DAK Lodge or Wilderness Lodge

[ilvdisney]

Trying to plan a trip early in June. If you had a choice, would you stay at DAK Lodge or Wilderness lodge?
Thanks!

 

[kengels]

I would recommend Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) over Wilderness Lodge (WL). I like the theme a lot better and the Savannah room view is worth the price. The WL does have its advantages though; water service to the Magic Kingdom, the water pageant goes by at night and of course the pool and geyser. IMO I would stay at AKL and have dinner or character breakfast at WL.

 

[palmage]

I love them both, but my vote is AKL.
Both have great theming, but there is so much to do at AKL with the animals and all.
It a ways away from anything (except AK), and WL has the boats the the MK which is great.

I just love the atmosphere of AKL.

Thats just my opinion I could be wrong. And sure people will tell me.

 

[pacochran]

Haven't stayed at WL but went to dinner at Wispering Canyon Cafe which was great, the atmosphere of the lobby was interesting. But we just this past November stayed at AKL with a Savannah view room and that was great. The theming is good at the AKL also, as well as having a great resteraunt Boma's. It was neat to wake up in the morning have a cup of coffee and sit on the deck and see what animals were out on the Savannah. So my vote between the two is AKL.

 

[durangojim]

I would recommend Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) over Wilderness Lodge (WL). I like the theme a lot better and the Savannah room view is worth the price. The WL does have its advantages though; water service to the Magic Kingdom, the water pageant goes by at night and of course the pool and geyser. IMO I would stay at AKL and have dinner or character breakfast at WL.

We've stayed at both and I would vote for the WL for the above reasons. The deluxe savannah room is nice, but the resort feels too big and out of the way for us. We like to spend alot of time at MK so the proximity is a plus. AKl is too far away from most things although Boma is awesome. If you cn why
not spend a couple nights at AKL and then the rest at WL and you can decide for yourself.

 

[SallyShine]

We love the WL. The boat ride to MK is the best. Plus you can go to the Poly or Contemporary. There is also the water parade at night.

 

[coltow]

Both are great choices. I've never stayed at AKL but have visted the resort. My opinion is AKL is only worth it if you get a savannah view. If you can't then go for WL no view there is a bad one and it's very close to MK.

 

[Space Mountain]

Animal Kingdom Lodge for the atmosphere (and the animals); Wilderness Lodge for the location.

 

[DigitalDisney]

I couldn't tell you one resort to pick. I can definitely tell you that you'll be happy with either choice.

AKL is awesome because of its uniqueness, and WL is just really well done and incredibly themed.

The huge drawback to AKL is its location. Unless you're going to be spending most days at AK and MGM, it's a very long bus ride to MK and EP.

The boat ride from WL to MK is very nice, especially at night. Unfortunately, the bus service for WL will probably be shared with some combination of the Contemp, Poly, and Floridian.

Another factor that might influence your decision is the resort layout. If I remember correctly, WL is taller and more compact than AKL. If you have a room at the end of one of the wings at AKL, you could still have a very long walk after a day at the parks.

If you're going to spend a lot of time (or at least, most mornings) at AK, then go for AKL. Otherwise, WL might be the better choice.

Also keep in mind that you can easily visit the other resort between park hops. If you are staying at WL you can check out the AKL while park hopping, and vice versa.

 

[ilvdisney]

Thanks to everyone for your great insights!
I have been to WDW at least 35 times, but I have never stayed at one of these two resorts! It is very helpful to hear everyone's insights!
Thanks, again!

 

[maelstrom]

Wilderness Lodge. I have next to no desire to ever stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[atterris]

The WL is amazing. The boat ride is very nice and relaxing after a long day at the park. Also, the WL has its own buses but sometimes it stops at the campground. Pick WL you wont regret it.:animwink:

 

[Space Mountain]

I'm not sure on this, but don't the WL busses stop at the FW too? I remember having to take the bus to both places before/after going to/from the parks. That was my only drawback from WL.

 

[Pixiedust1393]

I'm gonna have to say AKL, especially if you have kids. The beach-entry pool is great for little ones learning how to swim w/o waterwings or a lifejacket, and the kids will love the night vision goggles to look at the animals!

 

[I-4Warrior]

AKL, hands down. We've done AKL and Wilderness Lodge and we prefer AKL by a wide margin. The atmosphere, the noise level (a room overlooking Whispering Canyon anyone?), cast member friendliness, Boma, the concierge service (and food offerings) were all vastly superior to Wildnerness Lodge (at least to us). We didn't have the greatest experience at Wilderness Lodge (it doesn't help that we had stayed at AKL not too long before and had an amazing resort experience).

 

[I-4Warrior]

Also, I do have to disagree with the assessment that there is not a bad view at WL.... we were overlooking the bus terminal and the parking lot. Charming view.

 

[1DisneyDad]

We've stayed at AKL twice and WL 3times. Like them both. If you have kids go with WL. A lot more fun. Staff is nicer. Boat ride to MK. Fun places to eat. Seeing the animals is neat but you can go to DAK for that.

WL all the way! Welcome home.

 

[Iakona]

We have done both AKL and WL. All of us (my son, 7 at the time) would choose AKL over WL every time.

Transportation - really was not as bad as people make it out to be. AKL is closer to some parks, further from others just like every other resort.

Kids activities - AKL has a bunch - nightly story telling, night vision goggles, a parade, cultural ambassadors etc. Really a great place for kids.

Theming - absolutely amazing.

Staff - was always great at AKL, to be fair WL's staff was excellent too.

 

[1DisneyDad]

You really can't go wrong either way. Both are great. Have fun!

 

[maelstrom]

Also, I do have to disagree with the assessment that there is not a bad view at WL.... we were overlooking the bus terminal and the parking lot. Charming view.

Yes, there are definitely bad views at the Wilderness Lodge: the parking lot, bus load area, dumpsters, sandbox, loading dock, etc. And some of those are considered woods view. :brick: