Need Help where to stay

[mommytobe2005]

Hi All,
DH and I are planning to go to Disney World Sept. 22-29 2008. We're stuck on where to stay The Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom. Also is it cheaper to buy package from Disney (not the air fare) or buy from expedia.com?

Thanks,
Shana

[Davids-Coco]

It comes down to where you want to be. I like wilderness lodge for the location and boat ride to magic kingdom... where you could also hop onto the monorail and avoid a bus trip.

September is value season, so your rates are as low as they get for the most part. The past four (I believe) years, they have offered free dining plan if you book a package. It is easier to book ASAP and have the free dining "code" applied to your reservation when it comes out.

For that reason, I recommend going through a disney vacation specialist. We have used both Small World Vacations and Dreams Unlimited. They are both great... and you don't pay them a commission (Disney does). Actually, you pay the same thing as booking through Disney Reservations.

But!!! The benefit is that THEY check for codes and apply them to your reservation without you having to do a thing. I love that! They can save you money as a result - or get you free dining. The two years we got free dining, we calculated that it saved us around $1500 in food for 2 adults.

[pinkmomagain]

We've stayed at both. They have a similar feel, believe it or not, aside from the obvious (animals). They are both very nice....I have a real soft spot for Wilderness Lodge. I LOVE that feel of the pacific northwest. The other nice thing is that there is a boat launch to MK. I found transport for AKL to be a little annoying with the buses.

HTH,

Gina

[dotgirl]

I loved the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I did *not* love how long it took to get to and from any park - even the Animal Kingdom park! For me, I just won't stay at any resort that isn't on the monorail (or at least the water launch), so I'd definitely suggest the Wilderness Lodge .. but! The Animal Kingdom does have a good view of the Animals, if your children are at the age where they would enjoy that.