Did I pick the wrong "lodge"?

[BWgirl]

Hello all,

Surprising my husband this summer with a trip to Disney. We have stayed at VWL before and loved it so when the 7 for 5 came out I decided to book AKL since it is new and different. I was only able to get a standard view (on a tight budget!) so part of me is wondering if that in itself was a wrong move because I would have loved to wake up and watch the animals in the morning. Any chance for an upgrade?

Anyways, I've heard great things about AKL but I'm worried that maybe we should have picked WL instead...we do like to stroll around the resort and I heard that AKL is not a place for strolling really. Also, I could get a std view at WL (and not mind it as much there) for the same price....just wondering if I should have picked WL?

Can anyone offer any input?

 

[brentalex]

We stayed at the AKL this past April and really liked the place. Although we had a savannah room, I would not worry too much about not having one. it was nice seeing the animals from the room, but how much time do you really spend in your room? There are many many places to see the animals, from rocking chairs on various outlooks, to paths from off the pool, to just windows onto the savannahs while walking the halls of the hotel. Although I have never stayed at the WL, I can't compare them, so can't help there, but the AKL lodge does offer a lot more than just seeing the animals from the room. Also, there are really many more rooms with savannah rooms than without, so an upgrade is always possible. If it wasn't for the fact that we like to stay at a different resort each time we go, we would proably stay there again on our next trip which is too far off to even want to think about.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

We got an upgrade to savannah view over Thanksgiving. We have stayed at WL and AKL and IMHO, AKL blows WL away. My family agrees too. SO much to see, do, and explore there. We found all the hidden Mickey's too. The pool is great as are the restaurants. Every CM we encountered was excellent and had lots of info. DD enjoyed the cookie decorating and storytelling was so much fun. I would pick AKL again in a heartbeat, even if it was standard. Though by getting the upgrade, I don't ever think I could book standard now-it worked and we are hooked on savannah. It is nice to sit on the balcony in the evening and in the mornings and look at the animals. DH got breakfast one day and we sat out there and ate. BUT, you could take a stroll and do this from one of the many public balconies too. Enjoy my favorite resort!

 

[fmelchor88]

We just retuned from AKL. You will love it! Plenty to do and see. You can not go wrong with AKL. If you have any questions, please feel free tp ask.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

OK, it's me a WL Vet telling you this...stay with AKL if you loved the WL you will also love AKL. Both Resorts are beautiful but AKL is a resort everyone should stay at lest once. Sounds like you got a great deal and you can always hope for a upgrade.

 

[CBCit]

We stayed at the Pop Century this past weekend and we loved it and would definitely return. But one night on the bus we met a nice guy who asked us if we had gone over to the AKL to see the animals yet. We had never even thought about it but Sunday morning we drove over to take a look and fell in love. It is a really cool hotel,incredibly authentic and very different from most places we have seen. We have stayed at the Port Orleans,visited the Poly,the Boardwalk Inn and the Grand Floridian,but the only other hotel that came close to being as special as the AKL seemed was the Atlantis in Paradise Island. And although we are really cruise people and thought Disney would be our once every 8 year visit,we have started our AKL vacation fund for next April! This time we want to go before the summer heat sets in,it was brutal at the MK on Friday. I can't imagine anyone not loving this hotel.By the way,all the CMs we spoke to were super friendly,from the cashier in the gift shop(really from Africa!)to the guy who tells you about the animals at the viewing area(really from Africa!)to the gal who approached my son and offered to trade pins with him(American,but sweet!).So, a short visit got us hooked!

 

[Pig Pen]

I've stayed at both and I don't think you will be disappointed with AKL.

There is lots to do at the resort and lots of room to wander around and view the animals. I don't know if there are actual walking trails?

If you don't have a view of animals from your room, don't despair. There are lots of public viewing areas available. We were constantly stopping and staring whenever we were out and about in the hallways.

