I'm not sure if AKL is the right choice?

[KELLY]

We are booked for AKL and I'm thinking I should have booked at WL everyone seems to love the WL and I hear a lot of complaints about the AKL. I don't really care about the location that isn't important to me. But why does the WL have such great reviews. The one thing that did concern me was the food at AKL seems to be less american. But I figured if that is the worst thing than I would be ok. Please tell me the pro and cons of both WL and AKL I have never stayed at a deluxe always a moderate so I really have nothing to compare to.

Thanks KELLY

 

[chipper10]

I have never stayed at either. I have only stayed at the AllStars Movie a year ago. But I am staying at the WL in Feb for my honeymoon. At first I really wanted to stay at the AKL, but the only reason that I wanted to stay there was for the savannah view (which I can NOT afford) so I picked the WL with a standard view and I am praying every night for an unpgrade . But if that doesn't happen oh well I am still at Disney for my honeymoon. Another thing that detoured me from the AKL if the food options, I am a very picky eater (I don't eat any fruits or veggies and I hate the taste of meat, but I will eat a hamburger occasionally). So, I knew that I would not be able to eat at the AKL, except for the food courtish area.
This is why I chose the WL and it is all my opinion so yours could be completely different.

Nicole
WL Feb. 2005

 

[TDC Nala]

They're not really pros and cons, just facts about the resort.

Choose WL if:
1) you prefer the Pacific Northwest theme;
2) you want proximity to the Magic Kingdom;
3) you like your food more straightforward "American;"
4) you have DVC points (stay in the villas);
5) you like water recreation (boats, etc), bicycling, surrey bikes or long walks around the resort;
6) you want a beach at the resort (I don't think swimming is allowed in the lakes);
7) you like your swimming pool water blue rather than green

Choose AKL if:
1) you like the African theme;
2) you want to see real live critters that aren't squirrels or rabbits;
3) you want to try some adventurous food;
4) you like art;
5) you want to take tours of the resort;
6) you don't necessarily like to take long walks on trails;
7) you prefer a larger, zero-entry pool;
8) you like to go to parks other than MK and want a resort that doesn't share buses.

Both resorts have health clubs and kids' clubs. Each has a full-service upscale restaurant, one other restaurant offering (AKL's is the Boma buffet, WL's is the Whispering Canyon which serves an all you can eat skillet plate) and a "snack bar" (AKL's is much larger and crazier than WL's).

 

[harlock_jds]

I wouldn't worry too much about the AKL complaints, most of them seem to be from people who are WAY too tightly wound up or things I would like about the AKL (like the dark rooms or the odd food offerings). I'm sure both places are great and it just comes down to what type of theme you like, what resort activities you enjoy and what kind of food you like. I chose the AKL because the WL theme didn't excite me, the food seemed like stuff I could eat locally, I like how the rooms and hotel are decorated, and I’m looking forward to some wildlife viewing at the AKL. Your mileage may vary but I’m sure BOTH are great places.

 

[hulabird]

I stayed there for a few days (split stay between AKL/CBR) and preferred CBR over AKL, I liked the light, airy tropical feel of CBR versus the dark, african feel of AKL. We had a Savannah room that overlooked the grounds and could see animals, but we rarely stayed out there (balcony) longer than a few minutes observing them. It also seemed like our room at CBR was more spacious. If I were to choose between AKL or WL, I would choose WL, just because I like the fact that there is more to do there because you are close to FW and can use some of the things they offer like horseback riding and petting zoo/pony rides for kids, plus we love Trails End Buffet.

As other posters have said, it all depends on what you like. I prefer the Pacific Northwest theme over the african theme. But above all I prefer the Beach/water themes of CBR, BC/YC and BWI.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

AKL is a wonderful resort--it is my second favorite just after GF. I think the rooms are really beautiful but then I like a dimmer, more exotic look--I think it goes well with the themes. The beds are also really comfortable. We usually stay in a savannah view because my kids love looking at the animals, and there's something really peaceful about watching the animals sleep at night under the moon. The pool views are also nice and the resort is overall, very quiet.

