Wilderness Lodge vs Animal Kingdom Lodge

[LeahA]

We have stayed at both and we were once DVC owners at AKL.

WL was always my dream resort to stay at, and we loved it when we stayed there. It is nice with the little ones to be able to take the ferry to the MK.

AKL is still my favorite. I like that it feels a little bit away from it all. The resort theming is wonderful. The savanna and the animals are nice. Sanna is our favorite restaurant with Boma following close behind. The pool areas are nice. Yes it is all bus service but, we never had to wait that long, there was always one or two trips that we had to wait during the week, but no big deal.

So, you can't go wrong with either, but I would pick AKL first and WL second.

[bedogged]

Originally Posted by harrowgirl

Travelling with 2 children (say ages 20 months and almost 4)

Pros/Cons of WL vs. AKL?

I have stayed at both and love them both. One consideration is cost. If you stay at AKL it is very expensive to book a savanna view. So if you want to see animals from your balcony, that is a consideration. AKL is also a big resort so often it is a long walk to transportation and lobby from your room. With little ones that may be a consideration. Bus service is good, but if you stay at Jambo, you are the second stop for pickup.

WL is a small, compact resort near MK, but off the beaten path. Most of the rooms at WL are less expensive than savanna view rooms at AKL. It tends to be much less of a walk to get to services there. WL has a fun quick boat ride to MK and Fort Wilderness. The boat docks right at the front entrance to MK so that is very convenient. Bus service has been, in my experience, quite good. It does share with other resorts, but it is the first stop so you usually can get a seat.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either resort. They are both truly beautiful!