AKL or WL?

[RedE2Go]

Just when I thought I had decided on a hotel, another option comes along!
I can do either AKL or WL standard room. It will be the same price for either. Our family has never done a deluxe so I know we will love both. I've recieved a lot of positive feed back to my post concerning AKL or Dolphin, which was a great help. But now I need to decide between AKL or WL. Please help before I go nuts, and drive all of you nuts.
Thanks...

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I have stayed at both and both have their strong points, but my choice would be WL. AKL is out of the way, at least WL you can take a boat to the MK then take the monerail to Epcot. I don't know if this will help you but I hope it does.

 

[2hansons]

We had originally chosen WL and decided on AKL instead. Several factors to consider:
1. WL - Transportation to MK is available by boat, but to all other areas by bus which, as I have read on the board, has improved somewhat, but is still not great.
1. AKL - Has their own non-stop busses to all areas.
2. WL - Themed like a mountain resort/pacific Northwest. Cricket sounds at night, waterfalls, very soothing and relaxing. And, you can see the water parade from there at night.
2. AKL - Surrounded by savannahs filled with exotic animals. Staffed by many native Africans whom you may never meet otherwise. Resort is stuffed with carvings & art that is beautiful. Food choice is very unique and they have the largest selection of South African wines outside of Africa. LOTS of activities available for little ones. And, best of all, 'artifical' campfire lighting of the savannahs at night for wonderful viewing.
3. WL - Will you ever travel to the NW or mountainous area and stay in this type of resort?
3. AKL - Will you ever travel to Africa on a safari and stay in this type of resort?
We weighed the options and, for us, there was only one answer - AKL - which is where we will be2/9/03!
Hope this helps.

 

[JulesMom]

I have stayed at both.

I LOVE WL and really LIKE AKL.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. They are both great. And as 2hansons has pointed out, has both (+) 'sand (-)'s.

The one thing I don't like about WL is the boat transportation to MK. I think it takes entirely too long. It always takes us about 30 minutes to get back to the resort--even without a long wait for a boat.

I think bus transportation is better now that it's combined with FW. Busses seem to come more often.

 

[Blondie]

I could've gotten the same rate for the AKL as the WL--and went with the Wilderness Lodge for several reasons;

I've always wanted to stay at the WL.
The African theming doesn't appeal to me at the AKL.
If you can't get a Savannah view room at the AKL, what is the point in staying there?
The AKL seems so far removed from everything else (except the Animal Kingdom ofcourse.)
The WL was voted the #1 family resort by Travel and Leisure Magazine. (Grand Floridan was #2.)

I doubt I'll regret my decision to go with the Wilderness Lodge over the AKL. I'll soon be finding out!

 

[mep319]

I couldn't decide either so we are splitting a stay very soon. We have actually done WL and absolutely loved it. I'll be sure to let you know in about 3wks. Would you consider splitting a stay? I've heard it really is easy to do--that way you get the best of both worlds!

 

[dmonroe]

We (myself, my 4 yo, and my 2 best friends) are planning a trip in October. We're kind of stuck between these 2 resorts.

We know we want a concierge room no matter what. We would like to have a room with a daybed or a queen and bunks--sleeping with an active 4 yo isn't always fun!

We've gone over and over the pros and cons; but still can't make a decision. One of the girls hasn't been to WDW since she was 8, so we feel like it should be up to her since the other friend and I go just about once a year! She doesn't want the pressure of picking the resort, though!

Help me please! We will have a car, so if WDW transportation becomes an issue we will have that!

Like 2hansons said, we've also thought about if we'll ever go to one of those places (the northwest or africa)! We don't know if we'll ever make it to either of them! But, that is the reason we didn't consider the BC or YC! We live very near the beach and take those kind of vacations several times a year.

Thanks for any suggestions or ideas you all have!

 

[jds]

We've stayed at both and loved both, so I don't think you can go wrong, whichever you chose. One thing to consider is how much time you'll be spending at the Magic Kingdom: it's definitely easier (and quicker) to get to and from the MK from WL than AKL.

 

[Micca]

Both are terrific. The edge goes to AKL, unless you have huge animal fans in your party, then there is no question(AKL).