AKL vs. WL pros and cons

[poppinspal]

My bf and I just got back from a trip to WDW where we stayed at the All Star Sports. He has decided on our next trip that he really would love to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. With the dates we want to go being over a year away this is really a possiblity but I also like the look of the Wilderness Lodge. I'm looking for people's opinions on both places. I know that there will be a lot of different opinions but sometimes that helps.

So here's kind of what I'm looking to know.
Whats the transportation like for both of these places?
Are Savannah rooms at AKL really worth it or will a Pool View be just as nice?

Okay suddenly I can't remember all my questions. I know I'll probably like both of these places but I just want to know what things people love about each one. What makes people go back to those two year after year? I've stayed at almost every other deluxe resort so I know what to expect at those. So give me the great, the good and the sometimes but not often bad parts about AKL and WL.

 

[Mini Sorcerer's Mom]

Both WL and AKL are wonderful!
Pro's to AKL
Other than an African Safari, where else can you look out your window and see giraff's and zebras walk by?
The food at the AKL is the best. The quick services has the best selection (the breakfast biscuits are incredible, they are a cross between a sweet scone and buttermilk biscuit) and Boma and Jiko are wonderful full service.
Really unique educational offerings about the animals from very knowledgeable guides.
They do not share buses with any other resorts and are very close to AK, as well as MGM, Epcot, DTD and water parks. A bit of a hike to MK but the buses come often. I found the transportation better at AKL than WL.
The one point I must stress is that if you are going to stay at AKL, you MUST get a Savannah view. After all, that is the best reason to stay at the AKL!!!

Pro's to WL
It will be less expensive than AKL since you don't need a primo view.
A boat ride away to MK but a hike to everything else. Plus they share buses with GF and always pick them up just before the parks and drop them off first after the parks.

AKL is a place you must visit once but then be satisfied if you don't return but WL is a place you do want to return to again and again.

 

[Cass]

To my experience in staying at both hotels, the buses were MUCH better from AKL than WL, but WL had the boats to MK which was cool. Even the boats can take a while though, waiting for them if you just miss one etc...

The savanna view is worth it, you could book a standard or pool and hope for a free savanna upgrade but you are rolling the dice here.

The rooms are the same size at both hotels - small!

They both have multiple dining choices but WL has more traditional dining where AKL had the African influence.

The pool, IMO is better at AKL.

 

[pink_zebra]

I have stayed at both, with one trip where we split our stay so I compared them directly with each other on that trip. Of course, it was like comparing apples to oranges, especially that trip bc we were on concierge at WL for our honeymoon, but were still delighted with the AKL when we switched. To answer your questions, I think the savannah view is wonderful, but we found ourselves rushing away from the view in the morning to get to the park, so it might be just as great to have a pool view, as the pool is great!
There is more transportation offered at WL with the convenience of the boats, and the location is better. But we never had a problem getting a bus to or from AKL.

I think what makes people go back year after year to these hotels is the truely unique theming and breathtaking atmosphere. I really feel like I am on a luxury vacation at either of these resorts, and I think you will be happy either one you choose.

 

[poppinspal]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I think AKL savannah room will be the way to go for this trip but in the future I think I'd be more a WL type of gal. Both sound so amazing though.

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hard decision! In this household both lodges are loved!

WL pros
Connected to MK by boat
Connected to CR by boat-go see Mickey at Chef Mickey's
Close to the Fort Wilderness for the Hoop Dee Doo Muscial Revue
Home of Whispering Canyon. This place is a hoot!
Home of Artist Point. OUr second favorite restaurant on property.
Love love love sitting in the hot tub at night and sipping hot chocolate.

AKL lodge perks:
The Savannha, breathtaking to peek out your curtains in am and see the giraffes. Had the pool view one time and we're wishing for the Savannah view the whole time.
Home of Jiko, our favorite restaurant on Disney property.
Home of Boma which has the famous Zebra Domes.
Great Wine in Jiko, bar area and the pool bar.
Largest pool on property with zero entry.
Great Spa for massages etc.
Great Gift shop.

AKL is farther out from MK than WL. However the bus system is plentiful and quick.