akl or wl??? Which do you prefer?

[ctromer]

We are planning our first trip to WDW with our children at the beginning of May. They are 5 and 7. We will probably be visiting Magic Kingdom the most, but also MGM and Animal Kingdom. We are trying to decide between WL and AKL. We really don't want to pay to upgrade to a Savannah view at AKL. So with that in mind, which hotel do you think would be a better choice for us? Thanks!!!

 

[disneyisfun]

We have stayed at both several times and I would have to go with the AKL...it is so great with kids. I mean to be able to walk around hotel and see giraffes and zebras and different kinds of animals. It is just unbelievable. The Wilderness lodge is nice too but I would have to say the AKL gets my vote. Ask for bunk beds my kids love them.

 

[JanB]

Based on our experience, I would say that staying in a Standard room at AKL will not detract from your experience. Sure, you won't have a view from your room. But there are LOTS of great public viewing areas. We enjoyed exploring the entire resort looking for various good viewing locations. We went outside to find all sorts of spots, and we went up and down various hallways all over the resort. At the end of each hallway is an exit to an exterior staircase, from which there are great views.

In order to see ALL (or most) of the types of animals that are there, you'll want to explore anyway. I believe I'm correct in saying that, even if you have a view from your room, it is a view of certain animals.

We loved the AKL and would love to stay there again.

 

[WedWay72]

I love both resorts but would go with AKL just because it is so exotic. The animals, the African theme and a great pool all contribute to a wonderful resort. The buffet restaurant Boma is excellent and the breakfast fantastic. I'm a Disney vacation agent and I love the place and am taking my son there in May to just impress him...LOL

We had a wonderful trip there recently and will return as I said.

 

[wtg2000]

We stayed at both AKL and WL last year. It's really a toss up.

Pool - AKL. Bigger, less crowded, more relaxed and leafy. The hot tubs are secluded and you might see a giraffe.

Food - AKL. Mara is much nicer than Roaring Forks, and Boma is definitely better than Whispering Canyon - which I won't go near because of the noise. Kids (aka Noise Makers ) may enjoy it.

Trans - WL. The boat to MK is fun, and it's a quick bus to TTC for Monorail to EPCOT. Also, it's close to Ft. W. where we like to go for the buffet at Trails End.

Rooms and Lobby - Same.

Intangibles - the animals of course at AKL. Overall theming - I love both.

I think you'll enjoy either place, but if you do plan to spend a lot of time at MK then WL will involve less travel time.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

First, Welcome to the DIS.

While I also have stayed in both and love both, with your children and their ages I would stay at Wilderness Lodge because it's so close to the MK and there is just so much entertainment for them at WL. Please check out The New (Part 4 ) WL FAQ Thread...Just the Facts M'am! and read my post about what to do while staying at the lodge.
WL FAQ Link

 

[jennymouse]

Now that I've stayed at both, I've found that AKL is definately my favorite. It's my granddaughter's favorite too. She's 9. There's so much to do there that even if you get rained out of the parks for an afternoon there's plenty to do at AKL to keep the kids happy. A wonderful place. We can't wait to go back in June!

 

[Kimberle]

WL!!!!!

Its the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

 

[sherry8253]

Hi - Welcome to the boards. That is a hard choice. We have stayed at both - WL ++'s - boat to the MK, better food choices for little ones, close to the MK, geyser for the kids to see in the courtyard. AKL ++'s - Zero entry pool, neat kids activities like cookie decorating, animal viewing. My favorite resort used to be the WL until I stayed at AKL. Now AKL is my favorite. But with kids, I think I would go with WL because. Have a GREAT trip & let us know which resort you chose.

 

[susy]

I've stayed at both and love both!!!! I wouldn't let the transportation decide it. The AKL is defintely more exotic and luxurious. The WL has the marina and bikes rental (it's a short surrey bike ride to the FW petting zoo). I did not find the boat to MK any faster than the bus to MK from AKL. That being said, we went to Whispering canyon twice over Thanskgiving weekend and it was wonderful-never too loud or crazy-just right. We've used the cub's Den and Simba's (both great). I like Jiko over Artist Point. The rooms at AKL are definitely nicer. I like the pool about equally (WL does not have zero entry), but WL also has the quiet pool. When you check in at either resort, you can politey ask for an upgrade. It doesn't hurt to ask. I'm sorry I'm not much help. You have a tough decision to make.