Animal Kingdom Lodge vs Wilderness Lodge

[CaliforniaDreaming]

As our trip continues to get closer and closer, I am yet again questioning my choices! We planned to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge prior to our stay at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, however, we're now thinking that *maybe* we should stay at Wilderness Lodge instead. We figure it will be easier to just check out of the room at the lodge and check-into the villa, have bell service take the luggage from the room, and then take it to the villa when it is ready.

So, which would you do? Stay at AKL to try it (never stayed there before), or just stay at WL so it will be an easy move?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I voted for you to try, AKL because it is wonderful...I know that WL is also wonderful....If you are staying on points at VWL then I would stay at AKL for a night or two before on cash before my reservation at WL maybe over the week-end so you'll be saving on your points.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

My vote is for AKL. It is incredible. Since you haven't stayed there before you really should give it a try.

 

[wdwnut61]

Hi Cali

We have stayed at both resorts but I voted for the AKL. You really have to try it. It truly is an amazing resort like nothing else on the property. You'll feel more like you've had two separate vacations. Even though it would be simpler to just stay at the WL, you've done split stays in the past. If you have a car again then it will be very easy. There is nothing like a savannah view and AKL is beautiful. Have a wonderful trip no matter what you decide.

Tammy

 

[poohbear1029]

Stay AKL! We just stayed 3 nights AKL Concierge, then moved to a 1 BR at BCV on our points. First, AKL Concierge was amazing! We were in heaven. The resort is amazing and they did special little things for our birthdays and anniversary...all this month.

Plus you can do the Sunrise Safari if you stay Friday night or Monday Night......Safari is Sat. or Tues am. It was $45 pp, and was worth it, saw more animals that I ever have during regular park hours.....and the breakfast at the Tusker house is amazing.

We checked out Tuesday am before the Safari, just called Bell Services, who moved our stuff to BCV between 1-3pm, then after Safari, we took bus back to AKL to retrieve car and went to BCV to check in and swim storm along bay.......

want to do a full trip report, but if you have been on Trip Report board, the legend of Delswife has me nervous to post! Nothing can compare to her reports!

 

[disneyberry]

hi Cali,

i voted for AKL! you are going to have to pack up your stuff, move luggage, and re-checkin anyway.
so you might as well try a new resort.
i love AKL... i'm planning a last minute trip to VWL, and now i'm having second thoughts, because i suspect the reason why i like VWL so much after trying it this June, is because it reminds me of AKL. so even though i booked VWL last minute, now i'm thinking about cancelling it and booking AKL by cash instead.
(if only there were Villas AKL *sigh* then i could use points for AKL)
anyway, you do have to try AKL.

let us know what you decide.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Two years ago we stayed at AKL for one night before checking into the VWL for a week. It was in December and it was so neat to get to see both hotels all decked out for the holidays.

We really enjoyed getting to "sample" the AKL before settling in at VWL. I'm sure we'll do the same thing again sometime. It's fun getting to try the different resorts!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the replies. Anyone else?

 

[timC]

Another HUGE VWL fan here... voted for AKL. Why? Why not? The transfer is not going to be that big of a deal, and AKL is something you should experience.

You've got another 40 years to enjoy VWL. Give AKL a try, for fun.

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hi!

Great question. We have stayed at both the WL and the AKL. We love both!

Before I answer your question, I would like to ask for a bit more info.

How long is your trip and how many days at each resort would you be staying? For example 9 days trip with 3 days at AKL and 6 days at VWL.

Also which parks do you plan on going to during your stay? I ask this because if you said that you were mainly going to go to the Magic Kingdom it would change my opinion.

Renee

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The trip is 5 nights, 2 nights at AKL or WL, then 3 nights at VWL. Just a short trip this time. We'll probably do a day at each park, with the nights at either the MK or Epcot. The day we arrive (check-in day for either AKL or WL), we'll get there around 7:30-8:00PM, so the day will be pretty much wasted.

 

[shrpgy]

We stayed a week at AKL concierge for the Fairytale Package the second week in October. FANTASTIC!!!!!!! Do the Sunrise Safari - it was worth the trip by itself! They so the safari ride in Animal Kingdom but they turned off the radio and we had to wait for a giraffe to get out of our way. They stopped a number of times to let us take pictures and point out different things. And the breakfast at Tusker House was an all you can eat buffet that was one of the best I have ever had. Had supper at Jinko's on my birhday and they gave crem brulee that was made with pistacio nuts that tasted like chocolate and it had a candle in it! Buma's is a great buffet and Mara is good for a quickie snack ( but the chairs are uncomfortable there ). And the concierge was neat to do as well. Had a wonderful time and want to do it again! BTW, I really recomend Mission Space, Wishes ( new firework program at Magic Kingdom ), and Mickey's Philharmagic.

 

[Forever a Princess]

Thanks for the additional info. My vote is for the AKL.

2 nights, 1 1/2 days should be enough time to enjoy the splendor of the AKL. Depending on your room type (if Savannah) you will have two glorious mornings of waking up, going to your balcony and seeing the animals on the Savannah. That in and of itself in my opinion is worth the trip.

Perhpas the one night that you are at the AKL you may plan to eat at Boma or Jiko. Then go out to hear the castmember tell stories around the firepit. I have heard from others that the animal night view cams are cool.

AKL is not just a resort, it's an awesome experience. Some may say that your time here will be too short. My opinion is that it will give you a wonderful unique experience that is not to be missed.

Then you'll head over to the VWL and have a grand time as well.

Whichever you decide to do-enjoy your trip!

Renee

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by Forever a Princess
Depending on your room type (if Savannah) you will have two glorious mornings of waking up, going to your balcony and seeing the animals on the Savannah. That in and of itself in my opinion is worth the trip.

We weren't planning on a savanna view, but I just read a post about the December AP rate being $149 for it, and if they decide to offer it in January, we'll definetly take savanna view! I was actually just planning on getting two $129 (hopefully!) standard view rooms, or even pool view. But, given a good rate on savanna view, we'd probably opt for it. If I remember correctly, we'd want a view of the Arusha savanna on the 2nd floor?

 

[ead79]

I voted for the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have stayed at both resorts and enjoyed them both, but the AKL's theming is really amazing. A savannah view room is absolutely incredible, and I'm not even an "animal person." Plus, I love to eat at Boma for breakfast and for dinner. Yum!

 

[B3LM]

While I really love WL, I voted for you to try AKL for the first part of your stay, also. It is a beautiful resort and the restaurants are fantastic!

 

[princess angel]

I say if you are going to move rooms anyway.. then stay at the AKL first, moving from the WL to the VWL or from the AKL to VWL willl be the same exact hassle.
You still have to pack everything up, check -in, your room may not be ready in either case...
I see no extra convenience of moving from the WL to VWL versus AKL to VWL.

Laura