Looking to book in early September. We normally stay at Boardwalk however thinking about trying something new and staying at wilderness lodge. Anyone out there that has stayed at both? My wife and i love being able to walk from BW to Epcot/Studios and the overall "community" atmosphere at BW with Beachclub/Yacht right there. We will have a 2 year old this trip with us and spending plenty of time at MK. For those that have stayed at Wilderness what are the pros and cons? Thanks guys!!
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Boardwalk or Wilderness ?
- Thread starter Kev1417
- Start date
ToTBellHop
Well-Known Member
Because Wilderness is under construction (and still will be in September) while BoardWalk will have just finished an exterior refresh and interior soft-goods replacement, BoardWalk. Save Wilderness for your next trip.
If you are planning on spending plenty of time at MK, I'd go with WL, just be sure to investigate the refurbishment that is going on there.
Jim Buck
Active Member
I love WL and even with the construction we are going back in June. Most of the construction is on the waterfront cabins but it has a huge effect on any of the rooms facing the villas and the villas themselves. The small pool at the villas is gone and appears to be the construction staging area. For convenience and seclusion both it can't be beat in my opinion only.
If you can live with daytime construction then I would consider it. Boat rides to MK are part of my favorite things.
Good luck.
If you can live with daytime construction then I would consider it. Boat rides to MK are part of my favorite things.
Good luck.
DarthVader
Sith Lord
I like the idea of the Wilderness over BW, but that's just me.
danitaytay
Well-Known Member
The convenience of being able to take a quick boat ride from Wilderness to MK is really nice and the Wilderness has a really nice rustic feel, but we really love the Boardwalk just because of the availability of Epcot and HS, and of course the Boardwalk being right outside our room. If my sister didn't feel like going out for the night, I would just hop over to Epcot with my mom and dad to watch Illuminations and hit the WS for a few hours and then walk back to the hotel.
JasonDeyoung
Well-Known Member
I second this ^
blueboxdoctor
Well-Known Member
Wilderness I'll give my pros and cons since you were curious what we all think of it.
Pros
- Easy to get to the MK via boat or bus, which is great (MK is my favorite park to just hang out in or just kind of go over to throughout the day)
- Great atmosphere, at least during Christmas time when I've gone the log cabin/lodge feel is very warm and Christmas feeling.
- When it's not Christmas it's still very nice and relaxing.
- Not too big so it's easy to get around there (unlike some of the bigger resorts that require a little extra walking).
- It's nice to have every room, gift shop, restaurant, check in desk, etc. all in one building, especially when it's raining.
Cons
- Construction is going on now, so it may take away from the atmosphere.
- The bus ride to EPCOT is monumentally long, at least it feels that way.
- Sometimes the bus to MK will first stop at Fort Wilderness and it takes forever (happened at night before, it was weird as it hadn't happened at all during the days).
Mainly, the cons for me are the buses, but that's also because I get motion sickness. So for MK I prefer taking the boat, which doesn't usually have a long wait and is pretty relaxing (unless it's really raining hard, then I think you may have to take the bus).
I have always stayed at the Polynesian, but the past few trips have been Wilderness. While I still prefer the Poly, I have no big issue with Wilderness Lodge and for the most part, really enjoy it.
Pros
- Easy to get to the MK via boat or bus, which is great (MK is my favorite park to just hang out in or just kind of go over to throughout the day)
- Great atmosphere, at least during Christmas time when I've gone the log cabin/lodge feel is very warm and Christmas feeling.
- When it's not Christmas it's still very nice and relaxing.
- Not too big so it's easy to get around there (unlike some of the bigger resorts that require a little extra walking).
- It's nice to have every room, gift shop, restaurant, check in desk, etc. all in one building, especially when it's raining.
Cons
- Construction is going on now, so it may take away from the atmosphere.
- The bus ride to EPCOT is monumentally long, at least it feels that way.
- Sometimes the bus to MK will first stop at Fort Wilderness and it takes forever (happened at night before, it was weird as it hadn't happened at all during the days).
Mainly, the cons for me are the buses, but that's also because I get motion sickness. So for MK I prefer taking the boat, which doesn't usually have a long wait and is pretty relaxing (unless it's really raining hard, then I think you may have to take the bus).
I have always stayed at the Polynesian, but the past few trips have been Wilderness. While I still prefer the Poly, I have no big issue with Wilderness Lodge and for the most part, really enjoy it.
s&k'smom
Well-Known Member
For the fact you'll be at MK quite a bit I would go with Wilderness Lodge. My hubby and I loved riding "home" at night on the boat and seeing the lodge all lit up. Pool area is much more quiet there than at BW so if you had a shy kid (like me) it works better. Nothing like seeing the face of your baby going over to MK, have fun!
HouCuseChickie
Well-Known Member
I know I'm in the minority, but I would pick BW over WL. Everyone has their little hang ups and a bad experience sometimes sticks with you more than a good one. For me, I would rather have the larger room at BW...especially if I have a younger child with me that has more stuff and a stroller. Beyond that, we had really bad bus service when we stayed at WL and the boat wasn't always running because of weather issues. We ran into similar issues with a summer trip - trying to get from the Contemporary to WL - and boat service was suspended again due to storms. While failure to increase buses during this time might explain our near 50 min wait for a bus to MK, it doesn't excuse all of the 30-35 minute waits we had for buses to the other parks. On the flip side, we've always had excellent bus service from BW and it's such easy access to Epcot and DHS.
midwest_mice
Well-Known Member
Boardwalk is always my go to with DVC if available since you have the option of walking to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Plus the Friendship boat is there if your feet are too tired to walk back.
DisneyJunkie
Well-Known Member
Without hesitation or question......Wilderness Lodge. It's a much better resort than Boardwalk.
riess424
Active Member
You can't go wrong with either. Positives and negatives for each. We are DVC at Boardwalk and my family has stayed at Wilderness and have contemplated going back but we always come back to the fact that we enjoy the feel of BW. Also the ability to head out on the boardwalk in the evening and to get to EPCOT/HS quickly.
righttrack
Well-Known Member
Awesome, amazing lobby or almost no lobby? (the lobby is outdoors primarily at Boardwalk)
Location, location, location (BW is right next to Epcot WS and the Boardwalk. Best dining choices on property within walking distance)
The rest of the argument are mostly aesthetic/theme related.
Location, location, location (BW is right next to Epcot WS and the Boardwalk. Best dining choices on property within walking distance)
The rest of the argument are mostly aesthetic/theme related.
harryk
Well-Known Member
We alternate between the two resorts. Boardwalk has easy access to HS and WS/EPCOT - walkable.
Wilderness Lodge has atmosphere, boats to MK, access to Monorail through Contemporary [of course you have to get to Contemporary via boat - for quickness - no direct bus] and bus service is excellent. All a matter of taste and where you want to spend your time. Construction is not a problem at all.
Wilderness Lodge has atmosphere, boats to MK, access to Monorail through Contemporary [of course you have to get to Contemporary via boat - for quickness - no direct bus] and bus service is excellent. All a matter of taste and where you want to spend your time. Construction is not a problem at all.
