Akl/wl

[Jeanine3kids]

Which resort is better for little children ages 7, 5, and 3?

 

[mmmears]

Both resorts are gorgeous.

For us, we really like AKL because of the animals and the feeling of the place.

We live in the west and can drive to Yosemite in a few hours, so the Mountain Lodge theme of the WL is not as unique to us.

But with 3 little kids, you will probably be spending alot of your time at the Magic Kingdom. If this is the case, I would strongly recommend the WL. The boat to the MK is both fun and convenient, especially if you like to take a swim/nap break in the middle of the day like we do. If you are not spending lots of time at mK, then I would say to pick whichever theme appeals best to you. Other than the boat to the MK from the WL, you would have to take busses to get to all the other parks no matter which resort you choose.

Good luck and have a fanatstic vacation!

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

We just got back from WL with a 2-year-old. Except for maybe a monorail resort, you can't beat the boat to MK. DS loved it and it was so easy. Also took boat to Ft. Wilderness for Trails End Buffet and some playtime at the playground there. WL also has a really big kiddie pool which we liked.

Now, don't get me wrong, we loved AKL too, but have only stayed there when it was just adults.

 

[Jalva22]

They are extremely similar resorts (in design, not theme). We've stayed at AKL twice and WL once, and are planning a split-stay between the two next year. My advice would be to pick based on whichever theme you think your kids would like best. If they're really into animals, then AKL is perfect for you. If not, then maybe the WL since it's closer to the Magic Kingdom.

If you will have your own vehicle, I wouldn't worry about AKL being farther from the MK as it's not a bad drive at all. But if you're relying on Disney transport and will be spending most of your time at the MK, then WL gets a little nod there.

Again, though, if your kids are ga-ga over animals I'd have no problem picking AKL, even if it is a longer haul to the MK on Disney transport.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I say the Wilderness Lodge is the better Resort, however if your kids like animals then the Animal Kingdom Lodge would be the best place to stay.

 

[catbertdave99]

We stayed at WL when my DS's were turning 10 and 7 -- they both loved it. The pool and slide were great, the beach was great, Roaring Forks and Whispering Canyon were great - even did a character meal back then at Artist Pointe. Really nice.

We later stayed at AKL when they had just turned 13 and 10 -- my DS13 loved it, my animal-lover DS10 liked the animals but hated the food choices. It was a great place, but I don't think we'd go back.

I think it just depends on your kids.

 

[markm0926]

I would go with AKL.
With the animals and the zero enrty pool for the little ones.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We stayed at AKL, once for 3 nights before moving to the Poly. We didn't care for the resort, food or long treks to our room. In the evenings we were used to the lights and glimmer of the resorts on Seven Seas Lagoon and at the AKL there's nothing around the place. We had Savannah view, free up grade and saw only a few animals only at feeding time, other times its just a bleak vista. glad we did it once, cured us.

Wilderness Lodge is more to our liking, have stayed here for the last 10 trips. It gets down to location, location. We spend alot of our time in the MK, and the boat over is just frosting on the cake, monorail is nicer but the Lodge is alot cheaper and the boat is quick. We also like to spend time in FW, love the buffet at Trails End, pizza and beer at Crocketts Tavern and looking at the horses in the horse barn, all a boat ride away. We have found nothing to complain about or want to change at the WL, love the EWP each night, pool is themed beautifully starting in the huge lobby, trickling out to the waterfalls and into the pool. We spend alot of time at the resort, so our choice is very important, we enjoy picnics at the pool, enjoy a walk through the forest to FW, there's the beach, 2 hot tubs, nice kiddee pool and a quiet pool by the villas. Roaring Forks food is okay and we do some CS there, Whispering Canyon is unique and good also.

Again, its location, boat to the MK, boat to FW boat to CR to gain access to the monorail and transferring at the TTC for EPCOT. All good and unique, plus the buses are not as bad as I have read on these boards, guess its all in the time of year, we've even taken the bus to the MK to go to other resorts for a meal. there are others that swear by the AKL, to each their own but for this couple, it's Wilderness Lodge all the way.

 

[Tam1067]

We were trying to make the same decision a few years ago and ended up at the WL for the reasons others have noted--location. It's so convenient to get to MK, and you're also closer other MK area resorts. There's the direct boat to the Contemporary of course.

We visited the AKL for dinner at Boma, and while the resort is lovely, I do agree with pepe of ohio who pointed out the scenery is not as lush there as the WL area.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[auntie]

You want to see animals..visit Animal Kingdom. Only stay in the Wilderness Lodge. Best option for kids your age. While the AKL looks nice(have visited had lunch..never stayed there..no desire)Animals are great..just don't want them for the theme of my entire vacation. I visit the Animal Kingdom, and enjoy that ..but that's enough for me. The WL is located more conveniently to the MK..where you are able to take the water launch directly there. If you have any other dining reservations at either the Poly or GF or CR, staying at the WL makes this infinitely easier. You can also rent bikes, and take the kids over to FW where they can have Pony rides. There is a marina for boat or sea sprite rentals as well. There are pool games each afternoon, and a playground on the beach. The nightly Electric Water Pagent makes it's rounds on Bay Lake and you can view that from the resort each evening. Kids love it! Oh..also there is the Lady Bug release..the little ones enjoy that also.