WL vs. AKL ??? - Help...

[Baconbit]

DH and I are going to WDW from Oct. 1 - Oct. 6. Here is what I am considering:
- We will not have a car on-site.
- We have never been to either hotel before.
- We will be using the free dining plan.
- We can get AKL or WL for the same rate.
- We only plan to reserve the standard room at either hotel.
From some other info I have read, it seems that without a car, AKL is a bit of a hike and sometimes a pain with Disney transport...what do you think? We really want to take advantage of the free dining and WL is much closer to other hotels (GF, Poly, CR) and MK so that we could hopefully get to Cali Grill, O'hana, etc... easier to use the free dining. I have read some negative posts about transportation from WL too...Regardless, I do plan to book PS for Boma so we can arrive early and see the animals then...Any advice?

 

[klinlin]

We choose Wilderness Lodge in part because of its proximity to MK and the other resorts you mentioned. We visited last trip and it was so beautiful! From the others on this board, it seems the Savannah rooms are the way to go at AKL. Seeing as you are opting for a standard veiw, I vote for WL. AKL is way out there and a far ride from everythins else. (just MHO)

 

[robinb]

My vote would also be for Wilderness Lodge. I happen to like AKL better, but I think you'll be happier at WL without a car.

 

[dkrause716]

I would say WL, hands down. We visited AKL once and, although many people love it, it just didn't appeal to us. WL is just beautiful and much closer to everything. We have never has any problems with transportation there and love the boat service!

Enjoy your trip! Planning is half the fun!

 

[catheren]

Without a car ... WL!

 

[whacked]

Wilderness lodge.

1. More centrally located.

2. Generally better views from standard rooms (there are a few parking lot views at WL, but not many).

3. Easier to get to either Epcot or other resorts for increased dining possibilities.

4. Boat direct to MK.

There are probably a slew of other reasons for going to either, but unless you are paying for a savannah view, and plan on a reasonable amount of time in your room, I would go WL.

 

[ILuvWDWorld]

We love AKL but plan to stay at the Wilderness Lodge for our next trip. That said, we look forward to staying at the Wilderness Lodge because of its proximity to Magic Kingdom, but we loved AKL both times we stayed there. We had no problems with the transportation and loved that we didn't share the bus with any other resort.

I've read (and from our experience ) you're more likely to receive an upgrade at AKL. Of course, I wouldn't make a choice based on this. You never know. We were upgraded from standard to savannah view both times (the last time was actually a Grand Gathering and all 5 rooms were upgraded!)

We have visited WL, though, and it looks so relaxing. We like the idea of different types of transporation. We also plan to make good use of some of the activities at Fort Wilderness (i.e. - campfire sing-a-long, movie). It'll be much more convenient if we stay at WL.

I've heard the food at AKL is amazing, but the selections at WL seem to be a better fit for our family.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

WL

 

[Laurajean1014]

It's a mis-perception that AKL is out of the way. If you look at a map it's close to MK. I prefer AKL to WL for the following reasons:

• WL pool is not large or special
• Restaurants are good, not great
• AKL has animals all over the savanah
• AKL has a wonderful outside
• AKL has a great pool
• AKL has a bar that overlooks the savanah
• AKL has terrific restaurants, BOMA and my favorite, JIKO
• AKL has very ethnic and wonderful gift shop
• AKL transporation has never been a problem (at least for us)
• AKL is quite and peaceful

If it was between Poly and AKL, I would recommend Poly because of the monorail.

 

[Synonymous]

I love both these resorts. I don't think transportation is a problem from AKL. It is very nice to be able to boat from WL to MK, though. I think you should just pick which theme appeals to you more and go with that one. Either way, you will have a great vacation.

 

[disneyholic family]

They're both very nice and you can't go wrong choosing either, but to me the WL is a bit more fun. We loved being able to take the boat to MK (when we weren't in a rush - it takes a long time to get there). We enjoyed renting the watermice at WL. There's also a nice walking trail that we took when we were there.

But both are nice.

 

[judydvc]

We just stayed at both these resorts, and either choice would be great. The WL is closer to the Magic Kingdom by boat but it was a long walk to the dock from the Villas where we were. Also the WL standard views are better.
But I agree with the posters who said the AKL is not out of the way. We used Disney transportation and went to breakfast at 1900 Park Faire after early entry at Epcot.

 

[Baconbit]

Thanks everyone...I plan to discuss all your suggestions DH soon (as soon as I can tear him away from the College World Series). Sounds like we have 2 great choices either way though!

 

[J and R's mom]

WL. You have more to do around the resort. You can take a boat over to the Contemporary (they have a separate little boat that runs between the two resorts) and jump on the monorail and go visit the other resorts (in case you've never visited them before).

Since you're going to eat at BOMA you can decide then if you want to stay at AKL next time.

DH and I went to visit AKL on our last trip (to see if we ever wanted to stay there) and ate at the food court. That experience taught us that we most likely will not stay at that resort (unless it's a free trip) . To each their own, though.