Wilderness or Animial Kingdom Lodge?

[jr105]

I am planning to visit November 3-6, 2012 during the F&W Festival. I looking into staying in a Deluxe resort and attending the festival for the first time.
I narrowed it down to the Wilderness or Animal Kingdom Lodge, staying in a standard view room. I know that staying at an EPCOT resort would be the best, but those resorts, even in a standard room, are out of my price range.
Which of the above do you recommend? Or should I hold off, and stay at a moderate that is closer to EPCOT. (POR or POFQ)
Also does anyone have an idea when Florida resident or pass-holder discounts come out for this time of year?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MorganKelly]

http://www.mousesavers.com/ this link may help with regard to discounts.

IMHO, the moderate resorts are quite nice and, as you stated, would be closer to Epcot. The Festival is very popular, so you may want to check to see what is available sooner rather than later. The deluxe resorts are wonderful, but not usually your best bet budget-wise unless there are special packages or discounts being offered.

 

[bethymouse]

WL is the "cheapest" of the deluxe resorts. By no means is it "cheap" in experience however! The best part is the neat geyser, and the boat ride to MK. We loved it!

AKL is a very nice resort, although a bit pricey. Bus transportation only. If you get a savannah view, it may be worth it, but more expensive. Apparently though there are some "standard view" rooms that have a view of the savannah- just ask.
Both have excellent restaurants! Both have nice pools w/ slides.
I guess it just all depends on the type of theme you prefer! You can't go wrong with either! Have fun planning!

 

[Skibum1970]

AKL seems very nice but I haven't stayed there (just walked through and ate at one of the restaurants). WL is wonderful and is my favorite. It is peaceful to me and appeals to my love of timber framed buildings. I could pretty much live there. Plus, I get a boat ride to the Magic Kingdom, Electric Water Parade, and, after a boat ride to Contemporary, I can take the monorail the EPCOT.

 

[DisneyJunkie]

Obviously there is a lot to your decision that is simply personal preference. Of the two, I would definitely select Wilderness Lodge. I know that AKL is beautiful, but as for how my wife and I visit WDW, we spend a great deal of time at Magic Kingdom and so being close to it makes more sense for us, and that's why I'd choose WL or AKL. Bethymouse is right, that of the deluxe resorts, WL tends to be the least expensive, but it is still very rich in theming and always makes for a great stay. If you're also considering between deluxe and moderate, please know that you'll have very different experiences with them. We typically stay at deluxe, and once tried a moderate (Caribbean Beach) and were not very pleased with what we had there compared to the deluxe. Cost-wise, which is very important these days, it helped us, but it did take away a little from the overall trip (not a lot, but enough to notice).

 

[WannaBWendy]

I prefer WL. AK was really nice, but I liked the WL pool and restaurants better. Something comfortable about WL.

 

[BamaDisneyFan]

I am gonna say the Wilderness Lodge. This is the only place my disney family will stay...we love it so much. I can't wait till July 2013, when we are back home there.

 

[worldfanatic]

I love them both, but prefer the AKL in almost every area except location.

In my opinion, AKL has better dining options, a better main pool, slightly better lounge (although they're both in WDW's top 5 lounges), and a better gift shop. I actually prefer the AKL lobby a bit more as well.
But that location thing is pretty important for a lot of people, and the WL's location is amazing.

 

[CaptainShortty]

You've picked my two favorites to choose from! I think it really depends on your personal preferences. Are you planning on spending a lot of time at MK? Are you going to eat at the restaurants and if so, which do you prefer? Are you going to take advantage of the resort activities (of which AKL has more)? So it's really a personal call. If you do decide to book at DAKL in a standard view, ask for a partial savannah. Some of the standards face the savannah vs. the parking lot. No promises you'll get one (as there are only a few) but its certainly worth asking! Good Luck making your decision!

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I'm extremely partial to AKL, which is my favorite resort. It's got the best restaurants on property, the best lobby, a great lounge, and the savannahs. The only downside is the location (not sure if you're driving or taking Disney transportation- if you're driving this is not an issue).

WL is a favorite of peoples', but I'm not a fan of the theme. I've never, ever been the outdoorsy/rustic type. Not for me.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I like them both. but if F&W was the primary objective Id be staying at the Boardwalk or Y&B. If thats not available then I guess it would be the closest moderate

 

[disney magic 06]

They are my two favourite hotels, and in truth are very similar and very very good. My choice would be WL, I like the feel of it, and the boats. Also I find the AKL has a bit of an aroma..... animals I suppose! You can't really go wrong with either of your choices.

 

[Bob]

AKL...and be sure to make reservations for both Jiko and Boma! You might also get a nice surprise like what we got the last time we stayed there. Paid for a standard room and got a free upgrade to a savannah view room without even asking for it.

 

[KristenLovesMickey]

Animal Kingdom is BEAUTIFUL. the pool is amazing. And with being one of the least popular resorts because of its location, it is less crowded. WL is close to magic kingdom so you have the option to take the boat, where as AK you have to take the bus everywhere. But resort wise, I would choose AK.

 

[jlsHouston]

I would love to try WL, not sure when I will probably next year on one of the visits...we split our upcoming trip this July between BC and AKL and I will let you know if AKL is a love or like for me in August !

 

[DisneyWall-E]

Just throwing this out there. You gave us two choices but what about the Swan or Dolphin? They are delux and close to EPCOT Center and are cheaper.

 

[jr105]

Thanks for all the suggestions. If it was another time of year I would have stayed at WL. But, since I am going for the F&W Festival, I am planning to stay at one of the closest moderate, POFQ.
Since the passholder and Florida resident discounts not out yet I asked and got an AAA rate, and apply the other discounts when they come out.
Another plus is that I have the Tables in Wonderland card and I can use it at the food court and since I am not staying a deluxe I added a night. (arriving Friday after work and leaving Tuesday)
Looking forward in visiting the festival for the first time.

 

[jr105]

Just throwing this out there. You gave us two choices but what about the Swan or Dolphin? They are delux and close to EPCOT Center and are cheaper.

Stayed at the Dolphin before using a teacher rate, it was OK, and I am actually staying this weekend at the Swan accompanying my friend to a conference. The convenience was great, but with the discounts I can get at a Disney Resort (Florida resident, passholder, and tables in wonderland), I think a moderate would be better.