Are you staying at Kidani Village or Jambo House? Each "resort" has it's own check in. Jambo House if you are staying in the villas uses the same check-in as regular hotel rooms. The villas at Jambo are very nice, we stayed in one recently (a studio) they have their own floor and you can use the washer/dryers for free if you don't have a 1 or 2BR villa with your own inside. I've also stayed in a regular room and much prefer the villa as we like to have one bed and a sofa bed, leaves more room to stretch out during the daytime. AKL is a lovely resort. Have a great time.

Hi. Don’t worry, the rooms are clean and just fine. I stayed in the same type myself. They are not really “dated” I think. Just... kinda plain. You’ll be comfortable. I expected more since AK rooms are so pricey but if you pretend you’re only paying half of what you are in realty you’ll have an amazing time ;) $$$ but ya gotta stay there at least once. It’s a convenient location, kids will love the animals, and you’ll sleep well. The lobby is nice. Lots of food options. No special treatment & front desk is a task/long wait if you need something, but make your own magic! The gift shop workers are really nice! Gosh, the restaurant downstairs is worth it! You dine on a pretty special menu while watching animals hang just outside the big windows. Have a great time!

I was there last week and would not consider the rooms "dated".

Yes they are at least in the DVC sections