Final Two Choices, Akl Or Wl? Help Please!!!

[Cathy]

I am for sure down to two resorts for this Oct. AKL or WL?? Please help. It will just be two old people Hubby and I. I have a bad back but I am going. We always stay it seems at POFQ because it's small and easy to get around for us. But we need a change I feel. Thank you all for any input.
Chatty

 

[LisaZoe]

While I haven't been to either yet, both were definitely on my list of considerations. What I used to help me decide was at which park I thought my DD and I would spend most of our time. I decided that it is more likely we'll be doing MK much more than any of the other parks so WL won. However, I haven't completely discarded the idea of switching resorts while there, possibly 3 nights at AKL and 5 at WL.

Also, although the WL theming sounds great, it won't be all that "exotic" for us as we are from the Pacific NW. As such, I'm really drawn to the idea of staying at least a few days at either AKL or Poly. One advantage that I see WL having over AKL is better transportation to some other resorts. I've read that you can take a boat to Poly, Contem. and Ft Wilderness so this expands our options for easily reached restaurants. AKL just seemed a bit too remote from the rest of the "World" to make exploring other resorts realistic.

Now that I've read what I wrote, I don't know that I really helped much but, if nothing else, I gave some insight into why I chose one over the other.

 

[zcomic]

I can't comment on AKL but WL was wonderful when we stayed there last year. While we had kids along it would still be great for adults. The Artist Point restaurant is excellent. They also have boats that go to the Contemporary so it's easy to get to California Grill or some of the other nice restaurants along the monorail. And the huge, comfy lobby is a great place to sit and relax with a glass of wine.

 

[Bracho]

Both resorts are beautiful indeed, and I have been faced with this same choice, went with the Wilderness Lodge. The Lodge was perfect for us, from the theme of the resort down to the transportation systems in place at the time.

We never waited more then 10 minutes in the morning for a bus and we took the water taxi several morning as well. At night the Lodge theme is highlighted in so many ways with the soft lighting and the over all feel of the resort. The staff was great, and had a GREAT time with breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

If I had to make that choice once more, I would have to go with Wilderness Lodge.

 

[disneyatl]

Since I was at the WL last week, I'd have to say stay at the WL. The resort is absolutely breathtaking. It's atmosphere is very relaxing (as well as it can be at WDW) with the fireplace, rocking chairs, etc. The pool isn't too large. We woke up early a couple of mornings and strolled around the grounds outside. It was so peaceful! We saw bunnies and ducks! Just fabulous. I would, however, recommend upgrading to a woods view or courtyard view. We had a standard view room and we had no view at all. Only a view of the roof! Plus we were just above the lobby and it was noisy at times.

Although, we've never stayed at the AKL, I think you will definitely enjoy the WL!

 

[HopperFan]

Overall the style and theme are very similar. The large atrium style lobby with walking all around it, very much geared around wood, water, natural colors. Even the rooms are very similar in style. Transportation at both is good. Only difference is boat to MK.

The big difference to me is the SIZE. The AKL is a very large hotel, with lots of guests and a very large pool. So everything is bigger, the food court, the restaurants, the gift shop etc. We really enjoy it there, but I think if I didn't have kids with me to do all the activities, I could pass on looking at the animals. I think I would chose the WL which I found to be so peaceful. I loved the layout, very short walk to anywhere in the hotel. The pool is beautifully designed yet small, the hot tubs, the quiet beach where we watched the water parade. The boat to MK. You could make reservations at BOMA and get the chance to visit the AKL, look at the animals, and enjoy it's beauty.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

and they are both wonderful! I believe they were designed by the same architect and there is a similar feel to the layout. WL does seem smaller to me so that might be a plus to you. It also has boat transportation to MK. We never waited long for a bus at WL but it did seem like it took longer than usual to get somewhere as when I was there the bus went by FW too.

AKL is sooooo unique. I loved sitting out on the balcony, watching the animals, even late at night. We had a good room on the Arusha savannah with lots of creatures around most of the time. It's really beautful.

So - I'd say pick the theme that appeals to you most. If you can't, flip a coin and you won't go wrong with either. Then you can try the other one on your next trip

Good luck!

 

[disneyholic family]

we just stayed at both...
if i had to choose between the two, i'd go with the WL....
i really enjoyed the boat ride to the magic kingdom...
i love the feeling of being in the back woods...
it's nice being able to go out in a boat...

i'm not sure what it is, but overall, i like the WL much better than the AKL...
of course, my favorite resort is the GF.....

 

[Cathy]

Thank You for all your in-put...