WL CL or AKL CL

[CT Disney]

We are trying to decide between WL CL and AKL CL for an 8 - 10 night trip in early August. I am really stuck as to which would be better for our family (me, DH, DD13 and DS10).

We have never stayed at AKL. We did stay at WL once when the kids were younger, but not CL.

We will have a car for this trip. We aren't that interested in doing a split stay - I like to unpack and make ourselves at home. We have been to WDW many times and this will be our first August trip. We don't plan on braving the parks during the heat of the day. This trip will be more resort / pool / pin trading / relaxing focused.

These are the pros and cons as I see them, and from what I've read on the DIS:

- Sounds like WL CL may get the nod over AKL CL in terms of food and variety of offerings.

- Sound like better pools at AKL. We are specifically interested in a good slide for the kids and lots of shade for the August heat.

- Theme of WL appeals to us more. We have stayed twice at YC and love being close to the water. The barren savanna at AKL does not appeal to us as much, especially in HOT August. But, I think the kids will like the animals.

- Coffee - Sounds like AKL gets the nod here. I believe AKL CL has an espresso maker which would make my husband very happy.

- Balcony - The enclosed balconies at WL don't appeal to us at all. We enjoy sitting out on the balcony with a drink in the mornings and evenings. Although the heat in August may make this less of a factor.

So, let me know what you think! If you've stayed at WL CL or AKL CL I'd love to hear your impressions. For those that have stayed both, which did you prefer?

Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are trying to decide between WL CL and AKL CL for an 8 - 10 night trip in early August. I am really stuck as to which would be better for our family (me, DH, DD13 and DS10).

We have never stayed at AKL. We did stay at WL once when the kids were younger, but not CL.

We will have a car for this trip. We aren't that interested in doing a split stay - I like to unpack and make ourselves at home. We have been to WDW many times and this will be our first August trip. We don't plan on braving the parks during the heat of the day. This trip will be more resort / pool / pin trading / relaxing focused.

These are the pros and cons as I see them, and from what I've read on the DIS:

- Sounds like WL CL may get the nod over AKL CL in terms of food and variety of offerings.

- Sound like better pools at AKL. We are specifically interested in a good slide for the kids and lots of shade for the August heat.

- Theme of WL appeals to us more. We have stayed twice at YC and love being close to the water. The barren savanna at AKL does not appeal to us as much, especially in HOT August. But, I think the kids will like the animals.

- Coffee - Sounds like AKL gets the nod here. I believe AKL CL has an espresso maker which would make my husband very happy.

- Balcony - The enclosed balconies at WL don't appeal to us at all. We enjoy sitting out on the balcony with a drink in the mornings and evenings. Although the heat in August may make this less of a factor.

So, let me know what you think! If you've stayed at WL CL or AKL CL I'd love to hear your impressions. For those that have stayed both, which did you prefer?

Thanks!

We've stayed at both, but have only experienced CL at the WL, which I must say is amazing!!! The food offerings are great, the lounge is nice with plenty of seating, and the CMs are awesome. With that said, I have read nothing but great things about AKL CL. The lounges in both are set up in much the same way with the seating being arranged around the railing overlooking the lobby (which is one of the many things I love about WL CL). We like both resorts equally and enjoyed everything about both places including the pool/slide, CS/TS options, and atmosphere. With all of that said, you really can't go wrong with either one as they are both great places to stay and although we haven't tried CL at AKL, it is on our list.

 

[akl-fan]

I love AKL club level but it is only for those who like spicy indian/african foods. If your kids are picky then go with WL.
If you have eaten in Jiko before and like the faire then it may well be for you. The savannah is not barren it August, it is lush and the animals are fantastic. There is also a great kids club and loads of activities for kids around the resort.

 

[CT Disney]

I love AKL club level but it is only for those who like spicy indian/african foods. If your kids are picky then go with WL.
If you have eaten in Jiko before and like the faire then it may well be for you. The savannah is not barren it August, it is lush and the animals are fantastic. There is also a great kids club and loads of activities for kids around the resort.

The bolded part of your quote is what makes me a little nervous. Can you elaborate or give a few examples? I am assuming that the spicy foods mainly make an appearance during the evening hot appetizers? We are not the most adventurous eaters.

 

[jimim]

We are trying to decide between WL CL and AKL CL for an 8 - 10 night trip in early August. I am really stuck as to which would be better for our family (me, DH, DD13 and DS10).

We have never stayed at AKL. We did stay at WL once when the kids were younger, but not CL.

We will have a car for this trip. We aren't that interested in doing a split stay - I like to unpack and make ourselves at home. We have been to WDW many times and this will be our first August trip. We don't plan on braving the parks during the heat of the day. This trip will be more resort / pool / pin trading / relaxing focused.

These are the pros and cons as I see them, and from what I've read on the DIS:

- Sounds like WL CL may get the nod over AKL CL in terms of food and variety of offerings.

- Sound like better pools at AKL. We are specifically interested in a good slide for the kids and lots of shade for the August heat.

- Theme of WL appeals to us more. We have stayed twice at YC and love being close to the water. The barren savanna at AKL does not appeal to us as much, especially in HOT August. But, I think the kids will like the animals.

- Coffee - Sounds like AKL gets the nod here. I believe AKL CL has an espresso maker which would make my husband very happy.

- Balcony - The enclosed balconies at WL don't appeal to us at all. We enjoy sitting out on the balcony with a drink in the mornings and evenings. Although the heat in August may make this less of a factor.

So, let me know what you think! If you've stayed at WL CL or AKL CL I'd love to hear your impressions. For those that have stayed both, which did you prefer?

Thanks!

We stayed WL cl. We loved it. Their concierges were awesome. The food was good at night when we ate there before dinners some nights we didn't even end up eating at our ADR's cause we were full. We went for desserts only. WL was awesome about grabbing me blue moon beer cause they didn't have it in the frig at the cl. I never did akl cl I'm hoping to next June with our dvc points.

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[ToyStory3]

I've been trying to decide between AKL, WL or BCR (all club level) for our next trip. The only one we've tried so far is BCR which we absolutely loved. But, I think for our next trip we want to be a little closer to MK. I really want to try AKL someday but the WL is appealing to us most right now. I love the lodge theme and everyone raves about the CL there.

 

[CT Disney]

Thanks for all the great replies!

Can anybody shed some light on the pools at WL vs AKL? Specifically the size of the pool, the slide, and the amount of shade at each? We will be there in August and plan on lots of pool time.

 

[ginerjenny]

One of my favorite things about WL is that it is so close to magic kingdom. We love the boat ride over to MK. The lodge there is so beautiful. That being said we just wanted to try something new this time so we are going to AKL. We have ate at boma there and it was wonderful. It had enough items for the kids.