A few years ago, we did a non-park split stay between Dolphin and AKL! I thought we'd prefer Dolphin because there is so much to do around Crescent Lake. In the end, we enjoyed many things about our Dolphin stay - we were able to enjoy all the shopping and dining around Crescent Lake, the playground at Dolphin was great for our youngest and the price was great. But it had a convention feel with lots of convention-goers and a very party atmosphere at the pool. And then there was the running joke amongst guests every time we passed by - the underwear that stayed on the walking path outside Dolphin for two full days!
We far preferred our time at AKL. With the back-to-back stays, we really saw a difference in overall vibe when we moved over to AKL. Much more upbeat CMs, and more of a family atmosphere. The balcony outside our room was peaceful, the theming was outstanding, everything was super clean, the pools were fabulous (used both the Kidani pool and the AKL pool - nice benefit for AKL guests!) and the lobby is beautiful (and smells great!) Dining options were fantastic - especially Sanaa and Jiko. It was a really relaxing stay and nice to not be right at the gates of a park.
I know you mentioned that you would prefer WL over AKL, but WL would also be great for a non-park stay. In addition to pools, shopping and dining, WL has a beach and a ton of activities at the marina. We've walked the path over to Fort Wilderness and that offers even more - including Hoop Dee Doo and Chip/Dale's campfire. We've spent lots of resort time at WL and really love taking the boat to CR and resort hopping around the monorail - shopping, dining, exploring, etc. That might get you a little too close to MK, but even if you take the monorail part out of the equation, there is just so much to do at WL and Ft. Wilderness!
We picked it because we would never stay there if we were going to the parks. Plus, we are leaving the kids at home this time and I've always wanted to eat at Sanaa, Jiko and Boma, but we wouldn't take the kids to eat there. We splurged on doing Savannah view. We will have time to drink our coffee in the room because we aren't rushing to the parks. Hope you have a fabulous vacation!
