AKL vs WL

[Advance The Man]

Never stayed at WL and staying at AKL at the end of January. I'm gonna make rezs for April or May and specifically want to know which pool is more enjoyable for a 3 year old. He loves slides, big or small & is a decent swimmer.

Any other comments between the two is appreciated.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

Wilderness Lodge all the way! The CMs are sooo much more friendly and it is much more family themed.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

 

[disneymom1]

AKL has a longer slide and the pool area is larger and less congested (easier to get a lounge chair too). Having the animals right outside your balcony, if you have a savannh view room, is kind of neat too.

For us, the close proximity of WL to MK is a real benefit, since that's the park we spend the most time at. (with a 3 year old, I assume you would too). The bus ride from AKL to MK Seems like it lasts forever. We like the short boat ride from WL to MK and we also like the convenience to Chef Mickeys at CR. Being able to rent boats and bikes at WL is also a plus.

Both hotels have a nice atmosphere and similar amenities, although I think Mara at ALK has a much bigger selection of food than at WL. My first pick would be WL, but AKL is a close second.

 

[disneymom1]

AKL has a longer slide and the pool area is larger and less congested (easier to get a lounge chair too). Having the animals right outside your balcony, if you have a savannh view room, is kind of neat too.

For us, the close proximity of WL to MK is a real benefit, since that's the park we spend the most time at. (with a 3 year old, I assume you would too). The bus ride from AKL to MK Seems like it lasts forever. We like the short boat ride from WL to MK and we also like the convenience to Chef Mickeys at CR. Being able to rent boats and bikes at WL is also a plus.

Both hotels have a nice atmosphere and similar amenities, although I think Mara at ALK has a much bigger selection of food than at WL. My first pick would be WL, but AKL is a close second.

 

[3Mousketeers]

I'm really surprised by the responses. I posted a similar question before about which is better for kids (mine are 6,5, and 1) & it seemed overwhelming for AKL. We haven't been to either but both seemed to have pros & cons - ie. proximity to MK (WL) but most seemd to say there were more activities for the kids at AKL. Well, we're going with AKL. Will let you know how it goes when we're back from our Feb trip. I'm guessing you can't really go wrong with either.

 

[3Mousketeers]

Oh, I forgot - AKL has a zero entry pool and I don't think WL does.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

Wilderness Lodge DOES have a small kiddie zero entry pool!

 

[goin2disneyagain]

AKL is MUCH better. We were very disappointing in WL. The pool is nice at either hotel but overall AKL blows WL away.

 

[Aisling]

Both are beautiful. As far as the "long bus ride" to MK, I guess it's a personal perception, because it didn't seem long at all. I liied it that it was a direct ride, with no resort sharing. I was more bothered by the long wait for the WL boat to arrive. The ride over to MK was itself short, but it seemed to take forever for the boat to get to WL.

I liked the restaurant food better at WL; AKL's were a bit too exotic for me. So if you're planning the convenience of eating at your resort, this may be a consideration.

The animals at AKL were a unique treat. I'd never stayed at a hotel with giraffes right outside my window.

And I loved the soft African drums playing in the background at AKL.

But I love both places. Do you feel like going to Africa of to the American NorthWest?

 

[MinnieM3]

I vote for WL. My kids did love the AKL pool, though. I didn't know WL pool was zero entry....is that new?

 

[MinnieM3]

I vote for WL. My kids did love the AKL pool, though. I didn't know WL pool was zero entry....is that new?

 

[Majestic]

Actually, I don't think there is any zero entry at WL. The main pool and the quiet pool are ladder or stair entry and the baby pool has a small ledge I remember my daughter sitting on. For some this may be make or break but for me, it's really no big deal.

Wilderness Lodge DOES have a zero entry pool!

 

[Majestic]

Of course it's obvious that you like AKL better but please share with us the bad experience you had at WL?

AKL is MUCH better. We were very disappointing in WL. The pool is nice at either hotel but overall AKL blows WL away.

 

[john2u]

My vote is for WL. We were there this past Dec. for the MVMCP and the boat ride to and from the MK is worth it!!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

No zero entry at WL pool.

I think the AKL pool is better overall. I personally like the restaurants at AKL MUCH better...although kiddies would probably prefer the dining at WL...more simple fare.

WL transportation is better. AKL is very isolated.

Honestly, they are both awesome resorts. You can't go wrong either way! have fun!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

With a 3-yo, I'd vote for WL.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Of course it's obvious that you like AKL better but please share with us the bad experience you had at WL?

Actually I didn't say I had a bad experience there I just said I was disappointed. The rooms looked old and outdated. Nothing compares to looking out off your balcany and seeing a giraffe. There really is no comparison to me.

 

[Majestic]

To be specific with your question, I have to say that any pool is enjoyable for a 3 year old. It doesn't matter if it's zero entry or not. The slide at WL is nice. Not too long or high. The kids appear to love it. I of course can't say first hand because I would probably get stuck if I went on it.

I would, of course, pick a resort for much more than just the pool. AKL and WL both have pros and cons. We toured AKL a year ago and decided it's much too far from everything for our taste. Of course, we all LOVE Boma for breakfast and I think we may eat at Jiko this coming trip. (Wooohoo! Monday we will be at Disney!)

The restaraunts at AKL are a bit on the daring side. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a real hoot with kids and they have great food. All chicken and ribs and all you can eat skillets. Lots of kiddy activities there too. Artist Point is a unique place serving hard to find game type entrees. Only open for dinner too.

Lastly, there are duck races down the creek in the back of the hotel almost every afternoon and I can't forget the Cubs Den. Lots to do there too.

Either way, I'm sure you will have a good time. Remember, it's the greatest place to go on vacation as a family. We enjoy WL and like to stick with what works so we go there all the time. You might like something else.

Enjoy!

Fred

Never stayed at WL and staying at AKL at the end of January. I'm gonna make rezs for April or May and specifically want to know which pool is more enjoyable for a 3 year old. He loves slides, big or small & is a decent swimmer.

Any other comments between the two is appreciated.

 

[Crazy4mandms]

I am having the same dilemma for our July trip!! Our favorite park is MGM and AK/EPCOT are close seconds. We only usually do a nostalgic 'peek' into MK for about 1/2 a day......I know that AK is closer to MGM, but can someone tell me approximately how long the bus ride to MGM and EPCOT are from AKL? I was even thinking of doing the Swan (I would get a teacher discount) but AKL's theming is swaying me if it isn't a pain to get around from there. Thanks!!