WL vs AKL

[Moosestache]

Hi, we are still trying to make up our mind about where to stay, when we come to Disney this December. Altogether there are 7 of us, my wife and I, and 5 boys, 18,15,13,5,2. We have been looking at ASMU and had thought about getting a suite and a second room, with the 3 older boys staying in the second room. I was all set to confirm the reservation but my DW called from work yesterday and wanted to know if we should spend a little extra money and stay at one of the nicer resorts.

She has stayed at the All Stars before, and while she said they were ok, she thought it would be nice to stay at a "nicer resort" with better amenities. (I think she is a bit spoiled ) I got looking around and saw that both the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge offered bunk beds and I thought they might work out real well for us, allowing the 2 little boys each to have their own bed, while my wife and I had our own bed.

So I guess I wanted to find out what people thought of the two resorts, and how they compared. I also was hoping to find out how the rooms with bunk beds were at both places.

Thanks very much!

 

[Marthasor]

I can't tell you about the bunk bed rooms, but I will say in terms of atmosphere at holiday time WL is AMAZING! Also, AKL feels quite out of the way, whereas WL is a boat ride to MK. AKL is also undergoing major construction which would, personally, make me wary of staying there right now. I have a feeling the bunk bed rooms in the two resorts will be similar as, I believe, the resorts were designed by the same person. But hopefully another DIS'er with more experience with those rooms will respond. Given the choice between the two for this Dec. (based on the reasons above), I would choose WL. Have a great time!

 

[Deb & Bill]

All the deluxe rooms at AKL are closed and being renovated into DVC lodging. I thought all the bunk bed rooms were deluxe rooms.

 

[catbertdave99]

We had bunk beds at AKL, regular savannah view room, and they were great. Having stayed at each, we loved having the animals outside our balcony, but we preferred the atmosphere, food, and watercraft options of WL.

 

[disneyholic family]

you can get regular rooms at the WL with either one queen and one bunk bed, or two queens....
we've had both (when the kids were younger, we took the room with one queen and one bunk bed - now we take two rooms with 2 queens)...

you'll have plenty of room...although by taking 2 rooms at the WL vs. a room and a suite at ASMu, you'll have only 2 bathrooms vs. 3 bathrooms....and in the suite you'll have a little kitchenette ..

however, in my opinion, the WL atmosphere more than makes up for this..

i love the WL...it's our second favorite WDW resort (GF is first)...
the WL is so rustic and cozy and yes it is the perfect resort for xmas time...

i much prefer the WL over the AKL....(we've stayed in both)...

i just remembered that on my website i have a picture of the view from our balcony at the WL (www.myspace.com/bethandbuffy)...

 

[Kimberle]

All the deluxe rooms at AKL are closed and being renovated into DVC lodging. I thought all the bunk bed rooms were deluxe rooms.

No, that is not true. There are bunk bed rooms (standard) that sleep 4. They are currently available.

I have stayed at both resorts. They are both wonderful. There themeing is very different. AKL is further to the edge of the property. The only "longer" commute was to MK. The distance between the resorts and the MGM,
Epcot, and the TL seemed about the same. Except for AK, which is next door to AKL. BB was closer to AKL than WL. (Didn't go to DTD either trip.)

There are many more sit down resturant choices in or close to WL (5 minute boat ride to CR, FW) with a variety of food types. AKL has 2 sitdown and both are African themed. Both are very busy so you'll need ADR's well in advance. AKL has a fast food place with a small number of choices (IMHO). Only 2 items on the kids menu (mac & cheese, and roasted chicken). The WL food court has been revamped since our stay, so I can't comment.

Both beautiful resorts. Both pool areas are wonderful. Your choice really depends on what you're going to be doing and what theming you prefer.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We LOVE them both. I have to say that for the overall theme and decor I like AKL better, but for location and access to other hotels in the MK area, WL is better. We were only at WL for one night and did not use the bus system so I can't really speak to that. I know they share with Fort Wilderness and sometimes other MK area resorts where as AKL has their own busses. I guess I haven't really helped much. I would say they both have a lot to offer as well as a few drawbacks, so go with the one whose theme and decor suits you best. You really can't go wrong with either choice!

 

[LakeAriel]

I like the decor of WL better though you can't beat those animals outside your balcony if you have a Savannah View at AKL. I would do WL at Christmas if they aren't booked up yet.

 

[Moosestache]

Thanks for the help everyone. I just booked AKL, 2 pool view rooms with bunk beds for December. I was really leaning towards WL, but with the special they are running right now, I ended up saving almost $1300 staying at the AKL vs the WL. Now maybe I'll get lucky when I get there and be able to upgrade to a savanna view. Everyone is real excited, and I can't wait.

 

[AKLRULZ]

AKL RULZ! You'll love it - enjoy!