AKL or WL and why?

[mara61]

When we stayed at Kidani last year, there was pool activities going on and I know they did the nightly movies. Last year was our first staying DVC with rented points, previously when we stayed at AKL we stayed at at Jambo.

When my oldest was your oldest age he learned to swim at AKL, one of the reasons was the zero entry pool. We loved doing the parade at night at Jambo house, I have some great pictures.

I think you know your answer of what you want, did you ask your kids? They might like night vision goggles over the water parade.

We will be staying at AKL dvc in October this year for 9 days.

 

[Mnemonic]

For 10 days I would split between them -- best of both worlds that way.


They are both beautiful -- WL has better transportation to the MK (but not to any other park), AKL has the animals and lots of activities for the kids, plus a better pool area (especially if you add the Kidani splash area).

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. If you think your kids would love being able to look at the animals each day, then AKL may be a better choice. If your plans are heavy on MK days, then the location of the WL would make things easier for you.

We have stayed at both. Dining at AKL is "nicer" imo, but the TS restaurant at WL is more kid friendly and fun. Pool def better at AKL, but more overall activities at WL - AND you get the floating parade at WL.

These are my two fave resorts, bar none - with 10 days, you have to do both - simply have to.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and love both for different reasons. If you want the DDP for the entire time, it does make more sense to stay at 1 resort the whole time. But doing a split stay is easy and since you're there for 10 days, you would be spending enough time at each resort to make the move worth it, IMO. Both resorts have a great pool, very good CS, and great TS options. The WL has the boat to MK which is convenient, but the buses at AKL aren't bad either (IMO). You really can't go wrong with either resort as they are both great places to stay. Good luck.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

That's a hard one!

Looking at it as a resort only choice, I would choose AKL. I think AKL is one of the coolest resorts on Disney property! Their other amenities are very similar (room types, lodge style, a quick service, two unique table service restaurants at each location, unique pools, DVC attached, etc).

BUT because we typically don't compare resorts as stand alone vacation spots, I would actually chose WL for its location. The boat rides are so cool and you have access to Fort Wilderness (Hoop dee do!), Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, and a monorail ride to Poly and Grand Floridian.

While I love AKL, it is a longer distance to travel to MK and Epcot and the only transportation option are buses. If I was going to AK and BB only, AKL all the way! But if I were spending a lot of time at MK, I would pick WL.

 

[karenfb]

Thank-you!!

When you said "entertainment" what do you mean by that in regards to comparing both resorts? What does WL do entertainment wise that AKL does not?
Does AKL have a daily pool party for the kids? I know WL does (I think)

They have lots of activities at the pool and in the lobby at WL. There are activity directors in both areas. They have board games in the lobby which will allow the kids to play together. The games at the pool at WL are lots of fun. A dunking type game that includes the parents. It's fun for kids.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

They have lots of activities at the pool and in the lobby at WL. There are activity directors in both areas. They have board games in the lobby which will allow the kids to play together. The games at the pool at WL are lots of fun. A dunking type game that includes the parents. It's fun for kids.

That sounds like a lot of fun!!!

I'm actually now considering doing a split stay between AKL and the Poly..I'm all over the place..haha! I'm driving myself nuts! I can never make things simple!

 

[LovinPooh]

I am going to go with wl just for its location to mk. I didnt like boma but loved wcc. Plus we hang at mk everynite. My worries is the room location at wl. I live in new england so a woods view is what i have now lol. Def want courtyard. Def no dormer balcony and the closer to roaring forks the better. Is that what i tell the poor cm who is trying to make my reservation? lol
Akl is simply incredible tho. The location of wl beat out another akl stay for us.
The pricing of courtyard view doesnt seem to be that far off from the pool view at akl. Or am i missing something?

 

[hockeymom3]

I stayed at both last trip and I would vote for WL. I

 

[hockeymom3]

I stayed at both last trip and I would vote for WL. I

Oops hit send too fast. I would go back to WL in a heartbeat!!! Loved it!!!

 

[cleophus12]

Personally, I would choose AKL. But after reading through this whole thread, I agree with those PPs who say WL has more of a kids' feel. That doesn't make it louder or anything, just more fun, maybe. We loved our Savannah view room at AKL and the bus service was some of the best we've ever had. On the other hand, the bus service at WL was some of the worst we've ever had. Fortunately, you have some other transportation options at WL so you don't always have to depend on the bus to go wherever you want. No matter which one you choose, you won't be disappointed. They are both great places. We always visit both places to eat when we are staying other places.