WL or AKL

[nutsforgolf]

Planning on a going the last weekend in September '05. Based on my budget, I can either stay at AKL or WL. Also we really want a room with bunkbeds, and I think they are the only resorts with them. Please provide me with your reviews, comparisons, advice on how to choose. I am traveling with a 6 year old and 3 year old and wife and mother-in-law. Thanks

 

[Harambe]

Sorry that I can't do a comparison because we've never done WL, but AKL is just amazing. We had a bunkbed room and found the room to be a little more open because of it. Housekeeping staff was great, CM's freindly, and you can't beat all the things for little ones to do - storytelling by the fire pit, CM's knowledgable about the animals, cookie decorating in Boma, the neat pool with a rather tame slide good for little guys, and a great food court.

And did I mention the animals?!?!?!?

 

[christianweecare]

We can't choose--so DH & I leave on Sunday for three nights at WL and three nights at AKL! You can't wrong with either one!

 

[johnsonet]

You really cannot lose. However, if you are a party of 5 you will have to stay at AKL. They have deluxe rooms which sleep 5. Does WL? Somebody else can answer.
I have stayed at both and LOVE both. However, AKL is my absolute favorite resort. Is this your first trip to WDW? AKL is a 15-minute bus ride to MK. Only about a 4-minute bus ride to AK, however! WL has a boat which takes you to MK but it's not nearly as quick as having the monorail from GF, for example, so it isn't a decision'maker for me...
The animals and the activities for kids at AKL are TREMENDOUS! I think you would absolutely love it there. I know you would love either resort. It's hard to say...I would recommend reading some trip reports on the TR Board and getting a feel for which resort appeals most to you and your family. As I said, though, you cannot go wrong with either!

 

[GailT]

Both resorts are nice but if I had to chose, I would pick WL. I did stay at both and although seeing animals when you are on your balconey is anice touch I still like WL better. That was my first deluxe hotel and it has a warm spot in my heart.
If MK is going to be more for you with young kids, I say WL, the boat ride over is nice and easy with kids. Anyways, have a FUNtastic trip no matter which resort you choose, going and staying at a Disney hotel is always a win win situation.

 

[mport]

We have stayed at both. So the most recent first, AKL-Larger than WL
Positives: big pool, neat to wake up and see the animals in the morning, your own bus to the parks, it doesn't make stops.

Negatives-depending on where you are you may be looking at trees and not the animals.
Longer walks to get around the hotel. Boma-way to over rated for food, and expensive.
WL
Positives: Smaller hotel, the boat ride to the MK is the best, especially the first day.
Negatives: Small pool, smaller shops, several stops on the bus at other hotels

Yes the WL does have deluxe rooms, we stayed in one, two double beds and a pullout sofa in the living room. You will have to ask if the can have a bunk instead of one of the double beds.

Next trip we will forgo the animals and go back to our favorite hotel the WL.

Any questions let me know.

 

[old lost boy]

It is a no-lose situation. They are both spectacular. AKL big attraction is the animals. I like the food and location of WL better. You can't go wrong though.

 

[blanq]

I have stayed at both WL and AKL, and really enjoyed them both. But if I had to choose one over the other I would choose AKL hands down. WL is a beautiful resort, but I have been to many resorts throughout the United States that provide a similar lodge look and feel. AKL, on the other hand, is truly a unique experience. Where else, but Africa, can you view African animals from your resort?! AKL transports me to that place I most certainly will never have the fortune of experiencing for real in my lifetime.

 

[cdntourguide]

Why not split you stay and do half and half: thus you have both experiences.

I am heading for AKL in Feb for 6 nights, but then in October I am going to go for WL.

Whatever you decide, I am sure that you will have a great time. Enjoy.

 

[LJP]

You cant go wrong whatever choice you make. Stayed for 3 nights at both a few weeks ago. Loved the whole theming at AKL, looking out at the Savannah and sitting round the campfire at night. Bomas rocks! Adored WL too - 1st time there and it won't be the last. Our favourite moment was driving back from a shopping trip one night and the guard at the security gate said " Welcome Home Folks " - so cool" !!! :jumping4: :jumping4:

 

[shoes99]

We love both. We are going back to AKl for 5 nights in early December.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I must agree...you cannot go wrong with either resort. I think Boma at AKL is one of the best restaurants on WDW property...so is Jiko if you want fine dining. And I like "The Mara"...the counter service option at AKL. To me, the restaurants at WL are lacking. But of corse that is just MHO!

I did not like the bus service to the parks. There is just nothing magical about riding a bus. At WL you can ride a boat to MK...or ride a boat to Contemporary and then hop on the monorail there and go to Poly or GF or to Epcot. You can also take another boat and go to the Ft Wilderness campgrounds which has pony rides and a free petting zoo and other cool activities. AKL is so remote you must either ride a bus or take your car.

Believe it or not, I was not thrilled with the savannah view at AKL. I like the courtyard view at WL...looking at the pool and out to the lake to watch the Electric Water Parade at night.

We would stay at either resort again in a heartbeat. To us, there is something magical about WL that gives it a slight edge over AKL, but DH and I cannot put our fingers on it. Then again...if someone gave me a choice to go to the Pacific Northwest or to Africa on vacation, I would choose the Pacific Northwest. So maybe that has something to do with it.

You will have a blast no matter what you choose!

 

[simpilotswife]

Wilderness Lodge

 

[johnvree]

It's hard to beat the AKL. It's new, has a great pool, great restaurants and animals right outside your balcony. Simply saying that you can see animals outside your window understates the benefit. You can see animals all over the resort. There are great viewing areas at Arusha rock and all around the pool area. Plus, there are viewing areas throughout the resort. Simple stairwells often become great spots to observe animals.

The one negative about AKL is its location. It feels isolated, especially if you are used to staying at one of the monorail resorts. You are close to AK, but that's about it. When we stayed at the AKL, it was for 4 days of a 10 day stay on-property. The 4 days we were at the AKL, we visited the AK twice, downtown disney and explored the resort. When we transferred to the Poly, we hit MK, Epcot and MGM.

If I was staying only at one resort, for me it would come down to whether I wanted to trade the convenience/location of the WL for the uniqueness of the AKL. As great as the AKL is, if it was for my entire trip, I'd choose the WL.

Hope this helps.