AKV or VWL with a 4-year-old?

[sherry_car]

We (4-year-old, parents, & maternal grandparents) are planning a visit to Disney World, and cannot decide where to stay - Animal Kingdom or Wilderness Lodge. I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion, but could I hear a few of those opinions, and why? I keep changing my mind every day, and putting off making the reservations. I'm getting nervous about waiting too long and not having a choice to make!

Thanks!

 

[all4fun]

They are both great. We stayed at AKL in a Savannah view room, when our ds was 3 and he loved seeing the animals right off our balcony. Down side to this resort is you have to take the bus (or drive) to get to all of the parks.

We have also stayed at VWL, and ds loved that as well. This of course is just a pleasant boat ride or short bus ride from MK, very convenient. That is the major plus to this resort IMO.

They are both beautifully themed resorts and they have their own unique qualities. I don't think you will be disappointed with whichever one you pick.

hth

 

[sherry_car]

I am sure we would love the Wilderness Lodge, but I think we might be even happier with the Animal Kingdom. I would choose AKL immediately, except for my worries about the transportation. How difficult and how much time does it really take to get to the different parks? We will have a car available, but we would prefer to park it and leave it for the duration of our stay. From one of the guidebooks I have been using, it looks like both the drive and the bus ride to the Magic Kingdom would be very exhausting, especially at the end of the day with an exhausted, cranky 4-year-old. I would also like to go back to our room for a break in the middle of the day most days, and that might not be practical if we stay at the AKL.

I love Disney World so much, but my husband is not such a Disney fan, and has only spent 1 day there (a single man at Disney World is not something to try - he said he couldn't even enjoy watching the kids for worries of what the parents might think!). I really want to make this a fun, relaxing vacation for him so the next time I suggest Disney World for vacation, he will be as excited as I am!

 

[jimandami]

We are staying at AKV next month with our DS5 and we plan to go back to the room for rest everyday. When he was 4 and we went, we did this and it worked out great. I wouldn't worry too much about him being cranky on the bus...ours actually loved the bus and it was part of the adventure for him. Also, although it is a little farther away, AKL does not share busses with our resorts so at least you don't have to go to a bunch of stops, etc..

 

[tanyaandallie]

I've not stayed at either of the villas but we stayed at WL on our last trip. If you have a 4 year old and plan on spending a good portion of your stay at MK, I'd seriously consider it. We LOVED WL. It's a beautiful hotel. We mostly took the bus to MK. Literally 5 minutes with rarely a wait. We usually took the boat back to the hotel in the afternoon. Being close to MK is awesome. AKL is beautiful but it is so far away from everything other than AK.

 

[DISHUD]

The MK will probably be the best park for your 4-year old......with that said I would say stay at the WL. You'll be just a short boat ride away form the MK and you won't have to wait for a bus with a young one. Enjoy your trip!

 

[ms_missy66]

I've stayed at both with preschool-aged children and, hands down, I say Animal Kingdom Lodge, especially if you can get a Savannah view room. The Wilderness Lodge was great and I'd stay there time and time again. But if your little one likes animals, the AKL is really conducive to some happy down time.

Have fun!

 

[podsnel]

I made a point of timing the bus both to and from MK (from AKV) on Halloween, and both ways it was under 15 minutes. Really not a big deal, and the animals outside the room? Absolutely amazing. My sons, ages 9 & 11, thought it was incredible. Bring binoculars if you do go to AKV!

 

[DISNEYNV]

AKL! It is a beautiful resort with great views, rooms, restaurants, family activities and awesome pool! It really feels like you are sweept away to Africa! We stayed in a Savanna room two years ago and are staying again this May! The buses are not that bad... Really. We didn't wait long at all to get a bus from the resort and the trip to MK is not that far. Like fifteen twenty minutes tops! WL is georgeous too but Hands down I would choose AKL.