Akl Or Wl? Why?

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

Switched to AKL from POR now I'm wondering whick would be better. We just did Yellowstone last summer so we've seen Old Faithful Inn.
Which is better for family with DD's 8 & 11? Why? Thanks for your thoughts. YO

 

[rileyroosmom]

I too switched from AKL to POR with DS 10, 7 and DD 3. Just thought the atmosphere won't be as dark and formal looking. Have heard only great things about the pool at POR and the food court there seems more appealing to my hard to please kids! I also think the boat ride to DTD might be fun for a late afternoon wind down from the parks. I can't wait to get there!!!

 

[jcemom]

I haven't tried WL yet...next trip! We did stay at AKL last month with our kiddos, 10, 9, and 16 months and we all absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is very relaxing and we did not find it too dark at all. It isn't glaringly bright, but if it were it would detract from the theming, so I'm glad it isn't. It seemed that the moment we stepped into the lobby at the end of the day we were instantly relaxed, you really do forget you're in a theme park resort. The kids loved the pool, it's huge. They also played on the playground, got into the hot tubs, and liked viewing the animals. Seeing the giraffes outside our balcony every morning was such a wonderful experience! Even the baby would run out there every morning to watch them have their breakfast. We all enjoyed the gift shop, there are some really unique things there. The bus service was excellent, we never waited more than ten minutes and the buses don't stop at any other resorts. There are also lots of activities but we didn't do any of them.

However, DD and I are going it alone next trip. She will only be three so I've decided to try WL for the convenience of the boat to MK.

With the ages of your children, though, you will probably not be spending all of your time at MK, so AKL should be great for you. MK was the farthest away, with probably about a 20 minute bus ride. AK and MGM were quite close, maybe 5-10 minutes, and Epcot was maybe 15 minutes away.

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed at the WL 3 rtimes and the AKL once and will be staying at the Old Faithful Inn for the first time in about 2 months. I think you should try the AKL. I really think trying a new resort each trip is so much fun. The AKL feels very exotic and is beautiful. It is similar to the WL in that there is nothing flowery or frilly about it. But the decore is very different plus you have the animals outside your room.

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

thanks for the thoughts. I've wondered about the feel of the place and I think I like the idea of totally relaxing when I get back to out resort.
jcemom it sounds like your kids & mine are close enough in age and they enjoyed it. I was just wondering with it so far away from everything and only having buses to get around will we wish we were closer and had the boats to also get around with?
Thanks, YO

 

[#1hockeymom]

DS was 10 when I first took him to AKL this past January and he loved it! The buses were fine, and we never waited over ten minutes for a bus to pick us up at the lodge. Coming back from the parks, it was nice not to share a bus with any other resort. We had some PSs at various resorts, but we always arranged it so we could hop park, to resort meal, back to another park or the same park. If you will be someplace after hours, it is always easiest to just grab a taxi from any resort. Taxis are numerous at both resorts.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by coachYO & my 3 girls
jcemom it sounds like your kids & mine are close enough in age and they enjoyed it. I was just wondering with it so far away from everything and only having buses to get around will we wish we were closer and had the boats to also get around with?
Thanks, YO

Well, I haven't stayed at WL yet, so it's a little tough to compare. Of course at WL, the boat only goes to MK and the buses are to everywhere else. With all the resort researching I've done, it seems that no matter where you stay you're far away from something, lol.

We really had no problems with the AKL buses. Like #1hockeymom said, we never waited more than ten minutes, and it is SO NICE to not make other stops. We just used the bus time to relax and unwind a bit, it was never a problem and the trips really didn't feel too long.

Believe it or not, my DH doesn't like vacations! He didn't want to go to Disney but did it for the kids. He really loved AKL! He is still, a month later, talking about how good the lobby smelled. He actually wanted me to call them and ask what that smell is and if he can get something like that anywhere, LOL! Usually when we go somewhere he is a proponent of "cheaper is better." He did not want to stay at AKL, he wanted Holiday Inn. He changed his mind as soon as we entered the lobby, even I was surprised at the quick turn-around in his opinion. If you choose AKL you will love it. I've also heard great things about WL (with the exception of the buses). You'll probably love either one really, so I guess you can't go wrong!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I haven' t stayed at WL yet, but AKL is our favorite resort. The beautiful lobby (and it does smell so good!!), the animals, the activities, the RESTAURANTS!! Oh, I can't wait to get back!!

#1hockeymom & jcemom are right - the buses are not a problem. They only stop at AKL, no stops at other resorts, so even though it takes a little longer to MK, you eliminate the time stopping at another resort, so it seems shorter than some!!

jcemom - my DH stopped going with us before we stayed at AKL. I keep thinking if I can get him there, he will fall in love with it, too!! You give me hope!!

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

Thanks,

I was wondering if any of you were upgraded when you stayed at AKL. I'm hoping but not counting on it. We're gonna have a car now so I think that'll be a plus for us on days we want to use it we can. Thank you for your thoughts. YO

 

[k&a&c'smom]

No upgrade - but, I always forget to ask!! Some people say they get upgraded without asking, but I've never gotten one, at any resort!!

Last Dec. I checked in on my birthday, would have been a perfect time to ask, huh?! Forgot!!

 

[karylrocks]

I would definitely go for AKL. WL is beautiful, but you have been to Yellowstone; you probably have not been to Africa. My DS12 has no interest in WL because it looks like places out here in the west which we have seen. AKL is really different. We will be staying there next month, and if we are not offered an upgrade I will request one.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by coachYO & my 3 girls
Thanks,

I was wondering if any of you were upgraded when you stayed at AKL. I'm hoping but not counting on it. We're gonna have a car now so I think that'll be a plus for us on days we want to use it we can. Thank you for your thoughts. YO

We were upgraded at check-in from standard to savannah view without asking. Actually, the CM didn't even say "you're being upgraded" or anything. I didn't know until she pointed out our room on the map and I saw that it was savannah view. Then I asked if we could see the animals from our room and she said "oh, yes." Still no mention of the free upgrade, though I thanked her anyway, several times actually!

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

karylrocks,
Great points! We have been to Old Faithful Inn and we are from Colorado so WL lodge would just remind us of places out here. And no we haven't been to Africa and more than likely never will. Sounds like AKL is our best bet.

jcemom,
I hope we get as lucky as you. Our real hope is to at least have bunk beds. DD 8 needs to get a nap in during the day or things don't go well for her. If she gets to tired out if can set off seizures. We can make a tent around her on lower bunk and she'll crash out great and we can move around room as we need! Wish us luck.

Thanks. YO

 

[Tigger&Belle]

karylrocks, where in Oregon do you live? I'm from southern OR and I like WL because it does remind me of home. I can see why other people wouldn't want to stay there, though. I don't know if I'd want to stay in a hotel that reminds me of Maryland, whatever that might be. Maybe a big crab! lol

T&B

 

[wilderness01]

Were at in Southern Oregon? We lived on the Southern Coast for a few years.