AKL vs. WL--opinions needed please!

[SweetSerenity]

My husband and I are currently booked for CBR this upcoming September. However, we have talked it over and have decided we would like to upgrade to one of the Deluxe Resorts. While the GF or Polynesian would be a dream, we just can't make that happen. We don't have much experience with Deluxe except for the 3 wonderful nights we had at AKL for our honeymoon.

Wilderness Lodge has always been very appealing to us. During our honeymoon we took the boat ride from MK over to the resort to have lunch at Whispering Canyon. While the resort itself was beautiful, we didn't get a chance to explore. Our lunch wasn't very impressive and the restaurant was just so loud. I know that's the point of Whispering, but it just set off a bad vibe for us.

We didn't get much of a chance to explore AK either, but the pool was beautiful and we did visit the savanna for a few minutes at night.

The difference between the price of the resorts for our total stay will be $200 with WL being the less expensive. The view will be standard for both. We know we enjoy Boma and would like to try Sanaa, but I also thought Whispering Canyon would be an excellent breakfast spot and Artist Point would be available to try as well.

The only hesitation I have about WL is that there are many places closed down due to the refurbishment. I'm not sure when those are supposed to be finished, but I feel like we wouldn't get the "full effect" while we are there. Of course, there is the convenience of the boat to MK while AKL is convenient because it is smaller so accessing the food court for our refillable mugs is easy.

I know everyone has a different opinion, but I'm basically asking for pros and cons of each one for people who have stayed there and clearly have more experience than we do. What did you like most and least about each resort? Thanks in advance!

 

[Amelia :)]

WL construction really did not impact us negatively in November, the resort is still very beautiful, and it only being at 50% occupancy made its pretty quiet and transport very easy. I would imagine by September they will be more at the finishing touches stage anyway. We really enjoyed the quick service roaring fork but agree with you, we really didn't like WCC, just not our thing. But I really wouldn't let that stop me staying again as there's lots of other places nearby to eat.
Next time we are thinking AKL, because it's nice to try something different. Maybe since you did AKL WL would be a good idea?

 

[loves to dive]

I'd say try WL just because you've stayed at AKL all ready and I'm all about new experiences. Saving money doesn't hurt. You are so close to the monorail resorts that there are plenty of food option available.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Caveat, I have not stayed at AKL. I've stayed WL twice, most recently at the end of November.

I think WL could be an excellent choice given what you describe. Construction was pretty much a non-issue when we were there and will be even further along by Sept. The new waterfront bar/grill looks awesome and is supposed to open next month while Roarking Forks gets refurbished (will be back open well before your trip). I think this place is really going be a nice setting right on the shores of Bay Lake, something totally unique to WL.

I'm not sure of the estimated opening date of the new pool on the DVC-side, but the pictures looks relatively far along. That pools looks HUGE.

Also FWIW, many of the "standard" WL rooms really have a nice MK view now that they've cleared trees for the cabins on the north side of the resort. If you book there, ask for a high floor. You can get a really good MK/fireworks view from some rooms.

Unless you were to say you have limited interest in going to MK much on this trip, I think I'd vote WL.

Although if you said you're more Epcot/HS/AK people, then I'd probably go with AKL.

 

[Amelia :)]

We stayed in a Woods View room high floor, we could see the contemporary, that Castle, Space mountain and Wishes every night. It was amazing

 

[CynBeth]

I would go with WL. We love WCC for breakfast and it is a short boat ride over to Trail's End at FW if you want to have a breakfast there or a short boat ride to the CR if you want a breakfast at one of the restaurants there or at any of the monorail resorts.

 

[SweetSerenity]

Wow! Thanks for all of your replies! We didn't think about the view of MK so thank you for that. How many bus depots are at WL and are they pretty far from the main building?

 

[Amelia :)]

Wow! Thanks for all of your replies! We didn't think about the view of MK so thank you for that. How many bus depots are at WL and are they pretty far from the main building?

Just one and it's a 1 minute walk from the Lobby!

 

[DeanDoug]

We have stayed at both and love them differently. At Wilderness, I suspect a MK view would be priced higher, so you should ask. We had a view of the lagoon and enjoyed seeing the Electric Water Pageant every night from our room! Proximity to MK is terrific.

AKL is our absolute favorite, however. So much magic... animals... amazing pool, etc. So special and cannot be beat.

Either is wonderful, just different.

 

[Marthasor]

I've stayed at both and, while WL is beautiful and we really like Artist Point, I much prefer AKL. I really don't like Whispering Canyon and, when we were there, I felt land-locked in a way (transportation was incredibly slow) with very few options of places to eat onsite. Things have changed a little bit with the introduction of uber at WDW (which we now use quite a bit) to get from resort to resort. I just much prefer the atmosphere and liveliness of AKL, the restaurants and the pools.

 

[SweetSerenity]

Thank you everyone!

I just called to modify our reservation. I really wasn't sure which way we were going to go, but after adding on a day and speaking with the patient CM, I decided to give Wilderness Lodge a try. I will miss staying at AKL, but I'm excited to try a new resort. Again, thank you for all your help!!!