AKL/WL similaries & differences?

[Andy123]

My wife and I are headed to the AKL next week. We have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge many times and absolutely love it! Other than being designed by the same person, the general theming, and they're both Disney hotels, how are the resorts similar? Are there quiet nooks and crannies to sit and read? How are they different? (Services, etc). Thank you!

 

[Pluto2003]

We were there in June and it was our first stay. We have not stayed at WL but have visited and eaten there. Yes, there are hidden nooks and crannies to sit and read in both inside and out.
There is a lovely covered porch with rocking chairs overlooking the the savannah. My husband and I enjoyed the restaurants at AKL much more than the WL. My only complaint about both is that the quick service food court is only open 6 am to 11 pm. No coffee before 6 am. Also if you are walkers or joggers, the best you can do at AKL is do laps around the pool. There is a lot to explore and the scenery changes every minute. Try the evening event of looking through the night scope. Everyone takes their turn. You get a list of events held at the lodge at check in.
I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did and be prepared to love both resorts........

 

[catheren]

Hi We have stayed at both the WL and AKL. They are very similar with the open lobby, reading areas, the setup of rooms. The AKL is darker that WL. The food court at AKL is small and limited space/hours. Its how the Roar Forks 1st started at the WL. The AKL restaurant menu's didn't appeal to our teenage DD and friend. No big deal we ate at other resorts and in parks

I would definitely recommend a stay at the AKL!

 

[Ratpack]

Like yourself, we have only stayed at WL and are trying AKL for the first time at Christmas. I would love to hear how they compare once you return if you wouldn't mind.

 

[halfway there]

I'm curious about this too but in reverse of the rest of you. We've stayed at AKL but our first visit to WL is in Nov. The one thing I didn't like about AKL was the layout and accessibility of things. The restaurants and pool area are on "one side" of the resort and we were staying on the "other side" (Kudu Trail) so we always had to go down or up to a certain level to gain access across the hotel.

Is WL set up like this? I'm assuming since the pool area is in the middle that wouldn't be a problem but are all the restaurants located mostly on "one side" or one level??

 

[mep319]

They are very similar in lighting and design..I have to say I don't find either "dark." But I personally I don't like CR and find it too "bright" a matter of personal opinion I guess. I think the lighting adds to the overall mood of the resorts...I find it relaxing..
Both have the places to sit and relax. WL you look over the lagoon, the geyser, & fireplace...AKL you have the savannahs and the fire pit...I prefer AKL. I think the gift store at AKL is FABULOUS..it is one of the best one in any of the resorts. I like the food offers at AKL better. Mara is much bigger and better than Roaring Forks. I do wish there was a sit down open for lunch like Whisper Canyon at WL...I like Jiko better than Artist Point and Boma better than Whispering Canyon. Rooms are similar in size and layout...but you look at savannahs with animals from your balcony! The halls are more interesting at AKL they have, more of a "journey to your room"... African Art on display and look outs to the savannahs...WL just has doors. In pools..I'd have to call them even. Both are fairly good. I think AKL may be larger but WL has the additional pool at the Villas. I find the transportation, even though bus only; to be better and more efficient than at WL...no sharing....can you tell I prefer AKL???