It is a bit removed from other parks and some people like to be closer to the parks (we usually start our stay at AKL and then move to an Epcot resort--say Boardwalk or the Swan/ Dolphin, and then end our stays at GF to be near MK). I don't mind it because our favorite park is Animal Kingdom and it is close to that. We've never had trouble w/ the buses. Wilderness Lodge has the boat to MK which is fun, so sometimes its nice to have a variety of transportation options...its all in what you're looking for.

We did have trouble during a concierge stay once, where we we're checked out early and our reservations were accidentally deleted--that's why we usually stay clear of concierge at AKL--but it could have been due to one CM that is no longer there--AKL was very apologetic about it, and we've never had any trouble in any of the other sections of AKL.

WL is great because its designed by the same architect that designed AKL with the high lobby and strong theme. It also has a more removed feeling but it is deceptive because you are only a boat ride away from MK.

Like I said, our favorite deluxe is GF, but we like to split our stays...maybe you'd consider splitting a stay between AKL and WL?

 

[DisneyMim]

I have stayed at both WL and AKL and my family prefers AKL. I know this is not what most people prefer, but we did . We just loved the whole atmosphere of the AKL. It was just so relaxing for us. We had a savannah room and we would not stay there any other way. We all loved being able to watch the animals day and night. I think this is why we loved it so much. The resort is so unique, I mean it's not everyday you can watch so many wonderful animals on your balcony. We also loved talking to the CMs, at the times we stayed there there were a lot of CMS from Africa and they were very interesting. My hubby is a teacher and my daughter is studying to become one. My son has always been very interested in other cultures (Epcot has been his favorite park since he was three!) so maybe my family is different in that for us it was a wonderful cultural experience as well as a great vacation resort. As for the food, I will have to say that you are right. There is a lot of "different" kinds of foods, although there is plenty of good ole american food as well. Again my family enjoys tryng new foods, etc. so this was not a negative thing for us. What is come down to is a very personal choice. I really can't tell you if you would love it as much as we did. I will say it is one of Disney's most unique resorts (we have been to almost all of them) and I think this is why there are so many different opinions of it. Even if you decide not to stay there I would recommend at least going to Boma's. It will give you an idea of the resort. We are going down next month and not staying at AKL this visit. My kids have already asked if we could have dinner at Boma's one evening. I think you are on the right track, reading different people's reviews, etc. Oh, I forgot, as for the transportation issue, yes I have heard some people complain that it is too remote. We alwsys have a car and know our way around Disney very well so this has never been a problem for us.

Good Luck planning and whereever you stay Have a Wonderful Vacation!!!

 

[jarestel]

Having stayed at both resorts multiple times, I can tell you they are both wonderful resorts. The AKL has the animals as its main draw and if you like animals, you'll love AKL. The lobby is amazing as well. The restaurants I'm not so crazy about, but everyone has different opinions about this and that's just mine. You should try Boma and Jiko for yourself as your tastes may differ from mine.

On the other hand, the WL has its location as the main draw. It's a short boat ride to the MK and the lobby is by far, in my opinion, the most breathtaking of any of the Disney Resorts. The restaurants are quite nice and the proximity to the "monorail" resorts add even more dining options that are just a boat and monorail ride away. IMO, whichever resort you decide to pick, you'll love.

My advice would be to make your decision based on whether the animals at the AKL would make or break the trip. There really is nothing like watching giraffes from your balcony while sipping your morning coffee. But if this doesn't seem like that big of a deal to you, I'd have absolutely no qualms about staying at the WL. There is also a walking path to Fort Wilderness from WL where you can see lots of wildlife on an early morning walk.

Good luck with your decision, and please let us know what you decide to do. Have a great trip!

 

[disneyfreakk]

Originally posted by chipper10
I am a very picky eater (I don't eat any fruits or veggies and I hate the taste of meat, but I will eat a hamburger occasionally). .

i have to ask... WHAT do you eat then??

 

[Demosthenes]

AKL Pros:

1. The animals. IMHO, don’t book an AKL room unless you book a Savannah room; the Savannah room view is what makes this resort so unique, and you give up a lot for that view, so don’t settle for a view of the pool or parking lot.
2. Public animal viewing spaces.
3. A nearly perfectly executed theme.
4. The art at AKL is distinctive and is an attraction unto itself.
5. AKL concierge. With a stay in the concierge you have the opportunity to experience an exclusive animal safari at the AK.
6. Proximity to the AK. There is, obviously, no closer resort to the AK than the AKL; if you spend a lot of time at AK, you can’t do better than the AKL.
7. Interesting restaurants.
8. A large, zero entry free form pool.
9. Arusha Rock storytellers each evening.
10. Some rooms with bunk beds.
11. Deluxe rooms that sleep five people.
12. Remote location (this is a Con for some).

