AKL vs. WL

[tkoran]

We are going to WDW for the very 1st time Feb 7-13, 2009 and were planning on staying at WL. I am now wondering if we should go to AKL instead. The main thing we are looking for is bunk beds, which both resorts offer.

The kids would love being able to watch the animals at AKL, but taking the boat to MK from the Wilderness would be nice as well. It also appears that AKL is a bit cheaper than WL, not that it's enough to make a determination though.

What would you do? Which is your favorite of the two?

 

[Haley]

AKL has better transportation IMO. They don't share busses with any other resort- WL does.

AKL is also newer and cleaner IMO.

 

[Lisa77]

I've spent one night at both and was much more comfortable at the AKL.

Coulda just been the night though?

 

[GailT]

I have stayed at both and I like WL better. Rooms are brighter and closer to the parks. I haven't been there in Years and going there this Christmas, I hope I it is as nice as I remember it.

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

I love the WL, but the transportation is terrible. People come from Fort Wildreness becuase buses never go there. Some people (not making a stereotype) are exceptionally rude and cut you. We once had to wait 3 buses because of these people

WL is decorated really well, and the restaurant is really good

The rooms are nice, and designed with bears and elk

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

There is construction going on at AKL
I would recommend the WL to anyone. Unlike a pp we've never had a transportation problem ever. Disney transports thousands upon thousands of people every day, there's bound to be extra waiting sometimes. Always a wonderful trip to WL, kids love the lodge and geyser and the electric water pageant We've talked about staying at AKL but w/ it being so far away from everything and only offering bus service, we don't, it just wouldn't be our kind of resort.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My vote was for the Wilderness Lodge because I like their location a lot better then the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Also the rooms at the Wilderness Lodge just got a full renovation and are brand new.

 

[mickeynut1]

We love the WL....it's our second favorite resort after the Poly (never stayed at AKL). We thought the transportation was fine at the WL....we never experienced long wait times when we stayed there. I suggest the WL due it's location.....the boat ride is convenient to/from the MK along with a quick ride to the CR to catch the monorail if you want .

 

[proteus]

I stayed at AKL and am going next month to WL. AKL is my favorite resort but that being said I think WL is better oriented towards children. I visited WL to check it out and on a quick basis would assign my favorites of each:

Pool - WL (though I love the hot tubs at AKL)
Interior of Resort - AKL (mysterious and dark, if you like open & airy go WL)
Resort Grounds - WL (AKL is not spacious at all)
Activities - WL (much more than AKL)
Room View (assuming best) - AKL
Transportation - AKL for busses, WL for boat
Restaurants - AKL (fantastic dishes but geared more towards adults)
Rooms - WL
Shop - AKL

Either way both resorts are tops in my book.

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed at both. It depends on who is going, what park(s) you want to be closes to, and what you "want" from your resort.

They are both wonderful resorts.

 

[Carlyzmom]

I guess I will be watching this poll too. We are booked for AKL next year. I have always wanted to stay at WL since the first time I saw it - BUT when I looked online at the pics of the AKL, I was sold. I just love the savannah views from the rooms. I think it will be awesome!

 

[tiger4me2]

I prefer the WL. Yes stayed at AKL buses were good going but coming back a nightmare when we went in May. Especially at AK park go figure. WL buses share with some of the resorts last time they didn't too much . Guess it boils down to what you want. AKL will be working & no animals on one of the savannah view. MHo

 

[magicalfoursome]

We love WL! We have visited AKL but we prefer the location and theming of WL.

 

[siestakeys04]

We are trying the AKL next summer. I am looking forward to that. I also stayed at the WL and really like the area and how close it was to alot. The only thing was it was a long ride to DTD because it makes alot of stop. Other than that I like WL. DH wants the kids to try something else.

Either way I am glad we are going again!!!

HAVE A GREAT TIME WHEREVER YOU ARE!!!!!!!

 

[tkoran]

Thanks for the input so far! I think DH would go more for WL for the decor since he'd be happy to live out in the bookdocks with noone for miles. I'm sure the kids would love AKL, but I worry about the construction that will be going on and they will be thrilled to be anywhere near WDW since this will be our first vacation ever. (yes ever)

The rooms, etc. at AKL look neater than WL, but I'm not sure I would like the darkness of them. Maybe I should just still with WL.

 

[tkoran]

Gee, good thing I'm paying more attention to the comments than I am the poll results. I think I'd be even more confused since it's tied. :lol

 

[sherry8253]

My vote is for the AKL but only if I have a savannah view. That might make WL less expensive. I love the boat to MK from WL. Gee this is a hard one because you picked my two favorite resorts. Savannah view AKL wins out for me. We pretty much alternate between the two resorts.

 

[Atchley]

We are staying at WL this year. Although I do like the theming of AKL better than WL, I agree with PPs. WL has many more activities and more spacious grounds to roam than AKL. Although looking out and seeing animals would be cool, how cool would it be to look out and see Cinderella Castle or even the monorail? I also like the fact that it is closer to MK which is where we will be spending two of our days. We are taking a trip to AKL though to eat at Boma.

 

[auntie]

WL. I have stayed there MANY times. Have visited the AKL..but have no desire to stay there. I think it's too removed from the other locations. I also personally don't care for the entire African theme for my vacation. The music piped through the resort started to get on my nerves after a while. I throughly enjoy visiting the Animal Kingdom, however...I don't want it for the theme of my entire vacation. I also found the lobby to very dark.
We enjoy being able to take the water launch to the MK. It's a nice leisurely way to reach the park..just makes it more special cruising Seven Seas lagoon. We especially enjoy watching the Electric Water Pagent each evening. Another plus of being on Bay Lake. I've never had any issues with the bus transportation to the other parks. Once we stopped at the Grand Floridian..I didn't consider it a hardship. The lobby is spectacular, the brook that meanders out to the rockscaped themed pool and ultimately to Bay Lake and the geyser. The majestic doors that open to the lobby..just wonderful. It's also nice to be able to use the water craft offered at the marina. We've rented both the pontoon boats, and the mouse sprites. Not to mention you can also rent bikes and peddle along the bike path over to Fort Wilderness. We like to enjoy the amenities a resort offers, and WL has quite a few of them.

 

[tkoran]

Thanks Auntie - your review sold me on WL.