Planning our return

aw14

aw14

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hello everyone. We are planning our return for the end of July. The last time we were there as a family was for NYE 2012/2013. Historically we have only stayed at value and moderate resorts.

So far we have stayed at the following
ASM
CBR
CSR
POFQ (favorite by far)

Well this year we are looking at a deluxe. My wife and I keep going back and forth about it, and since when we go it will be her birthday, I want this to be special.

Here are the finalists
BW
Contemporary
WL

I have searched far and wide over the internet looking at reviews/pics etc... And still can't make a choice. We are leaning BW right now, but that seems to change at a moments notice. We are looking for a warm (feeling) resort, that is relatively quiet and comfortable. Additionally important is proximity, which I know all 3 offer.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone
 
lilclerk

lilclerk

Well-Known Member
aw14 said:
I have searched far and wide over the internet looking at reviews/pics etc... And still can't make a choice. We are leaning BW right now, but that seems to change at a moments notice. We are looking for a warm (feeling) resort, that is relatively quiet and comfortable. Additionally important is proximity, which I know all 3 offer.
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I'd say Wilderness Lodge, or Boardwalk. I might even suggest Yacht Club over the Boardwalk if you want quiet(er).
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
We have stayed at all three of your finalists. Of those three the only repeat is WL. Love it and will be going back there again. We just love the overall feel of the whole Wilderness Lodge area, and the quiet pool, Hidden Springs pool over at the villas side of WL is my favorite place in all of WDW.
WL has wonderful grounds, an incredible lobby, great restaurants, boat transportation and much more. We also like BW and Contemporary, but WL just has a special feel. The biggest problem with WL is if you spend a lot of time at the parks, it is difficult to want to leave the WL for other things. We tend to spend most of our trip time at the resorts lately anyway. We love our resort time, more so than park time now, so resort choice is important. Some people could care less about resort time.
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
Here is a photo of Hidden Springs Pool. Quiet and comfortable? Yes, especially early morning.

Wilderness Lodge 264.JPG
 
Dog Ate Mouse

Dog Ate Mouse

Well-Known Member
The WL is the best peaceful laid back resort to go with. It is Beautiful, extremely well themed and just has a warm relaxing feel about it. Two great places to eat and a decent late night snack counter/area. The gift shop is great and transportation is not an issue. Love taking the Boat/water Taxi to MK. Lots of activities to do and the view is just so relaxing and comfortable from the pool area. Now the details can truly be apprecaited in the Grande Lobby, Fire Place, Chandeliers, Totem Poles and the open Log Construction are simply spectacular.
 
Bowler Hat Girl

Bowler Hat Girl

Well-Known Member
I've stayed at all 3, and though I enjoy them all, it sounds like WL might be the right choice for you. It's very inviting, it's in the thick of things near MK while somehow feeling very apart from it (in a good way). BWI is nice, and I enjoyed being so close to Epcot, but there's also a lot going on there with performers every night and all the clubs. Contemporary has always been my favorite, but there's almost too much hustle and bustle there with Chef Mickey's and Cali Grill. I feel like I spent half my trip waiting for an elevator the last time I stayed there.
 
aw14

aw14

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Bump for more opinions. I believe that the contemporary is out at this point. Been reading about monorail outages. The wife is leaning towards BW and I am leaning toward WL.
 
zurgandfriend

zurgandfriend

Well-Known Member
The Contemporary is my favorite resort on the monorail and close to the Magic Kingdom and the other monorail resorts, TTC etc. Of the two remaining on your list I would choose the Wilderness Lodge it's a great resort with a nice pool fun restaurants and off the beaten path. However, the BW is also very nice with great restaurants in the World Showcase and along the boardwalk all within walking distance plus you have Epcot and DHS close by. Helpful aren't I? I would either let my DW decide and score some points or flip a coin. Both resorts are great and whatever you choose you'll have a great time.
 
s&k'smom

s&k'smom

Well-Known Member
WL is wonderful very relaxing but if you are a person spending lots of time at the parks, BW is just easier as you can walk to the studio's and Epcot. You really can't go wrong with either (but if it were me WL!).
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
So far WL - 7, others - 0. And your other choices are great choices...so maybe there is something to be said for WL. Here is what I would do...keep out of it completely. Let her decide. Whichever she picks will be a good choice. It is like trying to choose between apple pie and pecan pie...either way - pie!
And while there you can always go over to WL and check it out more closely, to know if you want to try it at a later date.
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
lilclerk said:
It's not to say the Boardwalk isn't a great resort! It's wonderful, and the location of the Epcot resorts can't be beat. I just wouldn't put it in the "quiet and relaxing" category.
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What she said. Boardwalk is great, wonderful location, just not as quiet and comfortable, criteria established in the original post. I would add Boardwalk and even Contemporary can be quiet and comfortable as well, depending on how you time things. For example, on Monday mornings when the masses are headed to MK or Epcot, you can head over to the pool and pretty well pick your spot at either the Contemporary or BW pool. We go opposite of the crowds and that works well for us.
 
jlsHouston

jlsHouston

Well-Known Member
I agree that of the original 3 choices, WL is the relaxing resort. Has an exclusivity feel. I don't know how it compares to the Great Wolf lodges you mentioned since I've never been to one. BWI has great location and pools and hot tubs and very good food choices. I spend alot of time at the resort when I visit and BWI is not really in the quiet and relaxing category...I've never stayed at YC but when I have been at BC or BWI, I would often wander to that resort and chill on the porch on in one of the lounges. Their lounges tend to be quiet and relaxing.
If your wife is against WL I would seriously look at YC for relaxing and quiet more than BWI. And you still get the EPCOT location benefit.
 
JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
I've never stayed at a Deluxe so take this for what it's worth. When we had dinner at Whispering Canyon, we walked around WL a bit. It was quite lovely, and since I *HAVE* stayed at Great Wolf Lodge several times, I will say that it does not have that feel at all. It is rustic, yes, but more open and more quiet.

I think if I were making your choice, the deciding factor would probably be location. Any of the three you are considering will be great, but do you want to be situated by the boardwalk near EPCOT and DHS, or on the monorail line/ferry route near the MK?
 
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epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
JillC LI said:
I've never stayed at a Deluxe so take this for what it's worth. When we had dinner at Whispering Canyon, we walked around WL a bit. It was quite lovely, and since I *HAVE* stayed at Great Wolf Lodge several times, I will say that it does not have that feel at all. It is rustic, yes, but more open and more quiet.

I think I were making your choice, the deciding factor would probably be location. Any of the three you are considering will be great, but do you want to be situated by the boardwalk near EPCOT and DHS, or on the monorail line/ferry route near the MK?
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Very good advice. I don't know what Great Lake Lodge is, but do like the overall ambiance of WL a lot.
 
aw14

aw14

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thank you all very much. My wife has been following along on this thread as well, and loved the option of keeping me out of the decision.

I think we are leaning BW, as she really does seen to have her heart set on it.
 

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