mickeyluv'r
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2005
You kinda can't go wrong either way. Both are nice, but I can also say each resort has some pros and cons. It somewhat depends what matters to you.
Of all the resorts, IMO, these two share some similarities in appearance, room size, and overall hotel layout. (as Poly/CR and the Epcot deluxes all share some similarities) Both CL's seating kind of overlooks the lobby. Both resorts are also VERY brown and rustic, which is very unlike the light, beachy look of BC.
Second, IMO, all the CL's have a good deal of overlap where food is concerned. Breakfast always has: fruit, breads/pastries, yogurt, beverages, etc.
AKL= you'll get safari view, most balconies tend to be sunny in the AM. In winter that's a plus, in summer maybe less of a plus, as we tend to go on our balcony in the AM before we leave. In summer, even outdoor shade can be a bit warm. The AKL food offerings maybe tend to be slightly more unusual, like you get a choice of hot quinoa (plus usually oatmeal) at breakfast. Wines come from South Africa. some food offerings from AKL's dining. There are no CL rooms on the same floor as the lounge. With kids, you always are supposed to accompany them to lounge, but still, this CL feels slightly less secure than others that are more compact. Upside, IMO, is the pool. Bus transportation may be a bit of a downside, but no matter if you have your own car. Oh, some of the AKL CL rooms are DVC rooms. when last we stayed, hard to describe here, but the DVC folks seemed a bit possessive (and aggressive ) when it came to holding table space in the lounge. Just have not seen that in any other CL. AKL has a unique tropical fruit juice blend that is very good. AKL is quieter than WL. We much prefer Boma to WCC.
WL= Rooms are a bit of a draw. Recent updates mean they closed off many of what were formerly CL rooms. CL balconies- look at pics of WL - have a kind of partial wall, not a fence that you can see through (as most other WDW resort balconies do). Adults can see over the green wall, but kids maybe can't. Food at WL tends a bit to comfort food (cobblers, stews) but that = more substantial, IMO. I think it is now the only CL though where the lounge is closed during off hours (BC/Bwk might also still have that policy?) While they all close at 10pm, at many CL's you can still access the soft drink cooler and fruit basket all night. (though none are replenished) WL's food are is locked behind a gate. Tables are 24hours though. Nice part of WL for kids is convenient area for them to color and see cartoons. Pool is super! (maybe all new?) While the view isn't 100% super, some rooms face MK, so you can see the fireworks from your room. You also get the water parade, but view from the rooms is angled, so not as great at you get at some CR/BLT rooms. No water parade at AKL. Water parade can be a little late for small kids, but we love it. WL is close to Ft. Wilderness and CR both via boat. So you get easy access to dining at all three, plus the boats, horses, wooded paths, etc. You get plus of being on Bay Lake, and boats to MK, but also sound of the boat horns.
Of all the WDW resorts, a plus of AKL that is hard to describe is that it feels like some place exotic, and far from MK. I'd never confuse it for real Africa, as I'd never confuse WL with a real National Park Lodge, but the art and animals make it feel kind of exotic.
AKL has a fire pit. I'm thinking new WL probably does as well, but I'm not 100% on that.
I've never used kid clubs, so I can't comment on that, but you also might wish to consider which dining you'd pair with the kid club. WCC is very kid oriented. If you are trying to have less kids around, then in/near WL it'd be Artist Point, Cali Grill, or the Wave (nice alcove tables on bar side).
At AKL, Boma is also quite well populated with kids, but no yelling like at WCC. At AKL though, your only options at the resort are Boma, Jiko. and Sanaa. Though of course you can use transportation to go anywhere, even off-property! If you want to escape WDW for an adult dinner, downtown Celebration has a very nice waterfront area with multiple great options. The Celebration Town Tavern would be a great option!
