WL vs AKL for kids?

[jessgood1]

Have my plane tickets (and WL reservation for that matter). Now my buyer’s remorse (or maybe obsessive-compulsive disorder) begins…. I'm wondering if the kids wouldn't be happier/more entertained at AKL? Ages 2, 4 and 5. (Plus it'd be about $350 less.)

 

[johnsonet]

i don't think you can go wrong with either resort - from what I've read. But if it would be $350 LESS I'd definitely consider AKL. I'm headed there in a few weeks and can't WAIT! DD (7) has stayed at GF 5 times and LOVES it but I fell in love with it from watching the Great Hotels they did on AKL (it's coming on again next week, I think)So many people just rave about it and the animals are buit-in entertainment and beauty. I have read from more than one parent that the kids BEGGED to stay at the resort rather than go to the parks again!! That says a lot - although I bet a lot of kids feel that way about their resort's pool as well! And I know they have many activities for kids at AKL. It depends on your park plans too. On the other hand, why mess with your plans...have you stayed at WL before? Have you been to Disney before? Will you be going again soon? The boat to MK is pretty convenient...Again, I don't think you can go wrong with either resort.

 

[jessgood1]

I haven't been to WDW for about 20 years. OMG! I suddenly feel very old. <LOL!> The ferry to MK is the main reason I choose WL in the first place. I've also considered CSR. I'm thinking the kids will probably end up wanting to spend more time at Universal anyway.... (and it's a savings of $700)! Hmmm, my hubby says I can't ever buy anything without totally obsessing about it afterwards. The bad part is, the things I don't buy... I obsess about that too and kick myself for not buying..... Hmmmm,I'm a drag to take to yard sales

 

[johnsonet]

I think I can safely say you're going to be lucky if you can DRAG your kids out of the Magic Kingdom!! I'm really excited about AKL but if this is your first family trip and you've got 3 young children, I think you should stick with your PLANS. yOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. People are crazy about the WL. Universal /IOA has Seuss Landing which is a lot of fun for little ones but most of their rides were too scary or intense for my 7 year old DD ~ many wild rides that are for older and taller kids. You will want to spend MUCH more time at WDW than Universal I feel certain.
I am a lot like you...second-guessing things like this (although not this trip ) but your choice is perfect for your situation and I would stick with it! Read some WL trip reports. People are CRAZY about it! Also look on tripadvisor.com for reviews on it - I think it's currently rated #1 of the Disney-owned resorts. Good luck and stay strong!!

 

[goofy4dizney]

Hey jessgood!

I'm sure you won't be disappointed with either WL or AKL. They are both very cozy, family-friendly resorts with a lot to offer. We've stayed at both, and although we love WL above all else, we remember fondly the time spent at AKL.

The boat from WL to MK is definitely a plus, as is the nightly Electrical Water Parade on the lagoon. The swimming pool, although not as large as AKL, is good-sized, and there is a kiddie pool for the little ones. The atmosphere is just so welcoming that we feel like we're coming home each time we visit

Now at AKL, we booked a savannah room, so of course that cost a lot more than our standard room at WL. But if you get a decent view, the animals outside your window in the morning at feeding time is definitely well worth the price. The kids would sit on the balcony with their binoculars (to see the animals that weren't on our savannah, or birds, etc), and hold the animal ID chart that was in the room, trying to match animal to description. It was great fun and educational too. Then, as mentioned, the pool area is huge, with a zero entry and a great slide. Like WL, there are two wonderful restaurants in the resort, as well as a fast food place. The only drawback to AKL, in my mind, was the necessity to drive everywhere.

Lastly, I wanted to add to the other poster's comments that your kids will probably fall in love with MK ten times more than IOA. Except for the Seuss Landing area, there really is not that much for the little ones to do and see at that park, in comparison to the Magic Kingdom.

Don't worry! You'll have a magical time, no matter what you decide

 

[mep319]

My dd6 (ALMOST 7) loved AKL...she has been 8 xs in her 6 yrs to WDW. Has stayed at many of the resorts..including 2 stays at WL and now wants to stay ONLY at AKL. We split a stay last time WL/AKL and when we had to leave AKL she cried! Of course she is a real animal lover and she loved the story telling by the fire, the pool etc..etc..So in my experience..my DD liked AKL much better than WL. The transporation is never an issue for her, she doesn't care if it by boat, monorail or bus as long as she gets where she is going. She was always asleep by the time the electrical parade made it's way to WL, so she has never seen that. I'm sure you'll be happy where ever you stay....but I think AKL is worth it...especially if you are saving money too!