WL or AKL?

[melly57x]

Hi everyone! My husband and I have been to Disney many times, almost always renting DVC points, but haven't been back since 2019. We're finally headed back for 9 days in January, this time with our almost 3-year old daughter. We're so excited, but I'm having the hardest time deciding where to stay!

Right now we're going back and forth between the WL and AKL. We only plan to do 4-5 hours in the parks each day, and then spend the rest of the day at the resort (or resort hopping). I know both hotels offer lots of fun and activities for kids, and pretty good restaurants.

Pros of WL - We plan to spend most of our time at the MK so can't beat the proximity and boat access. I love that there's a character meal. The resort looks gorgeous and is somewhat compact.

The major con is the construction. I can't find any updates, and with planning on spending significant time at the resort, I don't want it to be super disruptive.


AKL pros - the animals! There's a playground, we love the restaurants, theming is beautiful. Our main concern is bus only and how self-contained it is. However, we don't do rope drops and it's a few hundred dollars cheaper to make wiggle room for Minnie Vans if needed.

Any suggestions? Again, we plan to spend basically half of every day at the resort, so I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide. Thanks so much!

 

[peachiepie]

I'd pick WL out of those two options, for both the ambience and the proximity to MK.
WL all the way!

 

[melly57x]

I'd pick WL out of those two options, for both the ambience and the proximity to MK.
WL all the way!

Thank you! Almost every thread I've searched through has also concluded that WL is better, I just wish I could find a construction update. Without the construction there would be no question.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I’d also vote for WL especially with your trip being MK heavy. The boat ride is easy and quick if you need nap time. The construction is a gamble but it’s exterior work so unless they’re outside your room, it should be to bad.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Out of those two choices, WL all the way. You are a boat ride away from both MK and the monorail resorts.

If you are looking to save a little money, you might want to consider CBR. Although it's a bus ride to MK and AK, you would have the skyliner to both EP and DHS. CBR also has a really great playground and pools (weather dependent in Jan) for littles. You can bring sand toys for playing on the beach. The resort is very large but if you are spending a lot of time at the resort it gives you lots of areas to explore including visiting the Riviera by foot. By skyliner, you can visit POP/AOA (a 3yr old will be mesmerized by the larger than life characters) and all of the Crescent Lake resorts.

 

[Skippyboo]

What are you going to do during your resort time? In January, the pool may not be a good option because of weather. AKL has ton of resort activities.

 

[NYCgrrl]

If possible I’d do a split stay for a visit of this length; gives you the best of both.

 

[Babsy]

OK, this is a difficult choice. Normally, my recommendation would be WL for access to the MK. However, I have had a bad experience with loud construction in the past, so I avoid construction sites if at all possible. With a three year old, are you still doing afternoon naps? If so, That may be difficult depending upon how noisy it is in the room.

Someone mentioned a split stay. You are there for nine days, so it is long enough to spend 4 days in the WL and then 5 days at AKL. If the noise level is too much, then it isn't too long before you are moving. You could even check to see if you could move early, if the disruption is a big problem for you. Likewise, if you don't want to move and love the WL, then you could check on if it is possible to stay there. Worst case scenario, you have a moving day and get to enjoy two wonderful resorts.

If you really don't want to move, I believe that I would go for the WL and hope for the best. Then try to move if it doesn't work out.... I totally get why this is a difficult choice for you.

 

[LRdismom]

I love both of those resorts! If you're kids would really be into the animals and activities, that would tip the scales towards AKL for me. Super cool pools, splash pad, and delicious food.

 

[Simba's Mom]

When we were deciding, we made our decision based on which theming would we be least likely to visit the real thing. We chose AKL since the odds of us being able to afford to go on an African Safari are virtually nil. Yet we can (and now have) see the "real" Wilderness Lodge-Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone NP. So we've always chosen AKL.