AKL Cons:

1. The views, while impressive at times, are also often times devoid of animals, and the vehicle trails are less than picturesque; it is not much fun to pay for a view of animals and get a view of a maintenance road.
2. The décor is not for some people. The rooms are dark and cool.
3. Distance from MK, Epcot & MGM. While it is true that AK busses are not shared with other resorts, in off-season, the busses often make a stop at the AK after leaving the AKL and then heading on to their destinations. This makes for a very long commute to the parks.
4. Only 1 pool. This pool, while large, gets crowded. There is no quiet pool, so it is also very noisy.
5. Limited recreational activities. There is, naturally, no beach or boating, but there is also no jogging path and no tennis courts.
6. Inconvenience to other resorts. The AKL’s biggest drawback, IMHO, is that it is very difficult to get to any other resort. You must take a bus to a Theme Park or DTD and then transfer to another bus to get to any other resort. This is an especially big problem if you (1) get tired of the food at your resort or (2) are not an adventurous eater. Every other deluxe resort has boat or monorail access to at least two other resorts so that you can take advantage of additional restaurants and recreational activities.
7. Standard views often have highway noise.
8. The walk to your room can be extremely long.
9. Price. Savannah view rooms are expensive.
10. Non-deluxe rooms are small.
11. Remote location (this is a Pro for some).

WL Pros:

1. Transcendent theming. This place really transports you.
2. Bunk bed rooms are available.
3. Deluxe rooms are mini suites with lake views. They are a tremendous value often going for less than $300/night.
4. Two pools.
5. Bike and Boat rentals.
6. Beach.
7. Jogging trail to Fort Wilderness.
8. Boat to Fort Wilderness (there’s lots to do there).
9. Boat to the CR.
10. Boat to MK.
11. “Hidden Mickey” scavenger hunts.
12. Cheapest Deluxe rooms on property.
13. Cheapest concierge on property.
14. Artist’s Point restaurant is a relative value and is one of the best restaurants at WDW.
15. Villa accommodations allow you to save money by cooking some meals at the resort.

WL Cons:

1. Small rooms.
2. Spotty transportation. It’s sometimes great, and other times very slow.
3. The theme pool is kind of small and can get very crowded.
4. Self parking is not very convenient.

 

[Anxious in BR]

We just returned from AKL and we LOVED it! We had a pool view while a friend had a savannah view. I would not change. I loved the pool view. From our room we could see the pool and part of the savannah. We saw giraffes, etc too! The rooms are spacious and the hallways are large and airy.

We visited the WL and agree that the lobby at WL has more of the WOW factor but the hallways were dark, narrow and grungy looking. I hope the rooms are not reflective of such.

The only meal we ate at AKL was breakfast on our last day (BOMAs). I told DH that it was a good thing we did not eat there earlier as I would have wanted to eat there every morning! It was the BEST!

Good luck and have a magical time!

 

[ctrabada]

Both resorts have things going for them. I have stayed at both, concierge level, and I really fell in love with AKL. It's so beautiful and peaceful. Location is really not important to me and the decor was great. We spent a lot of time sitting in our balcony looking at the animals. I really enjoyed the food there too. I really felt transported to another world. We loved the zero entry pool. The water looks green, but you know it's an illusion and that it's as clean as any other on property. It has a feeling of being a natural water hole rather than a bright blue man-made pool.

The WL is absolutely beautiful. However, the concierge level was below par compared to AKL's. I would like to stay there again, but not concierge and with a courtyard view. I found the rooms smaller and darker than AKL's.

Think of what's important to you in order to make your decision. If proximity to the parks or water activities are important, then WL is for you. If the African theming intrigues you and location is not important, then try the AKL.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I preferred the food at Boma over the food at Artist Point. I thought the Artist Point food was a bit frou-frou for me. My husband loved it. At Boma, I can get lots of things to choose from, various meats, vegetables, salads, soups, desserts. I always find lots of things that I like at Boma (and I'm sorta picky about what I eat).

