AKL or WL .

[real mad hatter]

Has anyone stayed at both of these resorts,and if so,which one took your fancy and why.We are starting to plan for 2014, yes I know,that's two years away but we intend to book the resort ASAP.We have visited both just to look around and loved the theming in both.DS likes the idea of staying at AKL and I must admit altho it's in a remote location,the chance of getting free dining and having Jikos,Sanaa,and Boma on our doorstep,this might sway us to pick AKL.But would like to hear from anyone who has done both resorts.

 

[BryceM]

I prefer Wilderness Lodge. It's got a majestic beauty to it that can't be matched. Plus it's close to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[ShookieJones]

I've only stayed at AKL. We got a special offer and were able to stay for the price of a moderate - plusw we got upgraded to a Savannah view and it was very nice.

We didn't feel the 'far away from the parks - remote location' feel that people seem to mention about AKL - but we rent a car I don't know if that's the difference.
Although there is only the main parking lot and it is a long way away from the building itself..and we had the last room at the very end of the resort.

So our room itself seemed like it was in a remote location....especially after a long day at the parks.


I was completely underwhelmed by the pool there. Was more impressed and had more fun at PORS's pool the following year.

I would never pay 'regular' price to stay at AKL. It's visually a beautiful resort, but for me, it's not enough to pay deluxe resort prices.
With all that being said - between these two? I guess my opinion is that I always wanted to (and would have much rather) stayed at WL.

 

[wiigirl]

I prefer Wilderness Lodge. It's got a majestic beauty to it that can't be matched. Plus it's close to the Magic Kingdom.

I really like Wilderness Lodge also....one of my favorite trip we had we stayed there.

 

[KCheatle]

I must admit that I've never stayed at AKL ...and after staying at WL chances are I never will. In fact, just like the man of my dreams, I found the hotel of my dreams in WL and could never "see myself with another." In all seriousness, WL is amazing. Bottom line, there is nothing better than walking 5 minutes to a beautiful dock and boating up to MK. The image of seeing the castle as you round the corner is permantently etched in my memory and I cannot wait to see it again! We went to MK every day of our trip just because it was so easy to get there and back: Never had to wait for a second boat to come; we were there in less than 5 minutes, and we walked like 30 feet to the entrance from the boat landing. Having come from Contemporary, Coronado and Pop, the ease of getting to MK comparitively was just unbelievable. Also, I love the sequestered feel of it. You get back to the hotel and you actually feel relaxed!! Like you are seperated from the madness that is Disney world and you can just look out over your balcony and see trees and hear the waterfall trickling down into the pool - but hold on - you aren't too far removed because you still get the Electrical Water Pageant that is pumped into the speakers of the hotel to enjoy every night!! Also, the bus experience was uncomparable to the other hotels. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus and never had to stand up. I figured it was a "deluxe hotel" thing, but from what I've heard from others, the ease of the bus system is particularly unique to WL because it is a smaller hotel and so the numbers just make the system easier. Oh..I could go on and on.. but I won't (if it gets too long, then people won't read it..so I'll stop there!) So, these are just some of the reasons why I will never stay in a different Disney hotel.

 

[Pooh Lover]

Have stayed at the WL many times and enjoy it every time (love being so close to the MK without paying the monorail price.) Have visited the AKL many times because of their restaurants and have been tempted to stay but just personally feel it is a little too far from the other parks. When you actually look at the location on paper, its not that far but when it comes to my WDW trips, I want NO regrets. For us it is definitely the theming of the WL that attracts us. If we were as into the idea of a savannah view and the animals, we would probably just stay there and the distance would not matter. Go with what you seemed to enjoy more. Just a little FYI on the WL...it does share busses with other resorts so that will add to your travel time.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I love WL too. Great access to Magic Kingdom and the setting is very serene. Plus it was just a quick walk to Whispering Canyon, yummy!

 

[luv]

I've done both more than once. They are practically the same hotel, with different themes. I much prefer AKL, but that's just a personal preference.

At AKL, I relax the second I walk in the door. It's calm. It's beautiful. The art around the hotel (lobby, halls, etc.) is interesting. The rooms are relaxing without being too dark. I really love the AKL.

AKL isn't for everyone, though. If you think you'd like it, you'll probably love it. But if it doesnt seem to be your thing, you might be sorry you stayed there.

Wilderness Lodge is a fine hotel, too. If you're leaning that way, go that way.

You really can't go wrong.

 

[afar28]

I love both but I prefer WL. It has my favorite place to dine (Whispering Canyon Cafe), and it is absolutely beautiful in my opinion. AKL is amazing too, but I prefer WL.

 

[BamaDisneyFan]

We've always stayed at Wilderness Lodge and just absolutley love it. Its close to MK and of course Whispering canyon....Yummy!!! I tried to get hubby to try the Poly, and he was like No. We will stay no place else. When you walk in the doors and just takes your breath away. Wish I was there now. My screen saver is of the Lodge!!

