AKL or WL, which do you like better?

[timandlesley]

The bus service at WL was horrible when we were there last July.

I have been hearing a lot about this today, what is so horrible about it? Someone said they were on a bus to MGM for an hour, obviously since I have two small children this is alarming to me. One of my reasons for chosing this resort was in hopes of having a good transportation system. I would love for some of you to elaborate, and maybe give advice : ) We'll be there the first week of June.
Thanks,
Lesley

 

[princessvacg]

One time we waited 45 minutes for a bus to Epcot. I felt as if we were constantly waiting for a bus. The worst was coming back from one of the parks, I can not remember which one, we ended up at the campground. We had to wait for another bus. About 1/2 of the people on the bus did the same thing as we did. You have to be very careful because there are diferent WL buses for the lodge and the campground for certain places. They do not always post it on the front of the bus correctly. I figured if about 20 other people did the same thing, I could not be that stupid. We had better bus service at the Wyndham in Downtown Disney. Although, the hotel was fabulous!!

 

[mom22boys]

We love the AKL!

We have two boys, and they loved the pool! The area around the slide is not deep, maybe 3-4ft. My seven year old loved it. The pool itself is very large, and has a zero entry area for little ones.

The transportation is great....we never used our rental car once!

Waking up to zebras and giraffs is a once in a lifetime experience too....I will never forget the first morning, and waking up to my boys both perched on the top bunk wide eyed in wonder at the animals outside the room!

Have a great trip!

Thanks for the info on the AKL pool. I am starting to lean towards AKL, for the awesome pool and what sounds to be better transportation. Plus, my two boys would love the bunkbeds and animals too!

Thanks to all!


My two boys!

 

[Laurajean1014]

AKL, definitely. The view, the people, the food! Love Jiko's!

 

[Stitch&figment 4 eve]

me and my family live by the wilderness lodge. Last time we stayed at the akl which was a pain to get to the parks at. the wilderness lodge is closer and the boat is always pleasent. me and my family live and die for boating so the water scene has always been nice, hope in some way ive helped

Stitch&figment 4 eve

 

[HLAuburn]

So, about how long is the bus ride from....

WL to MK?
AKL to MK?

 

[flyball]

Have stayed at both, and while we love both, we'd opt for AKL. We also had transportation issues at WL. This is primarily the reason we will not return. We loved the resort and the amenities, but the transportation really cut into our vacation time. AKL is exotic and beautiful and a treat for all your senses. We never tired of watching the animals (and we've had lengthy stays the last 2 Augusts). It's an extremely peaceful resort, especially after the activity of the parks all day. Even when the pool area is crowded, you don't feel it because the pool is so large. The food at Jiko, Boma, and Mara is excellent and the busses at AKL are dedicated to the resort, so there's no sharing or standing. Loved AKL!!!

 

[musicmom3]

I love them both, but there are pros and cons to each. A big pro of WL is that you are adjacent to the water and there is something so calming and refreshing about that great lake view. I didn't realize how much I had missed that at AKL. The food court at AKL is definitely better and at the moment, because it is newer, AKL is in better shape physically. WL is getting a little worn around the edges and the housekeeping seemed to be a little sloppy (there was gunk all over the hairdryer handle, e.g). The bus transportation at AKL was always efficient, although rides could be long, especially at night. At WL it was usually great, although one night after Wishes we waited at the boat dock for 45 minutes (yes, I was watching the clock) for a boat to come by. They sent over the Electrical Water Pageant to entertain us while we waited. It was aggravating at the time, but in retrospect, no big deal, although I felt sorry for the people who could not fit on the first boat. I guess I will have to alternate stays at AKL and WL!