AKL-Savanah View or WL-Courtyard View

[Em&Bec'sMom]

We got the code, we are looking at going back to WDW in October of this year. We have the option of going to either AKL or WL.

What are people's thoughts (food court, pool, views, convenience to parks)?

 

[dandave]

Akl.

 

[ccigliano]

WL gets my vote but I will admit that I haven't stayed at AKL yet. I enjoy the walk through the woods to the campgrounds, renting a boat on the lake, the close proximity to the Magic Kingdom (5 min boat ride), the incredible lobby, the warm cozy fireplace, and the overall ambiance of the WL. Artist Point is great and I make it a point to eat there everytime I go. The Electrical Water Pageant at 9:30 is fun for the little ones and the big ones too. Just my 2¢.

 

[stellablue]

My question to you is:

How many opportunities do you really get to have in life to look outside your balcony and see zebras and giraffes??

I say go for AKL!

 

[dishm12/08]

My question to you is:

How many opportunities do you really get to have in life to look outside your balcony and see zebras and giraffes??

I say go for AKL!

That's why we picked if for our disneymoon. Although, WL wasn't an option because we didn't care for the themeing.

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

we stayed (because we got a great deal to upgrade to this resort when we were booking) at AKL about five years ago. We booked a standard room- which had the potential to have a view of the parking lot- but cost lots less than a room with a guarenteed view of the savannah (animals). We lucked out with our room, BUT after staying there i wouldn't book anything else if we went back again. You pay so much more for any other room and really, there are so many interesting places at the resort to look at the animals- you really don't need to spend the extra money. There are little nooks and cranies with rocking chairs and windows or balconies everywhere. there are also places specifically made to allow you to get close. Go to one of these spots and you can see animals all the time! We lucked out with our room (wish I could remember the room number!) because it was a "standard view room", but we could actually see the savannah and the animals. We also had a view of the roof , but beyond that we the same view people were paying lots more money for. There's no guarentee you will get a room like this, but I would recommend saving the money on a high priced savannah view room and take advantage of how beautiful the rest of the resort is. How much time will you really spend in your room anyway??

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

Just really looked at your first post- asking WL or AKL- (don't know how I missed this before- guess I was too excited to give you the AKL advice, I missed the rest).

Anyway- I would DEFINATELY choose the Wilderness Lodge. I've stayed there 4 times to my 1 time at AKL. Yeah, there are animals at AKL, but Wilderness Lodge is so much better! They are similar, but WL is more central and has the option of the boat to MK. At AKL you have to rely on bus for everything and you are so far away ( I think it took us close to 30 minutes on the bus to get to MK- at least it felt like it!!!) The location of WL and the option of the boat opens up so many other possibilities (the boat stops at Contemporary and Fort Wilderness- you could even take boat to MK and then hop the monorail to TTC or Poly or GF- then from TTC to EPCOT- the options are endless!). Also the Wilderness Lodge has a great biking, running, walking trail to Fort Wilderness Camprground. WL is on the lake so you can take advantage of the beach and boating fun- you get to see the water parade at night (the name escapes me, but only MK resorts can see it).

So, at AKL you get some animals at your beautiful resort- if you stay at WL you get lots more (including a better pool!) and you can always see the animals at AK.

 

[Cindie-rella]

AKL ! Like stellablue said, where else can you stay and watch African wildlife from your hotel balcony?! I feel that AKL is like getting 2 vacations in 1. We really looked forward to coming back to the resort after the parks. In fact there were days that we didn't even leave the resort. The pool is wonderful.The food here is excellent too. It's really different than anywhere else on property. Although I hear the food at WL is also excellent, but the selections are of that you can get pretty much anywhere. It's just so unique at AKL. WL is beautiful, we've visited there but never stayed. I guess it doesn't interest me as much because I live in the mountains of PA and WL just reminds me alot of home. AKL takes us far away. You definitely want savanna view. Trust me, there's nothing like sipping a morning coffee on your balcony watching a giraffe and ostriches walking around in front of you.

 

[Cindie-rella]

I forgot one thing. We timed how long it takes to get from AKL to MK. 15 min from the time you board the bus until you get off at MK. That was the longest park to get to. Buses were never crowded and we never even came close to having to stand. That's it. Have a great stay wherever decide!

 

[Em&Bec'sDad]

Thanks for everyone for thier input. After extensive negotiations, we booked the Courtyard View for WL. We decided that the advantage to being at AKL is waking up on looking at wildlife from your balcony in your pajamas and our code was only for a Std View at AKL.

We are so excited to be staying at WL