I love WL, should I try AKL?

[wdwnut2]

Hmmm...Are vacations supposed to be about trying new things?

The only resort I've stayed at on-property is WL, and I love it. I had pretty much decided that was where we were going to stay again for this trip, but now I keep thinking I should try someplace new. I've been thinking about AKL, but I just can't decide. I've read so many posts on it, and for every good comment there is a bad one (which probably is true about most of the resorts). Can anyone tell me why I should stay at AKL over WL? Or am I better off following my heart at staying at the same resort again?

 

[daannzzz]

I know it is a tough decision. I have stayed at many of the WDW resorts and I want to go back and stay at them all over again. Because I want to try them all I split my stays when I can.
I think you should try new things. The AKL is quite awesome and unique. If you prep your mind ahead and don't expect it to be anything like the WL and know that your trip will be different and know that it is a Disney Deluxe resort you should have a good time. If you think you will not be able to put the WL out of your mind and will compare it all the time than you might wish to split your stay if possible or stick with WL.
I loved the AKL alot and am leaving for WDW on Saturday. I have 15 days in Orlando and I am not staying at the AKL. It is hard but I know I will have a good time at POR and the WL.

 

[susy]

We loved AKL and are staying at WL for Thanksgiving.

AKL has sooo may great qualities! I just LOVE the smell of that place! The lobby and rooms (especially when they are made up every day). The whole ambience is so relaxing. The resort was full when we went, but you could never tell it. The transportation was EXCELLENT!!!

I am a BIG CSR fan, but want to try all of the resorts! We have liked all the ones we've stayed at:
ASSp, ASmo, CBR, CSR, AKL!

 

[Mmketeer]

Hi,

Unless you usually stay at WL cause of it's convience (to dine at the surrounding resorts, water transportation, boat/bike rentals etc.), then you'll be very happy at AKL. It's really the same type of accomodations (room size etc). And, it does have a very unique theme and a much bigger pool than WL, plus it's zero gravity entry. You should try and experince new things everytime you come....and sitting on your balcony while a girraffe meanders by is a pretty unique experince.<BG> Just keep in mind that's kinda tough to see the animals at night, so don't plan on too much down time in your room during the evenings. Do however try one of their restaurants though.

Have a great time no matter where you decide to stay!

Mmketeer

 

[Jinnyboom]

Wow it seems as tho it has been FOREVER since I've been to these boards....I literally lived here last year when planning for our December 2002 trip !!

Okay...on to your question...I certainly can understand loyalty to a specific resort...but here's my 2 cents worth on this particular subject.

In December....we did a split stay at AKL and WL.

I had ALWAYS dreamed of staying at the WL and wanted nothing to do with AKL....(we were CBR refugees and were relocated to the AKL)....talk about a grown adult pouting over a hotel.....NO WAY did I want to go to the AKL....

Well.....we found the AKL to be so far superior to the WL...I don't even have words adequate to describe it.....oh sure I do !!!

The AKL is spacious, the CM's were far friendlier than those at the WL....the food options likewise....even down to the Mara (the food court)...the AKL is newer....(not that newer is equivalent to better....but the rooms / hallways, etc....certainly appeared "worn" as compared to the AKL.

The bus service was also far superior at the AKL....(dedicated service as opposed to sharing with other resorts / water parks)

I loved the location of the WL....(but again...AKL transportation is excellent)....

Do try the AKL.....I seriously doubt that you will be disappointed

 

[dansyr]

I agree with Jinnyboom . I had no desire to stay at AKL until we visited it on our last trip. This resort is absolutley gorgeous. We booked a stay for Sept. My dbf was already complaining that we don't have to go to disney every year.....then he saw AKL and let me book a 2nd trip this year.

 

[noodles]

I was also a CBR refugee and did not want to stay at AKL. Now it is the only resort I want to stay at!! We are going back this Thanksgiving and staying at AKL for 10 nights. The animals are a very unique feature you cant get anywhere else. Besides Boma is there....Yumm!!

Shannon

 

[wdwnut2]

Well, I think I've been convinced!! I really do want to try a new place, and from the looks of AKL I do think I'll like it. It was actually nice to hear there were people that didn't even want to stay there and ended up liking it! One question for you AKL lovers though, are the rooms (meaning the guest rooms) as dark as the posts that I've read? It won't be a big deal, but I'm just curious.

Thanks for all the responses!! I can't wait to try AKL!

 

[JESW]

We will be trying the AKL in June! Can't wait!! We want to try all the different resorts and that's why starting this trip we will be splitting stays. I never would have thought that before I read these boards. My sig says where we will be this trip, next trip we want to try the WL for the first time and probably the BC for the second time.

Hope you have a great time wherever you stay!

Jill

 

[Elk34]

Originally posted by Mmketeer
Hi,

And, it does have a very unique theme and a much bigger pool than WL, plus it's zero gravity entry. Mmketeer

Wow !! A Zero Gravity pool!! That does sound cool. I've never experienced wieghtlessnes but after some of the WDW meals that sounds pretty good.

Just kidding.

I know what you mean.

 

[daannzzz]

The color of the walls is darker than at WL as is the stain on the furniture. The design of the light fixtures is awesome but not particularly for reading. Yes the rooms are a bit darker than the WL and much darker than the Yacht Club and GF. I did n't do any reading while there. We were out on the Balcony. My elderly father did do some reading but he never said anything about the lighting.

 

[miko]

I don't know how many nights you are staying, but if 5 or more I would split the stay between the 2. Packing is a little bit of a pain but the resort will move your luggage and other stuff you have for you. We will often split betwen the WL and AKL, I like each for a different reason. WL just feels like it is not in Florida but in the Pacific Northwest. I enjoy the pool, the woods and the ferry to MK. The AKL has an experience that you cannot find anywhere in the US or almost anywhere except Africa. A Savannah view room is simply spectacular, waiking to a view of animals moving about and returning around sunset to see them again is unlike anything I have experienced. The Hotels themsleves (rooms service and so on...) are pretty much equal. The pool at WL is nicer in my opinion but the AKL pool is nice. We happen to like Jiko's (AKL) better than Artist's Point (WL) but they are also close in quality.
If you never try anything new you may miss out on a great adventure. You might not enjoy it either but I would rather risk a little dissapointment than not experiencing new things.

 

[sandyneck]

I also am one of those people who never wanted to stay at the AKL. We were booked for 2 nights at the WL and before we checked in my husband wanted to see AKL. We walked in and it seemed so dark, I must admit, I was acting like one of my kids when they don't get their way! My husband asked me to see about a room for the night and I never thought we would get one so I went to the desk, and before you knew it we were staying in a savannah view room for the night. It took me about 15 minutes to totally fall in love with this resort. It is dark, but it is all part of the ambience and it is very safari like and romantic. The way the light shines off the dark wood is very cool. Boma is awesome, the pool area is great, the animal viewing is great. We were sorry to leave for the WL the next day, but that was nice also. I would absolutely stay at the AKL again, but the rate I got was so awesome I would hate paying the full price for a savannah view. Guess I'll just have to wait for some great codes!!