AKL vs WL

[boxer]

Ok, this has probably been talked about before, and if I wasn't so lazy I'd search for it, but I'm really tired from typing in a 100 codes to save $$ on my rental car, so I'm posting this here.

We are currently booked for AKL 5/11 to 5/20, but I really wanted to stay in the WL because I love the looks of it. CR said they probably will have a cancellation (we are AP holders) that will allow me to get a room at WL for the exact cost of my current AKL reservation.

I am a little nervous about being 'out there' at AKL, and I keep reading posts on here about the pool not being so great (we are BIG into the pool thing). I could CARE LESS about seeing the animals, and it's not a huge selling point for the kids, so that is not really a factor in this decision.

Since we go to WDW so much, we do tend to spend a decent amount of time at the resort, so I would like to know the amentities that each offer.

I am leaning toward changing to the WL since it is right near all the action, and we don't have to drive everywhere.

Let me know your opinions.....

 

[dcentity2000]

I don't know if this will influence your decision, but the travel agent I saw yesterday mentioned building works outside the AKL this year. They said it wouldn't be intrusive, but it wouldn't be invisible either



Rich::

 

[EnnEss]

The construction at AKL is now only on the interior, so you can see it off to one direction, but apparently wont have any noise you get with actual building of structures. It was extremely noisy last august I think and they moved the animals and moved guests out, that part is long gone.

The pool at AKL is great, I'm not sure where you heard its bad, but the WL is great too.

As for being out there, its not that far. It is further from MK. Probably an extra 10 minutes. Tack on 5 - 10 minutes difference. But, the boat at WL is really nice (not fast, nice), and is fun to take instead of a bus.

Having said that, I stayed at WL my first time at WDW and I loved it! But, AKL is amazing as well, its designed by the same person as WL, the theming is just as good, if not better, because of the animals.

I never get how people assert certain resorts are so far away from wherever and you need a car. The car is not faster than the bus once you're in it, and the buses don't take longer at certain resorts (AKL shares its buses with no other resorts, WL can with FW which is really really annoying and out of the way, happened to me twice). Disney world is 47 sq/m, half of it is basically undeveloped and "below" AKL, no one goes there for anything.

Pick the resort you want, but either of these resorts are probably the best deal on site at WDW, deluxes at lower prices, with absolutely amazing theming. If I were you and had never stayed at AKL, i'd stay there to experience it for sure. I'm not sure which I'd pick tbh if I had been to both, but I wouldn't stress if one wasn't available.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Yes, they are constructing the DVC building at AKL.

We have 2 upcoming stays planned for AKL. I have heard great things about it and even own there!

That being said, we stayed at VWL in November and absolutely loved it. The proximity to MK, the show at night on the lake then watching Wishes from the beach (partially hidden by the Contemporary).

It really is a great resort.

 

[wildirishrose]

we loved the AKL, the pool was great zero entry for the little kids and a couple of great slides. The animals are neat its just really cool to wake up and see a zebra. They have night googles available I bet your kids would get a kick out of those. The bus service was excellent

 

[boxer]

we always rent a car, so that will not be any deciding factor. When I said way out, I meant WL just seems to be right in the middle of everything, and so close to TTC and MK.

I'm not going to worry about it if I can't change to the WL, because AKL seems almost as good. I was just curious on opinions of both.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When I said way out, I meant WL just seems to be right in the middle of everything, and so close to TTC and MK.

I agree with this because it's known the Animal Kingdom Lodge is located away from everything else, where as the Wilderness Lodge has a lot more around it. I happen to think the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a very nice Resort, however I would say their one negative happens to be where it's located.

 

[rt2dz]

I prefer AKL over WL, but beyond theming they are pretty much equal (including the thrill of the pool), imo. Transportation can be easier if not driving from WL, but if you are driving, you won't notice. If you'd rather stay at WL, just switch.

 

[ImagineerM]

I'm a WL fanatic. But I'm staying one night at the AKL this May before our Disney Cruise!

I love the location and the theming at the WL! It is my favorite WDW resort!

Best luck on your decision making
Cheers,
Josh

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed at both. They are both wonderful resorts. They both have great pools. Yes, AKL is a farthest from MK. However, it's closer to AK, Studios, Epcot, and BB. They are about the same for TL. I guess you should evaluate where you'll be spending most of your time.

What I found the biggest "issue" at AKL was only 2 sit down resturants. I didn't think the food court was very good (though others love it). WL, too, only has 2 sit down resturants, however, it is very easy to get to CR, Poly, FW, and GF for their resturants. Since you'll have a car, this shouldn't be an issue for you.

The bus service at AKL was great. We never had a long wait and the resort doesn't share with other resorts. The buses do, however, make stops at more than 1 park.

Stay at which resort attracts you and your family the most. They are both wonderful, you'll have a great time.

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

I find the location of AKL to be a plus, esp given its theming. It's supposed to feel like an African savanna, so having to drive just a little bit further, away from everything, makes you feel a bit like you're "journeying" there. To me it just adds to it, and it makes it a bit more relaxing that it's away from some of the hustle and bustle of all that MK stuff.

Having said that, both resorts are certainly beautiful. We've only stayed in the Villa section of WL, and we liked-but-didn't-love it. We *love* AKL. It's one of our very favorite resorts. We love the theming, we love the animals, we love the dining options (a big minus for WL, esp since that was before they redid Dark Cave - I mean, Roaring Fork).

If you feel like you'd be happier with the location of WL, then you should probably switch. If the animals aren't a draw at all, then that's perhaps another reason to switch. But if you don't switch, I'm sure you'll really enjoy AKL; it's a beautiful, unique resort!

 

[EnnEss]

I think these are the two best resorts at WDW