AKL or WL

[tcmom13]

DH has agreed to upgrading for part of our stay this summer. We are going to stay CSR for the majority of our vacation, but can't decide between WL (which is closer to MK) or AKL, for the animals. We have 2 sons 9 and 6 years. We have seen WL from the lake when we stopped there on the ferry to drop people off on our way to Hoop De Doo. Can you see MK fireworks from WL? Which resort do ya'll think will best fit our family of 4?

By the way, we loved CSR!!
Thanks!
Kris

 

[ekball]

Hi Kris,

I have not stayed at AKL, but have stayed at WL.

We stayed in a courtyard view room last Sept., we were on the 5th floor, (north side of the south wing) and I was able to partially see the fireworks every night from our balcony. From what I've read, you can see a very nice fireworks show from your balcony if you are in a higher up (woods view) room on the north side of the north wing as well. Is that confusing? Also, the electrical water pageant comes by the lodge every night and that's fun to watch too. We watched it from our balcony, but you can also head down to the beach to watch it too.

We also traveled with two children, though younger than yours. We found transportation to be great from the WL, and never had a problem while there. Transportation to and from the MK was especially great. Piece of cake actually! We also enjoyed that we could take a boat to the CR, then hop the monorail to any of the other monorail resorts for dinner reservations. The pool at the WL is great (we were mostly in the baby pool ), and I'd be willing to bet that your boys would LOVE the slide! DH and I took one turn each on it and were surprised at how fast it was! We really enjoyed just staying at the resort a couple of days and enjoying the pool and grounds - very pretty.

So there's a little info for you about the WL. Maybe someone else can give you some insight into AKL.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I think it depends on your taste. WL and AKL are very similar, IMHO. Both are really nice resorts with expansive lobbies. Both are well themed...although the AKL has the most detail in its theme of any resort, I think. Both are a little darker than the rest of the WDW resorts.

IMO, the animals aren't any big deal. It isn't like there are tons of them around all the time. Just a few, now and then. If you are really into animals, though, it could be very exciting. And it is something the children would remember, I'm sure.

Pick the one that your heart is really after and you'll be happy with it. You really can't go wrong either way.

I like CSR a lot, too.

Have a great trip!

 

[mom2aredhead]

I think your kids would love it - my son did.
We were upgraded to a savannah view room (free ) and he loved looking out of the balcony at "his animals in the backyard" (he had just turned 3).
IMO, giraffes grazing outside your balcony, zebras in the background, and kudu, cattle, and birds within a few yards of your balcony is a big deal, especially when you're under 10.
Aside from the animals, the pool is also zero entry, huge and beautiful, and also has a slide. We had no issue with wait times for buses, although it will take longer than the boat ride from WL. It really felt like being on 2 different vacations - 1 at the hectic parks, and another lounging with the zebras. CM's were great, and the lobby is beautiful (same architect as the WL)

 

[Wendy1953]

Both WL & AKL were designed by the same architect....both are beautiful....I prefer WL....more activities to do ....such as boats, bikes, etc......AKL does not have water activities (other than the pool), no bike rentals....no balloons can be brought onto property.....no straws for drinks either....it's all very animal friendly....while the animals were nice to see....I prefer to stay at WL and visit AKL..especially at night to use the night vision binoculars......WL has a lot more to offer...IMOP!

 

[honeymom]

We've stayed at WL and loved it. But, I do keep thinking I would like to stay at AKL - it looks neat. However, WL was so much more convenient (I can't see going to AK more than 1 day on a trip). Plus, we loved being on the lake, which we can't be at AKL. So, I don't know if I will ever get to stay at AKL - perhaps a split stay?