AKL vs. WL

[StrollPatrolMom]

We're currently booked for next year at AKL, so I have awhile to think about it...one of the reason we chose there is because my mom loves animals, loved AK, and she's helping bank roll the trip (although not significantly enough so thats its my #1 consideration-but she is paying "more than her fair share" technically) plus the friends we're going down with wanted AKL too...but they didn't book the bounceback even though they are still intending on going-really until they book it who knows? (they are going to get AP's and go for the room discount) At any rate, WL was sort of my 1st choice just for the "feel" of the resort...I'm thinking about trying to switch over there instead...so pound for pound what are your thoughts about these 2 choices...my main considerations are
1) transportation
2) restaurants
3) activities and things on interest for a toddler and pre-schooler....

let me have it!

 

[GinaDice]

Hi! My husband and I have stayed at both AKL and WL and really liked both!!

I can offer some opinion.s We do not have kids - but from what we observed many younger kids really like the the pool and grounds at AKL. There is an attraction to see the animals so close for the younger one. Also the pool area is very kid friendly it seemed.

For the 'adults' both have fantastic restaurant choices in Jiko at AKL and Artist Pointe at WL. The transportation at AKL takes a lot of hits from folks - but we never found it to be an issue. It is all bus transportation and generally it is direct from the lodge to any of the parks. If there is a stop along the way it would be with the water park.

We have stayed at several differant resorts - value, moderate and deluxe - and while we both really enjoyed our stay at WL this past September I would still rate AKL as my personal favorite resort.

If Magic Kingdom is a park you will visit often during your stay you might lean toward WL as it is only a few minutes away.

But you certainly will not go wrong with either resort - Enjoy your trip.

 

[Samsma]

I think you will love AKL- I love them both equally - the transportation is all bus from AKL, but it is very good bus service. The boat to MK from WL is very nice, but after Wishes/closing I have been on boats loaded to the point of making me very nervous. I would take the bus if doing it again at this time. The WL bus has a very short ride to MK, but sometimes share with the other MK resorts.

The AKL has a lot of activities for kids, and Boma is very good the dinner, and the breakfast buffet is supposed to be one of the best on property. The food court is also good. If you love AK then I would definitely stay there. AK is my families least favorite park, so we usually go for an EPCOT resort or the Poly. Just the smell of AKL puts you in a different world. I think this place is awesome, and we have to visit every time we go.

 

[GovieMom]

AKL is the most massively themed resort at WDW, and with the animals roaming the savannahs, it is an attraction in itself. We spent a rainy afternoon one day by the fireplace in the lobby, and watched native CMs conducting several activities for young children. After staying at AKL, my kids don't want to stay anywhere else ... it's truly fabulous.

 

[Kae]

We have also stayed at Both. activities way more to do for the kids Cookie Decorating, Music, Animal Tracking, Night viewing & More. Transportation AKL the Buses ran better & they did not share with other resorts, WL the boat to MK are Great. Food for kids WL was better. They both have great CM's but AKL had a slight edge. Both have beautiful Lobbys WL slight edge a little more relaxing. AKL we had a Savannah view & it was wonderful. Pools the kids enjoyed both the same.

Kae

 

[lilyv]

Maybe this is the year to really enjoy AKL! There will be so much for your toddler and pre-schooler to see and do. Just wandering through the lobby your little ones will to see (and at different times of the day, hear) all sorts of things. Everywhere you go, there's something interesting going on. And then, of course, there's the animals! It's almost like living next door to a zoo!

You can always visit WL-have a meal there if you like.

Then, maybe start planning a visit to WL for your next visit. (Isn't it true that Diser's have to be planning a trip, even if it's well over a year away???)

Here's hoping this visit is a truly memorable time for you, your mom, and your children. Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[ciera321]

That's a tough one since I love them both...But I would have to give the edge for restaurants to AKL with Boma and Jiko, and though I don't have a toddler anymore, I have heard there are activites at AKL for them on a regular basis. You will have a wonderful time at either one - you can't go wrong!!!

 

[mom22boys]

I feel like I am the only, but I am avoiding AKL until the construction is done. I saw pictures in a thread where the person had paid for a savanna view and they could see the orange construction fencing from the construction of Kidani Village. She also said that the animals were hiding out because they were disturbed by the construction. For those of you who have not seen a map of where Kidani Village is being constructed, here is a link: Kidani Village. This construction will have to have a huge impact on anyone staying along the Sunset Savanna. I am not willing to pay the money for AKL and be disappointed by the impact of construction when I am well aware that the construction is going on.

Good luck deciding!

I guess the link doesn't work, because I tried to link you to a competitor's website. Oh well, do a search yourself at a place called WDW Magic.com. Just don't put a space in between the WDW and the magic.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

AKL was fantastic for my toddler. We took him at 18 months and again at 23 months. We had a pool view (free upgrade) the first time and CL savannah view the second time. The pool area is zero entry and geared towards the little ones. Also the set up with the playground and hot tubs worked well for us. One could relax in the hottub and still see the other parent playing with the kids on the playground. Their are many viewing areas around the lodge and tons of kids activities. My son liked the flamingo feedings and the little music parade each evening in the lobby. The restaurants were great we ate at Boma twice. I really think this is my favorite resort in Disney and we have been to a few deluxes over the last 20 years.

All that being said I am going to WL this year my son will be 35 months old this time around. I had a bad experience with construction at BC when they were building the villas. The noise made it impossible to take an afternoon nap and this is a must with a toddler. So we had to change lodges this year. I love AKL but I dont want to chance the whole experience with construction going on. Just my two cents worth. If you feel that wont bother you than go for it. It is our favorite resort. We visited WL last time and it was nice but not WOW like AKL. But they do have a room that holds 6 and that is what we need this time around.

Not much help I know but AKL is very nice and after November I can actually give a comparison of the two. Good luck in your decesion both are very nice.