Just changed my reserv. from AKL to WL

[LSUwest]

After a few previous posts, lots of reading, lots of thinking and a complete disregard for money, I decided to change our reservation from AKL to WL. My wife and I (both mid 30's , no kids) are planning to go on a belated 10 year anniversary trip to WDW during the second week of December.

We spent our honeymoon 11 years ago at Dixie Landing, 5 years ago we went to CSR. We couldnt go last year for our actual anniversary so we are planning on December this year. We've (me more than her) always wanted to go to WL but booked AKL because it was a bit cheaper (about $250) and I've because read some good things about AKL. (Plus we now live in Colorado and my wife regularly travels to some pretty rustic locations for business, so the whole lodge thing is no big deal for her anymore - still is for me though )

Well, I've been doubting myself ever since and I just know that if I we don't go to WL, I'm going to regret it since our Disney trips are few and far between. So I bit the bullet and changed to WL. We will now be there with a courtyard view from Dec 11 to Dec 19. I've seen WL in December before and think it will be pretty romantic. Not that AKL isn't fantastic (from the photos I've seen), but hopefully I made the right decision.

ug: ug: aw:

 

[DiscussDisney]

Honestly, you can't go wrong either way. We usually stay at the WL, but switched, for a change, to AKL this trip. I found the rooms/hallways at the AKL to be in much better shape than the WL. This is probably due to the fact it is a much newer hotel. Additionally, the AKL is much quieter, less hectic than the WL. However, the WL is much for convenient to the MK, the Contemporary Resort, Poly, GF, etc...

We booked a pool view room at AKL and was upgraded to a Savannah. Just a wonderful view looking out at the animals everyday. Truly unique. We always book standard views at the WL and generally receive upgrades to either a woods or courtyard view. Both are very nice views, but don't really compare to looking out at the animals.

Either way, you can't go wrong. Have a great trip and enjoy the WL.

 

[liamsaunt]

I've stayed at both and love both. Wilderness Lodge does have beautiful Christmas decorations. I thought WL was a bit noisier than AKL, but not enough to make a huge difference. Since you are celebrating while you are at WL, make sure you eat dinner at Artist Point. The food and service are very good.

 

[MScott1851]

I'll reiterate...you can't lose! We stayed at AKL our honeymoon, and at WL last month for our third anniversary.

I loved both hotels, they were both stunning. We are a house divided...we LOVE both hotels, but DH likes WL a bit more, and I prefer AKL. Each hotel has things I love about it, and also things I would change.

We had a woods view, room 5004, and we could see Wishes above the trees from our patio. Lovely room!

 

[whimsey]

Haven't stayed at the AKL yet but I hope to! We stayed at the WL the week after Christmas in 2003 and it was wonderful. We'll be there the same time as you this year, in a CV also. If possible take the sleigh ride and have a wonderful anniversary!

 

[Pig Pen]

We have stayed at both and love WL for it's location, but AKL is an awesome resort. I would recommend staying at either place...but you must experience each of them at least once (in other words, start planning your next trip).

 

[LSUwest]

Thanks for all the comments. I'm sure that we will love WL and that we would have loved staying at AKL also. I think you are right Pig Pen.... we will just have to plan another visit.

I was thinking about doing a split trip but I've read that it can cause problems with the dining plan which we are trying out. I was also planning on spending a day or two at Universal and/or IoA, but may skip that now and concentrate on WDW.

Question: My wife is the queen of getting upgrades. Is it worth it to try to upgrade to a Deluxe or Concierge room from a courtyard view? Not that we could get it, but she is good and you never know


(our three 'kids')
Zoey Pug ug:
Foo Pug ug:
Bug aw:

 

[3for Me]

I think if you tell them you are a tiger fan they will have no choice but to upgrade you immediately!

 

[GeauxTigger]

I think if you tell them you are a tiger fan they will have no choice but to upgrade you immediately!

I might try that at the Poly, but we're only staying one night (Christmas Eve) before moving over to BCV, and it's probably one of the busiest nights of the entire year . Maybe if we wear our LSU gear, it will help.

Regarding the OP's post, I just did something similar. We're staying the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve, and the majority of our time will be at the BCVs. But I needed a resort to spend Christmas Eve, and I recently changed my ressie to the Poly. I always wanted to stay there, and it will be a long time before we get back to Disney. So I reworked our budget and decided to spend the extra money for one night.

 

[LSUwest]

The board is full of tiger fans! Hello there and Geaux Tigers!

 

[laura12581]

We'll be there celebrating our belated first anniversary December 13-18th! It is our first time there so I can't comment on it yet. See you there!
Laura

 

[jjohnson]

Do you have a room only reservation or a package? there's a code out for your dates on a package that would save you some money. You could try & apply it. I put in your dates on WDW web site & WL courtyard with 9 day PH is $2424.14.

 

[4myson]

You will have a great time no matter where you stay, but you won't be with me.....we're staying at AKL Concierge's the same time you will be there. Oh, well! Have fun anyway!

 

[Tigger714]

You will not regret this decision! I've been to WL in December and it is great! As a matter of fact, I stayed the first night in CS and then on to WL. What a difference! The atmosphere is perfect, the sounds in the courtyard first thing in the morning or late at night, the smell of the lobby, the whole mood is just PERFECT!!!!!!! Hope you have a great time! You'll never want to stay anywhere else again!

 

[Troy08]

You will LOVE the WL and will be very happy with your choice! Make sure to do dinner at WCC, it's a hoot! I hate the outdoors and rustic things, yet I adore the WL. It is truly spectacular. You'll have a great trip! Enjoy!

 

[LSUwest]

Jjohnson,

Thanks for the info. We have the package with the meal plan and using the discount code, your listed price is just about what we got (plus the meals). I would have loved to pay for a basic room and try to have my wife sweet talk her way to an upgrade, but I'm thrilled beyond belief that we will be at WL in about 2 months.

To everyone else: Thanks. I can't wait and just know that this is going to be a long 2 months. (Thank goodness for LSU and Denver Bronco football )