 

[TikiRob]

AKL is bliss for long resort stays. I'll never tire of the animals, though. I also don't mind the buses at all, but understand how it can be a frustration for some. If you are willing to spend the savings on Minnie Vans, I'd go that route and take a day to resort hop around the monorail.

 

[Dug720]

I'm always Team AKL.

I know I'm in the minority, but the WL themeing does nothing for me. I've never gotten the fascination with "Old West" stuff.

 

[Mle8308]

WL. I was there in September as part of a split stay and the construction was minimal. They were doing some painting on the ceiling in the drive and some exterior painting, but it was so non invasive I can't even remember where besides the entrance. And it didn't effect anything. No major construction, more minor touch up projects. The CCV rooms are due for a rehab soon, though I don't know if it is even scheduled yet. That is not the current "construction". There will be more information all over once that starts.

 

[NYCgrrl]

AKL is bliss for long resort stays. I'll never tire of the animals, though. I also don't mind the buses at all, but understand how it can be a frustration for some. If you are willing to spend the savings on Minnie Vans, I'd go that route and take a day to resort hop around the monorail.

Question. Where do you go that requires a Minnie Van to or from AKL? I’ll be staying there over Christmas and had anticipated using the buses. Is there something wrong with them? Thanks for the info!

Oh and OP, my original plan was to spend one week at WL and another at AKL but waited too late and wound up with BW and AKL instead; still good from my POV

 

[Counting Stars]

First five days of your trip- Wilderness and the Magic Kingdom while you are fresh and energized. Second half, four days at AKL. Perhaps a bit slower paced, more resort and pool time. Unless you are park commandos' the buses are not the big inconvenience they are sometimes made out to be. Sometimes when you have been at the park all day its nice to let someone else drive. Buses are more of an issue with a stroller, but strollers need to be collapsed and carried or stowed for other forms of transportation as well.

 

[Skippyboo]

Question. Where do you go that requires a Minnie Van to or from AKL? I’ll be staying there over Christmas and had anticipated using the buses. Is there something wrong with them? Thanks for the info!

Oh and OP, my original plan was to spend one week at WL and another at AKL but waited too late and wound up with BW and AKL instead; still good from my POV

There’s nothing wrong with the buses. It’s just a little bit of drive to MK. It’s super short to AK and Epcot/HS aren’t bad. So if you’re on a heavy MK trip, it’s a lot of bus time.

 

[melly57x]

Thank you!! There's really great advice here. I was originally thinking of a split stay, but I feel like it'll add too much stress with a preschooler. By the time we get everything unpacked and organized, we'd rather just stay settled until we leave. Definitely a huge consideration for the future though!

I keep going back and forth. I love the proximity to the MK at WL but am worried about the construction, and I love the animals/playground/activities at AKL but am worried about the buses.

We probably won't do afternoon naps. We'd moreso do 10-3ish or 2-7 in the parks, with the rest of the day spent relaxing. We want to spend that time at the resort, but not necessarily just lounging around. Activities and sights are a definite plus.

Thank you again! It's much appreciated.

 

[CarolynFH]

I love the proximity to the MK at WL but am worried about the construction, and I love the animals/playground/activities at AKL but am worried about the buses.

If you're thinking of staying in a DVC villa at AKL, those are expected to be under refurbishment by January. The regular AKL hotel rooms are not, however.

 

[NYCgrrl]

There’s nothing wrong with the buses. It’s just a little bit of drive to MK. It’s super short to AK and Epcot/HS aren’t bad. So if you’re on a heavy MK trip, it’s a lot of bus time.

Growing up and living in NYC I’ve always been fascinated by “car talk”, lol.
Okay, I get the point being made. To me the straight run from AKL to MK is a short ride (25 mins?) but it’s all about what you are used to .

 

[Skippyboo]

The bus can be an issue if you have a couple of little ones plus a stroller and Dad being a Sherpa with all gear versus say a Skyliner or boat where you can keep the kiddo in the stroller.

WL shares buses so you may have to stop at the Fort on the way back from Epcot.