WL or AKL ?

[newjmom]

Booked for AK pool view, bunk beds, in Nov., traveling with 3 DK's 2, 5, and 7.

When I called yesterday for something else, for my PIN they offered WL Garden View, 2 Q for $100 more. CRO was really pushing WL for DK's.

Which hotel do you recommend? Looking for comfort (5 in a room) and pool slide (DS's love slides)

TIA,

 

[boomhauer]

I've only visited both (staying at WL in December). I think it's all preference. From what I could tell, both pools were similar. Rooms are same size. Just depends which theme and location you like more.

 

[newjmom]

Thanks, HArd to know which preference we have since haven't visited either, just concerned AKL is too far out transpo wise....

which would you return to?

TIA

 

[boomhauer]

I'd check out some of the pics of the lobby, rooms on allearsnet. That'll give you a good idea.

I chose the WL because I like the theming of it and it's closer to the Magic Kingdom. AKL just didn't do anything for me when I visisted.

 

[jel0511]

I've stayed at both resorts and will be staying at AKV in March, personally I think they're the same places with different themes. I even think the same architect designed them. I like both resorts, but nothing beats being able to see giraffes before going to bed and when you wake up. Since we'll be in the villas, we'll even get to eat with the giraffe view.

 

[stitchlover]

We had a hard time deciding between these two resorts also. But we have never even been over to AKL, so for the next trip we chose WL. I have a feeling the trip in '09 will be AKL.
I think with little ones I would stay at WL because it is closer to MK.

 

[pilferk]

My preference would be AKL.

I love WL, but there is literally no hotel in the US like AKL.

I wouldn't worry too much about tranportation. AKL has the most efficient bus service on property, IMHO. One bus stop, no sharing with other resorts, means that traspo times are not too much longer than most other resorts. WL has a boat to MK, which is nice, but you're on a bus for everything else (and maybe to MK too, depending), just like AKL.

 

[newjmom]

Thanks for the input....I had the sme thoughts...architecture looks similar, and even tho CRO talked up WL boat, still need buses to everything else.

 

[grimley1968]

I'd give some more input if I knew what Garden View was at WL. I've never seen that view at WL, although it is at other resorts, such as Poly. Are you sure you're not referring to woods view? The view can be a big deal to some, and worth varying amounts.

Rooms being equal (and inside they pretty much are), I'd choose WL. We just like having at least one non-bus mode of transportation somewhere, and WL has the boats to MK. Also, the theming of WL is incredible, IMO.

 

[WDW Lover]

My favorite resort is WL... but in your situation I would go with AKL. We are DVC members at both resorts and it is not worth paying extra for a garden view room at WL. The garden view means you look at the trees. I can't believe it costs more to get that vs. AKL.

We just stayed at the AKL a few weeks ago - great trip. We had our neice staying with us and it was a ton of fun for her there. There are lots of activities for kids to do there, and even though you won't have a savannah view room, you will have plenty of opportunities to go out and sit on a balcony and just watch the animals - kids love it!

Pools are similar, architecture is similar (and yes designed by the same person), but for the experience, AKL would be more memorable.

My brother-in-law did the 5 person thing with his kids on the bunk bed room (2 adults, 3 small kids) and they didn't have a problem... they made a temporary sleep area for the youngest on the floor (also 2 at the time) and he didn't mind a bit. You could also do the head-toe sleeping arrangement with the 2 youngest (at those ages, their legs fit pretty easily in the middle with their heads on either end). It wouldn't really make much of a difference getting 2 queen beds a WL - you instead get 3 kids struggling over who is going to sleep in which part of the bed ("no, I'm not sleeping in the middle, you sleep in the middle. No, I don't want that side, you sleep on that side" etc.) Kids think bunk beds are much cooler than regular beds, too. If you are lucky, you might get upgraded to a savannah view! On 3 separate stays there we did... as did my bro-in-law with his bunk-bed room!

 

[newjmom]

I'd give some more input if I knew what Garden View was at WL. I've never seen that view at WL, although it is at other resorts, such as Poly. Are you sure you're not referring to woods view? The view can be a big deal to some, and worth varying amounts.


woops, mea culpa Grimley, I meant Courtyard view........

 

[Mrs.Mouse]

I'd stick with the AKL - you already have the bunkbeds and your kids will love that... not to mention getting to see the animals upclose... for young kids AKL beats WL all to pieces imho. There's not a lot of differances - but bunkbeds and animals are what kids are all about.

Not to mention you're saving some $$. I agree that the bus system at the AKL is top notch. One stop bus route. Definately faster than WL.

 

[newjmom]

WDW lover, thanks, sopunds like you've shared a bed with my kids.........lol

 

[grimley1968]

We have a WL stay booked for this October, which I only booked a few months ago, our 3rd stay at WL. I also just got on Disney's website and did a quote for a room in 2008. Nowhere in the past, or on today's quote on Disney's own website, have I seen a category for "garden view" at WL.

Yes, there is a woods view category, which is what we booked this year, as it's still a terrific view, in most cases.

Before assuming the "garden view" room is actually a woods view room, I think the OP should clear it up. It's very difficult to comment about a room category that we don't know exists.

If it's woods view, I'd still go with WL. I'd much rather see WL's woods, and possibly be high enough to see some fireworks, than AKL's pool, and have to take the bus everywhere.

 

[grimley1968]

Ahh, the OP cleared it up while I was typing the last post.

Courtyard view (pool, geyser and Bay Lake view) at WL versus pool view at AKL? I'd pick courtyard at WL every time, not only for the view, but also having a boat ride available to MK.

 

[fishermouse]

Normally I would say AKL but only if you can get savanna view also there is still a fair amount of construction going on at AKL. They are doing a good job of keeping it from annoying guest but some noise and and inconvienence is inevitable. IMO go for WL this time, AKL should be back to normal next year.

 

[newjmom]

Thanks Grimley, Didn't realize courtyard was pool, geyse and Lake.....much nicer wiew than it sounds......

 

[newjmom]

Thanks Fishermouse, DId you stay at akl there recently and have a prob with construction? Any AKL tips if I stay there, such as trail etc.? TIA