WL or AKL

[fairytalehaven]

Which one and why?

that being said, we can't afford the animal view!

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

Based on no animal view and the transportation difference, I think WL is a definite. IMO if you can't have the animals then all else is very similar.......so throw in the WL boat, etc., and there you have it!

 

[tiggersthebest]

I would say it depends on where you plan to spend time- if more time in MK, then WL for the boat and proximity. If you are going to spend equal time in all parks then I liked AKL better as a resort, I liked the pool and the fact it was open 24 hours, the food was good. Both are far away from the parks other than the closest one (MK for WL, AK for AKL) so as far as that goes it comes down to which park do you prefer to be closer to. One drawback (in my Grandma's opinion) to AKL is that there is not much walking around to do on the resort (she likes to walk around the grounds) but that did not bother me.

Mom of two princesses

 

[Anewman]

We chose WL cuz it is so close to MK.
We are alos dining at a couple monorail resorts, So boat over to CR seems to be very quik.

 

[Mouse-n-Mini]

Definitely WL...the atmosphere of the lodge is even more magical than some of the more expensive deluxe resorts ...(Contemporary, Boardwalk, OKW, Poly). It's so beautiful and relaxing! Definitely our favorite resort.

 

[DiscussDisney]

I would normally say WL, but I think it needs a rehab. With that said, I would choose the AKL.

 

[scrappinstevie]

I would choose AKL. My family was not thrilled with the WL. The transportation was good and the resort was very beautiful. The food court was tiny, crowded, and dirty. The Whispering Canyon restaurant was loud and obnoxious in our opinion. Many people find it charming but we didn't. We thought it was overpriced. We also didn't care for the wilderness theme-we prefer a beach type theme from now on. We haven't stayed at AKL but I have read you can view the animals at AKL from other locations other than your room and that the restaraunts are very good there. Good luck in your choice-choose which theme best works for your family!

 

[catbertdave99]

We were at WL in Feb 2001, and it was great. You can't imagine the atmosphere and the grounds.... it's just tremendous. We were at AKL in 2004, and it was also awesome! However, we had a savannah view, and that was what made it great, IMO. They're both great resorts, perhaps the biggest differences for us was that the food at AKL was distinctly African in theming, which makes sense, but it didn't appeal to my 10-year-old DS. My 13-year-old DS did like it though. At WL, the theming of the food is very American. Don't know if you have kids to feed, but that's just my two cents worth. Both resorts are great, and you'll love either one.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

We usually stay WL for 5 nights then AKL for the last two. That way, you get the best of both worlds. By the end of our trip we like to have a "resort only" day to rest, relax and swim. AKL has a great pool, awesome restaurants and fun family activities going on each day so it's the perfect choice to spend a day just hanging out---not to mention the animal watching (even if you don't have a savannah view room). The night vision googles they have at the lookout area are really great!

 

[purplern]

Based on no animal view and the transportation difference, I think WL is a definite. IMO if you can't have the animals then all else is very similar.......so throw in the WL boat, etc., and there you have it!

I agree. Being able to take the boat to MK was wonderful!!!!!!!

I also agree 100% with your signature.

One stay at WL and hooked for life! We love this place!!!

 

[DonaldsDaisy]

I have stayed at the WL twice, once in April 2005 and January 2004. I was very impressed with our first trip however in April I was a little disappointed. It has a great theme and very friendly CM's and a great location for MK. However, the resort on a whole seemed dingy. It didnt seem as magical as the first time. I have never stayed a AKL but my DH just booked a long weekend getaway later in the summer. We are staying in a standard room, but plan on using the look outs several times daily.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

we have not stayed at either. we did visit the AKL. that is where my dh is really wanting to stay. i told them all when we win the lottery we will..haha.i think we would like the AKL better cause the WL reminds me of new hampshire,which we love, but i would choose the akl . i think no matter where you stay you will love it..........