If you have a stay booked at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, there are some changes worth knowing about before you arrive. The lobby is in the middle of a refurbishment that has relocated key services and closed off several areas of the resort. Here is a breakdown of what is happening, where to find what you need, and how the timeline could affect your trip.
The Lobby Is Currently Blocked Off
The entire lobby area at Kidani Village is walled off during the work. That includes everything from the Porte Cochere at the front of the resort to the savanna access stairway. If you are used to passing through this space, plan for a different route while construction continues.
Where to Find the Front Desk and Gift Shop
Front desk services have moved to a temporary location in The Palace Library, so that is where you will head for check-in and any assistance during your stay. The Johari Treasures gift shop has relocated to the same spot.
Keep in mind that the temporary shop carries a limited selection. You can expect to find refillable mugs, bottled beverages and snacks, and a few racks of clothing. If you had a specific item in mind, it may not be available until the shop returns to its full setup.
Getting Your Drink Refills
The beverage towers are out of service during the refurbishment, which changes where you go for refills. Kidani Village guests can visit Sanaa for soft drink refills.
Self-serve options are also available at the pool bar and at The Mara over at Jambo House. It takes a short walk, but the refill stations are still within reach.
The Renovation Timeline
The lobby renovation began in late August 2026 and is expected to continue into October. Beyond the main lobby work, two separate projects will affect the corridors on either side of the resort, each with its own window.
From September 28 to October 9, the North Side Corridor will be unavailable. This blocks access to the North Side Lobby Elevators on the second floor, along with the outdoor deck and viewing area.
From October 26 to November 6, the South Side Lobby Corridor will close to guests on the second floor. This stretch affects several spaces, including the Community Hall, The Palace Library, the arcade, the laundry room, the lobby restrooms, and the south side outdoor viewing platform.
Conclusion
The Kidani Village lobby refurbishment brings some temporary changes, from a relocated front desk and gift shop to shifting drink refill stations and staggered corridor closures. With the work running from late August into November, checking the dates against your travel plans is the simplest way to avoid surprises. A quick review of what is open before you go will keep your stay running smoothly.
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.
