WL or AKL??

[onceuponadream]

Here's what we're debating (me, DH, kids 11, 8, 7, 4 MIL and FIL):

How is the WL pool? We have read about AKL's pool and it looks fabulous...love the zero entry and medium sized slide (good for all our kids not just the big ones or little ones)!

How does the transportation compare between the two resorts? We're used to a moderate (and found transportation to be fine with the exception of too many bus stops at CBR but that's not Disney's fault..we knew that when we booked) so not sure what to expect with a deluxe. We're a little worried about the boat launch to MK..does it run in all weather and is it really slow?

I've read a lot about the dining options and they seem similar (in quality).

Is the only real difference the theming and all else is equal?

I know everyone has their favorites but has anyone been to both and can recommend one or the other. We're hoping to split a stay between either WL or AKL and CSR or CR. We are traveling 1st week of June for 8 or 9 nights.

 

[vbfamily]

I would definately try the deluxes and if you're staying for 9 nights and don't mind splitting your stay-I would split between AKL and WL. We loved WL and are headed to AKL in October.

If you can't decide, just split your stay. You may be able to get good rates for AKL and WL in June with a code or something so try both.

If you only want to stay one place I don't know what one to recommend. You will love either. What kind of theming do you prefer? What parks are you going to go to?

We never had a problem with boat transportation from WL to MK and never had a problem when we took it over to FW. One time the boat stopped at FW then at MK. Every other time, it went right to MK. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a boat. Kids loved it.

If for some reason the boat wasn't running just catch a bus to TTC and you can take the monorail to MK or Epcot. Or you can catch a bus anywhere. We never waited that long. I have also read on these boards that transportation at AKL is great.

Both pools are great. WL has the geyser that goes off every hour. The theming is top notch at both resorts.

Is there one resort your kids and in-laws prefer?

There is a thread debating AKL or WL and AKL seems to be winning out. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide.

 

[onceuponadream]

Thanks vbfamily! My DH really wants to try AKL. The kids really want to try a monorail resort (so CR wing being the least expensive and best counter service wins). We are probably going to stay our first night at CSR to see it (or ASMo) then move to either WL or AKL for 4 nights. We will end with CR as my DH said it would be tough to give up the convenience of the monorail and move to AKL last. What a fun decision to get to make!! I guess if the transportation is pretty equal AKL will win. If not then WL may have the edge. I know either way we can't go wrong so it's a great job to have!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Have stayed at both - my preference was AKL.
We stayed at WL previous two trips, then AKL this past June.
WL was fine and enjoyed our stay (boat transportation to MK was good), but after evaluating my families preferences for our next MK resort, we will stay at a Monorail resort - mostly because our kids love riding the Monorail.
I was very skeptical about the AKL prior to going. Wasn't sure I would like it. I loved the resort - it is wonderful - walking into the lobby took my breath away!
A couple of reasons why I preferred AKL over WL
- animal viewing (kids loved this)
- pool area (liked zero entry, fact that it is really large - easy to keep an eye on the kids) Excellent restrooms at pool, Mara is close by, kids game room is close - even guest laundry if you have to do a load - can sit by the pool waiting!
- theming of the resort - gives you a real feel of Africia
- liked all the restaurants and diversity of them (fine dining, buffet and food court)
- the fact that the theming was so unique (where else could you get Africa in USA!)
My advise would be if you are planning on CR for Monorail, then I would definately go to the AKL. This way you can get a feel for a MK resort and other.
Also, don't forget to check if it would be more economical to buy AP's for your 9 nights, as you might be able to get a great AP rate.

 

[richard3330]

IMHO, I without any hesitation at all would choose Wilderness Lodge.

We have stayed at AKL before and we really didn't have a good time. It was so noisy and busy everywhere, the lobby was always packed with people as was the pool. We didn't like the room (it was dark and dirty), The transportation was utterly rediculous and consistently slow and delayed. Obviously, this may have just been a 'one-off' but to be honest I really didn't like anything about the resort, except the savannah I suppose. JMO.

However, we have just returned from staying for the first time at the WL and we LOVED our stay there - it was a brilliant resort. I can't think of one thing I would change, the CM's were brilliant, the restaurants were great and good value, the pool was exceptional and the lobby was beautiful. The resort IMO is great value-for-money, especially compared with AKL.

As you can probably tell, I would DEFINITELY choose the WL.

JMO,
Richard