Hotel Choice

[daverube]

Everyone...

I need a little help in deciding what resort to stay in this November. I'm getting married the weekend before we go. However, the soon-to-be-wife and I are saving up to go to Europe for a couple weeks in 2007 for a proper "late" honeymoon. As such, we plan on going for 3-4 days to Disney as a quick post-wedding trip. I provide this background because we are not looking to stay at any of the higher priced resorts. For some reason, it costs a lot to go to Europe for two weeks.

That being said, can I get some plus/minus opinions on the Wilderness Lodge vs. the Moderate resorts. I've read a lot of your posts that advocate staying in the Port Orleans resorts....as I live in New Orleans (or what's left of New Orleans) I've no interest in staying at either of the Orleans places.

I should also add that we've had our fill of the value resorts and do not wish to stay at any of those.

Thanks,

dave

 

[GoofyGuySouthFl]

If you have the $ I would definitely pick WL over CBR or CS (the only other moderates besides PO). 1 plus to WL is its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and being able to take the boat from WL directly to MK. Also the themeing at WL is wonderful. But where ever you choose to stay you'll have a good time.

 

[loriwdunn]

Wilderness Lodge is my favorite hotel. I've stayed there three times. I love the pool and the fact that its on the water. The food is pretty good, but the lobby is spectacular. The pool at night is really romantic. The boat ride to MK is really convenient as well.

I've also stayed at Caribbean and Coronado. The food court at Coronado is incredible. What I didn't like about CS and CBR is the amount of walking I had to do to get around. Depending on where you are, it can be a really long walk to the main center or the themed pool. I love CS pool and food court, but the walking was just really inconvenient after walking around the parks all day.

 

[SallyShine]

I've stayed at both WL and PoR and I say Wilderness Lodge, hands down! It's beautiful and I think it could be very romantic (if you don't have kids).

 

[maelstrom]

The Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful resort. As a newly married couple, you may enjoy sitting in the rocking chairs in front of the fireplace in the lobby or strolling around the courtyard (the grounds are beautiful). The location is great and while there are busses to everywhere but the MK (boat) you can boat over to the Contemporary and monorail to the TTC for Epcot. The rooms at the Wilderness Lodge all have private balconies while none of the moderate resort rooms do.

That said, the Caribbean Beach is beautiful as far as moderates go. The rooms are quite spacious and the food court is excellent.

 

[kbusch]

I have to agree......WL is amazing! My husband and I just stayed there last month for the 1st time and we absolutely loved this resort and can't wait to stay there again! It is so beautiful and just such a neat place to stay. To make it even more romantic you could set up a horse drawn carriage ride through Disney's Fort WildernessResort & Campground. We did one at POR on our 1yr anniv this past Sept. and it was great!

 

[dr_teeth90210]

My wife and I honeymooned at the Wilderness Lodge and we had a great time. The setting is more intimate, transportation is superior to that of the moderates, and the theming is beautiful.

The cost for a standard room at WL during most of November is $249 a night compared to $175 for a king room at the moderates. It's a $74 difference per night but I believe it's well worth it. For the price you get a bigger room, a balcony, and a more detailed setting.

My avatar is actually a characture that my wife and I got done at the WL in the lobby area. Fun times.:wave:

I highly recommend WL... another great resort for the same price is the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Nicole]

Well I'm an opposing viewpoint. I like the Wilderness Lodge, but not as much as the moderates. Even if they were the same price. The room at WL was no bigger than our room at CBR. The tub doesn't have the shelf at the end and so the bathroom area seems smaller. There is no fridge in the room. The hotel itself is pretty, and offers more amenities than the moderates but if you aren't going to take advantage of those (valet parking, room service) why pay for them. I also think the layout of CBR makes it easier to pretend you are not at a hotel with zillions of other people. There are lots more areas for quiet "couple time" at CBR, whether it's a hammock at the beach or wandering the paths on the island in the lake.

 

[specialwishes]

Before you decide on a moderate, price a standard room rate, at the WL or AKL. You don't get the deluxe view out your window, (you can always go out to see the view) but the standard room rate can be, at times, surprisingly "cheap". The rooms are so much better and both lodges are very romantic. It does make a difference at the moderates and the deluxes. I have stayed at both and while I certainly understand that money does decide what a person has to choose, if you can find a rate that is within range at one of these for not much more, go with that. The main problem with the moderates is how far spread out they are. Also the rooms do feel like, to use older examples, "staying at a motor lodge after getting to stay at the new deluxe Holiday Inn". Just check out the rates first. Disney runs discount specials often. You didn't say when in November but if it is before Thanksgiving you do have a fairly good chance of getting a special rate.

 

[clarkstallings]

WL in my opinion can best be described as a Motel 6 with a nice lobby. It is incredibly expensive for the quality of room. In fact, many of the Disney deluxe resorts fall in that category with me. I think the moderate resorts are more than adequate and well worth the savings. The only deluxe hotels I recommend are AKL and Boardwalk. Those two do have a unique feel and spirit to them. I'm waiting for Disney to partner with Ritz-Carlton on a hotel (I know it ain't gonna happen.) I won't feel so bad paying a deluxe price for a deluxe room if that comes to fruition.

 

[daverube]

Everyone:

A big thank-you for your thoughts and comments. I'll share them with my fiancée. I'm sure they will help in the planning of our "mini-honeymoon."

Thanks again...

dave