WL or AKL ?

[KELLY]

Title says it all.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Wilderness Lodge, location mainly and better theming.

 

[markm0926]

We have stayed at both.

My quick pick would be AKL for its uniqueness.
Just have to try it at least once.

 

[KELLY]

Stayed at Wl in 2004. Never at AKl. I have 2 girls under 3. We wil be going during free dining. We are booked at POFQ.

 

[Crisgw]

We were planning on staying at WL first and then changed to POFQ then to AKL (and now Poly and NOT changing!) and I'd pick WL if you plan on doing more days at MK but the theming of AKL appeals to me more than WL

 

[beansmom]

AKL hands down...I love the ambience and the uniqueness of it.

 

[Luv4Disney]

We couldn't decide so we're doing AKL in December and WL next May.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would say go with the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Knavey]

Our last 3 trips have been AKL. Never have done WL but our next trip in Nov will be at WL. I will let you know then.

Our AKL trip reports:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1712874

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1783290

They might help you decide if you want to stay at AKL.

 

[disneymath]

Loved WL ... but decided we wanted to do all the resorts that appeal to us before we do repeat visits ... loved the feel of AKL when visiting for dinner at Boma, so that's where we're staying this time. Don't think you can go wrong with either ... the WL is closer to the MK though.

 

[EnnEss]

For me, depends if you've been there before. WL is really nice for a first trip as its within sight of the MK. Thats not so important in later trips, or i dont find the impact as large and AKL is a very nice resort with so much to see and do.

 

[vbilello]

Just back from a split stay- 3 nights WL, 4 nights AKL. My thoughts-

WL:
-Loved the convenience of boat to MK with 2 little girls
-Theming is very nice- great pool, lots to look at- waterfalls, geyser, bunnies & ducks...
-Really enjoyed convenience to Fort Wilderness (walked there for HDD, boat ride back)
-Courtyard view was very nice- saw fireworks at MK, electric boat show
-Room size just fine for family of four with two little ones
-very unimpressed with Artist Point- overpriced & loud, buffalo & salmon not at ALL cooked as they stated (both way overcooked)
-lunch at Whispering Canyon was worst meal of 8 day trip- food fine, but service horrendous(took us 85 minutes for my daughter's hamburger to arrive!) -pretty hard to enjoy the "antics" when you are absolutely starving!
-Roaring Forks is fine for quick service


AKL:
-Distance to parks not a problem for us b/c we had a car: we were in Epcot & HS in less than 20 minutes & AK in probably 10. MK is a bit more b/c of change at TTC, but really very easy
-If we were reliant on disney transport, I would feel differently about ease of getting to places. The one night we decided to leave kids with grandparents and head to DD it took 70 minutes to get there We drove there in less than 10 the next day!
-absolutely LOVE the theming- great activities for kids (bead activities, crafts were wonderful), beautiful & peaceful grounds.
-views of animals from savannah rooms are incredible- great way to end or start the day. Compared to the hectic nature of the courtyard view of WL this was wonderful (also my 2 year old did not beg to go to the pool every 10 minutes like she did at WL because she was looking at it every time out the window.
-pool area is great, loved the playground & secluded hot tubs, zero entry very nice
-Boma has great, diverse food in a casual environment where 2 year olds can throw a tantrum and you will be fine
-Jiko is our favorite restaurant onsite, bar none- can't be missed! Incredible, interesting food & wine, peaceful & romantic
-Mara was fine for quick service meals

Overall, the split stay was great for us- it was nice to be so close to MK at WL, but AKL is AMAZING! Even though it is much bigger than WL, AKL seemed more intimate and everything seemed closer- maybe it was because of our room location? I definitely felt the service was better at AKL. Don't know if I need to go back to WL- would like to try Beach Club next time, but we love AKL so much we are considerin buying into the AKL villas!

Hope this helps!

 

[Atchley]

Staying at WL in July. DH loved the look of it. We also like that it is located next to the MK. That said, I actually prefer the look of AKL. I look forward to staying there someday.

 

[polyfan60]

We have stayed at both also. They are both wonderful resorts but the Animal Kingdom Lodge is our favorite. There are great restaurants, a BEAUTIFUL lobby, wonderful atmosphere, and lots of things to do (especially animal-watching). Just keep in mind it is a little far from the rest of the World and buses sometimes aren't the best. The Wilderness Lodge also has many great things but lacks a little of the Disney magic of the AKL for me. But they are both good choices, so it is your pick!

 

[kaysmommie]

I have stayed at WL and we liked it. But if I could convince my DH to try AKL I would love to stay there. The theme is just amazing, and the restaurants and grounds. We have had dinner here and I thought it was awesome! I know my kids would love it.

 

[redc]

Have stayed at both in prior lives.
Going again with my new lady in Aug...with kids...

WL is the choice.

 

[las3888]

Title says it all.

AKL...answer says it all!

 

[Mom2Evie]

I've been sitting here this evening, struggling with the same question, so I'm really interested in all the responses. Looking at the pictures, WL looks more beautiful to me and it's proximity to MK & Epcot are really tempting. I couldn't eally find many pictures of the views at AKL, animals or anything. The downside is that WL looks at lot like the Great Wolf Lodge that we have here in Williamsburg, VA. I want this vacation to be obviously a Disney trip and not remind us constantly of the resort close to home. Will the WL do that for us? As you can see from my signature, we're usually a Value family, but circumstances have changed for us and we can afford a bigger, better resort now. Help me!!

 

[thesupersmartguy]

Go for AKL.