Tell me why I will like AKL more than WL

[kwdietrich1]

Hello!

We are very happy to return to Disney for Christmas again! We stayed at WL in June and loved it. We love the lodge feel. If you are a person that loves the AKL, tell me why I would love AKL more than WL. We are very happy to stay there, but just would like to hear what makes AKL special to you. We booked Standard view(have to do more of a budget trip; June was a big trip with lots of extras) and are aware of the possibility of the standard view room facing the pathway to the bus. We had a Courtyard view at the WL and never heard the pool noise. Did you love the Mara food court? We have already experienced Boma. Like it, but won't eat there this trip (unless for breakfast?) My DH is impressed with the gift shop. He loves shopping in WDW! What other amenities of this hotel should I not miss out on? Can't wait to hear your opinions!

Thanks so much

 

[sjw4870]

In my opinion, AKL and WL are very similar. I like them both, but prefer AKL. The rooms are almost identical (just different decor) and the lobby area reminds me of WL too. Both have great gift shops. I think the pool is better at AKL (though I miss the marina at WL). Mara is bigger and has a better selection that Roaring Forks. Even though AKL might be further out, I think the transportation is better because you're not sharing a bus with another resort.

A lot of why I like AKL has to do with how much I like animals. I'll spend a lot of time on my balcony just staring out onto the savannah. Even though I think you said you are booked in a standard room, there are plenty of places to view the animals.

 

[momx2]

I've stayed at both and prefer AKL over WL. But it is because with 2 small kids we like the pool much more. I found the CMs to be much friendlier when I stayed at AKL 2x. The first time at AKL, I booked standard room and was upgraded to savannah. I was thrilled. The second time I booked pool view (because I wanted pool view) and was again upgraded to savannah view. I hesititated, but then took it and glad I did. For some reason, I thought I would have prefered pool view, but really enjoyed the upgrade. I think Mara is okay. Nothing to write home about, but not bad. I love the bar, Victoria Falls. Transportation was prompt most of the time. I just love the feel of AKL. I feel like I'm on a tropical island somewhere.

Now, this time my DH wants to stay at WL to be closer to everything, plus we plan on going in February, when the pool isn't as important.

I don't think you can go wrong with AKL. I think it is my favorite resort so far.

 

[GEM]

Well, I can't tell you that you will like AKL better . . .

But I believe that if you love WL you will also love AKL. At least that was definately the case for us!

We have stayed at many, many resorts and these are our two very favorite. The themes at both are just so amazing! For me, WL still gets a slight edge for the boat ride to the MK in the mornings - but it's only a slight edge.

Some magical things about AKL -

Room service breakfast on your savannah view balcony.

Sitting by the outdoor firepit in the evenings.

Geting up in the middle of the night to go tot the bathroom and seeing zebras playing in the moonlight.

Talking to the cast members from Africa.

Eating at Jiko, our new favorite restaurant at WDW. (But Artist Point is still our second favorite . . . )

Anyway, have fun!

 

[kwdietrich1]

Wow! Thank you for your responses. You are getting me really excited about our stay there! Can anyone tell me about the storytelling? Is it geared more for kids or will us big 'kids' enjoy it as well? Does the Mara have hot cocoa for sitting around the fireplace? We'll be there for Christmas, so this would be a nice tradition. We dined at Boma for Christmas last year, and I am excited to see the Decorations again. I heard that the deluxes leave a little something from Santa on the doors on Christmas. Is this true. Unfortunately we didn't experience this at The Dolphin last year.

Thanks again!

 

[GEM]

The story at the firepit is a traditional African folktale. DH and I really enjoyed it very much. It is definately something that guests of all ages will enjoy. Plan to get there early enough to get one of the rocking chairs!


Oh, another thing we really enjoyed were the different tours. We did the culinary tour, which was great. We got to sample some items off the Jiko and Boma menus while we learned about African cuisine. We also really loved the Cultural Safari tour, which shows and explains a lot of the wonderful African art and artifacts on display in the lobby. We also attended a presentation on South Africa given by one of the CMs from there. It took place in the Sunset room and included all sorts of information, slides, pictures, articfacts, etc. It was really cool! They do all these things at different times during the week and all are free. Just show up.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Sounds great! Thanks!

