Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village is preparing for a temporary closure of its Samawati Springs Pool Slide as part of a scheduled refurbishment. Starting September 8, 2025, the slide will undergo maintenance, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable feature for guests.
While the slide will be unavailable, the main pool and other amenities will remain open, offering plenty of options for relaxation and fun. Here’s what you need to know about this refurbishment and how it fits into the broader updates planned for the resort.
Refurbishment Details
Closure Details
Closes
September 8, 2025
Reopens
TBD
Closure Date and Duration
The Samawati Springs Pool Slide will close for refurbishment on September 8, 2025, shortly after the Labor Day holiday. While Disney has not announced an exact reopening date, the closure is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the high standards of the resort’s amenities.
Impact on Guests
During the refurbishment, the main pool and the kids’ water play area at Samawati Springs will remain open. Guests looking for additional options can also visit the Uzima Springs Pool at neighboring Jambo House, ensuring that everyone has access to water-based activities during their stay.
Broader Resort Updates
Villa Refurbishment Project
The pool slide refurbishment coincides with a larger project to update the Disney Vacation Club villas at Kidani Village. Starting in October 2025, the resort will begin a comprehensive “hard goods” refurbishment, which includes:
- New floor and wall coverings
- Updated furniture and decor
- The addition of pull-down sofa beds
This project is expected to run through May 2026 for Kidani Village, with work on Jambo House villas scheduled to follow, concluding in January 2027.
Pools At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Uzima Springs Pool
The Uzima Springs Pool is a paradise for water lovers. Located at the Jambo House, this 11,000-square-foot pool is one of the largest on the Disney property. It’s easy to lose track of time while relaxing in this oasis amidst lush greenery.
The pool is designed to mimic an African watering hole with its zero-depth entry point, which makes it feel like you’re walking right into a natural body of water. The pool area also features a hot tub and a 67-foot-long waterslide that winds through the rocks.
Around the pool, there are plenty of loungers for those who prefer to soak up the Florida sun. And if you want to stay in the shade, you can rent a private cabana. The poolside bar, Uzima Springs Pool Bar, serves refreshing drinks and quick bites, ensuring you won’t have to leave the pool area for anything.
Samawati Springs Pool
Over at the Kidani Village, you’ll find the equally impressive Samawati Springs Pool. This 4,700-square-foot pool may be smaller than Uzima Springs, but it packs a punch with its exciting features.
Its zero-depth entry point, similar to Uzima Springs Pool, gives it a natural feel. And for those who prefer to relax, there are two whirlpool spas.
The pool area is also home to the Maji Pool Bar, where you can enjoy African-inspired food and beverages.
Uwanja Camp
Adjacent to the Samawati Springs Pool is the Uwanja Camp, an interactive water playground that kids will love. It’s divided into three zones for different age groups: the Observation Station for kids aged 4 and under, the Departure Zone for kids aged 5 to 7, and the Base Camp for kids aged 8 and up.
The camp features water cannons, rope bridges, and water slides, providing hours of fun for the little ones. And parents can sit back and relax on the nearby loungers while keeping an eye on their children.
Conclusion
While the slide will be unavailable, the resort offers plenty of other amenities to ensure a memorable stay. With additional updates planned for the DVC villas, guests can look forward to renewed accommodations and continued awesomeness at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.
Jambo House
Kidani Village
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
