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.

 

[Ariel484]

Split stay!

 

[s&k'smom]

Having stayed at both I think the deciding factor would be if you are renting a car or going by Disney transportation. My husbands' favorite is coming home at night on the boat from MK to the WL, it really is a sight to see the lodge all lit up.

AKL has this amazing African theme you really feel transported to another world and BOMA, OMG what a place to eat. Frankly I don't what I would do I love both.

 

[GoochDSA]

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.

I agree with sweetpee.

While I can't comment much on WL since we have never stayed there, I can say that we never experienced any of the issues that people seem to complain about AKL. While you have a feeling of being miles and miles away from Disney while at the resort, the truth of the matter is, based on ourlaughingplace.com, AKL has less of a travel to everywhere except MK than WL (when taking Disney transportation) and even then it is less than a 10 minute difference. The resort is beautiful and the sounds and smells just help take it to another level (honestly, while there is drumming you don't even notice it after a few minutes). Your room can be a bit of a walk from the lobby/entrance, but after all the walking one does while in Disney, what is a few extra feet. Our room faced a popular pond area on the savannah where many animals hung out day and night.

Yes, I can see how AKL isn't for everyone. However, I do think that a lot of the complaints that you will find are a bit drastic and nit-picky.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Split stay!

I agree you can stay at both!