If you will be traveling prior to April 2009, then I would recommend
Wilderness Lodge simply because of the on-going construction for the Disney Vacation Club at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. While the construction may not be impacting guests, you wouldn’t want to be surprised with a new phase of the project causing noise or other issues.
Accommodations at both resorts are very similar including room size and layout.
Transportation from Animal Kingdom Lodge to other parks can be time-consuming due to the hotel's remote location on property. The exception, of course, would be for the Animal Kingdom. However transportation is only via bus and does not stop at other hotels.
Wilderness Lodge has two modes of transportation:
- Boat to Magic Kingdom
- Bus to the other parks
Note that Wilderness Lodge shares the bus route with the Grand Floridian and Polynesian.
Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge offers more upscale options. Wilderness Lodge offers the Whispering Canyon Café which is a fun-filled atmosphere for children. Both Lodges have small food courts.