VWL or AKL

[ariel1025]

Hello, I know this is completely a matter of opinion, but opinions are what I am looking for

My Husband and I (along with his parents) are currently booked for 8 nights at AKL (Jambo) in a studio and a one bedroom Savannah View in September. We are also on the waitlist for the studio on club level (but I'm not holding my breath). However, my Husband now is thinking that he wants to switch to VWL at the 7 month mark because we spent our honeymoon last year at the Wilderness Lodge (regular room - club level).

My question is for anybody who has stayed at either one (or both): What was your opinion on the rooms? Also, for those that stayed at AKL what was your opinion of the hotel as a whole?

This is our first stay as DVC members and we aren't sure what to do yet

TIA for all your help!

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Our first stay at VWL is coming up in June so I really can't comment on that.

But we Stayed and got my DM and DsF some Sudios at AKV last July and I have to say we were all deeply impressed with the entire resort. It is now our 2nd Fav closely behind BCV (sab hugh for us).

I would think travel time if going to all the parks would be about even so that's a wash and I have to admit ( didn't think we would like it as much as we did) that waking up to and going home to Animals outside our room and the resort was just not to be missed.

We did a split stay and came from BWV and couldn't believe the differences in the CMs at the 2 AKV was top notch after a disappointing BWV stay.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Our first stay at VWL is coming up in June so I really can't comment on that.

But we Stayed and got my DM and DsF some Sudios at AKV last July and I have to say we were all deeply impressed with the entire resort. It is now our 2nd Fav closely behind BCV (sab hugh for us).

I would think travel time if going to all the parks would be about even so that's a wash and I have to admit ( didn't think we would like it as much as we did) that waking up to and going home to Animals outside our room and the resort was just not to be missed.

We did a split stay and came from BWV and couldn't believe the differences in the CMs at the 2 AKV was top notch after a disappointing BWV stay.

Hi Neighbor!! I just have to pipe in here a second and say that I would not purchase a resort based on the CM's attitude. They come and go....some have good days, some bad. Time of year plays a big part on their attitude.....they are simply people picked out from our society to work at Disney. I don't expect them to give me any more "magic" than a regular employee. I think too much emphasis is put on the "CM's" demeanor. Its great when they go out of their way to please, but I don't think we as members should be expecting this each and every visit.

 

[spiceycat]

hey sold my OKW because of several problems with CM's not to mention managers.

to OP questions.

both are nice resorts - love them both.

as far as parks - do you prefer the MK or AK?

would let that be your guide.

that say the bus transportation at AKL was pretty bad - went 3 times - the last time didn't go to the parks.

AKL has one of the best lobbies at WDW. it is beautiful - but so is WL.

now love Boma - whispering Canyon while more fun - can't compare to Boma.

hard decision - both have nice pools - but remember there is only the one at AKL (until Kidani is up and going) and they have unscheduled lifeguard stuff and will close the pool for hours.

never been order out of a pool - so that left a bad taste for AKL pool.

if this was in the schedule/calendar/activities would not object - it was NOT. Hopefully this has changed.

WL pool is smaller - but also busier.

 

[bobbiwoz]

With his parents and the savannah view, I would stick with AKV. There are adult activities at AKV, the cultural talk by a CM that takes place around 8PM, and in the afternoon, there's a nice tour of Jiko's and Boma. I love watching the animals.

During the 8 night visit, I would also go over to visit the WL, take a bike ride, eat at Artist Point, maybe rent the little boats. However, I would stay at AKV. Kidani will be opened by September, so AKV has the added attraction of another resort right there.

I've stayed at AKV and have not encountered any bad bus rides/waits. I sort of chill out on the buses, chat with people or enjoy the scenery. I've talked to people who hate the "remoteness" of AKV, I'm surprised by that attitude, I just don't see it that way.

Bobbi

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think the parents will enjoy the AKV amenities and views as well as the fact that it is such a destination in itself. I'd stick with AKV this time and maybe plan on VWL next time when it is the two of you and you can recreate your "romantic" memory of your honeymoon.

AKV and VWL were designed by the same achitects, so there are some real similarities. I choose AKV over VWL because I live in my own "Wildnerness Lodge", and AKV gives me lots of things I can't get at home.

