WL or AKL?

[wynntx]

I posted yesterday asking about AoA or AKL. After talking it over with DH, we decided to go with AKL. I was about to call WDW and change our room, but my DS asked about WL. Which would you chose? I think my DS and DD would love seeing the animals around AKL. We've never been to either so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I posted yesterday asking about AoA or AKL. After talking it over with DH, we decided to go with AKL. I was about to call WDW and change our room, but my DS asked about WL. Which would you chose? I think my DS and DD would love seeing the animals around AKL. We've never been to either so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!

Never stayed at AKL, but just back from 11 days at WL, and we LOVED it!!!! My DH used to want to stay at AKL but now doesn't want to stay anywhere but WL, lol! I did a trip report a little further down the resorts page if you'd like to read it. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the WL!!!!

 

[Jedimike]

Someone asked a similar question (AKL vs WL) about a week ago in this Resort thread, if you want to scroll down a couple pages and look for it.

I stayed at AKL Jambo House and loved it. The theming was great, the rooms were nice, the restaurants were awesome, the animals were a bonus. That being said, I'm going to try to stay at WL in December to just experience it. I'm looking forward to being closer to the monorail resorts.

 

[Singinglizzie]

You are going to find folks on this board that either love WL or AKL (we are AKL lovers) and some that are WL or AKL haters so it's hard to gauge. Both resorts are very lovely and in fact were designed by the same Architect. I think you should decide based on the theme you like best, and look at the pros/cons of each resort, then go with that. Whichever you don't pick you can try next time. IMHO
WL: - nearer MK with boat access, great restaurants.
AKL- two resorts in one (Jambo and Kidani) also great restaurants, animals, unbelievable artwork throughout property, feels more secluded (which we prefer)

Do you feel more like a Mountain vacation or a Safari vacation?

 

[wvulion]

I think it also depends on if you have little kids: WL is great for the campfire stuff and proximity to the MK. That said, having been to both, my five year old niece likes the AKL better because she wants to see animals all the time. It's like a built in babysitter. She just heads to the porch with her toys and camera and goes to town; we sit out there for hours and watch the animals stroll around. Then she goes to the little animal lessons and learns about their teeth, diet, etc. It depends on what your kids are into. They are both lovely resorts.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and although AKL is a great resort, we love the MK area so WL would be our choice . We love having the boat for alternate transportation (although we didn't think the buses at AKL were bad at all), it's great being so close to the monorail resorts for shopping, dining, or just visiting, and walking around the grounds hearing the boat whistles is magical. With all of that said, you really can't go wrong with either one as they are both great places to stay. Good luck .

 

[LBAK]

We've stayed at both and we prefer WL. I like the location better and we also like the theming. I did like the staff better at WL but I think that's a hit or miss and just what your personal experience is.
The animals were fun to watch at AKL and the pool is better if you have little ones.
You can't go wrong, I think it's just personal preferences.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I think either resort would be great!

With that said - AKL AKL AKL! I just think the whole vibe of AKL is so unique and special - just makes it one of a kind of place for me -exceptionally unique.

If you think you will prefer being nearer to MK - then WL might be a better choice for you- both resorts have a wow factor for sure - but I think AKL - with the animals just kind of tips it for me! Double wow!

Whatever you choose enjoy!

 

[LovinPooh]

The only thing that made me consider WL was the boat to MK. thought it would be neat. But we went with AKL. Maybe WL next year. I hate staying at the same place twice.
I was wondering... I had read somewhere that WL didnt have a food court???

 

[CanadianPaco]

The only thing that made me consider WL was the boat to MK. thought it would be neat. But we went with AKL. Maybe WL next year. I hate staying at the same place twice.
I was wondering... I had read somewhere that WL didnt have a food court???

We chose AKL over WL this trip as well and will keep WL on the top of the "next trip" list. I'd like to know the answer to that food court questions...

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We prefer WL ALOT over AKL. Liked the theme and lake surroundings better. The boat option was a BIG + also. Room layout/size are the same but we felt we got more from our stay at WL.

WL had a quick-service dining option when we stayed there. We got some sandwiches to take back to the room.

WL is also a beautiful option for a Xmas visit IMO.

 

[Doc Goofy]

The Roaring Fork has quick pick up to go food but there is no food court.

 

[MinnieSummer]

AKL and WL both have a small counter service restaurant. None of the Deluxe resorts have food courts. AKL has a buffet and a table service restaurant -- both of which are incredible. The pool at AKL is huge and definitely better for families. AKL and WL are both beautiful at Christmas but AKL gets the nod from me for it's traditional look with unique and exotic ornaments. AKL is my "walk in, take a deep breath, and instantly relax" resort.

 

[frankieeyre]

Everyone will have their own opinion! Why not make a list of pros and cons and see?

I have stayed at both and i personally prefer WL! We stayed at AKL and did like it, but didnt love it! Whereas WL we LOVED!

Hope you can decide!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

The only thing that made me consider WL was the boat to MK. thought it would be neat. But we went with AKL. Maybe WL next year. I hate staying at the same place twice.
I was wondering... I had read somewhere that WL didnt have a food court???

None of the deluxes have a food court, like the values and mods. But WL does have a QS place called Roaring Forks.

 

[cjsm&d]

I posted yesterday asking about AoA or AKL. After talking it over with DH, we decided to go with AKL. I was about to call WDW and change our room, but my DS asked about WL. Which would you chose? I think my DS and DD would love seeing the animals around AKL. We've never been to either so I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!

My family likes WL alot more than AKL. If DW and I were doing a couples weekend, AKL would be great for the restaurants and atmosphere, but I wouldn't want to stay there for a week.

We did a split between AKL (4 days) and WL (5 days) one year. When we checked into AKL we were blown away by the lobby, grounds and savannah. Ate at Boma's the first night and it was terrific.

But by the 3rd day we were ready to leave. Once we'd seen the animals for a day or two that was enough of that. The buses seemed to take a long time to the parks and we felt like we were away from the action. There also isn't much to do at this resort since it is surrounded by savannah.

We loved WL right away. The lobby and grounds were also terrific. Ds loved Whispering Canyon, DW and I loved Artiste Point, and I liked the bar here (I like to have an evening cocktail on vaca) better than AKL, because the lounge at AKL was so noisy from the restaurant downstairs.

We loved the boats to Fort Wilderness, Contemporary, and MK. Loved the trails, and pool area. We were not ready to leave after 5 days here!

 

[Carlyzmom]

They both have their good and bad points. AKL is absolutely amazing and seeing the animals is awesome - BUT (there's always a but) the location is a little far out for me. I wasn't crazy about the long bus rides to the MK. If that doesn't matter to you, then I'd say go for it.

 

[tinkmom76]

We have stayed at both and love both. We are staying at WL on our next trip because of its location. We have a four year old so we want to be close to MK because we will spend so much time there. AKL is a wonderful resort to but the only thing I don't like about it is the longer bus rides. I will stay at either one.