WL vs AKL

[KarenC]

We're leaving for Disney World the day after Christmas. It will just be my DH, DD and I. DS's marching band is going to Disney too, but he'll be staying with the band. This is our first trip with DD since she left for college. She's always enjoyed our Disney vacations--when she was 4 and we checked into our room at the GF and she saw the castle she remarked "thank you for bringing me here; this is just what I needed!" So I'm always happy to make her happy, because she does appreciate it!

We're booked in the Wilderness Lodge on the Gold Plan. We've stayed there before and enjoyed it. We're renting a car, so we're not dependent upon Disney transportation. The WL is more conveniently located for the golf, parasailing, and horseback riding we're planning to do (I hope we have good weather!)

DD loves giraffes. I was hoping to book the backstage safari at AK, but it's not available during our stay. So I'm wondering whether to change our reservations to the AKL. We're spending more than we should on this trip, but I figure there aren't too many vacations left with our daughter. If I book a standard room, our cost is about the same--I don't think I'm willing to pop for the savanna view.

Is there much opportunity to see the animals from the public areas of AKL? (Will we see giraffes?) Is there traditional American breakfast fare available--DH is not much of an adventurous eater. Can anyone compare the rooms at the two resorts? Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your opinions. I'm sure that no matter what we decide we'll have a nice time. I'm really looking forward to watching my son march down Main Street in a Disney Parade!

 

[BrianD]

I have had two recent trips to AKL and I very much liked the resort. Everything seems nice & new (it's only 2.5 years old). The rooms were very nice. They are the same size as WL.

I have to say though given your situation, I think I would stick with WL. With it being after Christmas, it will be VERY important to be as close to the activities you want to do as possible. If you were going to book a savannah room at AKL, then I'd say it might be worth switching, but since you would just be in a standard room, I would say stick with WL. You can see giraffes at AK.

Besides, the Christmas decorations/atmosphere at WL are awesome (as you may already know).

 

[sjw4870]

I've stayed in both and the rooms are almost identical (with the exception of the decor). I love both WL and AKL. I recently stayed at AKL and I think it might be my favorite of the 2.

There are plenty of places to see Giraffe's at AKL. There are public viewing areas all over the resort and I believe there are giraffe's on every savannah.

Regarding the food. There are 2 places to get breakfast, The Mara (AKL's version of Roaring Forks) is the fast food place. The other restaurant is Boma which is a buffet. If you daughter likes traditional american food, she'll do fine here. Boma does have some African dishes but I recall plenty of eggs, bacon, sausage and pastries on the breakfast buffet. Even the dinner buffet has plenty for non-adventurous eaters (prime rib, salmon, PB&J, chicken finders).

Since some of the activities you mentioned (golf, horseback riding and parasailing) are over near WL, it will certainly be easy for you to get there; but, if you want to try a new place and go for AKL keep in mind that you can drive over there in about 10-15 minutes.