WL or AKL?

[be0URguest]

hello my fellow disneyyyy lovers. We still have yet to go on our fall 2017 trip but are already thinking of 2018. I want to try and book the current bounce back offer as soon as we get there for 2018.

Looking into either of these.. We are trying to go around Christmas time and I know the décor at WL is known to be incredible around this time of year but we have never tried AKL.

Please post your thoughts/opinions. Just my husband and I. Our fave park is Epcot - we spend a lot of time there. But we also love MK and Animal Kingdom has been growing on us...

Thanks in advance!!! Also - for both - most likely just looking to book standard view or whatevers cheapest probably...

 

[hakepb]

The Christmas tree in Jambo is magnificent. In general, I highly recommend that most regular guests try AKL at least once.

AKL is a better choice the more time you spend at the resort, so you can soak in the unique atmosphere (animals, food, CM’s, art). Due to park proximity, AKL is less ideal if the hotel is just a place to crash at night.

If any Epcot area resort fits the budget, you might want to try one of those before Star Wars Land opens. (When demand and probably pricing goes up)

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Honestly, with two adults, I would pick whichever is cheapest. They are both amazing resorts. AKL has a bit of a disadvantage in terms of transportation, but if that doesn't bother you, I wouldn't take it off your list. I will say if you mean "going around Christmas" as in Christmas week, I would pick WL just for the advantage of the boat to MK. If it's a week or a few weeks before, I would pick either one.

 

[mickeynut1]

hello my fellow disneyyyy lovers. We still have yet to go on our fall 2017 trip but are already thinking of 2018. I want to try and book the current bounce back offer as soon as we get there for 2018.

Looking into either of these.. We are trying to go around Christmas time and I know the décor at WL is known to be incredible around this time of year but we have never tried AKL.

Please post your thoughts/opinions. Just my husband and I. Our fave park is Epcot - we spend a lot of time there. But we also love MK and Animal Kingdom has been growing on us...

Thanks in advance!!! Also - for both - most likely just looking to book standard view or whatevers cheapest probably...

Both WL and AKL have a lot to offer and both are beautifully decorated for the holidays. AKL is out away from everything, but we've never had a problem with transportation. Since the buses only service AKL & Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). AKL is a great resort and I think it's worth a try if you haven't stayed there already. Good luck!

 

[be0URguest]

Hmm. Decisions decisions. Thanks so much for your input everyone!!!!

 

[WildernessMickey]

Both resorts were designed by the same architect and are very beautiful. Which ever one you decide on, you should check out the lobbies of both. They will both have magnificent Christmas trees and decorations.

 

[Spencer Wright]

AKL is absolutely perfect in terms of size, rooms, restaurants, themes, and not having too much hustle and bustle.

Transportation is not a huge issue in my opinion. However, the bus to MK can be lengthy, 25-30 minutes.

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

For an adults only trip, I think I would have to choose AKL. Both are beautiful, and have awesome Xmas trees, decorations, etc. They had the same architect, so again, the "feel" is similar and very authentic to its theme. I just find AKL a bit more romantic and quiet. The restaurants and lounges are lovely. The animal viewing areas are spread out all over the resort, so no need to splurge on the Savannah view. I may be wrong, but I feel like less "outside" (other resort guests) people visit the Lodge, so it never feels crowded to me. Much less hustle and bustle here.

 

[pixarmom]

This is a tough call, because we love both.

For WL:
1. Theme. We love (and far prefer) the theme at WL. As much as I love AKL, I don't really love animals.
2. Location. Really enjoy the proximity to MK, and the boat to/fro MK. Easy to take the boat to the monorail and enjoy shopping/dining.
3. Dining Options. The new Geyser Point is great, Roaring Fork is convenient and has basic stuff we need for breakfast, Territory Lounge is always a favorite (either for a drink, snacks or to order dinner from the AP menu!) Mara at AKL is convenient, but it always seems a little more busy and harder to keep clean - especially around the beverage station.
4. View. I'd always prefer a view of the lake over a view of animals or the pool, but that's just me.

For AKL:
1. Location (from a different perspective.) The benefit of a remote location is that it always seems like there are fewer visitors in the lobby/restaurants (even though Boma is popular.)
2. Bus Service. Consistently the best of the bus service we've experienced at WDW. Last AKL stay was in August and we rarely waited more than 5 minutes for a bus. And then either stops just once at Kidani or not at all!
3. Price and availability. Lately, the price tag and the availability at AKL have just been better - we are very willing to book standard or pool view and we're getting great deals to stay there. For example, in January we have a 25% discount while WL discounts are at 10%. And it's still possible that the Disney Visa discount will become available on top of that at AKL - CMs are saying no Disney Visa discounts for WL.
4. Overall vibe. I have a hard time describing this, but AKL seems comfy. I'm always happy and relaxed when returning there in the evening - it seems more quiet, remote, removed than any other resort on property. And for us, that's a good thing!
5. Dining - mainly Jiko. Jiko is just outstanding.

In the end, I agree with everyone who suggests choosing the less expensive resort, or the one where you feel you're getting the best deal.

 

[SL6827]

Bet you will get a cheaper rate at AKL, or the discounts may be more available for AKL.