We stayed at AKL, once for 3 nights before moving to the Poly, Poly didn't have all our nights so wife wanted to try AKL for the first 3 nights of a 12 night stay. We had Savannah view but the animals were few and far inbetween. Looking out our room slider at a well worn forest was not to our liking/. The AKL is shaped like a big "C" with the lobby in the middle and we were out on one of the trails, quite far from the lobby. It was always a huge hike there and back for anything so we stayed in room or stayed out in a park mostly, we usually run from pool to food court in the afternoon at other resorts but not at AKL, just too far. At night, nothing to see or do around resort, AK closes at dusk and everything else is a bus ride away. Were really glad to get on to the Poly.
That being said, we like the Poly, pricey though for going to WDW 2 times a year and our faithful other resort is Wilderness Lodge. Built on the same style and order as AKL but location is tops. Boat ride to the MK or boat to CR to gain access to CR and the monorail, gets you in contact with 3 other deluxe resorts and their ammenities. Big plus for us, we like to shop and try other resort lounges and the monorail loop is the best for this. WL has a great pool, 2 hot tubes, children pool and quiet pool by the villas. Water recreation is to be had from the dock, boat rentals, pontoon rentals, bike and tandem rentals and there is a great trail that leads to FW from the Lodge. Fireworks can be seen from here but better views can be taken from the Poly and the EWP makes a stop at WL every night. We really like the food and buffets at FW, short pleasant boat ride, especially Trails End and Crocketts Tavern. Peaceful and quiet place to kick back from the hustle-bustle of the World, and the best pizza and beer on property for us. Not being on the monorail makes this resort alot cheaper but themeing is right up there with the big ones and again, its location to MK, short boat to CR and monorail and again short transfer to EPCOT monorail. Think about it, all rooms have been redone and so was the pool this year. Lobby will knock your socks off and the walk down to the pool area is just icing on the cake.