That being said, I will say that I prefer WL's location on the lake and proximity to MK. But I am glad that I tried AKL. It's a fabulous resort and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

 

[kdibattista]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is FANTASTIC!!!! It's our favorite hotel... don't worry... you won't be disappointed!!!

 

[Grumpy92]

In Janaury we had family visiting and they wanted to stay at WL, unfortunately they were sold out so booked the AKL. We always go stay with family when they are visiting and we were a little disappointed about not getting into WL. Anyway we were in a std room. By the end of the stay the resort had really grown on us and we wished we had more time just to relax and enjoy the resort. We could not believe how much there was to do especially in the evening and how fun it was to watch the animals. We are early risers and really enjoyed watch the CMs feed the animals, they even greeted us with a Good Morning. This is a wonderful resort and we have friends visiting in August and have booked it for them. I was worried about the transportation but that was really better then WL as the buses are not shared with any other resort and we never waited 5 mins for one to arrive. Think you will really enjoy it.

 

[shellybaxter]

I think it depends on whether you will be happy with a standard view room or not. We booked (and expected) a standard view room at AKL in May. When checked in at midnight on Saturday, that's what we got. My husband and I would have been fine with this room. We pretty much just sleep in our room and are out the rest of the time, but this trip we had a four year old that needed naps. The standard view room was overlooking where people drive up and check in at the Lodge and seemed like it would be very noisy. Well, the little one had seen the bunk beds online and really wanted to sleep in them, so I asked for a room change and was moved the next day. They not only got us bunk beds, but they upgraded us to Savannah view. It was awesome. DH and I spend lots of time on the balcony watching the animals while Jonna was napping. If we had been in the standard view I think we would have been bored.

Shelly

 

[Terk-1]

My family stayed at the AKL once before for a couple of days and thought it was nice, but dark. If this was me, I would change to the Wilderness Lodge. This is a great resort, wonderful place to stroll around and is close to the Magic Kingdom. I also like that fact that it's not too spread out.

 

[ead79]

I really don't think you can go wrong with either resort. I have stayed at both and enjoyed my stays. I do prefer the AKL because of its theming and the incredible views of the animals. If you don't have a savannah view room, there are still multiple viewing areas at the lodge. Also, don't count on it so you're not disappointed, but sometimes upgrades to savannah view rooms do happen at the AKL.

 

[litlpixie]

IMHO....Hands down, AKL is the better of the 2. Stayed at both, and I have'nt stopped thinking or talking about our stay at the AKL. Absolutely Wonderful!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Another vote for AKL here!! We looooove this resort, it knocked off our long-time favorite, the Poly! I can't say enough good things about this resort, it is so exotic, gorgeous and even smells great! There are many wonderful viewing areas for the different savannas, so you won't miss that entirely if you do not get an upgrade. The cm's are warm and friendly, very glad to talk about their home countries. The restaurants are fabulous - Boma is one of the best buffets on property, and Jiko is one of our favorite upscale restaurants, with the largest selection of S. African wines in the US. The buses are dedicated to AKL, no stopping at other resorts, which makes the travel time go much faster, IMO. The gift shop has many unique and lovely items. The only negative that I have found is there is no sit-down lunch options, though many people have stated they really enjoy the Mara counter service.

We are staying at WL for the first time this summer, so I can't make a comparison, but I can't imagine you being disappointed with AKL, even without the upgrade!

Have a great trip!

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

Have stayed at both resorts and think you will love the AKL. We enjoyed the WL and especialy like the boat to MK but the animals at AKL make up for that. It is true you can not stroll outside the resort,but they encourage you to stroll down the different hallways. Lots of different viewing areas in the hallways. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[BWgirl]

Wow, thanks for all the great posts. I feel much better now!!!

 

[daniluvsdisney]

we also love AKL and just switched our ressies. for next week from CSR to AKL... just too many pluses for the money to not go ahead and do it... I love the animals but we have booked a pool view room and will be just as hapy... it is lovely! Some day dream of upgrading to concierge but until then... standard pool or savannah suits us fine... go ... enjoy... and bless you with safe travels...