We've been to both WL and AKL with our DD. She was almost 2 1/2 when we visited AKL in Feb. She LOVED it!! So did we! I can't tell you enough good things about our stay there and her enjoyment of seeing the animals, their pool with zero-entry, and playground with sand pile. We spent every afternoon at their pool. The zero-entry is great and she had quite a few little friends she made. They have a toddler pool too that she also enjoyed.
Now the WL is no slouch of a hotel either! She was 14 months when we were there and she adored their lobby! The boat ride to MK is fun, but our overall experience at AKL was better. We just found a friendlier staff & quieter hallways there not to mention the animals were a huge hit with a 2 1/2 yo. If you go be sure to walk around to the many observation areas. Different animals can be on the varying savannahs. Some of the 2nd floor outdoor viewing spots have night bionculars that DD thought was cool to use.
I totally had to laugh about your comment on the buses! Our DD also LOVES the buses!! She thought is was so cool to ride a "Mickey Bus!" It must be a 2yo thing! When we are driving around home and she sees a city bus she always points it out and says "I ride Mickey bus, mommy." BTW, the bus service at AKL is great. NO sharing a bus which we did have to do at WL. The buses came w/o much waiting and we always had a seat. When we were at WL and it was also during a value season time b/c of the sharing we did have to stand sometimes. I really liked that we could always have a seat especially when you have a stroller in hand!
