Club Level: Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge

[DrummerAlly]

My husband and I are planning a trip next July and have our resorts narrowed to either WL or AKL. We were upgraded to club level at the Yacht Club in 2010 and the experience changed WDW vacations for us. I credit that one free upgrade to helping move my husband from "eh-Disney" to "yay! Disney!". Needless to say, we're looking at club level again.

We stayed in a standard room at AKL on our last trip for four days and loved the resort; we felt we didn't have enough time there to really enjoy it. We've never been to WL, so that would be a new experience. We're leaning towards AKL at the moment.

How do the two resorts compare? Has anyone stayed club level at either or both? Are the club level rooms at AKL really that far from the lounge? According to Disney's website, WL Club Level was more expensive than AKL Club level for an otherwise identical trip - why is that? Is the club level experience at these resorts different from the more expensive YC, BC, etc.?

Thank You!! :wave:

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

My husband and I are planning a trip next July and have our resorts narrowed to either WL or AKL. We were upgraded to club level at the Yacht Club in 2010 and the experience changed WDW vacations for us. I credit that one free upgrade to helping move my husband from "eh-Disney" to "yay! Disney!". Needless to say, we're looking at club level again.

We stayed in a standard room at AKL on our last trip for four days and loved the resort; we felt we didn't have enough time there to really enjoy it. We've never been to WL, so that would be a new experience. We're leaning towards AKL at the moment.

How do the two resorts compare? Has anyone stayed club level at either or both? Are the club level rooms at AKL really that far from the lounge? According to Disney's website, WL Club Level was more expensive than AKL Club level for an otherwise identical trip - why is that? Is the club level experience at these resorts different from the more expensive YC, BC, etc.?

Thank You!! :wave:

Both resorts are relatively the same since the same architect designed them. I have stayed at both resorts numerous times and have stayed at both on the club level. I definitely like the club level at the AKL much better. The club level rooms at this hotel are located either on the same floor as the lounge or the floor below it. I have stayed in both areas and didn't have an issue.

I was not impressed with the club level at WL at all.
I have experienced every club level within the deluxe hotels and my two favorites are the one at AKL and the GF. I was not impress with the ones at the BW,BC or YC at all. I do rate the ones at the Poly and the Contemp better than those but my ultimate favorites are the AKL and GF.

The staff at the AKL concierge level are outstanding. I think the lounge there is very relaxing. Also if you go when they have the tree up you have a fantastic view of it from there.

I hope this helped

Pam

 

[DrummerAlly]

Both resorts are relatively the same since the same architect designed them. I have stayed at both resorts numerous times and have stayed at both on the club level. I definitely like the club level at the AKL much better. The club level rooms at this hotel are located either on the same floor as the lounge or the floor below it. I have stayed in both areas and didn't have an issue.

I was not impressed with the club level at WL at all.
I have experienced every club level within the deluxe hotels and my two favorites are the one at AKL and the GF. I was not impress with the ones at the BW,BC or YC at all. I do rate the ones at the Poly and the Contemp better than those but my ultimate favorites are the AKL and GF.

The staff at the AKL concierge level are outstanding. I think the lounge there is very relaxing. Also if you go when they have the tree up you have a fantastic view of it from there.

I hope this helped

Pam

That definitely helps thank you! I wonder why WL was so much more expensive then - the quotes from WDW were about $400 apart!

 

[Computer Magic]

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure
Available only to Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge guests, on Thursdays and Sundays, meeting at 7am (time may change).
After being taken by bus to Animal Kingdom, guests are taken on a private 45-60 minute adventure on Kilimanjaro Safari.
The jeep will make stops so that guests can take photos of the animals, and ask any questions they may have.
After a special buffet breakfast in a private room at Pizzafari, guests are given a fastpass to ride the regular Kilimanjaro Safari.

Wanyama Sunset Safari

Whispering winds sweep across the balmy, Africa-like plain, a peaceful sanctuary at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. From balconies overlooking the savannahs, hotel guests marvel as creatures large and small roam the grasses, forage for food and play in harmony.

Note: There is an additional cost for these options.

But now Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge club-level (concierge) guests can actually enter this serene animal reserve for an up-close personal encounter -- thanks to the Wanyama Safari experience.

Just before sunset four nights a week, adventurers gather outside the 1,293-room lodge with a guide who readies the group for a traditional game-viewing safari. Up to eight persons can board a specially designed pop-top vehicle for a bird's eye view of a typical North African safari.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

That definitely helps thank you! I wonder why WL was so much more expensive then - the quotes from WDW were about $400 apart!

It may have been the actual room type that was coming up.

Pam

 

[Computer Magic]

I think the Kilimanjaro Club Level gives you a savannah view, at least in 2009. Others can confirm if this still works the same.

 

[Omi19]

I have done Wanyama and also Sunrise Safari. Wanyama is now available to all guests at both Jambo House and Kidani and the timing depends on the amount of daylight. It is also offered seven afternoons a week. Sunrise Safari's breakfast now happens at Pizzafari; and the last time we did it, this past January, the issuance of a FastPass was discontinued as few people seem to have used it.

 

[Computer Magic]

I have done Wanyama and also Sunrise Safari. Wanyama is now available to all guests at both Jambo House and Kidani and the timing depends on the amount of daylight. It is also offered seven afternoons a week. Sunrise Safari's breakfast now happens at Pizzafari; and the last time we did it, this past January, the issuance of a FastPass was discontinued as few people seem to have used it.

