Rennovations at Wilderness Lodge? Also, AKL vs WL? - The DIS Discussion Forums

tripletsmama · 02-20-2013, 08:40 PM

Weren't they renovating the room at WL lately? Is that finished by now? Anywhere I can to see pictures of the new look?

Also, we are booking either AKL or WL. We have stayed at AKL, but never WL. We LOVED AKL so I'm thinking maybe we should stick with that, but then I think it would also be nice to be closer to magic kingdom and try a new resort.

We will be booking club level either way, so if anyone can comment on the concierge lounge at either, that would be helpful as well.

Mousemommy1 · 02-20-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripletsmama

Weren't they renovating the room at WL lately? Is that finished by now? Anywhere I can to see pictures of the new look?

Also, we are booking either AKL or WL. We have stayed at AKL, but never WL. We LOVED AKL so I'm thinking maybe we should stick with that, but then I think it would also be nice to be closer to magic kingdom and try a new resort.

We will be booking club level either way, so if anyone can comment on the concierge lounge at either, that would be helpful as well.

Yup, renovations are all done at WL. IMHO, the rooms look beautiful and are a huge improvement over the old decor. Here of some of our pics from July. We were on CL and LOVED it!

Our view

The pillows

Hope that helps!

Wood Nymph · 02-20-2013, 10:09 PM

We were just at the WL and this was our room.

Chavaleh · 02-20-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mousemommy1

Yup, renovations are all done at WL. IMHO, the rooms look beautiful and are a huge improvement over the old decor. Here of some of our pics from July. We were on CL and LOVED it!

Which view did you have? Is there any way to word a request to possibly get the bit of castle view? Gosh, I'd love that. Beautiful. (room looks nice too

)

Mousemommy1 · 02-20-2013, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chavaleh

Which view did you have? Is there any way to word a request to possibly get the bit of castle view? Gosh, I'd love that. Beautiful. (room looks nice too

)

I believe if you book a woods view, and request an upper floor overlooking otter pond, that could lead to the view.

We were on CL, so you can't book a particular view....I would honestly say that where we were located would be considered a standard view, as if you looked down, we were over that smokehouse thing described on page 1 of the WL thread. NO matter, who looks down??? Looking out was gorgeous!

Chavaleh · 02-20-2013, 10:28 PM

Oh my goodness, I think I'd be giddy with delight if I came into my room and saw that view. Of course even seeing the castle in pictures makes the 7 year old girl in me squeal a little.

tripletsmama · 02-20-2013, 10:29 PM

Thanks for the replies. The pictures really help. The new rooms look gorgeous.

Now just to decide if we stick with AKL since we know we love it, or try something new!

Mousemommy1 · 02-20-2013, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chavaleh

Oh my goodness, I think I'd be giddy with delight if I came into my room and saw that view. Of course even seeing the castle in pictures makes the 7 year old girl in me squeal a little.

I'm not going to lie....I said Good Morning and Good Night to the castle every day. We watched it change colors at night...you could see the monorail going by underneath...and we even watched Wishes....best.room.ever.

mmmears · 02-20-2013, 10:59 PM

Only stayed at AKL, not WL, so I can't do a comparison for you... but I do think of them as sort of similar resorts (amazing rustic lobby, smaller rooms than other deluxes, etc.).

My family loves AKL. We've always stayed CL there -- the lounge is amazing. It's overlooking the lobby, so you get the ambiance, sounds and scents from there -- it's got a high thatched ceiling and a great view. The foods served there are different (and IMO more interesting) than the standard CL food served at other WDW resorts, plus there is an extra "snack" of tea and scones (only served there and at the GF in the afternoons).

The CL rooms are on the 4th floor facing the Arusha Savanna -- wonderful views. You do need to go up to the 6th floor (I'm assuming you are not booking DVC here) to get to the lounge, so it's not as convenient as some of the other resorts, but it's totally worth it IMO.

Also you can book the Sunrise Safari at AK if you stay CL at AKL... And the IPO office is the BEST I have worked with...

I have read good things about WL CL here on the boards, so I'm not saying AKL is better... just never managed to stay at the WL on our trips. Yet...

ETA: There are great photos of both lounges (I believe) on the CL thread and also on the CL photo thread... Hope this helps!

mickeynut1 · 02-21-2013, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tripletsmama

Now just to decide if we stick with AKL since we know we love it, or try something new!

