WL vs. AKl

[jlieblaw]

I am planning a Christmas trip of DH and DD (2 1/2). We have never stayed at WL or AKL but with Fla. Resident Rates want to try one of them this year. DH does not want to change resorts in the middle of the week. Which resort would you suggest?

Also, we either want to go the week after Thanksgiving or the second week after Thanksgiving. Is one better over the other as far as crowds go?

One last question, how do you set up the countdown clock?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Welcome to the DISboards!

Here's a link to the thread that will help you set up a countdown clock. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=316089

It's loads of fun, but also sometimes maddeningly frustrating to watch it.

As for WL vs. AKL -- I've never stayed at AKL, mainly because it seems far removed from everything else. Actually, it isn't that remote, but when I visited it I felt removed.

I love WL -- close to everything but also feels remote when you are there.

PLUSES: Decor, huge 7-story lobby with fireplace and rockers, great pool, Artist Point restaurant (YUM!), nice beach (kinda small, but nice), lots of recreation, lodge tours by Ranger Stan, EWP comes by, the geyser, the otter pool.

MINUSES: Bus transportation is usually shared with Ft. Wilderness or another resort, so trips TO the parks can be longer than desired; rooms are slightly smaller than some other deluxe resorts; views -- mostly trees or pool, maybe otter pool -- not the most exciting or romantic views at WDW; only boat transportation to MK -- sometimes it can be a long wait for this and it's shared with FW, too.

AKL on the other hand offers savannah views -- wake up to lions, tigers, giraffes -- OH BOY! Sunrise Safari. If you are adventurous diners, two great restaurants (so I've been told).

My preference is WL, but since you have a DD, she might enjoy AKL more. She might just love seeing animals near the room! I'm told that's an experience you never forget!

 

[Eyesnur]

Two big issues, I think. (1) Do you really want to be near the animals & (2) Would you rather be near the MK?

Both hotels have a similar air of grandness about them as they were both (and the Grand Californian) designed by the same person.

Both resorts have a rather exotic sit down restaurant (Artist Point at WL & Jiko at AKL). The main restaurant at AKL is an African inspired buffet (Boma) while the WL offers the bbq heavy Whispering Canyons.

The pools are about the same quality I think, although the AKL pool is much larger.

They are both absolutely gorgeous and I really think it all comes down to my 2 points at the top...And price, where do you get the best deal at that time.

 

[jlieblaw]

Thanks for the info. We've been in the AKL and thought we would want to stay there next time until we saw pictures of WL. I would rather have the zero entry pool for my DD but she didn't swim much last time so I'm not sure that should be my selling point. We'll definately go eat at whichever one we don't stay at.

If we stay at WL, is it worth it to try for an upgrade to concierge when we check in? I think we're leaning toward WL since it would give my DH plenty of outdoors activities (and out of the park activities) and because it's closer to MK.

Thanks

 

[Eeyore1954]

You can try, but since you said this is a Christmas trip, you can expect most resorts to be fairly well occupied -- meaning that last-minute or check-in upgrades could be limited. If you have your heart set on concierge, I would book it in advance. I have heard people report they snagged a concierge upgrade at WL for $30/night, but I wouldn't count on that happening as a regular occurrence, especially during the Christmas season.

 

[jlieblaw]

"You can try, but since you said this is a Christmas trip, you can expect most resorts to be fairly well occupied -- meaning that last-minute or check-in upgrades could be limited. If you have your heart set on concierge, I would book it in advance. I have heard people report they snagged a concierge upgrade at WL for $30/night, but I wouldn't count on that happening as a regular occurrence, especially during the Christmas season."


Is this true for the beginning of December too? I really want to see all the Christmas decorations but if it's going to be too crowded will change and go in Sept/Oct.

 

[Eeyore1954]

I was at WL for one Christmas season and it wasn't packed, but neither was it empty. We did not try to upgrade to concierge -- mainly 'cause we couldn't afford it. We were there the week before Christmas. The crowds were manageable, but there were waits.

My point was that if you wait until check-in to try for an upgrade, you run the risk of being disappointed. This could be due to any number of reasons-- no available rooms, the resort doesn't want to upgrade (because they could book the room for more $), etc.

A upgrade could happen, but what I've heard fellow DIS-ers say is if you want something, book it and pay for it in advance. That way you are set. If you want to wait and try at check-in, that's ok, but don't set your expectations too high.

I just wouldn't want someone to be disappointed at Christmas at WL.

BTW, if you do go at Christmas, WL is one of the most beautifully decorated resorts (the GF is the best, but that's just my opinion). WL is #2 on my list.

 

[Curly Q]

The week after Thanksgiving up to the week before Christmas is one of the Least busy times at WDW. I have stayed at the WL and have visited AKL. I love them both. I want to stay at the WL again in Nov, but my DBF wants to try AKL so it will come down to price for us. I hear AKL has the best transportation because it does Not share stops with other resorts. Sharing stops can get annoying! I hope you have a great time

 

[shelly3girls]

We stayed at the AKL from Dec. 11-15 this year. The parks were not very crowded although the Christmas activities were. I would definitely return this time of year, it was fabulous. Read the boards and book activities as soon as they are available and you will be fine.
As for which resort to choose......
We actually found that even though we were "removed" from many of the parks that the transportation was quite good. When we stayed at the WL the boat took a long time especially if we stayed at MK late for the fireworks. We were there in Nov, a slow time and still waited over 45 min. for the boat at night. We found the transportation for the AKL to actually be faster than at the WL, especially any time we took a bus from the WL.

 

[kda]

There's too many great places to stay at Disney! We truly love both of those resorts, so I think there's wonderful features of each and either one would set the stage for a great trip.

Because of the time of the year you're going, I'd choose WL, simply because of the decorations and how warm and cozy it is if the weather gets cooler. But each resort is very, very special, so how can you lose?