AKL or WL

[tndisneyfan]

There is a possibility that we will be adding on four days to our WDW vacation. We'll be staying at POP and we are thinking about adding on at either AKL or WL. We are thinking about only these two because they are the least expensive of the deluxes. So if you had a choice would you pick AKL or WL and why? We will only be in a standard room, no Savannah vew or anything like that.

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

Well, I haven't stayed at either! LOL But my best friend just stayed at AKL and she said it was ok, but she likes WL better. We are staying at WL in Sept so I have done a lot of research on it, looked at a lot of pictures and so forth...It really does look GREAT!

 

[Crisgw]

Originally we were at WL (way back before I ressie switched like mad!) but now we're at AKL Savannah view (hopefully able to secure CL). I like the theming better at AKL.

 

[geokeim]

are great places, but I would say AKL wins for me because I find it so relaxing.
I'm sure if you do one now, you can always try the other one later.
(I have found it easier to get better rates at AKL than WL)

 

[MickeyNicki]

We stayed at the WL around the holidays and loved it! We are staying at the AKL CL for the first time in Oct...cannot wait!

That is a very hard choice....

 

[kaysmommie]

They are both really nice. I really want to try AKL but DH is not into animals of African themes but I know my kids would love it there and they have a better pool. We usually eat there but have never stayed. But I booked WL as and upgrade from POFQ as I want to keep DH happy too. Who knows I might be able to get him to switch to AKL.

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Hi:

We stayed at both last November / December. For the Christmas season they were both decorated beautifully. Both have great lobbies with great themes.

Had no problems with transportation from either resort.

We loved the animals at AKL but preferred the location of WL... near MK... and from there (MK) have monorail access to Epcot. I think knowing what you are going to be doing once you arrive at the resort is an important factor.

Pools... size to AKL... themeing to WL.

Water Sports - WL hands down - no comparison since AKL has only the pool.

Jiko's at AKL was great
Boma's at AKL was OK
Whispering Canyon breakfast was excellent

Have a Great Trip,

Mark

 

[Jblust524]

are great places, but I would say AKL wins for me because I find it so relaxing.
I'm sure if you do one now, you can always try the other one later.
(I have found it easier to get better rates at AKL than WL)

OK, I give, how do you get 'better' rates at AKL?

 

[Ratpack]

We always stayed at WL every chance we got until we outgrew the rooms and bought DVC at AKV (VWL sold out). They both are similar in a lot of ways. Here are some things to consider.

WL pros over AKL:
Near MK
Both bus and water transport
Water recreation (boat rentals)
Bike rentals

AKL pros over WL:
Near AK (if that happens to be your favorite park)
Bus does not share with other resorts
Pool is larger and has zero entry (great for small kids)
Animals to view at your leisure

There may be others but these are the things I ca think of. They really are almost identical other than theme and location.

 

[tndisneyfan]

Thanks for all the input Keep it coming!!!!!!!!

 

[PlainJane]

I prefer AKL for the pool, restaurants, and theming.

 

[mmmears]

WL is in a better location if you spend lots of time at the MK, and a beautiful lobby, but we've stayed in the mountains in a lodge before.

AKL has the animals, amazing achitecture, and I've never been to Africa (and have no plans to go there), so for me it is the more-unusal theme. Plus, there is Boma! We plan to stay there next trip!

 

[nytimez]

Animal Kingdom... for the animals alone. But if animals aren't your thing, then Wilderness.

 

[Dianewes]

Well I think that both are great ... I LOVE AKL... it is so relaxing and wonderful... however my two Disney Friends who are WL freaks do not like the AKL at all. They say it is dark and too far away... I say it is enchanting and relaxing and such a wonderful experience in itself!