AKL vs WL...Which would you pick?

[hallen4]

I am having an internal struggle....My family (me, DH, DD2, & DS4) are planning on going to WDW in October. We currently have a reservation for AoA, but would like to upgrade to a deluxe resort. I have been debating between AKL and WL simply because they both look great, I think the kids would love either one, and neither myself or my DH has stayed at either one. Which would you choose, and why? Maybe with your help I can finally make a decision. TIA!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We love the WL and the boat ride to and from MK makes it a really great place to stay if you plan to go to MM a lot.

 

[ErinsMommy]

WL if your likely to go to MK often - quick boat ride over to MK or Contemporary where you can eat jump on the monorail to Epcot or even walk to MK from there too.

 

[jfeasel]

We've stayed in both and if you are going to stay at AK, get a room that overlooks the animals. It's amazing to sit on your balcony and watch them. Otherwise, both are great resorts.

 

[midnightlouise]

ohhh that's a tough choice. I love both of those resorts! Wilderness Lodge is just gorgeous, and we really enjoyed being able to take the boat to MK, but my kids would vote for AKL. Especially if you can get a Savanna room. It's awesome sitting on the balcony watching the animals. Also you've got Sanaa, Boma, Jiko etc. etc. so lots of great options for food right there. Have fun whatever you choose! You really can't go wrong with either one!

 

[Fizban]

That is a very hard one as both are great for different reasons already mentioned. I guess to help i will offer the only negatives to staying at each one that I've found. For AKL its just a darned long way to MK by bus. For WL if you get stuck way in the back it can feel like you are on a scavenger hunt to get to your room.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

We have stayed at both and we prefer WL. The boat ride to MK, CR, and FW is so convenient!

 

[66Tink]

We have also stayed at both and prefer WL. Both resorts are beautifully themed, but we really enjoy the convenient boat ride to MK and the walk to Fort Wilderness is also enjoyable for us. Food options also better here for our family. Either one that you pick, I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[dkrauss]

We just did WL last Sept and just loved it.............the theming at the resort (that lobby is unreal)and convenience of the boat made it great for us as we planned around MK, CR, and FW activities. We felt separated but not.....if ya know what I mean. We're looking at booking a AKV trip for Dec 2016 because we love the idea of the savannah views too ........my only issue with AKL is its a bus to every park..........or car.........but we're going to try it out anyway.

I think it depends on what your plans are and what your family likes. If you have a car........AKL won't be that much of a big deal from a commuting perspective. If the MK/Epcot are you're primary focus you may like the convenience of the WL more.............in the end you really can't go wrong. I've attached a video from our Sept 2014 trip that highlights the ease of using the boat to CR and the MK.

Have a great vacation!!!!

Doug

 

[minnie mum]

OP, you pose a conundrum. There are pros and cons for both.

WL: pro- just a short boat ride to MK. (10- 15 minutes) Great for frequent trips to MK, and ease of getting back from MK for afternoon naps
con- WL will be starting a big construction project this year.

AKL: pro- IMO the most beautiful and unique resort on property. With some of the best eateries. Nice pool and splash area. Interesting resort activities for the whole family.
con: Distance from the MK. It takes a little over 20 minutes to travel to the MK. ( I don't happen to think that the less than 10 minute difference in travel time is significant, but apparently many people do).

 

[jimmytammy]

We have stayed at WL many times(villas mostly, Lodge once)and AKL villas once. AKL has many amenities, WL, not as many, but still love the WL more. Its quite, not as big, close to MK, etc. So WL would be my go to.

 

[mickeynut1]

I am having an internal struggle....My family (me, DH, DD2, & DS4) are planning on going to WDW in October. We currently have a reservation for AoA, but would like to upgrade to a deluxe resort. I have been debating between AKL and WL simply because they both look great, I think the kids would love either one, and neither myself or my DH has stayed at either one. Which would you choose, and why? Maybe with your help I can finally make a decision. TIA!

We've stayed at both and love both for different reasons. The WL is great if you will be going to MK a lot as it's a short bus or boat ride; however, we found the buses at AKL to be great as well. AKL is out away from everything, but it didn't seem to take more than maybe 5 extra minutes to get around compared to other resorts. Since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). Both resorts have great CS and TS dining options and both have beautiful grounds/atmospheres. With all of that said, you really can't go wrong with either one (IMO), as they are both great places to stay. Good luck.

 

[hallen4]

Thanks to all of you for the great input! After all these tips, and talking it over with DH, we decided to go with AKL and booked it!!! Very excited to have coffee looking out at the animals, and I think my kids will really love all the things to do/see at the resort. It was by far the hardest decision in the whole vacation-planning process so far. Happy planning everyone!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks to all of you for the great input! After all these tips, and talking it over with DH, we decided to go with AKL and booked it!!! Very excited to have coffee looking out at the animals, and I think my kids will really love all the things to do/see at the resort. It was by far the hardest decision in the whole vacation-planning process so far. Happy planning everyone!

Congrats on booking! You're going to love AKL .

 

[HopperFan]

OP, you pose a conundrum. There are pros and cons for both.

WL: pro- just a short boat ride to MK. (10- 15 minutes) Great for frequent trips to MK, and ease of getting back from MK for afternoon naps
con- WL will be starting a big construction project this year.

AKL: pro- IMO the most beautiful and unique resort on property. With some of the best eateries. Nice pool and splash area. Interesting resort activities for the whole family.
con: Distance from the MK. It takes a little over 20 minutes to travel to the MK. ( I don't happen to think that the less than 10 minute difference in travel time is significant, but apparently many people do).

Agree 100%. You all will love both for different reasons. Rooms interior are comparable.

Given age of your kids, I would ask myself:
- How much resort time do you plan to enjoy the amenities and pools?
- Are you taking mid-day breaks?
- Will potential construction at Wilderness Lodge be a deal breaker?

 

[GrumpyBelle]

I would pick AKL. IMO, it has the most unique feel. It is a Beautiful resort and even without a room that overlooks out on the animals, there are lots of viewing places.

 

[Rosebud123]

Stayed at WL and loved it!!! So beautiful, plus the boat to MK was really fun. Visited AK and thought it was beautiful (similar to WL), but I care more about location than animals.

 

[ProTraderColin]

Convenience is a HUGE plus for WL. However, AKL is almost an experience in itself with the savanna views, sheer size of the resort, and some of the best restaurants on Disney property. A lot of kids like the bunk beds available at AKL. Some people are not a fan of smaller room sizes at WL, but love the secluded, yet not too far feeling of the resort.

 

[Babsy]

Good choice!! AKL is so unique and has lots of activities for children and fantastic food. Then there are the animals to view. Plus an awesome pool and look at that lobby! Wow!

Of course, the WL is a great choice too, but it will be waiting for you for another visit!

Enjoy the AKL!!

 

[worleygirl26]

Stayed 7 nights at WL in 2013 and arrived home from 7 nights at AKL Kidani yesterday. I much preferred AKL. We had no issues with the buses and the property is stunning. We saw tons of animals and found the cast members were so friendly. The pool was awesome! We loved walking to Jambo to check things out there too. I hope you have a great time.