Akl Or Wl

[McKelly]

I currently have reservations at WL for the first week in December. I wanted to stay there because I heard the Christmas decorations are just beautiful and I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I also like the idea of the boat that goes over to the Magic Kingdom because I have a DS3 and a DD5 and I thought they might enjoy that.

Well, now my retired parents want to go with us. They don't want to pay over 150.00 for a room so I am thinking that I would have a better chance to score a cheaper room at AKL in December than WL. But if I get lucky and can get a deal at the WL, which do you think they would prefer? They are not planning to go into the parks at all. They are going strictly for a resort stay. I want Christmas decorations. My DH just wants queen size beds and my dad wants places to walk outside. My kids want to swim. My mom wants a cheap rate and she has some mobility issues so walking long distances is a problem for her (she doesn't like to admit this). I think WL offers more "walking options" and is more compact for my mother's mobility issues, however, I worry about the food selection at AKL getting old because they are not adventurous eaters and are not planning on doing the parks, but could take the boat at WL to other resorts for better restaurant selection. And I think the pool at AKL would be better suited for my young children because of the zero entry.

Most of all I want this to be an ENJOYABLE VACATION! Which resort do you think would make us the happiest? Help!!

 

[trbrophy]

WL is great, but I really want to see AKL as well. I'll probably visit it this year to see it.

 

[woody5]

Usually the rates for these resorts are about the same. Standard rooms at both usually start around $129 per night. Since you are going in value season I would expect you could get a standard room at either resort for somewhere near this rate. We love the WL when we stayed there. Even though the pool doesn't have zero entry there are stairs at one end. The slide is also very mild. If you plan to spend alot of your time at the MK I would stick with the WL.

 

[TJA]

For your situation, definitely the WL. We've stayed at both resorts recently. Your parents could sit in chairs by the lake at WL each morning and read the paper, watch the sun rise, watch the boats, etc. There are walking paths at WL, bike rentals, boat rentals, etc. None of the above is at AKL. As you stated, the zero depth entry at AKL is nice for kids, but I really think they'd enjoy the pool at WL also. As far as the rates, both resorts will most likely offer around $120/night + tax for a standard room during value season, usually they're priced the same. We liked the Cmas decorations at WL better than any other resort. Just our opinions, though!

As far as food, we preferred the food at AKL over WL. But, once again, it depends on your taste. We would still choose WL over AKL to stay at, but simply visit AKL to eat at BOMA!

I think you'd be the happiest staying at WL. Good luck with your decision and you'll love Disney in December!

 

[DisneyMin]

I agree w/the other posters. You'll walk alot at either place,but less at WL. The prices tend to be exactly the same. We went last Dec,and w/a Fl res rate,,got a Savannah room rate at $171 a night. Nothing was available at WL,but the price would have been the same.If they don't want to pay over $150,,i'd explain that "this is what the rate is". Let them decide. Or let them stay at a different Moderate resort,but then that would defeat the purpose of everyone going together. My kids loved the WL pool. It's not zero entry,but there are stairs,and the kiddie pool is right there.I don't think that AKL will be cheaper. Maybe try POR? i hear they have pretty decorations. EIther that,,or say "the rate at WL is such and so,,,and thats the deal." Maybe they'll pay more? good luck!