 

[Disney Girl #1]

It may be true that I am not a world traveler and that I have limited funds, that being said the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the nicest resort I've ever stayed at. The beautiful african animals are the key reason I love it so much. It's almost like Disney put a theme park and resort all in one. As you can tell I am a great animal lover. I enjoy talking to the Native African CM's on the Savanah's at the AKL to hear their stories of Africa and experiences with animals there. It seems they come to the AKL through an exchange program for a few months and then return to Africa. Where else but Africa can you get an experience like this? One suggestion I have is to take a camera with a high zoom lense on it. It really helps get the animals close up as if you were standing right by them. Also you may want to take binoculars to see some of the animals that have moved farther off. Some species seem to be a little shy like the Thompson's Gazelle. Others like the Zebra and Giraffe are not shy at all and will come right up close to you. Early morning and early afternoon are the best times for viewing them. I know you'll have a wonderful time. I'm going back in November and can't wait!!

 

[loriwvu]

We have stayed at WL twice and the AKL once. We are returning to AKL in Oct. and prefer it over WL. I think the AKL is more relaxing where as WL has more of a "happy camper" feel. I think it may depend on what type of "theming" you prefer as well. The animals are kind of secondary to us as our kids much prefer to swim in the pool than look at the animals. AKL seemed much less crowded to us especially the pool. We love the AKL pool with the zero entry. It seems so much larger than WL. I agree that the transportation is just as good at AKL if not better.

Lori

 

[litlpixie]

Another vote for AKL!! Stayed at both and preferred AKL 10X more!!! The pool, the scenery, I've gone on and on so many times about the place on these boards so I wont do it again, promise. But AKL is our fave so far!!!

 

[CindyAnn]

I think WL and AKL are similar enough in feeling that most people who enjoy one of them really enjoy the other one, too. We like Mara better than Roaring Forks (it has lots more eating space). Even if you didn't enjoy dinner at Boma I think you should give the breakfast a try. Many of the items are standard breakfast fare, and the Frunch (fruit drink) is delicious. I'm not sure if you'll have children along, but decorating the animal shaped cookies is lots of fun, and so is learning how to track the animals.

IMHO, one of WDW's very best views is to sit outside at the firepit at night, and look back into the lodge with the Christmas tree all lit up. It's breathtaking.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[tripplanner]

I'm still not sure which of these I like better, but I will say the WL and AKL are definitely my favorites. We tend to lean toward WL just because of the boats to the campground, Contemporary, and Magic Kingdom.

Now for why we love AKL....

The animals, the animals, the animals. What more can I say on this subject.

We also really loved Mara. It's much better than WL's roaring forks. We ate many more cheaper meals at AKL because we would tend to go to Mara instead of other higher priced places. When we stay at WL, we only eat breakfast at Roaring Forks and end up eating at the more expensive Whispering Canyon.

We're pretty adventurous eaters, but Boma at night was disapointing to our family. I would highly recommend breakfast at Boma. We ate their more than once for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The CM's are friendlier at AKL. We had a lot of conversations with different CM's at AKL. I can't remember that occuring often at WL. We enjoyed the story telling by the campfire and loved the night vision goggles that we were allowed to look through to see the animals at night. We were all fascinated with the facts told to us by the CM available at the animal viewing area.

The resort is gorgeous. It is similar to the WL, but it has many unique features. We spent time by the indoor fire pit, on the different observation decks, and simply loved the pool and pool slide.

There is no doubt that you will have a great time!!!

 

[old lost boy]

If you like WL you'll like AKL. The feel is similar. I think it depends how much of an animal person you are. I prefer WL but AKL is my second choice. They both have superb theming, excellent food and beatiful surroundings. The rest is just personal preference.

 

[DISNEYBIGGDOGG]

kwdietrich1, what the heck is that on your picture. Looks great.

 

[Esmerelda]

Do they have coffemakers in the rooms or can you request one at AKL? I have to have my morning coffee...


Esmerelda

 

[kwdietrich1]

Originally posted by DISNEYBIGGDOGG
kwdietrich1, what the heck is that on your picture. Looks great.

It's a white chocolate Mickey with Strawberries It was a delicious anniversary surprise that I preordered at the Cali Grill!



I second Esmerelda's question about the coffee makers. Do the AKL souvenir refillable mugs come in two sizes?

Thanks so much for all your responses