Better "Lodge" Resort.......AK or WL?

[DisneyJunkie]

Which of the Disney deluxe "lodge" resorts do you think is nicer?

Personally, I've only been to WL, so I have the bias going on. My preference is always to stay in the Magic Kingdom area, so I don't think I'd ever stay at AKL, but I'm very curious to check it out and we are eating at Mara for breakfast one morning on our upcoming trip.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I love them both! For me to choose, it depends on the type of trip I am taking.... if I want to be removed from everything, to be feel almost secluded from the Disney hustle-and-bustle, and usually for a more romantic trip with my wife, we chose AKL.

When our sons travel with us, and we plan on visiting more parks, and especially if we are traveling in December, we chose WL.

They each have their own charm and unique qualities.

 

[CaptainMichael]

I've only been to Wilderness Lodge, so I am biased. However, it is the one that appeals to me most. It doesn't hurt that it has watercraft transportation

 

[krankenstein]

AKL, no contest!

 

[foreverbelle]

Since I have only been to WL I love it and I to am Biased. But I don't doubt that AKL is just as gorgeous.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Which of the Disney deluxe "lodge" resorts do you think is nicer?

Who is traveling on this trip?

Do you like animals?

Do you like boat transportation?

Will you be driving or depending on Disney transportation?


After thinking about it, if I had to give the edge to one, I may possibly choose AKL over WL because of the quick service food location - I like Mara a lot more than Roaring Forks....

 

[HollyBelle]

This is a question I keep asking myself, as we just returned from a trip that included stays at both the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I love them both and don't think you can go wrong with either. But I'm slowly starting to lean towards AKL. Obviously they both have exceptional theming, but there's just something about AKL that takes it to another level in my opinion.

And the "remoteness" of it that many people talk about is a non-issue for us, but we drive and dont' have to depend on the buses so that's probably why. It just doesn't feel that far out of the way.

 

[durangojim]

We've stayed at both -- the WL probably 10 times and the AKL once. To me the WL is the most relaxing resort on property. The theming is great, the scenery around it is beautiful, especially the lake, which is great to rent a water sprite or pontoon boat and have a picnic. You can walk in the woods to FW, and the convenience to the MK is great (dare I say I prefer the boats to the monorail, gasp!). That said, the restaurants are OK, and it's a little bit of a pain to take the busses everywhere but the MK.

The AKL has the best theming bar none in all of WDW and possibly the United States. It is an incredible resort and extremely detailed. It's restuarants are fantastic and the grounds are beautiful. BUT, it's not near any other park than AK, which for us is a half day park, there's no lake, and I feel very secluded. Seeing animals outside our room was not as exciting as we hoped (we've been to Yellowstone 20+ times and sceeing WILD animals there is much more of a thrill), and the resort is huge, it can take a while to walk to your room.

When our kids get a little older we'll probably spend a couple nights at AKL so they can see the animals but WL and BC will always be our go-to resorts of choice, and we definately prefer WL to AKL.

 

[coltow]

For me it's WL all the way. I would only stay at AKL if I have a Savannah view, which means more money. WL I would stay at regardless of the view. Plus the proximity to MK is an added bonus.

They are both similar in that they are very peaceful and relaxing, but there's just something about WL that draws me in.

 

[tigsmom]

I like them both. I've stayed at the WL over 10 times and have visited the AKL to eat at Boma. They were designed by the same person (he did the Grand Californian as well) and have similar atmosphere IMHO.

 

[DisJosh]

I've never stayed at either but having visited both I'd say Wilderness Lodge. I'd like to relly escape to the wood's for good some day but until then Wilderness Lodge will suffice!

If the wallet allows this is where I hope to stay for my next trip.

 

[Philo]

I really can't decide.

I would say that AKL is the nicer hotel and in a more amazing setting but something about WL gives it a really great feeling (plus I love the boat ride to MK)

 

[slappy magoo]

After thinking about it, if I had to give the edge to one, I may possibly choose AKL over WL because of the quick service food location - I like Mara a lot more than Roaring Forks....

I agree that Mara is better than Roaring Forks, however, I haven't been since AKL added on the DVC wing. The DVC area doesn't have its own food court, which makes me think Mara's going to be a heluva lot more crowded than t ever used to be. Definitely something I think DVC dropped the ball on - there really should be another food court on the other side of the property. Maybe not as big as Mara or with as much selection, but something.

 

[BrerPete]

Did both and they are two very different experiences. If you are looking for a more restful experience than WL. If you're very social and like a breakneck pace then AKL (lots of people watching the animals and wanting to talk and you're constantly trying to catch a bus because it is furthest away from everything.

 

[jonnyc]

This is a tough one, but as my signature would suggest i'll have to opt with AKL. There is a similiar feel to both of them, but for me getting up in the morning opening the curtains to reveal a group of giraffes makes AKL the slight winner.

But you can't really go wrong with either.