AKL or WL or both?

[zad's mom]

This is our first trip to WDW and I've read so many positive reviews of AKL and WL from these boards, that I'm having trouble deciding on where to stay.

I know my DH and DS (2 years) will like AKL because of the animals. But there does not seem to be a lot of other things to do besides observe the animals. And it's far away from the other parks and I'm not sure about the bus service. But then we'll have a car with us, so I guess we can drive to places if we don't want to wait for the bus.

On the other hand, I think that they will also like WL because of the atmosphere and activities (boat and bike rides) and it's closer to the other parks.

So now I'm thinking of splitting our stay (3 night each) between AKL and WL. Or, should we just stay in one? Will it be a hassle to switch from one resort to another in the middle of our stay? What do you think? Please help!

 

[Bstanley]

The WL would be your best bet if you expect to spend more time at the MK. The distance to EPCOT and The Studios is about the same from both resorts (buses at either resort). The WL has a 5 minute boat ride to the MK - and a long bus ride to the AK, AKL has a 5 minute bus ride to AK and a long bus ride to the MK.

We've switched resorts on a couple of trips and it didn't bother us particularly - but our kids are older and did their own packing Guest services will take care of your baggage, but there is the hassle of switching room keys/tickets etc.

You could just visit AKL one afternoon after visiting AK - just take the AKL resort bus over to the resort and wander around to the various viewing sites, talk to the CMs, maybe have dinner at The Boma (THE BEST!) - that way you'll get the flavor of the place and be able to decide whether you want to stay there on some future visit.

-bruce

 

[Susiesnowflake]

Both of these resorts are stunning! However, with your little one, I'd anticipate that you'd be spending most of your time at the MK. If convenience and traveling time is important to you, the WL would be preferable.

We have only split a stay once, and it was a forced relocation our last few days. I know that many people plan split stays, find the transfers easy, and enjoy the experience/variety of the different resorts. Be aware, however, that you may find yourself homeless for a time on your switch day. We could not get into our room until 4:30. This doesn't happen to everyone, but if you have a little one and plan nap time, it could possibly present a problem.

I second Bruce's suggestion to visit the AKL, if you decide against staying there. Have dinner at Boma's and explore the resort beforehand to look at all the animals.

 

[DisneyFan79]

I agree with the other posters. I think AKL is great to visit, but loved staying at WL. I just returned Friday and am already missing it. It was so easy to hop on a boat and head to the MK. Transportation was great the whole time we were there. I am missing the WL already. I can't wait to stay there again. We had a bunk bed room which was great. We slept 2 adults in them, one being myself, and it was BIG FUN!!

 

[Kimberle]

I have not stayed at AKL.

I have stayed at WL and LOVED it. You will especially enjoy the kiddie pool with your child. My dd loved the kiddie pool. I didn't have to worry about her going in to deep in the zero entry pool.

The location of WL is very convenient for little ones. It's so nice to take the boat to MK. Or the boat to CR (Chef Mickeys/Concourse Steakhouse) or to FW (Trails End, petting zoo, pony rides).

The wild animals are nice. But I bet your child would appreaciate the petting zoo smaller aminals at FW more.

I'd save AKL till he's a bit older.

 

[TJA]

I have recently stayed at both WL and AKL. Both are beautiful resorts with great pools. But.....

AKL -- has the edge on food. The "food court" is much larger than the one at WL. Boma at AKL is a fantastic restaurant not to be missed.

WL -- has the edge in every other way. It is a boat ride away from MK, which is important with little ones. AKL was too far away from MK, in our opinion.

As far as splitting your stay (3 days at each), I would not recommend it. It took us forever to unpack and get organized (with 2 babies)...I couldn't imagine doing it twice in 6 days. Especially with your 2 year old. Kids create so much more packing and unpacking. I would do as others have suggested and stay at WL, but find a day when you can hop over to AKL and have dinner at BOMA, look at the animals, and walk the grounds.

Debbie

 

[zad's mom]

Thanks everyone for your very valuable input. You all made very good points.

1. My son goes nuts if he misses his nap time.
2. I'm sure he would love it more if he could touch the animals as opposed to just looking at them.
3. What was I thinking of? Pack and unpack in a space of three days?!?

We'll save staying at AKL for when my son gets a little older. In the meantime, we'll stay at WL and do an afternoon visit and dinner at Boma's this time around.

Thanks again, everyone. I knew I could count on you guys to show me the way.

 

[mep319]

I have to disagree...stayed at WL3x and AKL 2x. I prefer AKL by far. I found the bus service at AKL to be far superior to WL. Even with it's "remoteness" I think we actually spent less time traveling from AKL than WL. I actually found the transportation very poor at WL. The theming of AKL if MUCH better..there is soo much to do at AKL...activities by the pool a couple times a day, a craft project..cookie making etc, not to mention the evening activities. My DD now 7 loves AKL much more. When we stayed in 1/03 we split out stay...3 nites AKL/4 WL and she cried when we left AKL..she didn't want to leave! I cannot say enough good things about this resort and would not hestitate to recommend to anyone...and over WL!!

 

[christianweecare]

We just returned this past Sat. (12/13) from both WL & AKL! We stayed 4 nights at WL first and then moved to AKL for the last 3 nights. We loved both! DH gave the WL an "A" and the AKL an "A plus"! I don't think you can go wrong with either one!