Is there another resort that will match AK?

[themollendorns]

On our last trip we stayed at the villas at Animal Kingdom and I am just so torn on this next trip.

I felt like I was taken away to a new world staying at Animal Kingdom, their decor is just breathtaking. Not to mention how cool it was to be able to see the wildlife anytime.

Anyway, I really want to try another resort but everytime I go look I compare them ALL to AK and none of them seem to have that same effect on me.

I LOVE the proximity of Baylake Towers, but I really don't like the decor at all. I was hoping the Grand Floridian villas would be open by this fall, but I am just not sure if that will happen.

Has anyone else had this problem? Did another resort end up taking your breath away?

I would love any advice. I don't have a problem staying at Animal Kingdom again but would really to see more of Disney too. Thanks guys!

 

[Sue M]

Are you looking only at DVC? We loved BC, and WL. They both have a DVC side. Poly is a great resort too, but not DVC.

 

[themollendorns]

We have a family of 6 so we gravitate towards villas (and so far I haven't been a fan of value resorts, but Art of Animation looks pretty neat). My parents usually come with us too, so the bigger the room the better.

I have been debating doing 2 regular rooms, but I really enjoy having a kitchen and all of the villa amenities.

Wilderness lodge does look pretty neat too, I nearly forgot about that one.

 

[Sue M]

We enjoy WL, it was designed by the same man as AKL so similar lobby just different theme. Love the boat to MK, and watching the Electric Water Parade from the beach.

 

[Wood Nymph]

In my opinion, I think that WL is the only other deluxe resort that can take your breath away with its architecture and the grounds. We stayed there in Feb for the first time and fell in love with it. Although the Polynesian has beautiful grounds and can be nice, too.

If you plan to come to WDW often then you could still plan one more stay at AKL. I'm a big fan of staying in a resort over and over again until you have gotten tired of it.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree that VWL would be a great choice. The resort and grounds are beautiful, it's convenient to MK via boat, the pool is great, and Roaring Forks is great for quick CS meals. As Sue M said, the same architect designed both the WL and AKL so the resorts/lobbies are similar, just with different themes. Good luck and happy planning.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I also would vote for WL - you'll have the proximity to MK, boat access which is fun, plus it has a great ambiance.

AKL is one of my favorite resorts but I were going to choose another it would be WL.

 

[myjourney]

In my opinion nothing is like AKL so we always do a split stay. That way I get my AKL fix and also get to try something different. The only one so far that comes close is POR for us.

 

[mmmears]

In my opinion nothing is like AKL so we always do a split stay. That way I get my AKL fix and also get to try something different.

My family feels exactly the same -- nothing is like AKL so we stay there, plus a different resort. We would feel like something was wrong if we didn't stay at AKL for at least a few days.

GF is very pretty, Poly is fun and has great views... But I agree with the PPs that the WL is probably the closest thing to AKL. I love the lobby there (similar yet totally different than AKL, but you can tell they had the same architect).