 

[Nathan's Grandma]

We love both AKL and WL.

Our family likes AKL better because of the size of the pool and the amount of chairs available to sit in outside and the overall atmosphere of the resort. We stayed Savannah view last time and this time we will stay pool view. I will love to sit on my balcony and look over our family in the pool. I think that view will be my favorite. When we go next time it will be back to the Savannah view because I will be out numbered by all the families going. The food was wonderful and it was fun to try new foods. The CM’s could not have been any better.

It was really hard to get the rest of our family to change and try something new and they totally fell in love with AKL and when we went back to WL to visit they were very glad we changed. Now my problem is I want to try them all (Beach Club next) but I don’t know how long it will take me to talk them into it.

With problems like that I am truly blessed.

 

[CindyAnn]

I think AKL and WL are both great hotels and don't think you can go wrong with either one. I think the 3 AKL restaurants are better than their 3 counterparts at WL, but DH and I like trying different types of food. However, even very picky DS could find things on the Boma buffet to eat at both breakfast and dinner. I also have a preference for the African theme over the Pacific Northwest theme, but they're still both beautiful resorts with stunning lobbies. (To me one of WDW's best views is to sit at the firepit at AKL and look back into the lit up lobby when the AKL Christmas tree is up).

We like to split up our WDW stays. Last time we spent 4 nights at POP, 3 nights at WL, 4 nights on the Wonder, and 4 nights at the Poly. (I should point out, though, that we always have a car which makes both switching resorts and worries about resort transportation/isolation less important for us.) How about starting at one and switching to the other as Ladyhawke10 suggested? Then you'll know for sure!

 

[mouseRD]

We've never stayed at either resort yet, but have had dinner at both. I was so impressed by AKL! It is a gorgeous resort & so exotic! Our dinner at Jiko's was incredible & the staff there was extremely professional & accomodating; the food was incredible! My dilemna is that my husband was as enchanted with WL as I was with AKL - which one to try first?

We also enjoyed our meal at Artist's Point, but Jiko's was truly special - I think it had to do with the incredible staff & service - they made you feel like YOU were the most important individual there.

I've also read a LOT of great threads about AKL; many people have gotten upgrades to a Savannah view (I've read that only ~10-20% of rooms do not have a Savannah view). I've also read great things about the concierge lounge (espresso/cappucino & wonderful staff), also that staying concierge entitles you to sign up for the Sunrise and/or Sunset Safari (one person wrote on a thread that her family stayed only one or two nights there just to have this experience! The Sunset Safari includes a dinner at Jiko's afterward!)

Right now there are great September discounts for AKL savannah if you want to guarantee your view ($ 164/night, I believe), so if you go during a value season & get a discount code, it wouldn't be as expensive. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Originally posted by mouseRD

that staying concierge entitles you to sign up for the Sunrise and/or Sunset Safari (one person wrote on a thread that her family stayed only one or two nights there just to have this experience! The Sunset Safari includes a dinner at Jiko's afterward!)

We also planned our stay to coincide when the Sunrise Safari was scheduled. I don't know if this is changed, but when we did it we had brunch afterward at the African restaurant in Animal Kingdom rather than a dinner at Jiko. We were there in November of 2003. The brunch was really good--all you can eat and similar to Boma fare. We've had dinner at Jiko different times, however, and liked it there, too. I had pistachio creme brulee...yum.

 

[TDC Nala]

The SUNRISE safari includes brunch at Tusker House. The SUNSET safari is much more exclusive (I think it is limited to 8 guests) and includes dinner at Jiko.

I feel like breaking into the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack now.

 

[Tinkbell]

I've stayed at both and if I had to pick between the 2, I'd go with AKL. The food is not only African. There are plenty of traditional food court items to eat at the Mara. I like the pool at AKL better. I also found their bus transportation to be much better than the WL.

 

[KELLY]

I'm already booked at the AKL for September 11th to the 18th I should have metion this in the first post sorry. We have a pool view room with the September code that came out. My budget doesn't allow for a Savanah room I was original booked at CSR with the 7 for 5 deal and when the codes came out I decieded the extra 200.00 I would spend would be worth it to stay at a Deluxe. Thanks for all the great posts. KELLY