We've stayed at both and love both for different reasons. As far as CL, we've never stayed CL at AKL, but we loved WL CL. The food offerings are great, the lounge has plenty of seating, and the CMs are amazing. With that said, we have considered AKL CL and from reviews I have read, that sounds just as great as WL CL. I think the lounge at both is set up the same (or very similar). The seating in WL CL is set up around the railing overlooking the lobby, which (I think) is the same kind of set up at AKL (hopefully someone will be able to give more information on that). If you want to be close to MK, WL CL is a great choice. We love taking the boat to MK as well as to the CR for shopping, dining, etc. and then hopping on the monorail to visit the Poly and GF. Good luck deciding, but I don't think you would be disappointed in the WL if you chose to stay there.

SolitaryPhoenix · 02-21-2013, 08:15 AM

I haven't stayed Club Level, but I believe as mickeynut1 mentioned, the lounge does overlook the lobby at AKL.

And unfortunately, I can't really help make up your mind, since we've stayed at both resorts, and I loved both.

My mom didn't care for WL, I think she thought the rooms weren't as nice as the ones at AKL, but the renovations will have changed that!

I love the beautiful lobbies, the woods and carvings. We always got a little giggle walking over the bridge in the WL lobby; I love that the stream is inside and then flows outside, and the faux Old Faithful is pretty cool! I haven't stayed at WL since they updated the rooms, but they look lovely. In truth AKL edges WL out just a bit for me because of the animals and something about coming into the lobby makes me feel like I'm being hugged (I feel very much at home there!), but WL has that wonderful location and it's always fun to take a boat instead of a bus!

I really don't think either location is a bad choice, and I hope you have a wonderful time wherever you ultimately go.

tigmickey · 02-21-2013, 09:30 AM

I was unimpressed with WL. I am from Chicago and it felt like we were in Wisconsin not Florida. It is a beautiful area, tall pines, quiet and peaceful but to me it was a little bit like home.

AKL, stunning. My only complaint is you are soooo faaaar from everything. Bus rides become very long at the end of the day.

That being said I am looking at going back this summer and am considering AKL in my choices.

02-20-2013, 08:40 PM	#1
tripletsmama DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 713	Rennovations at Wilderness Lodge? Also, AKL vs WL? Weren't they renovating the room at WL lately? Is that finished by now? Anywhere I can to see pictures of the new look? Also, we are booking either AKL or WL. We have stayed at AKL, but never WL. We LOVED AKL so I'm thinking maybe we should stick with that, but then I think it would also be nice to be closer to magic kingdom and try a new resort. We will be booking club level either way, so if anyone can comment on the concierge lounge at either, that would be helpful as well. __________________ Me DH DD8 DD8 DD8DS 6 months

02-20-2013, 10:09 PM	#3
Wood Nymph DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 1,398	We were just at the WL and this was our room. __________________ We're going back to the WL - Nov 30 - December 5, 2013 Wilderness Lodge - February 5 -11, 2013 BC - April 2011, BW - January 2009, BCV - 2007, 2005, 2004, Poly - 2002; BC - 2001, 2000, 1995, 1992; YC - 1997; GF - 1989, 1988; Poly - 1987, 1986, 1985; CR - 1981, 1980; offsite - 1982, 1976, 1973

02-20-2013, 10:29 PM	#7
tripletsmama DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 713	Thanks for the replies. The pictures really help. The new rooms look gorgeous. Now just to decide if we stick with AKL since we know we love it, or try something new! __________________ Me DH DD8 DD8 DD8DS 6 months

02-20-2013, 10:59 PM	#9
mmmears DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: California Posts: 8,213	Only stayed at AKL, not WL, so I can't do a comparison for you... but I do think of them as sort of similar resorts (amazing rustic lobby, smaller rooms than other deluxes, etc.). My family loves AKL. We've always stayed CL there -- the lounge is amazing. It's overlooking the lobby, so you get the ambiance, sounds and scents from there -- it's got a high thatched ceiling and a great view. The foods served there are different (and IMO more interesting) than the standard CL food served at other WDW resorts, plus there is an extra "snack" of tea and scones (only served there and at the GF in the afternoons). The CL rooms are on the 4th floor facing the Arusha Savanna -- wonderful views. You do need to go up to the 6th floor (I'm assuming you are not booking DVC here) to get to the lounge, so it's not as convenient as some of the other resorts, but it's totally worth it IMO. Also you can book the Sunrise Safari at AK if you stay CL at AKL... And the IPO office is the BEST I have worked with... I have read good things about WL CL here on the boards, so I'm not saying AKL is better... just never managed to stay at the WL on our trips. Yet... ETA: There are great photos of both lounges (I believe) on the CL thread and also on the CL photo thread... Hope this helps! __________________ * Disneyland * Walt Disney World * Disneyland Paris ** Disney Wonder Bahamas * Disney Wonder Alaska * Grand Floridian Resort Animal Kingdom Lodge * Polynesian Resort * Yacht Club * Beach Club * Disneyland Hotel * Grand Californian Resort *

