Best resort for animal views in Jan.

[Ish&DrJones]

Okay, my husband and I are big animal people. Originally we were going to stay in CR or Poly for our honeymoon and just visit AK for the safari. Then we found out the CR is booked and the Poly doesn't have kings available in normal rooms, so we decided on the AKL because of the animals.

But I just read that the animals at AKL aren't visible that often from rooms, and in reality hubby and I aren't that thrilled about gazelles and bison (or whatever) anyway. We like the big cats, and those you can't see from the hotel.

I also just read that the WL has an otter pond. Are the otters out and visible often, even in Jan (we're going Jan 26-31, 2008)? And are there rooms where you can see them from - and if so, which? We do rather like otters (much more than antelope). The theme of WL doesn't do much for me, but I'm beginning to think it might be a better choice - for the otters (and probable squirrels) and the access to MK and the monorail, by way of CR.

What do you think? The prices are pretty close, so I'd love some opinions from those who have stayed at either (or better yet, both). Thanks!

 

[CoolPool]

I just wanted to say how much I love this post.

 

[DisneyNotes]

The best resort for viewing animals is Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[jenjersnap]

AKL doesn't have predatory animals in the savannah for, well, obvious reasons, though they could have run with a "Circle of Life" Lion King theme, I guess. Though that would be messy and might make people less likely to gorge themselves on the dining plan.

I think the otter pond is in name only. My DS and I spent lots of time sitting on our balcony enjoying the otter pond but never saw any animals though I hear ducks like to swim in the pool. Sorry.

ETA: Yes, rooms on the north side of the building (woods view) can see the otter pond.

 

[grimley1968]

Most of the animals you will see from WL rooms will be squirrels, birds, lizards, and maybe some frogs.

If you really want to see animals you won't see at home, you'd need a AKL Savannah view room.

 

[Ish&DrJones]

Aww poo. They shouldn't say "otter pond" if there are no otters. Get's a girl's hopes up. Though I guess it wasn't Disney that said it, rather another Dis member.

I always figured AKL would be best for animals, but now I'm just frustrated at the idea of staying a million miles from everything (or at least a long bus ride) just to possibly see some rather dull vegetarian animals (I mean, if I wanted to see that I'd look at my husband! )

And I would never want all the animals together, eww. Carnage is not my idea of a nice view. I just prefer seeing cats over the other stuff. Even if it was just napping lions. I mean, who doesn't like lions?

Well, thanks for the replies. We just really need to figure out what means more to us ... a view of animals (we'd def. get a Savannah view) or a shorter commute to parks. Tough!

 

[jenjersnap]

Well, if it helps with your decision process ... I like WL better as a resort but I have had many, many more transportation difficulties from WL than AKL. Yes, AKL is a bit further out but it has dedicated bus service that we have found to be great and often faster than WL's. The WL boats are relaxing but not fast - they make a loop between Ft. Wilderness. Buses often have multiple stops. Anyway, just something to think about.

Seeing the giraffes at AKL while sipping coffee on the balcony is wonderful, even if they are boring leaf-eaters. LOL

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

AKL isn't really that much farther from the parks than the other resorts- maybe an extra 5-10 minutes at most.

The pond at WL does have otters- if you get first floor right near it, you can get a pretty good view. They're hard to see from higher up, though. I believe there are just two- it's a pretty small pond.

 

[mikesmom]

You will definitely see rabbits at WL. Actually I think I've seen the most animals at OKW. With a first floor room we had planty of rabbits, ducks and lizards visiting on a regular basis.

That probably didn't help, did it?