Just booked Animal Kingdom in Dec, but....

[LSUwest]

Hi. Brand new to posting here, but I have enjoyed reading the boards for awhile. My wife and I are in our 30's (No kids) and have stayed at Dixie Landing (for our Honeymoon 11 years ago) and at Coronado Springs about 6 years ago.

This trip is really our delayed 10 year anniversry trip. Using the new discount code, we just booked a pool view room at Animal Kingdom Lodge for 8 nights starting Dec 11. I've read a lot of good things about it. That and our love of animals helped us decide. It was also about $300 cheaper than a room at the Wilderness Lodge. Ever since our first visit, we have wanted to stay at the WL. Now we really kind of had the chance, but decided on AKL. Will we regret the decision?

Is Animal Kingdom lodge as spectacular as WL? The lobby sure looks impressive (as impressive as the WL lobby), but how about the rest of it? Does it give you the same sense of WOW! as you get when visiting WL?

Thanks

 

[sarah4770]

I have stayed at both. I have to say ( and this is just my opinion), that I like the wl better because of the boat transpotation, fireworks views, and the bike ride thru fort wilderness, and boats. Oh yea, and sitting outside behind the pool bar by the stream .
I think the lobby, front entrance, and rooms are similar, just with a different theme.
I will go back to akl but not for a long stay, maybe a 3 day weekend.
But that's just me. I enjoy the resorts more than the parks.

 

[daannzzz]

I have taken my elderly mother and father to WDW twice. The first time we stayed at the WL the second time at AKL. We all agreed that the AKL Lobby is spectacular but the WL was just a bit more awesome. However the atmosphere at both is equal. It just depends if you are in a woodsy mood or and African Safari mood. To me, the main point of the AKL is having a balcony to sit on an over look the savannah with the animals. You will have a pool view room which is a beautiful view but not the same as having the animals there while you relaxe with a cup of coffee. You will probably be happy with each one for different reasons. If you have always wanted to stay at the WL I say go for that and try for a Savannah view room at the AKL on your next trip.

 

[Rowlf]

Having stayed at both, I'd say the "Wow!" factor is even more at the AKL. The building is definitely nicer and the deluxe rooms are better.

It IS a bit of a hike to the parks, but it is a small price to pay for an extremely impressive and beautiful resort.

 

[jarestel]

They are both fantastic places to stay. Rather than worry about which one is "best", just relax and enjoy your stay at the AKL. I'm sure you won't be sorry. The WL will still be there the next time you visit WDW.

Have a great trip!

 

[Densgirl]

I've stayed at both and although I love the WL more, I think AKL does have many wow factors. If you are big animal fans I think you will love it here. Not only do they have the animals here but there is also a huge amount of African artwork displayed all through the lodge. The Mara is a little bit better counter service IMO too. I really liked the huge christmas tree in the Lobby here as well. My DH and I celebrated our engagement here and found it very romantic. I'd stay here over WL to save $300.

 

[LSUwest]

Thanks for the input. No matter what we do, I'm positive that we will have a great time.

I'll have my wife try to work her upgrade magic when we check in to see if we can get a savanah room. (although the pool rooms sound nice too). She is the queen of free room upgrades (You should see her checking in in Las Vegas). I was thinking about trying to do a split trip once we get there but I've heard that it can cause problems with your dining plan which we will be using.

The last time we stayed at Disney (December also) we spent a day touring the resorts. We got to WL at the end of the day, mid week. My wife just wanted to see how much it would cost to transfer rooms there. The clerk at the check in was extremely nice and said that they didnt have any rooms then but if we had been there in the morning, she could have moved us into WL (from Coronado Springs) for no charge.

ug: ug: aw:

 

[Laurajean1014]

You will not regret staying at AKL. I think the ferry to MK is highly over-rated.

It took us 55 mins. to get on the ferry and 15 mins to MK. The buses at WL leave much to be desired considering the logistics to the park. If WL had a monorail, it would be a different story.

The food at AKL is much better than WL. Also, we are going around the same time as you and we got AKL Conciegre level for $255 less a night....so, we get to do Sunrise Safari, as well as all the other perks Concierge and AKL offers.