Holiday stay..which resort..Animal Lodge or Wilderness?

[jacksonsmom]

We brought annual passes for our up coming June trip since we will be there for 13 days.
We were talking about going back during December to see Disney World decorated for the Holidays.

Well, we found excellent airfare (FINALLY ) so we grabbed some for our June trip, then after thinking we aren't going to find anything cheaper, ($137.50 RT including all the fees) we grabbed some for a short Weekend trip in December. (Good thing too, prices today are $100-$200 more)

SO....we are for sure going to Disney World from Dec.11th-Dec.15th. WooHoo

NOW....we don't know where to stay. We have never been to Disney before, June will be our first trip & we are staying at the Caribbean.
From all the reading on these boards, I would love to try to Animal Lodge or Wilderness Lodge in December, since it is value season we should be able to afford it as long as some discounts come out, otherwise we will stay at a Moderate.

So, which resort is better to stay at during December, Animal Lodge or Wilderness? We would be getting the standard rooms at both, if that makes a difference.
Should I book now or wait until we go down there in June & check both resorts out & see which one we like better.
How is each one decorated during the Holidays?

I can't believe it....all my teenage years & my adult life I have always wanted to go to DisneyWorld & give Mickey a great big hug & finally at 31 years old I am going not once but TWICE in one year!!!!!

I am just THRILLED!!!


Thank you everyone for your hints, ideas, etc. I know we would not be able to afford these trips if it wasn't for finding out how to safe some money!!!

 

[zulaya]

Hey fellow Minnesotan--

I can't speak to WL as we haven't stayed there yet, but imagine a hotel with the embodiment of "Up North" and that's what I understand WL to be. I have seen beautiful pictures and can't wait to stay at VWL - we own DVC. Many people believe that WL is the most beautiful resort during December, that it's decorations are the most traditional and put you in that Xmas spirit. I plan to take family to VWL in 2004 for December holidays.

Now I have stayed at AKL and I have to say that it's VERY impressive. Their Xmas tree is outstanding. I found their decorations to be just a twist on WL - just some African colors here and there. Some here think that it's far from the parks - I like to drive so it's not an issue for me - it's about 10-15 minutes tops to MK which is furthest from AKL. Also remember that if you take busses, AKL has dedicated bussing - no stopping at other resorts to pick up more people so that cuts transportation time as well.

If you can afford it,you have to stay in a Savannah View. Breathtaking. We saw Giraffes feeding from our balcony not 50 feet away. It truly is an oasis amidst the busy-ness of WDW. You truly relax when you are at AKL. The pool is also perfect in its simplicity as the Oasis. A free form pool with a basic slide. It's all part of the theme.

I can't get enough of AKL - I don't think you will be disappointed if you choose it.

BTW, I was so torn about getting tix not only for my June trip but also our November trip. I am kicking myself that I didn't get November too 'cause the rates sure bounced back up. Hope I can get a good rate again 'cause I have learned my lesson - buy buy buy as soon as it appears no matter what.

 

[MinnieGi]

Hmmm. now for a Dec. trip the WL is just gorgeous in all its Christmas decorations. However, I've never seen AKL in Dec., but we just had a fabulous stay there in Feb! For overall experience we liked AKL better. But like I said since you are going in Dec., WL is just beautiful to stay in with its decorations. Okay, sorry I'm no help at all! I don't think you can go wrong with either place!

 

[disneyrunner]

I have never been to AKL but we spent 7 glorious nights at WL in Dec 2001. The decorations were awesomw and the CM's couldn't have been better. My youngest DD has diabetes and they went out of their way to make sure we had access to her favorite cold treats. We loved it so much were are returning 6/7-6/13

 

[figment95]

Both resorts are beautiful. I've never stayed at AKL but I have visited it and done some exploring. If you can't afford a savannah view room at AKL I would consider WL. I have seen pictures of the xmas decorations and they are beautiful. There is one large fireplace in the lobby and several smaller ones in out-of the-way places. There's nothing better than sitting by the fire on a cool night.

 

[kimmar067]

...for the fact that you will be going in December, I'd say AKL. BUT, since you ARE travelling in December, you just can't pass up the opportunity to stay at THE place to be with all its Christmas finery ~ the WL, of course!!

(you know,you can't go wrong with either choice.... )

 

[kdibattista]

Animal Kingdom Lodge.... nothing compares!!!! It's our new favorite hotel and we will never stay anywhere else

 

[jacksonsmom]

Thank you for all the replies, but you guys sure are not making my decision any easier LOL!

DH & I talked last night & are really torn. On one hand I heard just wonderful things about the AKL and being a full blown animal lover, it really has an appeal.
But then on the other hand, I heard WL has breathtaking decorations during the Holidays and is so 'Christmasy'

I really don't know if we would be able to afford a Savannah view at AKL. If really depends on the discounts that come out. It would be nice if we could afford it but right now I just don't know.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions......It's good to know I probably can't go wrong at either place.....maybe I should flip a coin

Zulaya--
We too almost didn't get tickets for December, but I was thinking I don't think they really will be any cheaper & decided to buy them. I ALMOST missed out though I went on the Delta website & it was already up to $201.50, checked out Orbitz.com & it said the same price, finally checked out Travelocity & it was still showing the $137.50 price so I brought them before they went up too. Good thing too because I checked back about 15 minutes later & they weren't $137.50 anymore!
I hope you find another great deal for your November trip!


Thank you again everyone for your input!

 

[susy]

We are going to WL for thanksgiving just to see those decorations!!!!! I hve stayed at AKL and it is breathtaking, but I would stay WL!!!! Try to go to MVMCP-you will be just a boat ride away from the MK!!!

 

[jillz]

Hi
My first trip ever to disney was wl right after xmas...when i walked in that lobby it took my breath away...it certainly is a beautiful spot at christmas...Have fun wherever you go!