I didn't know it was changed to 7 nights. When I went it was Pizzafari as well. I updated my OP.

 

[DrummerAlly]

I have done Wanyama and also Sunrise Safari. Wanyama is now available to all guests at both Jambo House and Kidani and the timing depends on the amount of daylight. It is also offered seven afternoons a week. Sunrise Safari's breakfast now happens at Pizzafari; and the last time we did it, this past January, the issuance of a FastPass was discontinued as few people seem to have used it.

I thought the sunrise safari might be a nice add on to this trip. That is certainly a perk to staying at AKL.

 

[YankeeMouse]

Have only done AKL club level, but it was outstanding. Staff very attentive. THere is not a really good view to the savanna but you can see out to where Arusha Rock is and that savanna. When you walk in the front doors, turn around 180 degrees and look up. That's where the club is located, on the 6th floor toward the front of the resort. You look down at the lobby area and, yes, it would give a great view of the tree. Great assortment of food there. Breakfast items in the a.m., snacks, then at dinner hour there are African breads, crackers, hummus, etc., and in the evening there are cordials like brandy and Kahlua and sweets, espresso machine. And Tusker House beer any time of the day.

 

[DrummerAlly]

I'm pleasantly surprised that so far nobody has complained that the rooms at AKL are too far from the concierge lounge. I feel like I read that in many places. Having the room relatively close to the lounge is big for us since we like to get breakfast and snacks and then bring it back to enjoy on the patio. I read that you can't be guaranteed a savanna view room with club level, was that a problem for anyone?

I think we're pretty much sold on AKL at this point. The only benefit that I see to WL is that its a brand new resort for us and that it has the boat to MK.

 

[Computer Magic]

I'm pleasantly surprised that so far nobody has complained that the rooms at AKL are too far from the concierge lounge. I feel like I read that in many places. Having the room relatively close to the lounge is big for us since we like to get breakfast and snacks and then bring it back to enjoy on the patio. I read that you can't be guaranteed a savanna view room with club level, was that a problem for anyone?

I think we're pretty much sold on AKL at this point. The only benefit that I see to WL is that its a brand new resort for us and that it has the boat to MK.

I would call Disney and see what the rules are about Savanna room. When we went in 2009 the savanna room was a guarantee with club level. As I stated previously, I think this is still the case. In fact, I went Disney website and completed a Disney vacation package and slected Club Level. It stated Savanna view.

The distance to the room was not a deal breaker for us. We were even on the lower level from concierge lounge. We just loaded up a few plates, grab a few drinks and went back to our room.

 

[DrummerAlly]

I would call Disney and see what the rules are about Savanna room. When we went in 2009 the savanna room was a guarantee with club level. As I stated previously, I think this is still the case. In fact, I went Disney website and completed a Disney vacation package and slected Club Level. It stated Savanna view.

The distance to the room was not a deal breaker for us. We were even on the lower level from concierge lounge. We just loaded up a few plates, grab a few drinks and went back to our toom.

Great to know! Thank You!

 

[Computer Magic]

Great to know! Thank You!

Standard Room, Kilimanjaro Club rooms offer a view of a one of the savannahs at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Kilimanjaro Club includes advance Walt Disney World Resort Itinerary Planning service, personalized Front Desk and Concierge service, evening turndown service with chocolates, secure key access to the Club Level Lounge, which serves refreshments from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, complimentary Health Club access, weekday newspaper delivery of USA Today, complimentary fax assistance. Club Level Guests can book and experience the Sunrise safari and the Wanyama safari.

 

[coachwnh]

cant speak for WL, but AKL club level was great. standard room includes savannah view which is a plus. the cost of club level really isnt all that much more than the savannah view by itself.

 

[CaptainShortty]

I would call Disney and see what the rules are about Savanna room. When we went in 2009 the savanna room was a guarantee with club level. As I stated previously, I think this is still the case. In fact, I went Disney website and completed a Disney vacation package and slected Club Level. It stated Savanna view.

The distance to the room was not a deal breaker for us. We were even on the lower level from concierge lounge. We just loaded up a few plates, grab a few drinks and went back to our room.

It is still a savannah view and although the resort is large, the walk is definitely manageable for the vast majority of people. I highly suggest AKL (although I'm a bit biased...haha). I also absolutely love WL, but don't have any experience with their club level so it would be hard for me to say. The two are by far my favorite resorts on property.

 

[Computer Magic]

It is still a savannah view and although the resort is large, the walk is definitely manageable for the vast majority of people. I highly suggest AKL (although I'm a bit biased...haha). I also absolutely love WL, but don't have any experience with their club level so it would be hard for me to say. The two are by far my favorite resorts on property.

The resort is large. Except for AKL and from what I read the Poly, I don't find concierge worth the money. Although they have the best cookies. Most of the good foods are offered when most are at the parks. But that is just my opinion and resort style.

I've had the free upgrade to concierge at Beach Club and the next year purchased concierge for AKL. As someone stated earlier if you want a savannah view, you might as well pay for concierge. The price difference isn't that much. Savannah view and the two safari tours was worth the price for us.

 

[mp2bill]

That definitely helps thank you! I wonder why WL was so much more expensive then - the quotes from WDW were about $400 apart!

Oof! Probably just because it's close to MK.

 

[DrummerAlly]

Thanks Everyone!

I just booked us for a 6 nights in July at AKL club level through AAA! :sohappy:

 

[njDizFan]

1 bedroom club level suites are either savannah or pool view, all 2 bedroom club level suites and standard rooms are savannah view.