AKL or WL????

[Freiden8]

I can't decide... WL courtyard view or AKL savanna view?

OR.. 3 nights at each?

 

[sharoncity]

Being from the northeast, I have no desire to see pine trees and log cabin type decor when on vacation in Florida!

AKL is an experience that can not be duplicated in any other hotel in the US. Where else can you look out your balcony and see a zebra or giraffe......... That's just my 2 cents, but you did ask!

 

[goin2disneyagain]

When we were there in May we had reservations for 3 nights at AKL and 5 nights at WL. Well after the 3 nights at AKL and visiting WL and looking at a room there we decided to extend our stay at AKL. Needless to say, my vote is for AKL.

 

[campinggal]

Hmm....great choices!

I went through the same dilemma when I booked our October trip. I ended up going with the WL and had a great stay.

While I haven't stayed at the AK, I can't speak from true experience but we did journey there to eat dinner at Boma (and would most certainly eat at Boma again, and again, and again!).

A few things that distinguish the WL from AK are:
- Proximity to MK with boat service directly there
- Water Mice rental right on the property- bikes too
- Quick bus trip to transportation center for Monorail to Epcot
- 5 minute boat ride to Contempory to catch Monorail to other resorts- makes dining options easy.
- Electric Water Pageant floats right by the beach.
- 5 minute boat ride to Fort Wilderness- again dinner options and activities

Both are awesomely themed and have good restaurants so you win on both accounts there. AK does have the animals- tough to compete with that!

I was traveling with my 6 1/2 year old daughter so I knew that I wanted easy access to the MK as well as other non-park options for some down time. The boat was very easy to take back and forth to the MK. Renting Water Mice was also a highlight of our trip. Tooling around the Bay was a blast.

We did take the bus from the AK to MK after our dinner at Boma and it just felt long compared to taking the boat.

So that is my plug for the Wilderness Lodge.

You'll have a great trip at either place!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I put down 3 and 3 you already know how wonderful WL is but AKL is also great, just a little to far away the the action for me...Have stayed at AKL twice and next Spring I plan on staying Concierge and do the safaris. Either way you'll have a great trip.

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

Wilderness Lodge is my absolute favorite. However, I've never stayed at AKL and I can only think that since it was designed by the same architect that it must be great as well.

I voted 3 days at each. You never know until you try right?

 

[robinb]

I have stayed in both resorts and I prefer the AKL to the WL. BUT ... it really depends on if you have children. You *may* prefer the WL for the proximity to the MK. Even with a 4 year old, we picked the AKL for the second time this year for our Holiday trip. The animals are great, the resort is relaxing and the on-site restaurants are fantastic.

I would never split up a trip with only 3 days at each resort.

 

[mep319]

I've done each of the senarios you have listed...just stay at AKL. It is a wonderful resort...our favorite. If you do decide to split be sure to stay at AKL last...otherwise you could be disappointed when you have to leave!

 

[zipDdoodah]

Haven't actually stayed at AKL yet, but we did look around it on our last trip. We absolutely LOVE WL, and from what I've heard we are going to absolutely LOVE AKL too - so my vote was for 3 of each. That's what we're gonna do on our next trip -- except that we are gonna try Poly instead of WL (totally out of character for us WL fans). I think 3 at each will give you a nice, well-rounded stay. Just make the most of the proximity to MK, Epcot, and monorails while you're at WL. Then make the most of proximity to MGM, AK, and Downtown Disney while at AKL! No matter what you choose, I think you'll have a wonderful time!

 

[sjw4870]

Have you stayed at either? I have stayed at both and love them both. However, AKL is my favorite (and I never thought any hotel could top my love of the Polynesian). I would either stay at AKL or do the split stay.

My favorite park is Magic Kingdom so I like the fact that WL has the direct boat; but AKL has fabulous bus service too.

 

[MinnieGi]

We've stayed at both with our young DD and hands down AKL is our favorite!!!!!! Now we liked WL too, but AKL was just such a neat experience it way ahead in our book. The bus transportation was top notch too at AKL. The cm's were all very friendly. It has great restaurants and of course all the animals.