Pool comparison: WL vs. AKL

[Leona Fishback]

We've loved the WL but are thinking of booking AKL for our next trip. But the pool is a big deal for my kids (and a hot tub is a big deal for my husband).

For those who've stayed at (or visited) both resorts: would you consider the AKL pool better, worse, the same as WL's?

Assuming AKL has a water slide -- is it better, worse, the same?

Any hot tub opinions?

thanks

 

[mmmears]

I've visited WL and seen the pool there, and I've stayed at AKL several times.

If you are on the Jambo part of AKL, there is a large pool with a beach-type entry, a nice but not too fast slide, and several jacuzzis. The jacuzzis are surrounded by foliage and are really nice.

On the Kidani side, there is a nice (but smaller) pool with a waterslide. There is also a big water play area for kids, with water cannons, slides, and lots of other fun options. I'm pretty sure there is a jacuzzi there as well.

We stay at Jambo, but have spent an afternoon at Kidani with friends at the water play area. IMO both have a little more to offer than the pool that I saw at WL.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sue M]

I think the AKL pool is better. Larger, & zero entry. As mentioned, the hot tub areas are nice too, it's like being in a grotto. So they are secluded. But the hot tubs at WL are out in the open, and you can see everything around. Depends what you like. Your DH may like the more secluded hot tubs at AKL - more quiet, and away from all the kids in the pool.

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed at both resorts. I actually like the AKL pool better. It is larger and has a zero entry. Plus the views are amazing. You don't really see the animals from the pool, but it does feel like you are in Africa. Also, AKL has a very large and nice changing room w/ showers. If you have to check out of your room early on the last day and don't plan on leaving until later, you can swim and have a comfortable place to change.

 

[padawans]

We've loved the WL but are thinking of booking AKL for our next trip. But the pool is a big deal for my kids (and a hot tub is a big deal for my husband).

For those who've stayed at (or visited) both resorts: would you consider the AKL pool better, worse, the same as WL's?

Assuming AKL has a water slide -- is it better, worse, the same?

Any hot tub opinions?

thanks

The slides at both pools are pretty lame. Wl has larger hot tubs. I prefer the hot tubs at Wl because you can see the pool. The Akl pool is larger.

 

[Poppergirl]

If you are staying at AKL can you use both pools (Kidani and Jambo)?

 

[Karabee]

I thought the pool at WL was pretty boring and small. It always felt crowded and the CMs are conducting games for the children in at least half the pool space most afternoons. It was just very loud.
AKL has a much better pool IMO.

 

[mmmears]

If you are staying at AKL can you use both pools (Kidani and Jambo)?

We asked and were told that we could. Someone has reported that things were different when they traveled, but most people here say that it isn't a problem.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

If you are staying at AKL can you use both pools (Kidani and Jambo)?

I think you can use both pools - I just finished a stay at Jambo House and there were directions on how to get to Kidani if you wanted to use the pool.

 

[blue65829]

We've stayed at both and I agree that the pool at AKL is bigger/better and the hot tub seclusion is nice.

The only thing we didn't like about the seclusion of the hot tubs is that you can't tell till you're right up on them how crowded they are, wheras at WL it's much easier to determine if there's room!

Overall I find WL's themeing so charming that I love the pool and the pool area, even if AKL wins on technical merit!

 

[Leona Fishback]

Thanks all -- it sounds like I shouldn't worry about any complaints about the pool/hot tub situation if we make the big switch.

I know a lot of people on these boards do split stays, but that seems like a lot of effort on vacation. I'm pleased with myself if I get unpacked and organized in one room, much less doing it twice.