and have the kids try out the new pool.

Thoughts? Would you bother switching resorts?

[PolyColleen]

I wonder the same thing. We are due to check into BCV on 5/31 but when the 7-month window opens -- and with it the chance to switch -- I wonder if they will really KNOW what the status of the resort will be? I sure don't want to give up Stormalong Bay to stay at a resort that really is not done. I was at BCV on the day it opened, and that is something I will remember forever, but the BC resort already existed and the Villas was DONE.

[carolina_yankee]

I would be tempted to stay - but like you, I think the idea of a half-finished resort might feel like the hotel in "The Shining." Where is everybody? Why are there parts of the resort you can't, or don't want to go to?

Since AKV already had it's first day with Jambo House, I would probably wait this one out - or else book Kidani for a couple of days to say I've been there and then book another DVC (even Jambo House) for the rest of the trip. The nice thing about DVC - you can always come back!

Dirk

[PolyColleen]

Yes you can come back and that may make the most sense... For these May trips both Shan and I will have the grandparents along (isn't that right?) and moving 3 generations is likely to be circus-like, at least in my group. My Mom packs 12 bags for an overnight... Moving is NOT a good option for us, but staying at BCV, VISITING Kidani in the evening, and then just COMING BACK THERE another time is starting to sound like a real plan.

[carolina_yankee]

Yes you can come back and that may make the most sense... For these May trips both Shan and I will have the grandparents along (isn't that right?) and moving 3 generations is likely to be circus-like, at least in my group. My Mom packs 12 bags for an overnight... Moving is NOT a good option for us, but staying at BCV, VISITING Kidani in the evening, and then just COMING BACK THERE another time is starting to sound like a real plan.

With 3 generations, I think BCV is a great match - there's so much to do in the area that all tastes and activity levels should be satisfied.

I hope your mother isn't flying, or is at least up on the luggage charges!!

Dirk

[PolyColleen]

You are very right. All ages in our group LOVE Stormalong Bay and BCV as a whole.

My Mom is no longer a flier. She has luckily retired just an hour from WDW and gets to make all sorts of Mickey trips. She nevertheless packs EVERYTHING "just in case." For our overnight at OKW this week she had one heckuva suitcase plus a good assortment of bags. OKW made lugging all that stuff easy though.

[spiceycat]

well since need to be there in May anyway - but since don't own at Kidani - it will be a while before I can make reservations.

still might go for a value studio at Jambo if any are left.

it might be fun - OKW was build in stages - it was fun to see it grow.

DVC is pretty good about having the pool and stuff done before opening. So would expect that stuff to be done.

mean you are also talking about the front desk - you KNOW that will be done.

the pool is in the same area.