Looking at Deluxe Resorts!!! Which is best?

[Happy42082]

We are in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Disney next July and are looking to upgrade to a Deluxe Resort. Last year, we stayed at Caribbean Beach and liked it, but are looking for something a little more 'deluxe!'

Right now, we are looking at both the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Just curious to hear what you all have to say about each, and if you have stayed in both, which did you prefer?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Mystic]

I haven't stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge but I have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and absolutely love it there. I would never think of staying anywhere else. There is just something about the Lodge that I love that I can't really explain. It's warm and comforting and very inviting. I think the fact that they welcome you home to the Wilderness Lodge when you check in says it all. People complain about the transportationi but I've never had any issues with it. At least at the Wilderness Lodge you have options in regards to how you get around. You can go by boat or bus whereas at Animal Kingdom Lodge you are solely on buses.

I think you also need to consideration how much time you will be spending at each of the parks. We love the Magic Kingdom and spend the majority of our time there so the Wilderness Lodge is ideal for us because it's located in the Magic Kingdom area.

Also you can't top a meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe (Excuse me can I get some ketchup please? :lol: )

I vote for Wilderness Lodge:sohappy:

 

[Pioneer Hall]

If you are deciding between those two, my vote definately goes out to Wilderness Lodge. Although the two are very similar I think that overall Wilderness Lodge just gives you more.

 

[Master Yoda]

(Excuse me can I get some ketchup please? :lol: )

You mean that yuckey red stuff? Does anyone have a bottle of yucky red stuff for Mystic over here?

On the resort my favorite by far is Animal Kingdom lodge. Where else can you wake up and go out on your balcony and see giraffes and Tommies wandering around. The dinning at AKL is some of the best on property and the resort itself in breathtaking.

 

[lawyergirl77]

I've stayed at both resorts in the past year (!) and my vote was for the AKL... I loved the Wilderness Lodge, but the Animal Kingdom Lodge just felt like even more of an escape from reality!

Dining: I loved going to Boma for breakfast in the mornings (we did it three times - food was amazing there), and I preferred the selection at the Mara for quick service. While Artist Point is my favourite restaurant on property, I would still give the edge to the AKL in terms of food options (and no, it's not all African...).

Transport: A lot of people think that the AKL is too far away, but I've gotta tell you, that dedicated bus service goes a long way towards making the transit times equal for the two resorts. In fact, I find that the bus service for the AKL is far superior to that of the WL for getting to all of the parks, INCLUDING the MK.

Layout: DH and I had a room in the boondocks of the AKL when we stayed there, so I will give the WL much better marks in terms of layout. Next time, I'll be sure to request a room that is closer to the lobby. But, the view of the animals from our room was far superior to the one that my parents had and they were closer to everything, so I guess it's a bit of a trade off...

Theming: This is where personal preferences really come into play. I loved both hotels and I would give them equal marks for the theming but for different reasons. The WL has a homey, comfy feel to it, wheras the AKL, while still comfy, is much more exotic. I prefer the AKL because of how unique it is (especially in all of the details) and I also think that the rooms are better laid out at the AKL too. But, again, this is where personal preference really comes into play... That's where you're going to have to do your own legwork!

But the AKL's clear advantage... THE ANIMALS!!! I would wake up, stumble over to my balcony and watch the giraffes have their breakkie while I had my first coffee. Honestly, when I need to go to my "happy place" for whatever reason, that is the mental image that comes to me. And that is why the AKL will always be so special to me!!!

Hope this helps - enjoy your planning!!!!!!! (It's always my favourite part... aside from, you know, actually being there! :lol: )

 

[tigsmom]

I haven't stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge but I have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and absolutely love it there. I would never think of staying anywhere else. There is just something about the Lodge that I love that I can't really explain. It's warm and comforting and very inviting. I think the fact that they welcome you home to the Wilderness Lodge when you check in says it all. People complain about the transportationi but I've never had any issues with it. At least at the Wilderness Lodge you have options in regards to how you get around. You can go by boat or bus whereas at Animal Kingdom Lodge you are solely on buses.

I think you also need to consideration how much time you will be spending at each of the parks. We love the Magic Kingdom and spend the majority of our time there so the Wilderness Lodge is ideal for us because it's located in the Magic Kingdom area.

Also you can't top a meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe (Excuse me can I get some ketchup please? :lol: )

I vote for Wilderness Lodge:sohappy:

Uhmm... what he said. :lookaroun


We have stayed at the WL about 8 times now and even though we keep trying other resorts we always come back. There is just something there thats says "home" to us.

You didn't say how long you will be staying, but you could split it up between the both of them.

 

[Scott M]

I have not stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge. The Wilderness Lodge is very nice - boat ride to Magic Kingdom, bike trails, etc., but it would not be my choice of deluxe lodging again. Nothing wrong with the Wilderness Lodge, it's just that I prefer another.

IMHO, the Boardwalk or the Beach Club Resort offer the most for your money. Both offer boat service to Epcot and MGM, while also being within a very relaxing walking distance of the two.

There's plenty of activity in the area, while also offering beautiful pools and quiet areas. Also, within walking distance of the two are a number of terrific restaurants, not to mention the many restaurants in the World Showcase of Epcot.

The Yacht Club is co-located with the Beach Club, but I find the Yacht Club not as comfortable or inviting as the Beach Club or Boardwalk.

