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  • On Jan 8, 2009
    Tara from LA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We will be visiting WDW in a few months. We stayed at the Polynesian last year. It was WONDERFUL!!! Due to budget concerns, we are deciding between the AKL and WL for this trip. Can you help me decide? Transportation will be our main concern!! Thanks, Tara

    Hi Tara,

    Our family has stayed at both of these resorts within the last year. Honestly, they are both AMAZING properties with unique designs and features. Both properties are part of the Disney Vacation Club so larger accomodations are often available if that is needed. You can find great restaraunt choices at both (although I personally give AKL the edge in this category for the unique African dining experiences at Boma and Jiko) and a good selection of carry out choices at the counter service options.

    You mentioned transportation as your biggest concern. Animal Kingdom Lodge's only Disney transportation option, to the parks, is the buses. The resort is slightly further from Epcot, MK and DHS  so the bus ride will be longer, of course the ride to AK is minimal. Wilderness Lodge also utilizes the Disney buses for most of its transportation needs, but a great option while at this resort is the motor launch from the boat dock behind the resort. The launch runs directly to MK and additional boats run to neighboring MK resort properties. You could also catch a boat to MK or Contemporary and then grab the monorail to Epcot. This option would mean you would need to switch transportation modes a few times, but sometimes my kids enjoy riding around on the buses, boats and monorails almost as much as the rides (and I did say almost). WL is closer to most of the parks than AKL and therefore ride times are slightly shorter.

    Wilderness Lodge is our family's DVC property and that may make me a little biased, but given your concern over transportation I would recommend WL as the better option even if it wasn't our second home. In the end, either property would be a great choice and I am sure you will find magic no matter where you stay.
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Meet the Panelist: Margaret, Illinois

Hiya friends. I’m Margaret, mom to four young men and wife to my Prince Charming. Raised on the southside of Chicago, we have now moved our castle to the suburban cornfields. We are a pin trading, Hidden Mickey hunting, resort hopping family who loves to debate the best Disney World resort or attraction over the dinner table. I am thrilled to share some of our favorite tips and tricks in hopes it will add even more magic to your Disney World adventure. Learn More About Margaret

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