WL and AKL Review

[ufgator]

I only stayed at WL 1 night on June 5th. We were driving back from vacation in Virginia and decided to stop there that day. Our first vacation that's not Disney in a year and we end up stopping there after all. This was our first stay there. The girl who checked us in was really nice and she gave us a free upgrade to courtyard view - we could see the pool and the lagoon. Room 5057. We were thrilled; I always read about others getting upgrades, but we've never gotten anything like that and we go a lot (this was our 5th time there since Oct. 04). The resort was busy, and the staff was friendly. I noticed there was not a fridge - I thought that was odd. We enjoyed watching the geyser go off from the hot tub and just sitting on the balcony in the morning. We watched the electrical parade - I saw the dolphins, dragon, octopus, dinosaur, and a few others that I can't remember right now. We didn't arrive til the evening and left in the morning so it was a short trip. We enjoyed our stay and would like to try it again. It didn't wow us but we weren't there long enough to fully enjoy it. It just gives us another excuse to go back.

We stayed at AKL in March and I never got around to writing a review so it's not as fresh in my mind. We loved AKL. We had a sunset savannah view in Room 4355. We had a pretty expansive view, but it was a long walk from the lobby. The man at check in was nice, esp. considering we didn't check in til 1 am, and moved us to this room to try to give us a better savannah view. I didn't think I'd be so fascinated by seeing the animals from our room but I was. I loved sitting out on the balcony watching them. It was neat being able to sit the animals at all hours from your room (except for the times they go on break). I thought the rooms were smaller compared to other deluxes (or maybe the furniture was just big). We had a fridge. Mousekeeping was fine but no towel animals. I thought the buses were good. We used them only one day to Magic Kingdom, but it was faster than I thought. We drove to Epcot the other day; we had to be there early for the teddy bear convention and the desk told us buses weren't running yet - they were running we found out when we got there. We did the night vision goggles, which was neat. You could really see the animals clearly. We also did the culinary tour in Jiko. They tell you about the restaurant and a chef tells your about the menu items. Then they give you some samples to eat. The resort has so many activities. We weren't able to tell the storytelling by the fire - there's always next time. It is far from everything but it's worth it. Overall we loved the resort and will stay again.

Hope this helps.

 

[pennyplanner]

Ufgator,

What time did you check into WL? Our flight arrives at MCO at 9:30 p.m. and I am concerned about our somewhat late arrival. Lots of people on this board say that late arrivals don't get the best rooms. How wonderful for you to get upgraded!!!

Thanks for posting. (Loved your AP review over on the Restaurant Board!)

--penny

 

[ufgator]

I think around 6:30 or 7. I've heard that too about not getting good rooms late. I think it is true to a certain extent. There are less rooms available later, but rooms are already booked. We checked in late at AKL (1 am and it was busy time) and the guy moved us to a better savannah view. I think it depends on what day you're checking in and if busy time of year and person checking you in. When are you going? If you don't like your room and there is nothing else left that night, ask to switch rooms the next day. We stayed at Poly, didn't like room (we checked in around 6), and asked to be moved and we were. I'm glad you liked my review. I hope you have a great time!

 

[Cass]

Hi there, thanks for the reviews... I thought it was cute when you said the 'animals go on breaks'

I found the rooms at WL way smaller than at AKL- did you think WL rooms were bigger?

 

[JESW]

Glad to hear that you had a good time! We will be staying at the WL (2 nights) for the first time in August. We will also be staying at the AKL 2nights) for the second time - beautiful resort! (And then on to the BWI for 5 nights..)

Jill

 

[pennyplanner]

Ufgator,
We are checking in the Friday before Thanksgiving and then departing the Friday after Thanksgiving. Since we are a late arrival and the MYD plan is based on the nights you stay, we are booked for one night. Then our "real" ie. tickets/dining plan reservation kicks in the next day.

On a solo trip in April 2004, I was assigned a room that was rather isolated and I was moved to another room at my request. It was also an upgrade from woods to courtyard but I did not request that! They were very agreeable to the change. I am not shy about speaking up! I just felt I would be uncomfortable having to walk to my room late at night via a number of hallways when I was by myself.

I am hopeful that it will still be early enough in the holiday week to get a room that fits our needs.

Thanks for the info!
--penny