Jambo Richard!
Welcome Home and welcome to planDisney! How exciting that you are dreaming about your next Disney Resort stay. One of my favorite things about Disney Resorts is that you are immersed into a whole new world. It's almost as magical as a day in the parks.
Richard, our family has stayed at both
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (which is our Home Resort) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (both at
Kidani Village and the
Jambo House Villas.) While I love the Wilderness Lodge and its proximity to the Magic Kingdom, I also really love the Animal Kingdom properties.
Like your granddaughter, I am a big fan of animals, and getting to observe them so close and so often during your stay is a special experience indeed. When we visited last, a giraffe walked by the fence while we were sitting at the pool at the Jambo House! It's hard to beat being that close to that kind of magic.
When choosing between Kidani Village and Jambo House, my recommendation would be the Disney Vacation Club rooms at Jambo House. While you can see animals at both Resorts and can book savannah view stays at both - where you can watch animals free to roam around all day right from your balcony - Jambo House has a few more restaurants, a larger store, and a quick service restaurant on property which is great for a grab and go breakfast before a day in the parks. That said, I would take a trek over to Kidani Village for a meal at
Sanaa. Not only is it delicious, but it is a favorite among many Guests and planDisney panelists.
Typically, there are a few educational opportunities at these Resorts as well, with Cast Members who can share information about the animals and even about the African continent. My kids have loved learning more about the countries in Africa and still recall what they learned. You can also walk over to Kidani Village - about a 10 minute walk - if you'd like to enjoy the
Community Hall activities.
As one of Disney's most immersive Resorts, where you feel like you have been transported into a safari lodge on the savannah, I would recommend Disney's Animal Kingdom Resorts if your granddaughter loves animals. It is a slightly longer bus ride to Magic Kingdom, however, the magic and experience at this Resort is worth it in my opinion.
I hope this helps you, Richard. If you have any further Disney Vacation Club questions, journey back here to see me. I'll be right here, working on my roar!
Asante Sana,
Keri