 

[tracyandalex]

We have only stayed at WL and while it is beautiful, i think we would like AKL better. the main thing that turned us off of WL was surprisingly the staff, mainly the front desk folks. We have had much better service at other WDW resorts not just deluxes. We are animal loves and have been dying to stay at AKL. Now that DD is getting old enough to really enjoy it we will be staying there soon (like in the next 2 years). If I make it there before you I'll let you know.

 

[dvcnut]

During our trip in November, we're going to split our stay between AKL - Jambo House and WL.

I have visited every deluxe resort on-site and absolutely LOVE Jambo House at Animal Kingdom Lodge! The atmosphere feels more like a resort...and not just an attachment to a theme park. The pool and hot tubs are the best that I've seen (except for maybe Beach Club). I also found the bus system to be top notch. We didn't experience any delays, the buses weren't crowded, and we got to all of the parks pretty quickly.

Be warned though...the Kidani Village building's pool is not as nice as Jambo Houses. It's smaller and isn't as nicely landscaped.

The ironic thing is the two resorts do look very similar to one another. Although they have different theming, the similarity in the lobby is pretty remarkable.

I don't think that you can go wrong either way!

 

[boilerpicc]

I have stayed at both resorts several times. One of the posters above said that they are practically the same hotel, and that is right. Here are some of my thoughts:

AKL - If your family is very into animals, then you have to stay here. We had a savannah view room once and watched a giraffe eating right below our room almost every night. You cannot beat that for animal fans. Everybody complains about it being too far away from everything, but I didn't think so. We always use Disney transportation, and the bus service is no worse at this resort than at any other but the bus is your only option here.

WL - This one is my favorite resort of them all. The atmosphere is very similar to the AKL, only without the animals. You can get the bus places, or you can take the boat over to the Contemporary or MK and hop the monorail as well. The Whispering Canyon Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants, so you have that right on site. There are also some hidden extras at this resort. At least, I am hoping they are still there. I haven't tried them in a few years. There is a cool hidden mickey scavenger hunt that you can get from the front desk. You can also be a "flag family," where you will get to go up on balcony on the roof (with a cast member of course) and help to raise all of the flags in the morning. There is a fantastic view from up there. The flag family spots fill up fast though (only one a day).

Given the choice, I would pick WL unless I was bringing a budding veterinarian.

 

[bethymouse]

I guess WL due to how close it is to MK. I also like the boat launch to MK. The buses get to me at AKL. That's the only mode of transportation there unless you drive your own car.

 

[disneygirl76]

Has anyone stayed at both of these resorts,and if so,which one took your fancy and why.We are starting to plan for 2014, yes I know,that's two years away but we intend to book the resort ASAP.We have visited both just to look around and loved the theming in both.DS likes the idea of staying at AKL and I must admit altho it's in a remote location,the chance of getting free dining and having Jikos,Sanaa,and Boma on our doorstep,this might sway us to pick AKL.But would like to hear from anyone who has done both resorts.

Stayed at WL and would definitely go back! Especially in the fall -a great time to go with all those big fireplaces! However, if I had the option, I would want to do Savannah View at AKL. I really want to do that some time.

 

[coachwnh]

stayed at akl three times including this past july/august and WL twice. The bus rides to and from AKL werent bad, just getting a bus was the problem. during all three stays it was an issue. the distance from AKL to the parks really isnt bad. Its just waiting for the buses to get there! Never had any issues at WL. Love the boat ride to MK. Very peaceful

 

[real mad hatter]

Thanks to all for your opinions.Reckon I'll wait till I see the prices then make my mind up.Cheers.

 

[Jeff456]

I've stayed in AKL in a Savannah view room and whilst I enjoyed it, the lobby is stunning, I agree the pool is dissappointing. Reading all this really makes me want to stay in WL though, would never even have considered it before!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We've stayed at both.

If proximity to the MK, etc. is important then the WL is better. If resort atmosphere trumps then I'd say AKL. Both are great resorts. As others have said, they are extremely similar. I personally prefer the dining options and pool facilities at AKL. I think the shop is much better as well. We never had issues with the bus transportation to/from either resort that I can recall. One thing that stands out to me is that AKL gives off a more remote or removed vibe. No, not talking about geographically. It feels like you're not in WDW, like you're really in an African lodge for a safari vacation. To me it was like being on vacation while on vacation which was a big perk. When you've had a busy day in the parks and want a relaxing retreat removed from all the hullabaloo the AKL was a fantastic escape. I really enjoyed it. Felt like it was a destination unto itself.

 

[foreverbelle]

We have stayed at both. Neither you can truly go wrong with. My son and my nephew both loved the animals at AKL and the view was amazing. When we have stayed there, we always feel so relaxed and truly away from it all. Which is pretty cool. Yes it is a little farther away from most of the parks but at the same time, I never got the omg it is sooo long feeling that I know some people talk about.


But my favorite has always been WL. There is just something so cozy and inviting. I simply love the atmosphere and everything. As far as proximity while WL is not on the monorail line it is so close to the parks and the boat ride is a lovely ride....

But I don't think you would go wrong with either really.