AKA or Wilderness???

[jake1020]

I'm planning a trip to Disney this fall. I'm trying to decide where to stay......Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

 

[jdads2]

Hi, jake1020 and welcome to the DIS!

These resorts were designed by the same folks so there are alot of similarities between the 2. BIG lobbies that feel very big and, as with most WDW resorts, great attention to detail.

We have never stayed at WL.

We loved the AKL. My kids had a great time whether we went to the parks or stayed at the resort. The staf at AKL was equally great with the kids. Boma was fantastic! We all loved the pool(although the water was a bit warm) and the spas! I loved watching footbal from the pool! Let us not forget the late night viewing of animals and walking outside or sitting by the indoor or outdoor fire pit.

If you have 5 in your group the AKL could be your only choice. WL has single rooms for 5 but they are Jr. Suites and are quite often booked early, especially if you are trying to book using discounts.


Either way you should probably decide quickly. Last I heard (or should I say read) rooms were getting scarce.

Have fun and welcome!

 

[psu1978]

We have stayed at WL and my family doesn't want to go anywhere else. I'm trying to convince them that they would also love the AKL and it would be nice to do something different.

WL is a wonderful resort. Very family friendly. We had a room with a bunk bed which worked out great for us. The staff was wonderful and we really loved the restaurants. The lobby is incredible. It has a nice little boat ride to MK. My family especially loved it when the boat went over the water bridge (the water actually goes over a highway).

From what I have read I am sure that you would be fine at either resort. Happy planning!

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

We have stayed at both WL and AKL. Both are beautiful. Same type of lobbys and overall feel of the lodges. AKL has beautiful views of the animals from all over the lodge. WL has the boat to Magic Kingdom which is a real plus if you like MK. AKL bus transportation is much better then WL since AKL does not share their buses. Both have wonderful resturants in them. You will love them both.

 

[mep319]

We were BIG WL fans...our favorite. I too wanted to try something different ...AKL. I was having a hard time talking the family into it. DH was afraid he would be bored or too away from the magic. We finally compromised on a split stay 3 nites at AKL Savannah view, 4 nites WL wood view. After 3 nites at AKL no one wanted to leave. The lodge was very much like WL but newer..I think WL is starting to show some wear. The CM were wonderful! They were the best we have had at any disney resort--too many examples for one thread. I liked the resturants more than the ones at WL...DH is a chef and is very picky. I didn't find the rooms as dark as everyone makes them sound. I found the transportation...even though it is just bus transporation... to be more efficent than WL. And where else can you sit and enjoy watching Africa animals from your balcony??? Well needless to say AKL is now our favorite resort. If you can't talk them into a whole stay why not split a stay? Disney does make it fairly easy to do..

 

[dumbo33]

My wife and I really like WL for the atmosphere. It is a little quiet so the kids don't really like it as much as the other resorts. The detail is fantastic as in the AK. The boat ride to the MK is a good one, but it is a bit far away from the other resorts. We have visited AK and enjoyed the atmosphere there also. I think the food court is better at WL and love the refillable mugs. I thinbk we got our moneys worth the first day. Not sure if they have this at AK. Also if you are into a little exercise, WL has a great trail that leads to the campground and back. Good for jogging or walking. Be care ful thoughthe treading psot doesn't open until 11:00 am. That was a bummer. Though I have never stayed at AK, I can assure you that if you stay at WL you won't regret it. If you have teenage kids then they might not like it but then again, who knows.