May I have your opinions on AKL/WL locations?

[luvmydogs]

Hi everyone! This is my first time on the Resorts Board--I usually hang out on the CB. Dh, ds8 and I are planning first trip to WDW next Oct.--5 days during ds's school's Fall Break. Last time I was in WDW was over 22 years ago when "Disney World" really meant "Magic Kingdom!" We only live 6 1/2-7 hours away so we will be driving. Trying to decide between AKL and WL--I have read so many nice things about both resorts, and I don't think we'd be losing out with whichever choice we make! I'm favoring AKL mainly because ds and I are animal freaks. I know AKL's location is a little more "remote, " but will this even be an issue because we'll have a car? I also read that AKL buses serve only AKL, so I'm assuming (and please correct me if I'm wrong), that the bus transportation is fairly reliable. We'd probably be spending most of our time at MK. Thanks so much for your opinions

 

[Kimberle]

Well, we have only stayed at WL.

We really loved it. It's very beautiful and relaxing. The resort is fairly small, so no matter where you room is, it is a short walk to the pool, bus, boat, etc.

WL is close to MK. The boat ride is nice. There also is a small boat that circles WL/FW/CR so it is easy to pop over to Chef Mickeys or Trails End for a meal. There is also a direct bus from WL to TTC. So if you like the Poly resturants, it's easy to get there.

Good luck!

 

[stinkerbelle]

If you are an animal lover - definetly stay at the AKL!

Yes the resort is more remote - resulting in longer bus rides to/from some of the parks...but AKL has a dedicated bus line (meaning you don't have to stop at other resorts on your way to AKL.)

Just being surrounded by animals is amazing...I could sit on my balcony and look at them all night. Amazing.

WL is nice too...but the feel you get from AKL is so different. The pool is AWESOME and it really is a quiet, relaxing place.

Enjoy whichever you stay at! Both are beautiful resorts - but AKL personally just blew me away.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I love both resorts. The animals and themeing at AKL are amazing. The downside is that there is not much to do there outside of watching the animals and swimming. No bikes, no boats. The transportation was pretty good, we drove most of our stay though.

The Wilderness Lodge is quiet and relaxing. Our first time there (winter) we saw people sleeping in the lobby in front of the fire. You can rent bikes and ride over to Fort Wilderness. We love to rent the water mice as a nice break from the parks. I have heard that transportation can be long and slow; we drove both times we stayed there. The boat to the MK is great!

Both resorts have small food courts with a limited selection of meals. Whispering Canyon at the WL is a fun family stly restaurant. We tried Boma at the AKL and were one of the few people who didn't like it!

You will be happy with either resort I'm sure, you just need to decide what atmosphere you prefer.

 

[TJA]

We stayed at WL last year and at AKL last month! First, let me say both resorts are fantastic. Let me just offer a few opinions about each resort:

AKL ~ has the edge on food. Boma is fantastic eating. Has the animals to view. The bus transportation is exceptional, serving only AKL. Fairly long drive to MK (20 minutes or so).

WL ~ has the edge on location. Very convenient to take a boat to MK and is just a few minutes away. Can rent bikes and boats.

We prefer WL only because of the above reasons. We brought 2 babies last month and the haul between MK and AKL was too long for us. But we enjoyed the resort immensely -- so I guess choose your resort based on what works for your family. You'll love either one!

 

[daannzzz]

I have been to both and it really is a tough decision. Both are fantastic. The WL lobby is still more impressive than any of the others. Everytime we walk in it is just awesome. The lobby at AKL is very impressive too. I agree that the food choices are better at AKL. I also prefer the room decore at the AKL. The bus service was fine and only adss 5 minutes or so to the commute to the parks as compared to the other resorts that are not "next too" the theme parks. The boat ride from the WL to the MK is nice as is the boat to thecontemporary and the walking trail to Fort Wilderness. To do anything at the AKL you have to take a bus, taxi or car. There is no walking anywhere from the resort. The Courtyard and lake views from the WL are quite nice. The Savannah view we had was incredible with all the animals often passing by our area including the heard of wildebeest galloping by, all five giraffe eating below our balcony and a wildebeest and gemsbok playing/fighting together.

 

[FloridaCat]

If you are planninng most of your park time at MK, then WL. It's not that bad of a drive to AK rom there.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

luvmydogs,

Welcome to the Resort Board, you do have a hard decision to make...I have stayed in both, and love them both...The Wilderness Lodge has my heart so my vote is WL for all the reasons already posted. (I must be the only person on the DIS that found the food at AKL to spicy I'll try anything once, but it's just not my cup of tea) I know I'm

Have a Great Trip & Pixie Dust

 

[luvmydogs]

Thank you so much for the Resort Board Welcome and for all your advice! It's fun over here, and I'll have to stop by more often! Thanks again!

 

[dandave]

And I hope you're in for yet one more review....

I prefer AKL, but I love the AKL and WL. WL seems a bit cozier and casual. AKL is exotic and soothing.

I was not at all impressed with the food at Boma or the set-up. I love spicey, but ick. The way the guests all charged straight forward toward the pods with no seeming rhyme or reason was the worst. The servers couldn't get into the restaurant area, because guests were clogging up the service access route and holding their ground. I was expecting a parade at any moment...
The Whispering Canyon all-you-can-eat BBQ skillet was very good, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was fun!

As far as transportation, I would rather be on a bus with a driver who is driving that bus like he stole it (Wheeeeeeee!!!), than on a very slow (toot-toot) boat.

Both resorts are winners as far as I'm concerned, so you cant go wrong! Have fun!

 

[susy]

I've stayed at both and LOVE both!!!

Now we stayed at AKL over Labor Day Weekend and totally used the buses, even though we had our car. It was Sooooooo convenient and NEVER crowded. I had to get to an 8am PS at cindy's-no problem. It was very quick to all the parks!Over Thanksgiving we were at WL. Used the boat to MK-great and the bus to AK-it only shares with GF to this park. For Epcot and MGM we used our car because of the sharing with FW (which takes forever according to my mom.

I love both resorts, but I give the edge to AKL if you are into animals(I still LOVE WL!!!!) Don't forget to request turndown service.