AKL or WL-which one do you prefer over the other?

[FairyDust2008]

Trying now to pinpoint down between these 2 resorts and I know all about the different theming and all and it seems I'm getting drawn towards the WL now over the AKL. How is the Whispering Canyon place to eat? Is it really fun or does it drive ya crazy, LOL Is the food good? Good place for 12 and 10 yr. old, the Whispering Canyon. I love the whole idea of hearing the water from the streams, etc. Sounds very peaceful and relaxing and just the whole nature theme. Let me know what you think. THANKS!




OUR 1st WDW TRIP SUMMER 2008-WOOHOO!!!!!!!

 

[hapandpam]

I have stayed at both, and enjoyed both, but my favorite resort is AKL. I love the wood fire smell, the theming, the cms....everything about it. Wish I was going back!

 

[pooh2001]

AKL - the pool is bigger, better, cleaner.

We hated the WL pool - dirt and ducks in it

 

[septbaby]

We had the same dilemma; booked WL but have since switched to AKL and are so excited about the change. (Young grandma, Auntie and 6yo boy):

- He loves animals and will be in awe at AKL
- WCC and Artist Point don't appeal to us, but Boma is a definite repeat, Jiko is maybe and the Mara has a better menu for us (vegetarians)
- Bigger pool; like the idea of zero entry (grandma slipped at CBR pool)
- Like that the playground, pool and hot tub are nearby
- Multiple hot tubs
- Buses are dedicated so no sharing and arriving full or SRO
- Its a beautiful location
- Culturally educational
- Kids activities including storytime and nightly drum parade (yours may be too cool for that...lol)

WL is close to Ft. Wilderness so that walk will be nice.
WL has boat option to MK via the Contemporary so easy to get to Chef Mickey's too.
WCC might be really fun for your older kids.
Roaring Forks is really small; actually was the reason I looked at AKL.

I would think either could provide you a fantastic vacation experience. Some keys for us apply with a younger kid and may not matter for your older ones.

 

[LeslieG]

Here's a vote for WL. I've stayed at both, and there's just something special to me about WL. I didn't care for Boma, but love WC. I also like being a boat ride away from the MK. I just prefer the surroundings and being on the lake.

 

[Gary M]

I have stayed at both and like the WL much more that the AKL.

 

[GQ's Ghost]

stayed at both....

you should also stay at both at some point. for a 1 time trip and i would never come back to disney...i'd coose AKL. It is awesome. But so over the top that it gets old. the savanah view is cool, but gets old after 3 days. you can only see the same giraffe or oxen so many times before you want to just make fun of it.

wilderness lodge on the other hand is perfect in every way. not over the top, more relaxing,.

we stayed at WL in april 2003, akl in november 2003...since then we went back to WL 3 more times and will not go back to AKL. it's a been there done that and that's good.

So do them both at some point.

 

[abminer]

I've been to both too.

I enjoyed both, but if I revisit one of them it'll be AKL. It really does feel like another world there and the private buses were great.

My questions for you are:

1. What time of year are you going? WL is amazing in terms of holiday decorations. It's very Christmas-y and that's why I chose it for my recent trip. If you are going in Nov/Dec/early January and are looking for Xmas atmosphere WL is the better option. At other times of the year the architecture is fairly similar between them, though I preferred the decor at AKL. Also, the Mara (CS) at AKL is bigger so if you think you'll be eating casual meals at the resort a lot and you're going during a crowded time like mid-summer AKL might be better.

2. What are your kids into? We don't have kids and AKL is definitely more adult (the food, the theming -it's quieter too), but if they're into animals and adventure it would be a good fit. If they're more rough and tumble WL might be better. WCC has good food, IMO, but it's loud and boisterous and interactive, which kids seem to love and some adults really don't. You can hear it all through the lobby and in the rooms that border the lobby.

Also, don't forget AKL is under construction right now...

Good luck and let us know what you choose.