AKL vs. WL... Again... :P

[kaia739]

Hey,

I know this topic has been debated to death... But I was hoping to get another opinion.

Basically, I've grown up next to the Rocky Mountains, so the theming of WL isn't all that 'different' for me. But theme isn't nearly as important to me as other factors, like ease of getting to Disney World, activities within the resort itself, room quality and amenities.

So keeping these factors in mind, can anyone tell me their preference?

Everyone keeps saying that AKL has a ton of activities. I know the WL has a beach, a marina, a sports center, and biking, while AKL doesn't. So I am curious what activities they do have, other than viewing animals, of course! If it makes a difference, it's just my boyfriend and I, in our early 20's.

Thanks for your input! Resort decisions are impossible!!
- K

 

[rodkenrich]

.

 

[spiceycat]

okay why are you picking 2 resorts that both look like your backyard.

if you want different go for one of the Epcot resorts.

you can rent a DVC reservations from a DVC member and stay in a studio at either BWV or BCV - BWV starts at $90 and goes up, BCV starts at $120 and goes up. (this is $10 a point)

BWV and BCV - both have access to the BW for entertainment. So they might appeal to you more.

that say back to AKL/AKV - it has several things in the lobby - an artist, story telling, demonstration, - outside - you can see the animals at night - with a night-visor.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

This is from Allearsnet.com
Yes, there are a number of special programs offered throughout the day at AKL. Be sure to ask for a list when you check-in to the hotel. A sampling of the recent programs offered at the resort (all programs subject to change without notice):

--flamingo feedings at the Flamingo Pond
--animal tracking at Arusha Rock
--Music of the Savanna in the Sunset Lounge
--wildlife games in the Sunset Lounge
--African games and crafts on the Uzima Pool Deck
--cultural safari in the Sunset Lounge
--animal viewing with Night Vision
--Adventure Camp for children 6-14 that includes ostrich egg painting, private lodge tour and lunch overlooking the savanna.
--Cookie decorating at Boma



Outside, at the Arusha Rock, there is nightly African storytelling next to Ogun's Firepit. (Storytelling is held indoors in the event of inclement weather.) If you have the opportunity, take the time to speak with the storytellers.

Bush Camp, Available at Animal Kingdom Lodge - the 3 hour experience for children 6-14 will now be available to everyone. Kids will learn about the African culture through games, activities, foods and crafts. They will explore animals on the Animal Kingdom Lodge savannah and “Play-Along” with a Character from “The Lion King”. Bush Camp will be offered every Saturday beginning March 24, 2007. The cost is $70 plus tax per child andhours are from 1:00pm to 4:00pm every saturday. You must guarantee your reservation with a credit card. You must cancel more than 24 hours in advance for a refund. $20 of the cost is donated to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. DVC members receive a 10% discount. The program can be booked by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
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What types of recreation are available?
AKL has a themed pool, a kids' wading pool, two outdoor spas ("hot tubs") and a fitness center. There is also a kid's playground.

The Uzima Springs pool is the largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It is also a "Zero-Depth Entry" pool, meaning there is an entrance without steps. I saw lots and lots of kids (young ones, too) enjoying the 67-foot long slide and kiddy wade pool area. There is no quiet pool at AKL.

The Uzima pool is open 24 hours, but the lifeguards go off duty at 10:00 PM and the slide also closes. The two spas close at midnight.


Zahanati Fitness Center is open from 6:00am to 9:00pm at no additional charge to Animal Kingdom Lodge guests 14 and over. Those 14-17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Guests of other resorts may use the fitness center for $12 per day, based on availability. The purchase of a spa treatment includes use of the adjacent fitness center for the day of treatment.

The Fitness Center spa treatment hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm, by appointment. Treatments include: Massage Therapy, Skin Care and Body Treatments. Niki Bryan Spa provides services at the Fitness Center. For pricing and other information visit: http://www.relaxedyet.com/

The Fitness Center has a full line of Cybex equipment, including a Smith machine. The cardiovascular area has Life Fitness Treadmills, Stairmasters and Bicycles (regular and recumbent).

 

[Got Quattro?]

Having stayed at both, we chose to go back to WL multiple times. AKL was fine the one time.

WL is more relaxing and nicer to look at. AKL is all about the giraffs and zebra. They are cool the 1st day or 2, but soon it became a joke for us..."hey look...a zebra".

There are equal amounts to do at both places for kids and adults. Butm, the AKL places to eat, are very rich and unique...good for visiting every couple of years, but not each visit or multiple times in a week.

Where WL, you could eat at WC, or AP every day and not get tired of it.

Finally....where wilderness lodge shines....if you want to sit back and be lazy...do nothing but occupy a chase chair or pool lounge....it's just a more relaxing atmosphere.

 

[spiceycat]

The Uzima Springs pool is the largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It is also a "Zero-Depth Entry" pool, meaning there is an entrance without steps. I saw lots and lots of kids (young ones, too) enjoying the 67-foot long slide and kiddy wade pool area. There is no quiet pool at AKL.

not the largest - although it is a wonderful pool.

SALB at BC/YC/BCV is still bigger.

 

[koobs]

AKL is all about the giraffs and zebra. They are cool the 1st day or 2, but soon it became a joke for us..."hey look...a zebra".

And I guess at WL, I could say "hey look...a tree". Seriously though, I've visited WL and thought it was very nice but I could sit and watch those giraffes and zebras all day. But maybe that's just me.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

While I'm sure this topic has been revisited some umpteen million times (I recently created a similar thread), it will probably be a question I ask in the near future. We are trying to make our minds up on which deluxe resort to stay in on our next trip next October. It will be 4 adults- my wife and I are the half that is familiar with WDW- the other couple is not- so they are depending on us to offer some good suggestions. I have it narrowed down to 3 deluxe resorts- AKL, WL or Boardwalk Inn.

We stayed at AKL in October of 2005, and had a great savannah room.
We stayed at FQ in April and had a miserable experience.

I'm so afraid of another miserable experience with a resort I have no idea about, I'm really leaning towards AKL, although I keep hearing good things about WL.