Tell me about the pools at WL & AKL

[PrincessDana]

I was thinking about trying either the WL or AKL this October.

The last two trips we've (DD9 and I) stayed moderate and she liked the pool at CBR and LOVED the pool at CSR (loved the waterslide at CSR).

Just wondering how WL and AKL pools stack up. DD wants to go to WL (we ate at Whispering Canyon), and she was impressed with the hotel. I don't really have a preference either way.

Any opinions about the pools at either resort?

Thanks!!

 

[Candice30]

never stayed at WL but loved the pool at AKL. it was very crowded at the resort when we went but the pool never felt like it was. great pool towels and the kids loved that it was near the arcade and food court! the kids did say that they didn't like the slide as much as the one at coronado. they loved that slide and pool, but this one was open very late and there was a life guard on duty i think till 10 pm so the kids loved taking a night swim and not having to walk to a far off building like at coronado.

 

[jaysue]

WL and AKL have similar slides at the pools - not too long or fast

AKL pool is a zero entry pool whilst WL pool is not

WL also has a quiet pool due to the DVC VWL so you have two choices there

I believe the AKL pool is a little bigger or at least feels a little bigger to me

The CSR pool from a kids point of view is probably equal or better to the AKL/WL pools

The best pool at a deluxe is by far and away SAB at YC/BC/BCV

thanks
jaysue

 

[skiwee1]

WL as a small theme pool. Every time we went it was packed and we went during low season. WL also has a tiny kiddy pool for little ones. The WL slide isn't that great either as it is very short. I've never been to the AKL pool but it has to be better then the one at WL.

 

[litlpixie]

I have to agree w/ skeewee1, we stayed at WL in May and we were sooo disappaointed with the pool area. It seemed as though there were 40,00 people in it at all times......shoulder to shoulder, which was something we never experienced at POR, because of the multiple pools there. We are staying at AKL for the 1st time in April, hopefully the pool will be as great as a lot of people are saying it is.

 

[wtg2000]

The setting for the WL pool is lovely but the water is crowded and trying to get a deck chair is a chore.

The setting for the AKL pool is also wonderful but the pool seemed much bigger and finding deck chairs and swimming space was easier. Also, the AKL hot tubs were more isolated making them quieter and, dare I say, less crowded with kids jumping in and out.

We spent four nights at the AKL after spending four nights at the WL so it was the same time of year.

One caveat is that one day at WL it was the hottest March day on record so everyone at the resort, and people not at the resort!, were swimming.

 

[Kimberle]

We loved loved loved the WL pool. Our dd really loved the kiddie pool. Most of the time she was the only one, or had only 1-2 "friends".

Beware! The pool slide is a lot FASTER than it looks! It really "throws" you into the water so it's imposible to keep you head out of the water! It was fun.

We never had a problem getting a chair or towels. We also really loved the quiet pool. Hardly any others used it with us. It has these little "guysers" scattered throughout.

The setting in the tall trees close to the lake was just so tranquel and relaxing.

 

[mirlow]

My 9yr old dd prefers the pools at the WL, while everyone else in our family likes the AKL better