SSR or WL advice please

[ellataylor]

We are booked to stay at SSR later this year and are doing a split stay at AKL.
We have stayed at SSR before and loved it for its quiet, secluded feel. It felt like a perfect haven after a busy day.

My grown up kids are really drawn to WL and I am tempted to switch our stay to here based on the proximity to MK and good reviews but just wanted to know from those who have been if they would say it has a chilled, quiet vibe or a bustling, busy vibe?
Also would it feel very similar to AKL and therefore not worth the change?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are booked to stay at SSR later this year and are doing a split stay at AKL.
We have stayed at SSR before and loved it for its quiet, secluded feel. It felt like a perfect haven after a busy day.

My grown up kids are really drawn to WL and I am tempted to switch our stay to here based on the proximity to MK and good reviews but just wanted to know from those who have been if they would say it has a chilled, quiet vibe or a bustling, busy vibe?
Also would it feel very similar to AKL and therefore not worth the change?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated

WL has a very relaxing, laid back vibe to it. The lobby music, the fireplaces and rocking chairs make it feel like you are somewhere else. I don't have any experience with AKL but I do know that the rooms are the same size as the WL rooms.

 

[Her Dotness]

The WL lobby tends to be noisy and busy during the day, not as much so in the evening. WL is very popular with families with young kids.

Also, Whispering Canyon Cafe does chants and generally gets noisy because of the joking around that's done, something like 50s Prime Time. We had a room overlooking the lobby once and couldn't nap in the afternoon due to the noise from WCC. A request for a quiet room would be wise.

Otherwise, WL is like a peaceful, mountain lodge retreat. The grounds are heavily forested and lovely.

Plus, it's an easy walk to the newish QS lounge, Geyser Point, a wonderful place to watch fireworks with drinks and snacks or a light dinner.

We really enjoyed the boat to MK, often taking it and then the resort loop monorail to the TTC and then on to Epcot. Weird, I know, because a bus from WL to Epcot is more efficient. We like the boat that much more than the boring bus.

Can't compare to AKL, which doesn't interest us.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I prefer WL over AKL because of the food options and location. AKL is just so darn far out there and if you don’t want to eat onsite you gotta take a bus. As mentioned above Geyser Point is great for non-ADR sit down or take out meals. A boat or bus will take you to MK where you can go to any of the monorail resorts for more food variety. I just find WL a lot more convenient. The recent renovation on the hotel side was very well done. I love chilling at the fireplaces on the 3rd? 4th? 5th? Lol I forget but two of those floors have fireplaces that are next to the rails overlooking the lobby that make excellent relaxation locations.

 

[CynBeth]

I prefer WL over AKL because of the food options and location. AKL is just so darn far out there and if you don’t want to eat onsite you gotta take a bus. As mentioned above Geyser Point is great for non-ADR sit down or take out meals. A boat or bus will take you to MK where you can go to any of the monorail resorts for more food variety. I just find WL a lot more convenient. The recent renovation on the hotel side was very well done. I love chilling at the fireplaces on the 3rd? 4th? 5th? Lol I forget but two of those floors have fireplaces that are next to the rails overlooking the lobby that make excellent relaxation locations.

I totally agree would do WL instead of AK. We love the lobby and theming and WCC is one of our favorites have breakfast there every trip no matter where we stay. It is great to be close to MK the boat is fine and you have the electrical water pageant at night. I would do a full stay if you can and not a split.

 

[philharmagic fan]

I see that you're staying at SSR; does this mean you're open to the idea of a vacation club studio or villa at WL? Boulder Ridge is separate from the main building (a 2-minute stroll under a covered walkway) and is MUCH quieter than the actual lodge.

 

[Gehrig1B]

We would take WL over AKL any day. Location, location, location... to start. AKL may win the dining battle but not by much thanks to Geyser Point and Storybook Dining (if you can get an ADR) at WL. Much quieter and more relaxed, and I can't say I've ever noticed a lot of children at WL. And yes, Boulder Ridge is a hidden gem, even if the rooms are a bit dated.

 

[ellataylor]

Thank you for all your wonderful views and advice. I was obviously very unclear in my original post. Its a choice between SSR and WL, AKL is staying as a reservation for the end of our stay.
I’m just concerned we won’t find WL as relaxing and quiet as SSR and also maybe too similar to AKL. We love the chilled, relaxed vibe at the end of a busy Disney day. I would have loved the BRVs but sadly there are no availability for our dates.

 

[jlstwinmommy]

We have stayed at all 3 resorts (at WL both as a cash guest and on points). Our last trip prior to COVID we actually went from AKV to WL (CCV). It is similar but different. AKV was about seeing the animals outside our room. The kids very much enjoyed that (note my kids are older, they were 15/16 at the time of that stay). At WL we had a room on the first floor near the path to the pool. Because of the greenery around the hotel, it was very quiet. I do agree the main lobby can be loud, but the rest of the resort I find quiet and relaxing. I do like the proximity to Magic Kingdom.

I like SSR as well. It is a different relaxation. It is much quieter (IMO) and removed from the parks. I usually like to stay close to the parks for the closer commute, but I will say last stay we spent a couple of days in a treehouse and that was sooooo nice and quiet. We are staying at SSR on our next trip (in May). I will have a car which to me makes a difference. Without a car, I would pick WL hands down.

 

[Sunshine11]

I would have no problem doing a split stay with WL and AKL. I find they have two different themes. WL is chill. It's a great lobby and also quaint nooks throughout the resort to relax. Geyser Point is a great walk up restaurant too outdoors and such a great vibe there. I love the theming of WL and would choose for simply the compactness of this resort too!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

SSR is layed back. WL is a busy and bustling. But if your kids want to try it, I would do WL. Remember you are only here for a few nights so try it. If you like it fine if not you can say 1 and done.

 

[legler2250]

Wilderness Lodge is one of the absolutely best places you can ever stay in my opinion. If you enjoy a rustic feel and immersive experience, this is definitely the place to be. It is not as quiet and off the beaten path as SSR but you can find places on the property to get away from people and enjoy some privacy. Also if you enjoy waking up early, the lobby is an amazing place to drink a cup of coffee and enjoy some alone time.

 

[ellataylor]

Many thanks for all your wonderful advice. I called today and swapped to Wilderness lodge. We are all really excited now!!!

 

[best days]

For me, WL is always a non starter as it looks like where I live. I need palm trees and a distinct lack of anything resembling a cabin when I am on vacation.

 

[Gingerfun1]

So many great details already shared but I’ll pile on the boat ride from WL to MK and back. It’s the highlight of our stays at WL. It’s such a relaxing way to exit the busy park and you pull up to a quiet, chill setting.

Going from WL to MK, the boats have their own security line, it’s a very calm, orderly way to start the day. Can’t recommend it enough.

 

[clapton]

Glad to see you chose WL! It’s a beautiful resort and beats SSR hands down IMO. Beautiful grounds great pool and good QS as well. SSR reminds of a condo complex, but that’s just me!