WL vs. AKL

[garettdoyle]

I have stayed at WL but not AKL. Could someone that has stayed at both compare and contrast. I am looking for a resort to stay at in the fall (Oct 04) and it seems like Disney runs lots of specials on AKL.

Special Areas of Interest

Transportation

Pools

Lobby/Common Areas (indoor and outdoor)


Costs being equal, which would you choose and why?

Thanks.

 

[outsurfin]

Transportation: I found transportation at the WL quicker then that of AKL...mainly because of the distance factor...At either resort I never waited more that 15mins for a bus...

Pools: AKL is nicely themed with the zero entry...and "savanah" look to it...WL was smaller....I felt that the slides were equal to eachother...I prefer the WL pool...just for the theme though...

Lobby/Common Areas (indoor and outdoor): Tie...both are unbelievable...depending on your preference of theme you may favor one over the other...I do belive that the WL has more nooks to enjoy then the AKL...

Costs being equal, which would you choose and why? WL...I prefer the theme, and it has a more intimate feeling being smaller...I found the AKL to feel "hot" and somewhat big. I wasn't a fan of the food court area and while the surrounding vegetation was nice....I love having the water activities right outside my room with the lakeat the WL!

 

[Bojangles]

Cost being equal, I would choose AKL. I think the transportation is much better. We never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus at AKL. I thought the rooms were a lot nicer there.

WL shares busses with another resort, it used to be FW, and it took forever to get to AKL or MGM. The boat launch at WL was hit and miss. Since they added VWL, it's a lot more crowded and waits are longer. WL has a better food court and the water pagent at night.

 

[DVCPAT]

Both resorts are great but I prefer the WL. The AKL location is a little remote with only bus transportation. I like the WL connection to the MK resorts via the small shuttle boats and larger transportation boats.

On our last WL vacation, we took the boat over to the camp ground for dinner one evening. We timed our departure with the evening boat parade and had a great view from the middle of the lake.

It’s also nice to visit other MK resorts for dinner, and then hop on the monorail for an evening in MK. We also love to rent the speed boats early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

 

[susy]

AKL has more luxurious decor in the rooms. I love both places. I would give AKL a try.

 

[sjw4870]

I've stayed at both, love them both but and prefer AKL.

Transportation:

Bus service from AKL is great; I never waited more than 10 minutes and never had to stand. WL buses share so it took longer (IMO). However, boat launch to MK from WL is a nice perk -I find transportation via boat or monorail preferable to a bus.

Rooms:

Rooms are almost identical in layout. The difference is in the decor and theming. I think the AKL balcony is larger, but not signficantly larger. The difference here in my opinion is the view; I've never been too concerned with my view at WL, yet at AKL I always want the savannah view (which costs extra). However, if you don't want to pay extra for the savannah room there are plenty of places to view the savannah.

Pools:

I think they are pretty much equal here.

Lobby/Common Areas:

The lobby areas are similar (same designer, I believe). Much of this will come down to the theme you prefer. I'm an animal lover so I'll give the edge to AKL

You'll be happy at either place - but if you're willing to give AKL a try, you might like experiencing a new hotel.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[zurgswife]

I would chose AKL only if I could get a savannah view.....in july we were deciding between WL and AKL and didn't have the money to get a savannah view.....so we chose WL...I just couldn't see staying at AKL if I wasn't able to get up in the am and see the animals..