[Sasha]

My husband and I are in the process of planning our first family Disney trip for the first part of November. Our daughters will be 6 and 8 when we go.

I have been doing a lot of reading on this site and must say that it, and all of you, are wonderful! I plan to be reading frequently to help plan our trip!

My question is about the AKL. From what I have read, you need to go with the theming that you identify with the best when picking a resort. We both fell in love with the "look" of the AKL. I was just wondering how isolated it is. We will probably be spending most of our time at MK with some time at MGM. I am worried about how far away it is from everything. We really don't want to rent a car and I am concerned that we will not have much ability to "get up and go" if we stay there.

Our other option is the WL. Is it worth sacrificing the theming to be closer to MK?

Thanks!

[roxie]

We haven't stayed at AKL, but we did stay at WL.
We loved the WL! The theming is beautiful and it is much closer to the MK.
It also has the option of jumping on the boat to get to MK.

I know AKL has buses, but it is pretty far away.

[BuzzLightyear]

I've stayed at both resorts.

If your main plan is to be at the MK a lot, I would highly recommend the WL.

AKL is an awesome resort, but you do have to bus everywhere.

[llama]

Welcome to Disney Central! Both resorts are beautiful. If you're animal lovers, AKL can't be beat! WL is gorgeous to - but I personally think the boat to MK from WL is the slowest transportation at WDW. It makes me WANT TO SCREAM!!!! lol. Even though the AKL is further from the MK than WL, the bus transportation is very efficient.

[brumcg]

AKL is kind of isolated, but the busses will get you where you need to go. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it.

That said, I love WL. And... oddly enough, the same architect designed both WL and AKL. You can still sense that, even though the themes are so different.

Either is a great choice. Since you fell in love with AKL, I'd stick with that.

Bruce

[roxie]

Originally Posted by llama

I personally think the boat to MK from WL is the slowest transportation at WDW. It makes me WANT TO SCREAM!!!! lol.

Really??

I love the boat ride to MK....I find it very relaxing.

Don't listen to llama....she's just impatient this morning.
All that "getting ready to go to WDW" stuff she's doing!

[bali]

That's a tough decision! I absolutely LOVE AKL, and if you'd be able to book a savanna-view room, it's tough to beat. BUT, I also love WL, having stayed there for the first time in January. The closeness of WL to the Magic Kingdom is just wonderful. (I thought the boats were relaxing too, but the lines to board the boats were maddening! We ended up taking the much less crowded boats to the Contemporary and walking to the MK from there.)

If I were in your situation, I think I'd actually choose WL for several reasons: WL is closer to the MK and would be much less of a hassle transportation-wise, and it has better recreation: renting boats on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, taking carriage rides through Fort Wilderness, the proximity of Mickey's Backyard Barbeque and Chip and Dale's campfire and movie every night, the petting zoo and horseback riding at Fort Wilderness, etc... . Both gorgeous resorts with amazing amentities, though! Good luck!

[WishUponAStar]

AKL is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE resort, period. We've stayed there 3 times and haven't been disapointed once. The buses were always available and I don't remember ever having to wait more than 10 minutes for any of the park buses. You definately do not need a rental car. If you fell in love with just PICTURES of the AKL, TRUST ME, you will ABSOLUTELY be enamored by the resort in person!!! It's AMAZING!

[queensmama]

You and you kids will love AKL! It is such a great resort. It really was like being in another world. Everyone will tell you to request a room close to the lobby but we had the room fartherest from the lobby and lets just say we had an amazing view. I would request that room again even with the long walk to our room.
Now on to your question, we went in September and had an easy time of getting around on the buses. The only issue we had with the bus system was getting to MK before opening. We actually barely made our PS at CRT becuase we waited so long for a bus that morning. Other than that we never really ever waited for a bus. So if you need to be somewhere early early in the am I would call a cab.

[Erin]

Even though AKL is far away from the MK, it's STILL on WDW property - those busses will continually be running to get you where you need to go!!!

You'll get picked up at the bus stop closest to your room, and when you're ready to leave the MK, you'll get picked up practically at the gate! No worries!!!!

The bus isn't as nice as the monorail, but it IS VERY nice!

[Pluto2000]

what is WL i am going crazy here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pluto2000]

Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl ??????????

[PrincessJill]

I have always wanted to stay at both of those! I think AKL with all the animals right outside your room would be amazing. Like others have said, the buses are quick. I wouldn't change hotels just because of that. But either one you pick, you'll love it and I'll be jealous! Just kidding.. have a great trip!

(Pluto - WL is Wilderness Lodge.)

[mickaholic4077]

WL is Wilderness Lodge. I would go for Animal Kingdom Lodge. I think it's a much nicer resort.

[llama]

Originally Posted by Pluto2000

Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl Wl ??????????

Pluto - how can you be sad to be in Scotland??? I'd give my EYE TEETH to be in Scotland!