Staying at WL after two previous stays at AKL???

[JennSaint]

We are booked for WL in February. I'm kind of skeptical since we really loved our 2 stays at AKL. Has anyone stayed at WL after staying at AKL? And what were your thoughts? We've never stayed at WL before. Would love to hear from some who have stayed at both.
Thanks

 

[becky1960]

We have stayed at both and keep going back to Wl. If you like the feel Log Homes you will like Wl. It also has more convienent trasportation system and sits on the lake. The Wl is modeled afte the Yellowstone Park Lodge. Wl has two good resturants and a snackbar. Wl is our favorite of all. One of the resturants is loud, but it is supposed to be that way, waitstaff interacts with customers, but good food. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[LVSWL]

Love it! Location, Location, Location! The theme is great! It is small enough to be cozy with all of the great amenities of a great deluxe resort. The water show at night is great! It is our favorite. Have a great time.

 

[sarah4770]

I have stayed at both. In my mind akl is more of a retreat, and wl has a lot more to do as far as outside activities. When I am at Wl I can't help my self, I am outside all the time. I love to wake up and have my coffee by the lake, rent a boat or bike,watch the ewp on the lake. I like both of the resorts, but love the wl.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hi there!

We had stayed at the WL a few times, but Nov 2004 I could not get a FL res rate there, so I took a room at AKL. I was like you...skeptical. Well, I LOVED AKL becasue it does remind me of WL. They are done by the same architect. So I think you will enjoy the "feel" of the lodge.

I like the WL because evrything is under one roof. If it is raining or cold, you do not need to go outside to The Mara to get a cup of coffee. Roaring Forks is right there in the lobby.

It is nice to be at the WL and ride the boat to MK. You can also ride the boat to FW and take in Hoop De Doo, or the campfire and movie they show outdoors at night. Also, pony rides, petting zoo, etc.

OR, you can ride a boat to CR, eat at Chef Mickey's or Cal Grille...OR jump on the monorail and go to Poly, GF, MK and if time is not of the essence, transfer at TTC and go to Epcot.

I, personally, like the restaurants better at AKL. I think The Mara is way better that Roaring Forks, and I think Jiko and Boma are two of the best retaurants on WDW property. Of course Artist's Point is phenomenal...and WCC..well, I like it, but after you eat there a time of two, I do find it a bit obnoxious.

I LOVE the Territory Lounge at WL. I find it more cozy than the open, mezzanine style lounge (Victoria Falls) at AKL.

I like the pool a tad bit better at AKL.

Honestly, I think you will love both resorts. Have fun and let us know what you think!

 

[Eeyore2003]

We have stayed at CR, BWI, BWV, OKW and AKL. I have LOVED them all for various reasons. I'd not worry about it and enjoy the experience. It's fun staying in a new area of Disney and finding all the little things that go on everywhere.

 

[goingsouth]

I'm laughing because we did the same thing last year. We went to AKL in January and again in October and we loved it. This February we went to WL and we had a great time! Both resorts have so much character. They both, to me, allow you to let your breath out after a tough day of touring. Have fun!

 

[kathy387]

We also liked them both for different reasons. The one thing that alot of people don't know is this: after the fireworks at MK, instead of getting in line for the boat back to the resort...walk to the Contemporary, go out the back door to the dock and catch the resort to resort launch. We were back to the WL in less than 20 minutes while the other hundred or so people were still waiting in line at MK for the boat back. We went back to our room, went to Roaring Forks, grabbed a quick bite and were walking around the resort when some of the people that we'd seen in line were just getting back. Because we love the fireworks but hate the cattle call afterwards, this is one of the reasons that we love WL. They're both beautiful resorts!

 

[jcemom]

I prefer AKL but would certainly stay at WL again...happily!

AKL is in better shape physically, and WL is in need of a refurb, IMO. However, both resorts are beautiful. WL's courtyard is stunning. As others have said, WL has more recreational options and being so close to FW and the monorail resorts is a plus.

I'm sure you'll have a great time! Besides, if you never try it, you'll never know, right?

 

[wld]

We did the opposite and stayed at wl first. We did not enjoy it that much, the outside felt like home, but in a fake way. There is more, but we wouldn't stay again if there were another choice. We stayed at akl for the first time in January and we loved it. We love the get away feel that wl doesn't have. The only mistake we make was splitting our stay with the poly. For us the poly was not worth the money. We're going back to akl. Many ,many people on these boards love wl though, see what's right for you.

 

[Pooh1219]

I've stayed at both several times, and I like them almost equally, but for different reasons.

AKL - The theming is just spectacular, love Mara and Boma, the bus service is much better than WL, IMO, and the pool is terrific.

WL - Theming is also great, love the fact that it's on the lake with the boat transport to MK,Electric Water Pageant passes by every night, ability to rent bikes and surrey bikes.

I would stay at either resort any time, although AKL just squeaks by a little bit for me. Definitely do try WL - I'm sure you will love it as much as I do.