 

[ariel1025]

Our first stay at VWL is coming up in June so I really can't comment on that.

But we Stayed and got my DM and DsF some Sudios at AKV last July and I have to say we were all deeply impressed with the entire resort. It is now our 2nd Fav closely behind BCV (sab hugh for us).

I would think travel time if going to all the parks would be about even so that's a wash and I have to admit ( didn't think we would like it as much as we did) that waking up to and going home to Animals outside our room and the resort was just not to be missed.

We did a split stay and came from BWV and couldn't believe the differences in the CMs at the 2 AKV was top notch after a disappointing BWV stay.

Thank you for all your input I guess, maybe, I'm just nervous about trying somewhere new because we loved the Wilderness Lodge so much. With that being said I'm sure I would end up loving AKV because of the animalsn and I do want to try all the resorts eventually. Also, thank you for commenting on the travel time. This is probably my biggest concern. I have to admit I liked having the option of the boat to MK and the ability to take the boat to Contemporary and grab the monorail to Epcot. Hmmm what to do? What to do? Thanks again for your input.

Hi Neighbor!! I just have to pipe in here a second and say that I would not purchase a resort based on the CM's attitude. They come and go....some have good days, some bad. Time of year plays a big part on their attitude.....they are simply people picked out from our society to work at Disney. I don't expect them to give me any more "magic" than a regular employee. I think too much emphasis is put on the "CM's" demeanor. Its great when they go out of their way to please, but I don't think we as members should be expecting this each and every visit.

Sadly, good service doesn't always happen. I just try to hope for the best and count my blessings when they go over the top helping me out

hey sold my OKW because of several problems with CM's not to mention managers.

to OP questions.

both are nice resorts - love them both.

as far as parks - do you prefer the MK or AK?

would let that be your guide.

that say the bus transportation at AKL was pretty bad - went 3 times - the last time didn't go to the parks.

AKL has one of the best lobbies at WDW. it is beautiful - but so is WL.

now love Boma - whispering Canyon while more fun - can't compare to Boma.

hard decision - both have nice pools - but remember there is only the one at AKL (until Kidani is up and going) and they have unscheduled lifeguard stuff and will close the pool for hours.

never been order out of a pool - so that left a bad taste for AKL pool.

if this was in the schedule/calendar/activities would not object - it was NOT. Hopefully this has changed.

WL pool is smaller - but also busier.

Thank you for commenting on so many aspects of the resorts. What worries me the most is the bus system, which you have expressed bad experience with The pool is a toss up (we will probably swim but I know his parents won't). I do love the idea of Boma being right there though

With his parents and the savannah view, I would stick with AKV. There are adult activities at AKV, the cultural talk by a CM that takes place around 8PM, and in the afternoon, there's a nice tour of Jiko's and Boma. I love watching the animals.

During the 8 night visit, I would also go over to visit the WL, take a bike ride, eat at Artist Point, maybe rent the little boats. However, I would stay at AKV. Kidani will be opened by September, so AKV has the added attraction of another resort right there.

I've stayed at AKV and have not encountered any bad bus rides/waits. I sort of chill out on the buses, chat with people or enjoy the scenery. I've talked to people who hate the "remoteness" of AKV, I'm surprised by that attitude, I just don't see it that way.

Bobbi

Thanks for your opinions! I'm so glad you mentioned some of the things to do at AKV as we will not spend all day at the parks each day. Would you mind elaborating more on Artist Point? This is one of the restaurants that we are talking about going to.

I think the parents will enjoy the AKV amenities and views as well as the fact that it is such a destination in itself. I'd stick with AKV this time and maybe plan on VWL next time when it is the two of you and you can recreate your "romantic" memory of your honeymoon.

AKV and VWL were designed by the same achitects, so there are some real similarities. I choose AKV over VWL because I live in my own "Wildnerness Lodge", and AKV gives me lots of things I can't get at home.

Oh wow, I did not realize that they had the same architects, that makes me even more interested in seeing AKV. I absolutely LOVED the architecture of the WL. Thanks for your feedback