decisions, decisions....WL or AKL?????

P'colaFla

Mouseketeer
Joined
Mar 29, 2003
Messages
121
We are now planning our trip for February and have decided to stay at one of the lodge resorts. We have not stayed at either one so we need some opions/suggestions. I like the theme for both and we have visited both which leaves me still confused. Hoping you lodge experts can help! :crazy2:
 
Hey!!
I am going in February too!! I have never stayed at AKL but my sister (tchrmom) has stayed at both. She said the rooms were nice at AKL (she had a Savanna view) but she just couldn't "love it" like she does the WL.
I have stayed at the WL MANY times and could not think of staying at another resort again....Just SOOOO fantastic!!
When is your trip...I go right before FL Res rates end.
 
disneydmbnut......not sure still trying to decided. Notice I posted another thread on spring break schedules which will finalize my decision. I already have the schedule for when the cheerleaders will be there so just waiting for some replys to my latest post to pick our dates. By the way when does the FL res. rates end?
 
usually....FR ends about the 14th of Feb...This is Prime season for Spring Break...then they go back down around April, but not to Value season rates. When are the cheerleaders going?
 

I'm not sure but I think DisneyDmbNut ment that you will need to go before Peak Season which starts 02/12/2004-4/17/2004 next year. Room Rates are much higher then Value Season which starts 01/01/2004-02/11/2004, Usualy for Florida Residents Disney will even put out special savings for room rates. None have been issued yet for next year. Just like AP rates you never know when they will be avl, so many make their ressie for when they want to go then when (if) discounts are offered they call and modify or change rates.

Opps! your org question...I have stayed at both but as you can see from my signature Wilderness Lodge is my first Love..Not sure how long you'll be staying but if you could I would stay maybe first night at AKL then finish trip and WL. That way you can try both.
 
We love WL but WE LOVE AKL... Stayed at both...stayed at WL many times prior to staying at AKL...it was our favoriet now I can't image staying anywhere but AKL. It is trully fabulous resort and I would recomment it HIGHLY to anyone! Check out

Themeparks

AKL info
 
Originally posted by MAGICinMYHEART
I'm not sure but I think DisneyDmbNut ment that you will need to go before Peak Season which starts 02/12/2004-4/17/2004 next year. Room Rates are much higher then Value Season which starts 01/01/2004-02/11/2004, Usualy for Florida Residents Disney will even put out special savings for room rates. None have been issued yet for next year.
Yes...this is what I was trying to say.....I get all confused when I type...LOL
 
I've stayed at both, and IMHO I liked the WL, but LOVED AKL.

There is a difference, despite the fact the look is similar as they were designed by the same man.

WL - Think Pacific Northwest. Tall pine tree's, gives off a real "staying in the mountains, winter-type feel" to it. It seems when I go there, it is the smell (good smell!) that gets me. It reminds me of a campfire, that homey-lodge type feel. Dark browns, forest greens, beige colors. Gysers, walking in the forest, etc. Again, think Oregon, Washington State, USA

AKL - Think Kenya - Africa. Much more exotic, more international. Many of the CMs are from various African countries. Animals all about. African story telling, animal watching. More colorful. Unique decore in lobby area. Think Kenyan Animal Reserve lodge. Restaurants serve food with an African flair. (Jiko is excellent) Pool is very large, zero entry, modeled after a African water hole (you will notice the color is a bit different - beige/greenish). You really get the feel that you could be in Africa!

Therefore, it really comes down to personal likes. I tend towards the more exotic, things I cannot experience in North America, therefore this is why I liked AKL so much. However, others like the feel of WL for their own personal reasons.
Both hotels are deluxe properties, so size of rooms, style (with exception of color schemes, etc), amenities are very similar.

I hope you understand my descriptions....... and I hope this helps you decide. Either way, you'll love your stay!
 
we split our recent (9/21 - 10/2) honeymoon between these 2 resorts.
4 nights at the WL in the honeymoon room
7 nights at the AKL concierge floor

AKL blew me away. Yes, I always liked the WL...but AKL utterly blew me away. Just walking into that lobby shocked me...it's a BEAUTIFUL resort...the sights, the smells (yes - I smelled something too in the lobby - couldn't place it - but it was always enticing! (sp?)), the people, the ANIMALS...it was all amazing.

