Cannot decide...WL or AKL?

[ToyStory3]

We stayed at BCR last time and absolutely loved it. It was our first family on-site stay. And we really enjoyed staying CL so we want to try another deluxe resort. I can't decide between AKL and WL. I keep looking up videos and photos and I basically want to stay at whichever I'm currently looking at. And both club levels sound wonderful.

I keep coming back to one thing. I remember last trip whenever we would go to the MK, I would look at the resorts and dream of staying near the MK one day. So that has me leaning toward WL. But AKL seems so magical and exotic. Thoughts???

 

[nikkid1]

I have not stayed at WL but I am from the Midwest and can't say the decor excites me. I have, however, stayed twice at akl and cannot say enough good abt it. There is nothing like a crazy park touring day and coming back to your room to sit and watch zebras and giraffes roam. They are there all the time and it is amazing. We are staying at BWI in 58 days and I am so sad we won't be back to akl. There is something so amazing abt it that everyone should experience. My kids love it but wanted to try something new. I have a feeling we will be back next year to akl. Yes it is a bus only resort but I never found that to be a problem. It is exotic and magical... If you can swing CL don't hesitate! Worth every penny!

 

[DreamerWDW]

I have stayed at both and I'd 100% pick WL. It's a breathtaking resort! The boat to MK is just magical to me. The beautiful lobby and setting on Bay Lake is amazing. It's my families favorite resort

Have a great trip whichever you choose. Both are great resorts so either way you'll have a wonderful time in WDW!!!

 

[mevelandry]

Split Stay ?

 

[mickeynut1]

We stayed at BCR last time and absolutely loved it. It was our first family on-site stay. And we really enjoyed staying CL so we want to try another deluxe resort. I can't decide between AKL and WL. I keep looking up videos and photos and I basically want to stay at whichever I'm currently looking at. And both club levels sound wonderful.

I keep coming back to one thing. I remember last trip whenever we would go to the MK, I would look at the resorts and dream of staying near the MK one day. So that has me leaning toward WL. But AKL seems so magical and exotic. Thoughts???

We've stayed at both and both are awesome resorts, although I can only comment on CL at the WL, which is amazing. The food offerings are great, the lounge is relaxing as it overlooks the lobby below (which, from what I understand, is the same at AKL), and the CL CMs are great. However, I have read nothing but great things about AKL CL. A lot of people won't stay at (or won't go back to) AKL due to it being far away and having only buses, but we found the buses to be fine. We didn't find it to take more than about 5 extra minutes to get to the parks compared to other resorts as the buses only go to AKL and Kidani, so there's no sharing with any other resort(s). With that said, if being close to MK is a priority, I'd go with WL as the boat is very convenient for going to MK. Good luck deciding, but IMO, you can't go wrong with either resort as they are both great places to stay.

 

[Tigger's ally]

stayed at both several times and I will say they both are great buys. The deluxe feel at a discount. I will only say that we prefer WL for overall scenery, location and the boat to MK. As far as AK, it has the best bus service of any hotel.

 

[tallen429]

I have stayed at both several times.
WL is beautiful, true. However aside from the amazing lobby and the scenery outside, it's pretty "eh".
AKL has FAR more going on, and if the choice is staring at trees or animals, the animals win.
Food is better at AKL.
During the day there are many free activities at AKL that are really neat for kids. They do more there for kids than any other Deluxe on property.

Bang for the buck, I'd go with AKL every time.
(oh, I have stayed at both Club Levels and prefer AKL, though there isn't anything bad about WLs.

 

[stephgles]

We just came home from our home away from home (WL). This was our first stay at CL and absolutely loved it. We love the boat ride to MK. We love the CM in the CL. I can honestly say we will probably stay CL from here on out. I just booked a Feb trip for CL. The food was amazing. Sunday watching football games in the lounge we ate pull pork and bacon wrapped scallops.

 

[ToyStory3]

Thanks for all of the great posts! They both sound so amazing!

 

[Imhere]

Can't.Go.Wrong.

I've stayed at AKL twice and WL three times, so I guess WL is ahead.

 

[pinoke]

AKL-J
It's amazing and the pool is much better!

 

[DemoBri1]

I've stayed at both and really I think it comes down to this:

Being a boat ride away from MK or having animals outside your windows? Having stayed at both resorts I do prefer WL over AKL just because AKL is a bit more remote than WL is. At least I can hop a short boat ride over to MK, or head on over to the campground for the best buffet on property. I can also hop on a boat over to CR and do the monorail loop to other resorts as well. With AKL you are basically bound to the resort after you get back from the parks unless you have a rental car to move around in.

I think there are just more option at WL than AKL, but you won't go wrong with either place.