WL or AKL

[brownhouse]

Hi all of you smart people!! We have a vacation booked the first week of Dec at the WL. We hear it's very beautiful at Christmas and this is probably the only chance for years we'll get to go during the Christmas holiday. HOWEVER...with the codes and maybe even renting points from a DVC member we can stay just as long for about $1000 less!!!! We can handle the higher price for the WL but is it really worth it???? Now we're starting to think we'll just visit the Lodge and have a meal there or something...WHAT SHOULD WE DO???? Other resorts that we can get cheaper include Saratogo Springs...a one bedroom villa and a studio at OKW. We have 2 daughters ages 5 and 8 who have never been before. We'll also be driving down so transportation is not really a issue...I don't think! WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS as I need to nail this down and start trying to make some dinner reservations. Oh...that's another thing...if we take a villa we are also considering not purchasing the dining plan. THANKS!

 

[BrianD]

I would pick the AKL and save the $1000. Both resorts are equally nice. AKL has the animals, but WL has the lake and the boat to MK. Those are the main differences. But the rooms are the same size with the same bedding cofigurations.

 

[LilGMom]

Tough one!!! We really like both resorts. A few things to consider would be location. You know the saying "Location, location, location"? Well this might apply and affect your decision. Even though you are driving down, as do we, being able to hop on a boat and take a short boatride from the WL to get to MK and then hop onto the monorail for Epcot is nice. It is extra nice with little ones if you are planning on attending MMVMCP. Both resorts have "homey" feels to them due to their earthy toned decor but I will say that the WL takes on an even more magical "homey" feel when decorated for the holidays. I am a little biased since we've stayed there during the holidays before but haven't stayed at AKL during the holidays (yet).

Another thing to consider is the on-going construction right now at AKL. The main buildlings shouldn't be affected too much by it come December but you might still see some and I know some people don't want to see that while on vacation.

I really don't think you'd be disappointed in either resort and even though I really love the WL, I think I'd go with saving $1000 and stay at AKL which is just as beautiful.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[pixiemel]

Having stayed at both, I much prefer AKL. It is beautiful, and the benefit of seeing the animals is just amazing!
We had breakfast every morning with the animals right off our balcony! And all the times we were in our room, we were constantly entertained by them. The transportation from there was never crowded, and it only takes a few minutes to get to AK! Boma is a fantastic restaurant as well. We just loved all the theming!

 

[kapoof]

i have stayed at wl and last trip we visisted the akl. i prefer the akl, it is sooo cool!

 

[MinnieCandi]

$1000 is alot of money, even if you don't need it! I would do AK and use the money for something else. You could take your two DD's to BBB and still have some left over to use Simba's Club for one night and have an adult only meal at Jiko!

Have a great vacation whatever you choose!

 

[kimberh]

If you are staying at AKV's you will have a brand new room! They are beautiful! I love both lodges. I have stayed at AKL during the holiday season. It is beautiful. I hope that you will have a Savanna room. They are awesome! We love WL too. For a $1000.00 savings, I would go with the newly decorated room and the money.

 

[sarcasticfiesta]

I would go with AKL

 

[serendipity]

I think I can actually really help with this one. Last year my DH and I stayed at AKL and WL split during the holiday season. This may be something to consider.

However, if you definitely want to choose I would say go for AKL. Seeing the animals is wonderful and the cozy fire place there is amazing. Additionally you can always have meals at WL. There will be Christmas all around you, trust me. I know the WL seems a bit more Christmas- but trust me, you'll have it at AKL as well!