02-21-2013, 08:15 AM	#11
SolitaryPhoenix Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 288	I haven't stayed Club Level, but I believe as mickeynut1 mentioned, the lounge does overlook the lobby at AKL. And unfortunately, I can't really help make up your mind, since we've stayed at both resorts, and I loved both. My mom didn't care for WL, I think she thought the rooms weren't as nice as the ones at AKL, but the renovations will have changed that! I love the beautiful lobbies, the woods and carvings. We always got a little giggle walking over the bridge in the WL lobby; I love that the stream is inside and then flows outside, and the faux Old Faithful is pretty cool! I haven't stayed at WL since they updated the rooms, but they look lovely. In truth AKL edges WL out just a bit for me because of the animals and something about coming into the lobby makes me feel like I'm being hugged (I feel very much at home there!), but WL has that wonderful location and it's always fun to take a boat instead of a bus! I really don't think either location is a bad choice, and I hope you have a wonderful time wherever you ultimately go. __________________ Me50 DD16 Mom77 Nephew15 Shiloh Raven November 2004 ~ Pop Century \|\| October 3 - 8, 2005 ~ Pop Century \|\| December 16 - 18, 2005 ~ Coronado Springs \|\| January 27 - 29, 2006 ~ split Pop Century/Coronado Springs [EE AP preview!] \|\| March 3 - 5, 2006 ~ Port Orleans Riverside \|\| September 24 - 26 ~ Swan [shhh...don't tell Mom; it's a birthday surprise!], then September 26 - 30, 2006 ~ Port Orleans Riverside \|\| June 6 - 9, 2007 ~ Pop Century \|\| June 8 - 14, 2008 ~ Port Orleans Riverside Jasmine's first visit! \|\| September 12 - 14, 2008 ~ Animal Kingdom Villas [DVC] ~ First trip as DVC members and Jasmine's birthday weekend! \|\| December 19 - 21, 2008 ~ Wilderness Lodge [DVC] \|\| May 10 - 14, 2009 ~ Animal Kingdom Villas [DVC] \|\| June 5 - 7, 2009 ~ Pop Century \|\| July 26 - 28, 2009 ~ Old Key West [DVC] with DD \|\| Sept 17 - 19, 2010 ~ Animal Kingdom Villas [DVC] ~ Mom's 75th birthday and the whole family's coming! \|\| June 24 - 26, 2011 ~ Fort Wilderness with DD \|\| June 1 - 3, 2012 ~ Fort Wilderness with DD, nephew + friends \|\| June 24 - 29, 2012 ~ Animal Kingdom Villas [DVC] ~ My '50 Is The New 40' Birthday Celebration! \|\| August 9 - 12, 2012 ~ Fort Wilderness with DD + friend \|\| Sept 21 - 23, 2012 ~ Animal Kingdom Villas [DVC] ~ first stay at Kidani! \|\| February 8 - 10, 2013 ~ Pop Century \|\| March 2 - 3, 2013 ~ Pop Century w/ DD + friend May 10 - 12, 2013 ~ Coronado Springs w/ DD ~ Mother's Day gift to me! September 13 - 16, 2013 ~ Port Orleans French Quarter ~ Birthday Surprise for Mom and DD!

Sponsored Links
The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

02-20-2013, 10:28 PM	#6
Chavaleh Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 121	Oh my goodness, I think I'd be giddy with delight if I came into my room and saw that view. Of course even seeing the castle in pictures makes the 7 year old girl in me squeal a little.

02-21-2013, 09:30 AM	#12
tigmickey Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 76	I was unimpressed with WL. I am from Chicago and it felt like we were in Wisconsin not Florida. It is a beautiful area, tall pines, quiet and peaceful but to me it was a little bit like home. AKL, stunning. My only complaint is you are soooo faaaar from everything. Bus rides become very long at the end of the day. That being said I am looking at going back this summer and am considering AKL in my choices. __________________ 23 trips to WDW in 20 years from Chicago 5 Disney Cruises DVC Member Planned August of 2013 WDW!!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: