Help a birthday girl decide: AKL, WL, OKW

[Boopuff]

I'm going to be celebrating a big one - with a "0" at the end. Many, many decades (let's just say I'm 29 again, and again!) We're taking my entire family for a big trip.(staying in a two bed villa 6 adult and one 15mon old) Week long. And by far the best bang for the buck is to rent points. My DH said it's my day and pick a resort. I'm really torn. (originally we were all set to buy into OKW but Covid happened, DH lost job etc...so no DVC membership for us ) So my two DD would like OKW. But I have my two "dream" resorts: AKL (savana) or WL (CCV or BR not sure) So far WL is winning me over, close to MK, beautiful resort, CCV etc. I'd love AKL but my entire family is digging in about the remote-ness of that resort. And OKW has the largest rooms. Opinions please!

 

[princesscinderella]

My vote is AKV - kidani because a two bedroom savanna view, it will have 3 bathrooms as compared to OKW and WL, especially since it’s mostly adults. It’s your birthday so if AK is a dream then I say you get your first choice! It’s one of our favorite places and so unique!

 

[Imkarlawithak2005]

My vote is AKV - kidani because a two bedroom savanna view, it will have 3 bathrooms as compared to OKW and WL, especially since it’s mostly adults. It’s your birthday so if AK is a dream then I say you get your first choice! It’s one of our favorite places and so unique!

Agree 100 percent. We have done savannah view twice and love it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If distance is an issue, how about split stay with AK at the beginning or end of your trip.

 

[DeeBee3]

I do think that extra bathroom at AK is amazing, but WL is our home resort and it really is beautiful. Copper Creek is newly done, of course, so I prefer that one, but I have been in both sections. If your family is concerned about the location, tell them it is amazing! The boat to and from MK is so nice. We consider it part of the adventure. Now if someone has a wheelchair or scooter it may be more annoying.

Back in "regular times" you could take the boat to Contemporary and then use monorail for the resorts and getting to TTC for Epcot monorail. I understand Epcot line is not open, but depending on time of your trip, it may be.

AK is definitely more "remote" than WL as you will need a bus or car for everything.

 

[bianca]

My vote would be for AKV! That resort is truly one of a kind. The extra bathroom is so valuable. As far as transportation goes, when at AKL we do more “resort-centered” vacations and go to the parks less ..... less cost for park passes (Another plus).

 

[heynowirv]

That is a conundrum.I love both AKL and OKW for different reasons.
OKW is one of my favorites, you can relax to the vibe and music all day.It's old Florida and you can walk to or take a boat ride to Disney Springs.
AKL -There's nothing like waking up in the morning and chilling on the patio with a cup of coffee and "Groking" with the animals as they too are waking up.
It's a win-win either way ,but as they say"It's Your Party".So I'd go with AKL this time around.

 

[Boopuff]

Thanks for all the insight. I had no idea about WL having a boat to Contemporary! There are so many fun factors to conside, although I’d love a split stay my DD has the baby and she’s totally against packing up and moving. Much to ponder.

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

If you are open to Kidani at AKL and not Jambo, I’d do Kidani for the 3rd full bathroom as others have mentioned. If Kidani is not what you want, I’d pick either place at WL. My last choice would be OKW.

That being said, despite you not asking, BLT 2 bedrooms also have a full 3rd bathroom and even the standard and lake view rooms are nice!

 

[Boopuff]

After much debate, I've dropped AK from the list. Just really want a more convenient location (WL to MK/monorail) and OKW to DS. Still debating those....

 

[lisaviolet]

Wilderness Lodge hands down and back around. No comparison in my mind. The Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness boat is one of my favourite things at WDW.

Plus, easy access to the Grand Floridian and The Polynesian.

Have you considered doing a studio for you there and one bedroom at OKW for the rest? OKW has so much space for entertaining. And then you have your privacy and tranquility.

 

[RoseGold]

I'd do both and move. Split stay is easy at Disney, they even refrigerate the groceries.

If AKL is your dream, stay there the first couple nights, then to WL. So what if it's remote for a couple days. And when you get on that balcony with a cup of coffee at sunrise, it will take your breath away.

Most of the time (but not always) a 2BR costs less than a studio plus a 1BR. Still maybe an option for more privacy, depending on how cozy all these adults are.

 

[Donna M]

It is your day, and you want WL; go for it. They are all very nice for their own reasons, but you might regret not going with what you´re dreaming about.

 

[tara595]

I LOVE WL. We stayed a couple of years ago. The boat to MK and Contemporary was so nice. It's also so peaceful, with a couple of great restaurants and a beautiful pool.

 

[MomOTwins]

Another vote for Wildnerness Lodge. It's so pretty, the food is really good at Geyser Point, and the pools are awesome and not as crowded as OKW. All that definitely makes for a more relaxing bday in my book!