Swimming pool comparison: WL vs. AKL?

[asaj]

We went to AKL in 2003 with our then 4 year old DD. She almost loved the pool and slide as much as the parks. We went in Sept, and didn't find the pool to be very crowded, and it was large enough that you weren't on top of each other.

We have booked a trip to WL in Oct, and my only real concern is the pool. From the pictures, it looks like the pool is quite a bit smaller than the one at AKL, and the slide looks smaller as well.

I was hoping that I could get some expert opinions from people who have bee to both resorts. My fear is that the pool at WL will be really crowded, and therfore not much fun for my DD.

we had originally planned on going to CSR, because it looks to have a huge pool area, with a really big (maybe too big for my DD) slide. Then we thought, for the relatively small amount more, it'd be worth it to go the deluxe route with WL. We aren't going to change our plans at this point, but i am hoping to put my mind at ease.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[fam4jc]

bump, good question

 

[racheltyler]

We've stayed at both WL and AKL & really like both of them for different reasons but we do lean more towards AKL for the pool, mainly because it's so big and the zero entry. And of course the animals, food, & rooms we like there better also. But we spend much less time in the parks than the resort so these amenities outweigh location for us. The time we were at WL, the pool was crowded each afternoon and evening. The pool was fun though, but you are correct, it is somewhat small. We do like the kiddie pool & beach area at WL. We were not disappointed with our stay at WL. Hope these opinions help! Sharon

 

[johnsonet]

Hi. I've been to both resorts. In fact, last year during Spring Break we split a stay between the two. I took my 8-y-o DD and 11-y-o niece. They had a blast at BOTH pools. However, at their ages, they were on their own swimming and sliding with me relaxing on a chair and watching them. I wasn't in the pool with them. ..
Yes, the WL pool and slide is smaller but the kids don't care. The difficulty, if any, will be finding a chair for yourself As packed as the resort and parks were during this period, we had no complaints about the pool except the chairs...Don't worry about it. The resorts are both fabulous! I would recommend getting to the pool by 11am...

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I've stayed at both resorts....it's funny because when I stayed at the WL I did not notice an issue with pool crowds, but I have read that on these boards many times so I'm guessing that it had a lot to do w/ the time I went (first week in December--value season). We stayed in concierge and the Christmas decorations were up...just beautiful! I loved the jacuzzi's (right near the geyser, which was lots of fun). Near had trouble getting a pool chair, never noticed the pool as crowded, and loved the waterfalls.

Anyway, as you know the AKL pool area is GREAT. I would keep in mind the tendency for the WLs pool to become overcrowded as it sounds as if it was built too small to house the number of resort guests (by others' observations). Doubt that would be a major problem w/ having fun there, though. We've always found SAB to be pretty crowded as well, and the main problem turns out to be splashing and waits by the slide. I think you will find WL a nice change of scenery from AKL--they are both beautiful and so distinct.

 

[pearlieq]

We found the pool at WL to be tiny and always crowded! It's much, much smaller than the pool at AKL and there seems to be a lot more traffic between the WL, VWL, and (disclaimer: this was only in our experience, your mileage may vary) pool hoppers from Fort Wilderness.

We much preferred the large, expansive pool at AKL. We loved the wide open space, the room to play games and splash around, and all the different areas to explore.

Edited to add--your kids probably won't mind in the slightest. Hope you have a great time!

 

[asaj]

Thanks for all of the input.

Sounds like the pool experience will be different from AKL, but hopefully it isn't too bad. We are going the first week of Oct, so maybe not quite as crowded...

Thanks again,
Andy

 

[RumpleMom]

You may use either of the two pools at WL.

 

[mariamouse]

You will have no problem with pool crowds in early October... I went to the WL during Halloween a couple years ago and it was no problem-- enjoy the WL, it's a beautiful resort!!

mariamouse

 

[Kimberle]

I have not stayed at AKL, so I can't compare the two. Just remember, WL has around half (I believe) the # of rooms as AKL, so the pool should be smaller. WL also has 2 pools. During our Sept stay, the quiet pool was never busy. (Our room over looked it.) There were never more than a handful of people there.

Also, the WL slide is *very fast*. You are sort of "pushed" down it by water and you will get completely dunked. I'd highly recommend you go down it first before allowing your child. It was to fast for our then 4.5yo.

I will also agree that there were many FW pool "hoppers" during our stay. (They told me.) Someone told me they were "carded" during their WL stay while at the pool. (Maybe mgmt has finally realized how easy it is to hop over from FW.)

The lodge is great! Enjoy your stay.

 

[asaj]

I guess I didn't know they had a second pool, so that makes me feel better. Also, the fact that it may not be bad in early Oct is good news.

Thanks again!
Andy