AKL vs WL

[larkles]

We have 3 little boys 4,7 and 9. They are very active so we will be on the go quite a bit. They love pools and animals and we would like some rainy day activities for them. I have not seen any activities for WL but noticed AKL has quite a few things (ie Storytelling around a campfire, cookie decorating)


Any recommendations are welcome!

 

[alldiz]

We have 3 little boys 4,7 and 9. They are very active so we will be on the go quite a bit. They love pools and animals and we would like some rainy day activities for them. I have not seen any activities for WL but noticed AKL has quite a few things (ie Storytelling around a campfire, cookie decorating)


Any recommendations are welcome!

The lodge lobby is a great place to explore...
lots of nooks and crannies....
Cubs Den has craft time every day from 2-4....
Hidden mickeys everywhere...
Havent stayed at AKL...but one day i will..
Kerri

 

[dixiedizfan]

We were fortunate enough to stay at AKL in January, and spent one rainy afternoon there. It was wonderful! We explored all the nooks and crannies, checking out all the viewing spots, artifacts, etc. which are placed around the hotel. Then we sat around the indoor fire pit, and while there, saw native CMs holding activities for the kids. There's always something going on for the younger set (if you can drag them away from the animal viewing). I can't think of a more cozy, relaxing or gorgeous resort to be "stuck" in on a rainy day!

 

[mkygrl]

I have stayed at both (no kids though). I do believe that AKL with the animals all readily viewable would be an asset.

They are both excellent hotels..neither would be a disappointment!


Chrissie

 

[sarah4770]

What time of the year are you going? It rarely rains all day in Fl.Esp in the summer, usually only a brief shower. I have stayed at both, I would say with active boys, Wl would be your best bet. Biking, pathway to Fort Wilderness, electrical water pagent at night, duck races(do they still have these?), boating, the arcade, the cubs den, exploring the resort, 2 pools, a kids pool, a beach,. I would only stay at Akl if i wanted to totally relax. There are not may outdoor activities there.

 

[sarah4770]

Forgot to add, whispering canyon, the pony races. They would love that.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Never stayed at WL, but there's quite a bit to do at AKL ... just sitting out on your patio is an experience, as the animals are almost always visible and active. Having breakfast/coffee with the giraffes was something I'll never forget!

There's also kid crafts, animal viewing, storytelling, cookie decorating, night-vision animal watching ... lots of little things to do. There's a bulletin board on the wall in the Boma waiting area that lists all of the things going on each day (location and time).

AKL's pool also has a water-slide.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

The following are some of the activities available if you are a guest at Wilderness Lodge:
Duck Races on Upper Silver Creek,
Pool Games,
Beach Games,
Penny Toss & Duck Rings.
(Daily 3-4 p.m. @ pool)
Daily Activities: Open Crafts and Games in Cub's Den (free)
Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2:30-4:00pm
*For good rainy day activities, ask for a Kid's activity/coloring book at the bell station or a list of Hidden Mickeys,
Indian artifacts,
Buttons and Bells Games Arcade,
Playground,
Watercraft Rentals,
Bike Rentals,
Fishing,

At night the Wilderness Lodge has Fireside Storytelling, and the Electric Water Parade.

There are model trains and game tables (checkers and chess) at the Villas.

At Ft. Wilderness Campground is a few minutes away. (walk, take a bus, take a boat, ride a bike)
They have:
Horse-Drawn Excursions
Horseback Riding:
Pony Rides:
Chip'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long
Tennis

 

[ccigliano]

MagicInMyHeart covered "almost" everything. Every night at the campgrounds which is very close they roast smores and play a Disney movie on a huge outdoor screen. I think Chip and Dale come to visit too.

 

[jwfla422]

What time of the year are you going? It rarely rains all day in Fl.Esp in the summer, usually only a brief shower.

Really?? You must not spend a whole lot of time in FL. Many summer rains can last all day off and on. Brief showers like every 20 minutes in many cases. We were in WDW in July and we had quite a few days of rains that started at 12-1:00 and pretty much lasted through sunset if not longer. Believe me I drove up one of those days, and it was not a joy.

As most posters mentioned, both do have lots of activities. You'll probably want to decide according to atmosphere/ambiance and convenience.

 

[larkles]

Thank you so much for the information

We are going June 2-10. My inlaws have rented a villa offsite but it will be nice to have a room to enhance the magic, for both me and the kids

 

[sarah4770]

Really?? You must not spend a whole lot of time in FL. Many summer rains can last all day off and on. Brief showers like every 20 minutes in many cases. We were in WDW in July and we had quite a few days of rains that started at 12-1:00 and pretty much lasted through sunset if not longer. Believe me I drove up one of those days, and it was not a joy.

As most posters mentioned, both do have lots of activities. You'll probably want to decide according to atmosphere/ambiance and convenience.

I lived in orlando for 15 yrs. Temporarily away. I do recall the afternoon thunderstorms. What did that ST. Petersburg newspaper say? Something about a free paper every day the sun does not shine?