WL vs AKL

[LadyDarling]

I've never stayed at either, but my DH and I are seriously considering going for a deluxe (standard room) next time we go (in 2005). Can I get some opinions? What did you like/dislike about each of them? Given the choice, where would YOU stay?

 

[lukacseven]

I've stayed at both. My personal favorite is WL. The 2 resorts are actually very similar, in their design and layout. I think WL seems like a more quiet, relaxing atmosphere and the view of the lake is great. Both house good restaurants, but again, just my personal preference - I like the atmosphere Artist Point (WL) much better. They are big on advertising the live animals at AKL, but in my opinion, you can experience it much better at the Ak park.

 

[marynorth]

We've stayed at WL once and will again in September. I considered AKL, b/c it looks so beautiful, but for us, WL wins out b/c of its proximity to the MK (a short boatride away). With small kids, we end up going to MK almost everyday, plus my hubby became addicted to Splash Mtn. Too me though, if you don't have kids, I say try the AKL - my boss' 21 year daughter just got back and said it was absolutely fabulous. HAVE FUN!

 

[DanStat]

I've stayed in both, and I like Animal Kingdom Lodge much more. Wilderness Lodge was quiet, and it felt like my vacation went by faster there. They are both beautiful, but I think AKL was the best. The food was better, and I liked the atmosphere more at AKL.

 

[AkiraRaptor]

I've never stayed at WL, but have visited and eaten there many times.

I like AKL much better overall, but I don't think you can go wrong with either place.

I would also recommend to do a search or scan through the posts in this section. Their are a few WL vs AKL threads here, so you can get more info from them as well.

 

[disneydummy125]

As long as I have an savannah view at AKL, I like it better than WL. But WL is also one of my favorites.

 

[Steamboat_Kevin]

I actually would have to say the Wilderness Lodge, because of location. The Animal Kingdom is WONDERFUL, I was amazed by it, but its just not close enough to any parks except for the AK. The Wilderness Lodge is so close to the MK and its not too far from Epcot or MGM. Just my opinion, though

 

[BriJul]

Stayed at AKL last Oct, WL in March. We're going back in November and staying at AKL. Loved both of them, but a little partial to AKL because the bus rides were not as long.

 

[GoofyFan1]

My parents stayed at AKL and loved it.

My family and I have stayed at the WL and absolutely LOVED it.

I really don't think you can go wrong with either choice. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
:wave:

 

[MKCP 1985]

I love the Wilderness Lodge from the theming to the food to the water taxi service to the Magic Kingdom. I love its location.

Animal Kingdom Lodge looks to have good food and rooms, but my gripe with it (compared to Wilderness Lodge) is that it is so far removed from everything.

WL>AKL

 

[Glasgow]

My wife and I are in the same predicament. The only way to make a fair decision is to go to one on this trip, then to the other on your next trip. Problem solved! :animwink:

 

[Jedi Osborn]

We haven't stayed at the AKL, but we have LOVED the Wilderness Lodge. We had a 6th floor balcony room looking towards Magic Kingdom, so we could watch the fireworks from our room every night!! It was great (but a little loud for my daughter who was sleeping inside). I can't wait to go back. If I stayed at one Disney resort for the rest of my life, it'd be the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[bgraham34]

I can only comment onWL. I love it there. Its way favorite resort. I have visited the rest and just adore WL.AKL does nothingfor me. Its the design that I dont care for. Its just not my tastes.

 

[swimmom]

We love the atomosphere at the WL lodge. We also like the boat ride to MK and Contemporary rather than a bus. We feel like our restaurant options are greater with the boat to Comtemporary. You can also then take the monorail to the other monrail resorts as well. I have to agree with MKCP 1986 on AKL being so removed from the rest of the World. We have tried to make reservations at other resorts, but we always end up back at WL.

 

[Snow White 610]

We have only stayed at WL, but highly recommend it. As stated before, a small boat ride takes you to MK (the canal actually travels over a road ). You are also a short bus or boat ride away from Fort Wilderness which houses the Hoop Dee Doo Music Revue as well as nightly campfire singsongs, horses and hayrides. I don't know if the AKL plays music in its lobby, but hear the soundtrack at the WL and you'll be hooked! :wave:

 

[AkiraRaptor]

I don't know if the AKL plays music in its lobby

Yes, AKL plays African themed music.

 

[BriJul]

Someone mentioned that AKL was so far removed from other attractions. IMO, even though WL was closer to parks, the bus rides were considerably longer. The buses also stopped at other resorts which made the trips unbearable at times. Especialls to Downtown.

AKL, if I can remember picked you up at the stop and went right to your destination.

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Someone mentioned that AKL was so far removed from other attractions. IMO, even though WL was closer to parks, the bus rides were considerably longer. The buses also stopped at other resorts which made the trips unbearable at times. Especialls to Downtown.

AKL, if I can remember picked you up at the stop and went right to your destination.

That is correct. WL shares bus routes, AKL does not, with one exception, I belive durning the day we went over to DD, and it had a stop at one of the water parks.

If you look in my sig below, you can see the bus times at AKL, they are not bad at all.

This bigest issue I've discussed with others is that it's not close to other items, like the Epcot resorts are fairly close and there are things to do within walking distance. To do anything from AKL you need a car or use the buses.

But for me, I like AKL just the way it is, so I'm fine with it's location.

 

[kbmb]

This September will be our 3rd time at the WL. We both love it! Something about the atmosphere....it's very relaxing.

We've only ever taken either a car or the boat to get around. The boat is great.

-k

 

[DisneyPhD]

Someone mentioned that AKL was so far removed from other attractions. IMO, even though WL was closer to parks, the bus rides were considerably longer. The buses also stopped at other resorts which made the trips unbearable at times. Especialls to Downtown.

AKL, if I can remember picked you up at the stop and went right to your destination.

I was going to make this point, and then you did. WL is close to MK and the other MK resorts, but that is it. It rather far away from anywere else. When we stayed at ALK we had great luck with the busses. Not sharing cuts 10 min off your ride, making it not so far away from anything (and really close to AK.) Also, all busses share to water parks and DTD during the day.

We stayed at VWL, that are new and in great shape. Friends stayed at WL and there room was a tad run down and needed some referbishment. ALK is new and just lovely. The pool is amazing. I didn't think ALK was my "type" of resort (more Poly and Y&B myself.) but we loved it. (we also got a great deal there.)

I would go for AKL, being a newer and more unique place. (But WL is great too so if your heart is set there, go for it.)