I think it's truely one of Disney's best resorts right now. the size of it, the food offerings, everything...

the ONLY downside to the resort...you're in the middle of no where! (which is great if you are on your honeymoon like we are)...but if you are running late for a PS...forget it! heheh
 
I've stayed at both and highly recommend AKL. I just love everything about this resort.

I recently stayed at WL again and realized that AKL is #1 for me.
 
This past May we were supposed to have split our stay between AKL 1st and then WL. The day before we were supposed to switch we went to visit WL because we LOVED AKL so much we weren't sure if we wanted to switch at all so we wanted to see a WL room. Well after seeing the room we went back to AKL and asked if we could continue our stay at AKL instead of WL. The AKL is incredible.....
 
Having just returned from a stay a WL I can say that we enjoyed it tremendously. However, I am sure that there are just as many ardent AKL supporters. One item that was touched on briefly in an earlier post was the transportation issue. If MK is to be your main Park, you may want to consider WL heavily. The boat transportation is absolutely wonderful. 10-20 minutes (including wait time) is about all it ever took us to get to MK (right to the front gate). This makes it extremely convenient to "pop" over to MK for a parade, fireworks, or to return midday for a little break. The days we went to Epcot we just took a different boat to CR and then rode the monorail.

Just a thought. I'm sure you will have a grand time no matter which resort you choose.
 
I have stayed at both and I prefer WL all the way. AKL was just so huge ... I could'nt find anything !! It did not have a cozy feeling at all while the WL imerses you in cozy comfort. I say WL ... I got lost looking for the pool at AKL lol!! The pool is not centrally located due to the viewing areas and we had to walk at least 15 min to get to the pool(we were all the way in the very last room on the opposite hall from where the pool was) Eventually I found where everythign was and started enjoying myself and feeling comfortable but by that time it was time to go .:confused:
 
We have stayed at AKL ( savannah view 5 nights) and have visited WL 2-3 times. We loved AKL, we still remember the smell of that resort and it was 1 1/2 yrs ago! (not the animals, it was a very pleasant aroma). The pool was wonderful, zero entry. But the animals right outside your room was incredible. and it is so beautiful. We also want to stay at WL sometime. It is beautiful, and so close to MK with the boat rides. I say, try them both!!!

Lori
 
You're really not going to get a fully unbiased perspective on this question.... I've stayed at both resorts, and think both have terrific qualities, but I am a DVC member and VWL owner.

That said, I would suggest you pick the resort, based on what park you intend to visit the most. WL is a perfect match for the theming of MK (Frontierland). AKL is a perfect match for AK.

WL/MK will give you a very traditional Disney vacation.
AKL/AK will give you a more exotic vacation.

IMO, if you cross these up, you'll you'll mix up the focus and theming of your vacation experience, and may find your transportantion a little less convenient.
 
My kids prefer AKL and my hubby and I prefer WL. Good posts above to help with the decisions. I say, split the stay and decide for yourslef.
 
I vote Wilderness Lodge all the way. It is so much more convienent. Animal Kingdom Lodge is beautiful but it is really out of the way. I think it is a great choice for adults or people who are not planning on spending as much time in the theme parks. Also, I found the service to be far superior at the Wilderness Lodge. The waitresses at AKL were downright rude. In addition, if you are at the Wilderness Lodge you can see the fireworks from the magic kingdom, rent boats and go out in the bay, and see the electrical water pagent all of which are a lot of fun. Why not stay at the Wilderness Lodge and book a meal at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. You will get to see both and you can always stay at the AKL on you next trip. I would never switch resorts in mid stay. I know a lot of people recommend that option, but the hassel of packing, unpacking and waiting until your room is ready or storing luggage is really unpleasant. I would never switch resorts. I am sure you will have a great time at both by the above is my opinion.
 












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