AKL(deluxe) or Wilderness Lodge (deluxe)

[Mary Diehl]

Our family of 5 is undecided to where to stay this June-- the AKL or the Wilderness Lodge. Both offer a deluxe room but don't know if we want the WL because the deluxe room is bigger or the AKL because of the view of the animals. Has anyone ever stayed in either of these deluxe rooms and are they worth the price? Any info would be appreciated!

 

[Mary Diehl]

I will ask this question again and hope that someone can help me. Any suggestions as the whether to stay at the AKL deluxe room or the Wilderness Lodge deluxe room. Any details on how the rooms are would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[adamak]

I didn't stay in WL, but stayed in AKL Concierge last Nov. I think AKL is probably the best resort / best service / best food / best overall in WDW. The service is ridicously good. The animals made this a theme park on its own (I dont even want to leave for the park). And the rooms are plenty big for me (2 adults). I am not sure if you can fit 5 people in there if they're all adults.

Both are great resorts. Depends on who are going with you. I will pick AKL just for its animal theme and its buffet.

 

[MzEeyore]

I have stayed at both the WL and the AKL and I have to say that we were more impressed with the WL. It felt cozier and the people in MY opinion were nicer. Also we weren't fond of how spread out the AKL was and how long it took to get anywhere---even inside the lodge itself. I say it's a personal choice but for us it would be the WL.

 

[josierac]

I would go with the bigger room at the WL. If you have seen it already here are the floor plans on both. The bigger rooms has a separate sitting area, a fridge, etc.
AKL floor plans

Wilderness Lodge floor plans

 

[Nolcrest]

I have stayed at WL and have only visited AKL. For me, I would choose WL in June only based on transportation. I like having boat access to CR or MK.

 

[Gillian]

I like the layout of the WL room better. MUCH better! Is there a big difference in price? Are you planning to spend a lot of time at the resort?

You could also plan dinner or breakfast at Boma at AKL and check it out for next time. It is a beautiful resort, but the rooms are smallish (even deluxe).

 

[pollyanna]

Both resorts standard rooms sleep only 4. The WL has a very few "suites"-2 rooms with a sofa bed and a couple super-duper luxurious VIP suites(had a tour of the VIP one-size of a Condo)...not sure about larger rooms at AKL.

 

[sharoncity]

I was in the same situation for our Apr 02 trip. There were 5 of us, 3 adults, 2 kids. I finally settled on 2 rooms at AKL. By getting the 2 rooms we had 2 bathrooms (BIG plus). I got a great rate of $205/night for savannah view at AKL. The deluxe room at WL would have been $410/night (I could not get any discounts on it.) Consider doing 2 connecting rooms at either resort. You'll end up with more room overall, 2 bathrooms, 2 TVs, more privacy for everyone all around.
And I have to say I would vote AKL all the way. While WL seems nice enough, it is a theme that can be found in many other areas around the US. I have to say, the only place you can stay with zebras and giraffes right outside your balcony (in the US) would be AKL. And the resort is just magnificant. The CMs are so nice, friendly. Housekeepers always saying hello, have a great day (even the ones we were just walking by in the hallway). The only drawback I found to AKL was that it took a little longer to get to the parks. The buses were timely and plentiful, but the resort is kind of far from some areas of WDW. But that would not stop me from recommending this hotel to everyone! Have a great trip! We sure did!

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed at the Deluxe rooms at both AKL and WL. It is a real tought decision as both are great resorts. WL Deluxe though slleps 6 and is much bigger with a seperate Living room (divided from the bedrrom by double french doors) with pullout couch wet bar two balconeys and lots of windows.
BUT.......I loved the decore at much AKL better and sitting on the balconey watching the Animals was awesome and I liked the restaurants better. The room is smaller and is just a regular shaped room but if feels more ... plush yet rustic than the WL.
If space is the major concern go for the WL . The room is great and the atmosphere wonderfull. For a more exotic theme but less room the AKL will do.

 

[webray]

We have stayed at both and we prefer the AKL. The lodge is beautiful, the guest service is excellent, food is wonderful...a lot to see/do. Great pool for relaxing.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I haven't stayed at AKL but I have at WL and loved it. I did visit AKL and thought it was really out of the way of anything so for that I have never stayed there and probably never will. I am sure no matter where you stay you will have a great time, it is all personal preferance