WL or AKL?

[melly57x]

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.

That's great to know, thank you. We've had a ton of construction right outside our front door at home for literally months now, as National Grid tries to bury wires. It's been loud and annoying and our car is constantly covered in dust. Really don't want to have to deal with that on vacation too! Sounds like it's not too bad though if it's relatively minor and cosmetic work.

 

[melly57x]

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.

Also great to know. I swear it feels like every resort is being refurbished in January - WL, AKL, the Poly, Bay Lake Tower, POFQ, Stormalong Bay at the BC/YC. I guess if there's construction going on at AKL too, they cancel each other out.

 

[Dug720]

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!

Absolutely nothing wrong with them - especially if you're used to public transportation like in NYC. Disney's is more reliable by far - but people who aren't used to public transportation often have issues with busses.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

We did a 9 day stay at AKL with our 2.5 year old last year and also spent half days in the parks. The only con for AKL was the food. For 9 days there isn’t a lot of variety and there are no resorts close by to eat at instead. (Also, our room had no bath tub which was kind of rough, but we made it work)

That said she loved the pools and the playground was a HUGE win. Seeing the animals right outside our room was also so so cool and she still talks about it. I would definitely consider doing a split, if we do a long stay again that’s what we will do.

 

[Giraffe_Zen]

AKL or Split stay.

Have fun!

 

[Mle8308]

That's great to know, thank you. We've had a ton of construction right outside our front door at home for literally months now, as National Grid tries to bury wires. It's been loud and annoying and our car is constantly covered in dust. Really don't want to have to deal with that on vacation too! Sounds like it's not too bad though if it's relatively minor and cosmetic work.

Same here in MA! Our roads are now horrible!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

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.

This is a good summary of the bus situation. Also, if at WL, it's a bit of a drive to AK, easy to MK, and in between for EP/HS.

OP - if MK is your priority, WL is great. But we'd do AKL more often, due to the pools, animals, and dining options at the Lodge. Good news is, no bad decisions here!

 

[Marthasor]

I've had great stays at both resorts, but I would vote WL if you want to do a lot of resort or resort-hopping time. I love taking the resort boat from WL to Ft. W to see the stables and do activities there. Also super easy to boat or bus over to MK (or CR) and take the monorail around for a variety of restaurants/gift shops and things to do. AKL is great, but very isolated.

 

[TikiRob]

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

As others have pointed out, nothing is wrong with the buses. I actually don't mind them. But with the OPs concern with spending time at MK and "losing" the easy access of the boats at WL, Minnie Vans can be a luxury if it is in the budget.