Animal Kindgom Lodge vs. Wilderness Lodge

[maui2k5]

This September (Sept 23-Oct 1) I will be going to Disney World with my girlfriend and we currently have reservations at the Swan with a Lake View. The first 5 days of the trip we have the "All Ears" rate of $169 per night then the rate jumps to $244 for the last 3. Since we will be paying $254 after the internet/fitness center fee for the non discounted nights, we are thinking about moving to a different resort for 3 nights. What we would like to know are opinions of where to stay in the $250 per night range? The Wilderness Lodge (Woods View) and the Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savannah View) are on the top of the list. Any opinions of one over the other? Or should we stay at the Swan the entire time? I have been to Disney many times (Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, Polynesian, All Star Sports/Music) over the last 30 years. However I have not been there since 1999 and my girlfriend has only been there once in 2001 where she stayed at the Caribbean Beach. So we want to make this a great trip and look forward to your help in the planning of our trip!

 

[hockey mom]

I would move and I think you will be able to get a much better rate. I have stayed at both and loved both but I prefer WL over AKL. I just loved sitting in the hot tub at night with the lake behind you and the beautiful lodge in front of you. So relaxing. Wl gets my vote.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

post deleted

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I'm going to vote for AKL. If you start out at the Swan (great hotel, wonderful beds) you are in prime proximity to MGM and Epcot...then if you move to AKL you are close to AK and can wait to visit that park until the end of your trip. Since it is a trip w/ just you and girlfriend, then you might notice how romantic AKL is because it feels so remote and relaxing. It's very user friendly and you could easily be content just hanging out at the resort for a couple days (we do this sometimes--we don't even want to leave the great pool area or watching the animals from our balcony to visit the parks! ). There is something incredibly peaceful about watching the animals sleep at night from your balcony, under the moon. I love that part best. Comfy beds at AKL, too!

I really like WL as well, so I don't think you could go wrong at either one (and if you want a resort located closely to MK, WL would be the one) however I think AKL is very unique and something to be experienced at least once. Both are beautiful, relaxing, well designed hotels...the rest is a personal thing. For me, I love the experience of being on the reserve and the fantastic pool area and grounds that AKL has to offer.
Have fun!

 

[maui2k5]

First of all its not the "Fort Wildernes Lodge", its just "Wilderness Ldoge", "Fort Wilderness" is a campground...

Second of all it is the "Wilderness Lodge" not "Wilderness Ldoge" as you wrote...

 

[MinnieM3]

Have stayed at both. I'd choose WL!

 

[PigletFan05]

We're thinking of trying AKL if we get a decent AP code for May, but we know WL, or that big Lincoln Log looking place in the woods near the campground is beautiful. We've enjoyed our stay there every time.

 

[aubriee]

We did a split stay in January at the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both were great. My son and GD both preferred our courtyard view at the WL. We could sit on our balcony and watch the Electrical Water Pageant and look out across the lake.

Personally I preferred our savanna view at the AKL. Sitting on the balcony watching the animals were great. Both resorts are absolutely beautiful. You'll have a great time no matter which one you choose.

Using an AP we got a courtyard view at WL for $149.00 and a savana view at AKL for $151.00. I believe the codes 'for anyone' was about $10.00/night higher.

If you go for WL try for a courtyard view and ask for a room facing the lake with the pool in the fore ground, otherwise you'll be facing someone else's balcony. If you go for the AKL ask to be facing into the Arusha Savanna. All the savannas have giraffes, but only the Arusha has zebras.

 

[Stitch Inside]

Sorry for typing "Fort Wilderness Lodge"

Originally Posted by TaurusSES_Sport
First of all its not the "Fort Wildernes Lodge", its just "Wilderness Ldoge", "Fort Wilderness" is a campground...

Second of all it is the "Wilderness Lodge" not "Wilderness Ldoge" as you wrote...

Too funny. No need to apoligize here. Some people get their kicks by correcting others. Anyway, they obviously new which resort you were talking about. You'd think they would try to answer your question.
We love the WL, we had a very romantic Honeymoon there, and have returned for good stays a few times since. We have yet to try the AKL. Maybe this May if a good AP rate comes out.

 

[racheltyler]

After been to both, here are some highlights of both and depending on your taste & what you are looking for, you decide -

AKL

Obviously, animals are the feature - lots of areas to view them all over resort
Bigger pool, zero entry w/ 2 nice secluded hot tubs
Very nice food court
Exotic & romantic ambience
More elegant, beautiful rooms (netting above beds is nice)
No recreation options such as boating or bike riding
Wonderful restaurants, Boma & Jiko
Storytelling by campfire is nice
Nice lobby with firepit

WL

Rustic log cabin theme on beautiful lake setting
Lots of recreation & trails to stroll on
Smaller pool, very crowded
Electric Water Pageant
Beach area
Boat to MK is awesome
More limited food offerings, but fine for a few days
Very nice lobby w/ large fireplace

Overall, WL feels more rustic and AKL is rustic w/ exotic feeling if this makes any sense. We like both resorts but favor AKL for better pool. Hope this helps!

 

[Samsma]

I have stayed at AKL and am staying at VWL this summer. I loved AKL, but it did feel remote (although good bus service). I enjoy strolling around the grounds in the mornings and evening, which is not really an option at AKL.

 

[sherry8253]

I love both the WL and AKL and I don't think you would go wrong with either. But my vote is AKL.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Well we have stayed at both. I vote for WL. It has a cozy feeling, and hanging out in the lobby in the rocking chairs with a hot cup of cocoa in front of the fireplaceafter after a long day at the parks was the best!

I do have to say we did enjoy AKL (savanah view) but we felt more 'at home' at WL. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with either.

OOh, I loved the boat transportation to MK from WL as well.