AKL or WL

[lunchmomd]

Help! My 2 sons and I are going to FL this Sunday to surprise my parents (first year they are not coming home for xmas). During a conversation with them. they both raved about the Travel Channel special on Disney at Christmas and how they would love to go. So . . . I decided to surprise them with an overnite on December 22. Now I need to decide which deluxe to stay at - AKL or WL. They both look great, so I can't make up my mind. I have to book by tomorrow, so any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[susy]

Hi!!! Now that I have stayed at both I can give an informed opinion! Both are incredible. However, for the holidays, I would have to say without a doubt, the WL!!!! We just got back and it was out of this world! Be sure to request turndown service. Whispering Canyon was lots of fun. The boat to the Mk was very nice and we rented surrey bikes and went to the petting zoo at FW. There is so much to do here, even if it gets too cold to swim. The Cub's Den also has arts and crafts about 2pm for the kids.

 

[susy]

I almost forgot...inquire about the sleigh ride. We did not do it, but it looked amazing!!!

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome!!

I haven't stayed at AKL.

We LOVED WL! We were there for a week in Sept. It's so beautiful and relaxing. I love the boat and being right on the lake. If your boys are older (I think 14 is the min age), they can rent the neat little water mice.

I have some pictures in the link below if you'd care to peak.

 

[Bstanley]

Having stayed at both I would have to say go with the WL. although in all honesty I prefer the AKL as a resort.

I would go with WL because of how well it matches up with Christmas.

I prefer AKL because of the availability of the Deluxe rooms, the Critters!, and The Boma (restaurant) - but for a single night stay I can imagine myself just sitting in front of that tremendous fireplace at the WL, amidst all the fantastic decorations, sipping some hot cocoa after having been outside in the crisp night air to watch the geyser - PERFECT!

 

[TJA]

I've also stayed at both resorts. I guess for one night and 2 kids I'd recommend WL. Everyone above has already said it all, so I won't repeat them. Being that you have 2 kids, I'm assuming you will be going to MK (?). If that's the case, WL is only a boat ride away from MK. If too cold, then the bus ride just takes a minute being that they are so close. Bike rental is also a plus at WL. Having said all that, if you choose AKL, you probably won't be sorry as it is also a very beautiful resort with the animals to view. Either way, you can't go wrong, but if you're counting opinions, my vote is WL. Have fun!!!!!!!!!

 

[lunchmomd]

Thanks for all the input. It looks like I blew this one!!! I booked the two rooms at AKL. My older son remembered my father saying he wanted to stay there so I went with it, but now I'm having second thoughts. We got a great deal, though, $243.00 for two rooms, so I guess I really can't complain. Oh, well, I'm sure it will be awesome just to finally be there at Christmas time. Thanks again all!!

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by lunchmomd
Thanks for all the input. It looks like I blew this one!!! I booked the two rooms at AKL. My older son remembered my father saying he wanted to stay there so I went with it, but now I'm having second thoughts. We got a great deal, though, $243.00 for two rooms, so I guess I really can't complain. Oh, well, I'm sure it will be awesome just to finally be there at Christmas time. Thanks again all!!

Oh no, you didn't "blow" anything!

You'll be at Disney! How can you not help but to have a good time!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I would have said AKL, so you didn't blow anything! As the previous poster said... you'll be at Disney World! Stay at Akl this trip, switch for the next!

 

[lunchmomd]

Well, we're back! And I have to say - It was awesome!!! We got upgraded from standard to pool view (because we needed one smoking room), and the rooms were ready at 11:00 a.m. We had excellent locations, also, near the elevator, lobby, pool and food court. My father was awestruck!! He actually got a little teary-eyed when we walked into the lobby. Between the surprise of us showing up and then the double whammy of a Disney Christmas trip, we were lucky his heart held out!!! The only bad things about the whole trip were that we only had about 36 hours there (boohoo) and now I'm spoiled. Don't think I can stay anywhere but a deluxe now!! Even my 17 year old, who is totally unimpressed by anything, was beside himself. Thanks for all your input. We are heading back to the World in March and I'm going to try to book WL if we don't end up at Shades of Green. Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

 

[Dana49]

Thanks for the follow-up. I'm glad a fellow neighbor from Western Mass enjoyed the AkL. We've stayed at the WL several times in the past, so I thought that I would surprise my wife with the AKL, next December. She loves the animals and the AKL, so I'm hoping that it won't be a disappointment. Thanks again.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I'm so glad you had a great stay and that your Dad was so happy, you can never go wrong with any of the WDW Resorts.

Next trip please try WL if possable you will also love it.

 

[MinnieGi]

Thanks for reporting back to us! So glad to hear the trip was a success. We loved the AKL too!!!

 

[mep319]

AKL is awesome! Glad you loved it too! I think it is a much nicer resort than WL...I only hope we won't miss it too much this year when we stay at the Dolphin...I'm keeping my fingers crossed!