AKL vs. WL which would you choose?

[Densgirl]

I posted a while back about the values and really appreciated the advice we got but I've decided that no matter what DH says(actually he said "whatever you want honey" ) I'm just not gonna enjoy myself in a value. I'm not a princess or anything but we've only stayed at Deluxes and I really don't see any reason to start changing things now . Given the two choices above, I'm wondering which you'd choose. It will be just my brother(Exevale here) and I. I have stayed at both, out of these two he's only stayed at WL. He really isn't an animal kind of guy though so that isn't enough to sway our decision, plus we are going to have to go for standard view at either so it isn't like it's savannah view we are talking about or anything.

He loves WL and still rates it number one, tied with BWI, among the onsite places we've stayed The thing that is making our decision so tough is the transportation issue. I love WL because you are a boatride away from the monorail. When I stayed at AKL we had a car so I never used the bus option. I'm curious how the busses are here and whether or not it has negatively impacted anyone's stay. We are flying for the first time in years and I really don't want to have to rent a car. Sorry for rambling I just can't make up my mind. TIA

 

[bicker]

AKL savannah over WL; WL over AKL standard.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Love both but the WL wins because of it's location, nightly water parade and recreational activities.

 

[Blondie]

We had a choice of AKL or WL for the same rate in January 2003 and I chose the WL based on reviews I read here. It did not disappoint!

 

[tiggersthebest]

I would take the Animal Kingdom Lodge over the Wilderness Lodge- We were not impressed with the Wilderness Lodge at all. And if you can get a Savannah room it was great!!!

Mom of two little princesses

 

[slk537]

AKL was very nice when we stayed there, but without the Savannah view...well...

I love love love love love WL...so I'm biased. But I believe either way you'll be happy. Can't lose!

 

[Densgirl]

Thanks for all your quick replys. We are leaning towards WL, mostly b/c of transportation options and my brothers out and out love of this place. Keep the opinions coming and I'll let you know what we decide. You guys are great!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i LOVE WL
i stayed there is Sept it was sooo great
the room, the food, the LOBBY!!!!

we went to akl and walked around i did not like it
my DH wants to stay there i have no interest in it
so i am for WL
WOOOOOHOOOOOOO

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

We did both! WL for the first 5 nights then AKL for the last 2. Staying at AKL for the last two nights was great because we spent the last two days of our trip at AK or exploring AKL and never had to venture back to the Epcot or MK areas. It was more convenient that way.

 

[TJA]

This is a tough one. Let me give you the pros of each resort. We have recently stayed at both.

AKL~does not share a bus with any other resort, interesting and good eating options for adults, animals. If you book this resort, I'd stick with a savanah view. We had a standard view and looked at the parking lot our whole trip.

WL~boat to MK, located close to MK. We enjoyed our woods view room, which is one step up from standard.

Both resorts have great pools and gorgeous grounds. I truly don't think you'd be disappointed in either. My personal favorite of the 2 is WL, but only because I prefer the lodgy atmosphere over the African-type atmosphere. On that note, though, I did enjoy the restaurants more at AKL.

Good luck! Let us know what you choose and why.

 

[Exevale]

It is not like I am your brother or anything, but I would say a happening kinda bit of dudeocity like him really deserves the WL. Just my opinion but ...WL WL WL WL.
Love,
Not your Brother,
Exevale

 

[geetey]

We have stayed at both WL and AKL.

AKL pros:
food court is better
pool is bigger
gift shop is bigger (and better, I think!)


AKL cons:
transportation...
we don't mind taking the buses but it was simply *ridiculous* the amount of time we spent waiting at AK for an AKL bus! We could have walked there and back! We ended up driving after that. It was just too frustrating for us.
location.... you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere.

WL pros:
has a food court
MK location
we love renting water mice!

WL cons:
we had issues with transportation here, but nothing as extreme as the AK wait
pool is more crowded since it is shared with the VWL

I would base my choice on my plans - lots of parks and activities - go with WL. If I am looking for a relaxing hanging out at my resort stay, I would go with AKL.
We have done standard view at both resorts. Just request a room near the lobby and you have a better shot at not getting that parking lot view. Hope that helps!

 

[Densgirl]

It is not like I am your brother or anything, but I would say a happening kinda bit of dudeocity like him really deserves the WL. Just my opinion but ...WL WL WL WL.
Love,
Not your Brother,
Exevale

Exevale, you my good sir are an idiot . I was looking for opinions from people NOT GOING ON THE TRIP WITH ME!

Thank you all for your help(except Exevale the dorkiest ). I think we will go with WL . I love the transportation and lodge feel of this place and by the ever so obvious post of Exevale, my brother, he really doesn't care to check out the AKL anyway. I also agree the food is better at AKL but we really can't go higher than a standard on this trip and I stayed in a standard last time I stayed at AKL, we had the room next to the bus stop. Wasn't my favorite view ever. Originally my DH had said Pop was all I could spend so...I figure even standard at WL will be better than Pop . I just wanted to make sure b/c we are paying for our package tomorrow and I don't want to have to change resorts after we decide. Thanks so much for the input

 

[tubachick]

WL--- Location, location, location. You can't beat the boat ride away from MK, and the monorail. The Lobby is breath taking, and the atmosphere is fantastic.... ok we love the WL anyway, and only visited the lobby, gift shops, and resturants at the AKL, but we still LOVE the WL.

 

[geetey]

Have a great trip, Densgirl!

I think your brother owes you a drink for getting to stay at his preferred resort.

Gotta work all of the angles! LOL! Well - that's what I would do to my little brother.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think you're making a good choice with WL. I find both resorts very similar in style, their lobbys are very similar. We were given a choice of these two for our trip 3 weeks ago and we chose WL due to location - transportation was great, and we didn't have to rely on the bus on everything. We had our own car, but everytime we visit AKL it feels miles away from everything else.

WL did not disappoint - loved every minute of it! Esp the boats, both to rent and use on the lake and the boats to MK and Ft Wilderness.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

AKL! But that is just me-the Wl just doesnt do anything for me.

 

[Danvers]

AKL.

 

[tigerlilly]

I am having the same dilemna ....we are going to WDW in December. First I had a reservation with a split stay at WL and AKL...then changed to just WL since I may want to do the whole dining package thing...but not standard or woods view available. Still booked WL at 240.00 per night with AAA. Then tonight I called to see if we could downgrade view and that was a No Go. Soooo I changed to AKL Pool view....in the long run it saves me over $250.00. I will probably end up changing my reservations 3 more times before December
Sounds like you are going for WL so have a great time and let us know how it goes!!!!

 

[Exevale]

Edited because I'm an imbicile and I posted under my brothers ID. I really am Densgirl.

I think your brother owes you a drink for getting to stay at his preferred resort.

Rest assured my little brother will be buying me many drinks at WDW this trip . This is a no kids, no DH, just me and my brother trip!!! We are both complete commandos and finally will be able to put a serious hurt on WDW. I plan on initially tapping into his wallet at my beloved Bel Vue Lounge at BWI and letting the cash hemmorage from there on.

And thanks to all of you for your opinions. I really do love knowing what other people would choose. I plan on bugging you all soon about your favorite restaurant choices too.