You won't be sorry if you chose either the Boardwalk or the Beach Club Resort. In fact, you would most likely not want to stay at any other resort again.

Scott

 

[ErickainPA]

I may be bias on my decision (since we got married and honeymooned at WL) but you have to go with WL, it was great. We were upgraded to conceirge level from just a regular room. We mentioned we were getting married on the 4th floor the next day and she said that's great, I didn't even know we did weddings here, will definately be looking for you and as a special gift, we are upgrading you to the 7th floor conceirge. Couldn't beat that at all, it was great. There are many little private nooks to just hang out in front of the fireplace, not just the main one in the lobby. The resort does have the perks of the boat to MK and Contemporary or the buses to other places (we never had to wait long for a bus) Plus the walkways to the boat ramp and nice and quite. You can also see the geyser go off every hour, that is nice to wake up to before heading to the parks each day. It's just got a peaceful homey feeling to the whole resort.

 

[PigletIsMyCat]

I haven't stayed at WL, but I did stay in a savannah room at AKL and loved every second of it. The atmosphere is wonderful, especially for animal lovers like me! The bus service was great, the pool was great, everything was great!!

 

[dandaman]

During our July 2003 trip, we actually had the pleasure of staying in both; AKL for 2 nights, and WL for about 8. I personally prefer Wilderness Lodge over Animal Kingdom Lodge... I love them both, but I just love WL more!

At WL, we had a view of the quiet pool/ Villas, so we could hear "northwest" music playing the whole time... awesome.

 

[col]

ok so ive never stayed at any of these 2 resorts but ive been thinking that whatever one you decide to stay in will be great.
the wilderness lodge in my opinion has a secluded, laid back feeling to it, it looks relaxing after a fun packed day in the parks.
the animal kingdom lodge also has a warm, hot feeling to it, if you stay in a savannah room you get to see the animals but dont they come out as the sun is rising in the morning?, very colourful and vibrant what with all the african themes they say its about.

whatever you decide im sure you will have a fab time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i did vote for the wilderness lodge

 

[Cindyrella]

AKL was amazing. I had the good fortune of staying there in June and we are going back in January. I, too, had trouble deciding which of the two resorts to stay at, but finally decided on AKL because my husband has not yet been there. WL looks beautiful too. I don't think you can go wrong with either resort. One of the things I loved about AKL was the smell. Boma was great too!
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[crazycalf]

AKL

You cannot beat being able to sit on your balcony and look at the animals.

 

[soccer9miahamm]

I have never stayed at Wilderness Lodge, but I can tell you that AKL is absolutely wonderful! The hotel has an overall peaceful feel, which you can't always find at all Disney resorts. When we were there, it seemed like we were the only ones. The food is amazing as well.
Yacht Club is also worth considering. It is quieter than Beach Club, but you still have access to the huge pool, and the location couldn't be beat. If you like EPCOT and MGM, it is definitely the place to stay.

 

[Christopher5927]

I agree absolutely with Mystic. Wilderness Lodge is fantastic. Even when the lobby is busy there is an air of tranquility. (Unlike the Grand Floridian lobby which always reminds me of a railway station for Victorian millionaires). And as for the transport, we have never waited longer than 10 minutes for either buses or boats.

 

[Mimi]

It looks like the responses are about even on this one. If I were you, I would go with my gut. Don't think of buses or restaurants, think of "feel." Consider the atmosphere of each resort and what you want from your vacation.

Do you want relaxation or adventure? Too hard to decide? Think of your best friend. They just had a nervous breakdown and need a getaway; or, they just went through divorce and need a fresh outlook on life. Which resort would you recommend?

 

[MickeyTigg]

Of the two...I feel that the Wilderness Lodge is better...the rooms are bigger and a bit better at the Wilderness Lodge. I also think it's a better location. While the AK Lodge is next to the Animal Kingdom, it is so far away from all the other parks that the transit times are very long.

Why are you limiting yourself to those two choices? I actually think the Polynesian and Grand Floridian are even better.

 

[ErickainPA]

Forgot, another thing with WL you will feel cooler after coming in from the parks, since it's shady and also with the waterfalls, will make you come back and feel refreshed faster since your going in July. They have a deck on the back of the lodge, where you can sit and relax in the rocking chairs. Plus the trails are nice and shady. Just an awesome resort to stay at

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I really have to echo the "feeling" arguments. These resorts are about equal in every respect (different, but equal). Therefore, pick the theme you think will be more relaxing. They are both outstanding.

Have a great time! :wave:

 

[Happy42082]

Thank you for all of your responses!!! All of your input is helping me to narrow down my choice. I am limiting my choices to these two resorts for budget reasons.

I am going to add a couple of more specific questions to my first post. . .

First, many of you mention that one resort is more relaxing than the other. . . to me both themes might lend themself to this type of relaxing atmoshphere. I am curious about which is more of a relaxation destination. I am all about relaxing once the summer is here-- I am a school teacher!

Second, I am a bit concerned about the cleanliness and newness of the two resorts. Our stay at CBR last July was good, but we found that the hotel room could have used some renovation. This is part of the reason why we are considering an upgrade to the deluxe category.

Thanks again for your help!! The more information that I can gather, the easier my decision will be! (hopefully) It seems as if choosing between these two resorts is a close call!