ALK vs WL? Pros and Cons

[rapunzal]

Stayed at WL in Nov. and loved the it. At times the transportation took a little longer than we wanted to Mk. I have a 5 and 8 year old and taking a very fit Grammy with us. Booked AKL this time so far...Both were available for my timeframe. Now i am wondering if I should change to WL. We love MK. Will do some of the other parks after hopping from MK. Enjoy hitting the park early in the morning and then going to the pool and relaxing till dinner or park hop. Want a nice sunny pool area that does not feel crowded. thanks...also offer Port Orleans how does this compare?

 

[Pig Pen]

I have stayed at both. AKL is a fabulous resort and I really think your little ones would enjoy it. It is a bit remote, but I don't recall any problems with the bus service while we were there, but it was off season and pretty deserted.

WL's proximity to MK is a real treat and I am surprised that you think the travel time to MK was a problem? Well, now that I think about it, the boat probably does take a bit longer than driving. I would suggest trying AKL. I am sure you will like it. I think the pool is nicer than WL.

 

[sheri236]

i have also stayed at both--and loved both!! honestly, we stayed at akl 4/03 and the bus service was superb, never waited longer than 10 mins and usually it was even shorter. i never minded the ride--i love to soak in all the disney scenery and it helps to build a little anticipation for us and our dds before we arrive at any park. if you loved wl, definitely give akl a try. it has the same ambience plus the animals and many other great activities and dining options. have fun either way!!!

 

[racheltyler]

It's interesting to hear about how sometimes transportation can take longer despite close proximity. We stayed at AKL and WL and never had problems with transportation. AKL's was excellent! We like both resorts but like you we like a nice pool area and do prefer AKL's. It is huge and lots of seating. We were there last August and didn't once have a problem getting a chair w/ umbrella. The pool did not even seem crowded because it is so big. Our little ones hung around the zero entry area with their pool toys and loved it. Food court is just steps away for drink refills (which is self serve!). Animal lookout areas are right nearby pool also with nice big playground for kids. We love AKL! - can you tell? Enjoy! Sharon

 

[Ilovestitch]

AKL is also a newer resort. I don't think WL has ever been rehabbed- its still a nice resort though. I'd pick AKL over WL just b/c I like the theme better.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I absolutely love both resorts and can find pros and cons to both...

AKL is very remote, this is true. I think i will stay there again when we plan to just hang at the resort. We have a car when we go to WDW, so I never took the bus from AKL...so I can't really comment on that. I do like the boat ride to MK. I also like that at WL you can pop over to FW and do those activitie...or pop over to CR and do stuff there, or hop on the monorail.

AKL is very "spread out" while WL is more compact.

I LOVE the restaurants at AKL...including Mara (the quick, counter service place.) The WL is a bit weak on restaurants. I mean, they are good, but I wouldn't make a special trip to eat there, where as I would for AKL. Boma and Jiko are probably my two favorite restaurants (so far) at WDW.

Pool is better at AKL, but pool at WL is pretty dang nice, too!

Free kids activities are better at AKL than at WL.

Geez, sounds like I like AKL better, but really, WL is my favorite, with AKL a close second!

You can't go wrong with either one...so have fun!

 

[mommykds]

Can either the AKL or the WL accommodate 5 people? (2 adults & 3 kids) no one is in a crib anymore.

 

[sters]

MK is 20 minutes from the AKL by bus but only 8 minutes by boat from the Wilderness Lodge if that is a consideration.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

Can either the AKL or the WL accommodate 5 people? (2 adults & 3 kids) no one is in a crib anymore.

Not in a standard room, you need a Deluxe room $$$.