AKL or Wilderness Lodge?

[rsjsimone]

I was hoping someone out there could help me decide. I am torn between AKL and WL. Both look really nice and for a deluxe resort the price is great for both. Anyone stay at either and can give my their honest opinion?

Thanks!:sohappy:

 

[Cosmo]

it really depends on what you want to do! my wife and i have stayed several times at both and love both of them. we're planning a romantic weekend soon and are deciding between them.
we drive, as we live so close so transporation is not a problem. both offer valet parking (which we love) but if you're using disney transport, WL is closer to the "action" and AKL is more remote.
i think that akl is more romantic and love the lobby with its fireplace (great after a cold/rainy day at the parks).
we didn't really care for artist's point but we both LOVE Jiko at AKL so if its food, AKL wins out.
you can see wishes from some of the windows at WL.
There are animals RIGHT OUTSIDE your room at AKL!
there's a wonderful tour of the AKL where the guide tells you all about the art in the resort. and the pool is totally cool too!
We don't have kids, but i think that kids would probably like WL better than AKL. More "kid things" there i think.

So like I said, really depends on what you're looking for. If you have specific questions I'd be happy to tell you about our experiences at both resorts.

 

[bhg469]

AKL is jsut sooooocool but it gets very busy there and i would compare it to a moderate resort as far as the amount of people in there. WL is a little more calm and near MK which is great. Its a tough choice.

 

[rsjsimone]

Thanks very much! You've been very helpful. I think we may go to the WL. :kiss:

 

[Cosmo]

Thanks very much! You've been very helpful. I think we may go to the WL. :kiss:

so what did you decide? and why???

 

[ClemsonTigger]

That is a very tough choice...luckily, you won't be sorry with whichever one you pick. AKL has two very nice restaurants, has the animals and has special tours available to those who stay there. While it is a farthest from MK, it it actually closer to MGM and Epcot than WL.

We really enjoy Artist's Point as a quiet, romantic restaurant (Choose it over Cali Grille any day) and Whispering canyon is great fun. WL has a boat ride to MK as well as busses. As was said before, it is a very quiet resort.

Both are really great, I couldn't choose.

 

[shoppingnut]

AKL is jsut sooooocool but it gets very busy there and i would compare it to a moderate resort as far as the amount of people in there. WL is a little more calm and near MK which is great. Its a tough choice.

WL is not so calm if you are eating in the Whispering Canyon Cafe, with all the yelling and screaming and don't even think about asking for ketshup. This is my only problem with the hotel, in that there is no other place for a quiet breakfast unless you go to the food court which I'd prefer not to. If you have a car, it's not a problem, you can go to any other hotel, but if you don't it's a bit more complicated.

 

[rsjsimone]

Thanks everyone! My son decided that he liked the WL better because he liked the fact that they have a boat ride to MK and also the rental boats. We always rent a car so the distance between parks isn't really an issue for us but having the boat ride to wind down at the end of the day is a nice bonus!

 

[F'nGoofy]

Good choice. The WL is one of my favorite resorts in WDW. If you can, ask to be a flag family one of the mornings that you are there. You get a unique perspective of the resort and the surrounding area. We did it last year, but unfortunatly, it was very overcast, and we couldn't see that far beyond the hotel, but we still had a great time doing it. The ease of the water shuttle to and from the MK is a very nice feature. Our room was facing the MK, so we could see Wishes whenever we weren't at the parks. I can't wait to go back down again in December.

 

[JMishy]

I love WL. I think you made a great choice! :sohappy: Even when we don't stay at WL, we still make it a point to stop by for a visit.

 

[shmmrname]

I loved the WL. I stayed there quite a while ago, but I really think it's everything that's great about WDW all rolled into one large hotel.
On the other hand, we just visited the AKL for the first time to eat at Boma on our last trip and I have never been more amazed. AKL has always been first on my list of hotels to do when we finished experiencing the Moderates (I have stayed at Contemporary and WL without my fiancee and our 'group'), but I never expected it to rock so much.
The fireplace(s) were unexpected, I was in awe. We saw Zebra grazing at night before we ate. The whole place was just unbelieable.
Anyway, I think the magnitude of many of the things I feel about AKL wouldn't be fully felt when I was younger. I think the WL is a great choice, especially because of the reasons your child has already pointed out!

 

[Rogue21]

I stayed at the AKL on my last visit to WDW. It was incredible. Great food at both Boma and Jiko. Relaxing atmosphere around the fireplaces or simply lounging on the balcony watching the animals while enjoying a morning java. However, if you need to "do" more than just a tour, relax or watch the animals, then WL is perfect.

I spent parts of two days there. Rented a bike. Took out one of the Water Mice. Jogged some of the paths. Not to mention all the other events near or on the resort grounds.

Either way, you can't go wrong. It is WDW after all.