POR vs. WL

NadieMasK2

NadieMasK2

Active Member
We have booked 3 nights at POR at the end of our vacation (off-site). We have been there before and everyone really enjoyed it. I am considering upgrading to the WL as a surprise for the kids (12 and 18).

Is it worth the extra $? How is the pool compared to POR? How is the boat service to MK? Opinions?

Thanks.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Hakunamatata

Hakunamatata

Le Meh
Premium Member
NadieMasK2 said:
We have booked 3 nights at POR at the end of our vacation (off-site). We have been there before and everyone really enjoyed it. I am considering upgrading to the WL as a surprise for the kids (12 and 18).

Is it worth the extra $? How is the pool compared to POR? How is the boat service to MK? Opinions?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

The pool area is as good or better than Ol Man Island. Boat service to the magic kingdoms is great and the bus service is 1000 times better than Riverside. Well worth the extra $$$$ in my opine.
 
Upvote 0
JimboJones123

JimboJones123

Well-Known Member
We ask ourselves this every trip. Then we say that the money we save while going to POP lets us eat whatever the heck we want over Riverside. Over WL, we say, throw in all the souviniers we want too. So we always fall back on POP. We can never validate the extra expense... especially since our trips are usually for more than a week. That adds up WAY to quick.
 
Upvote 0
K

KaliSplash

Well-Known Member
Wilderness Lodge is our favorite resort. No question it's quite a step up from POR or any of the MODS. As has been pointed out above, if saving the $$ makes the difference in the number of trips you can make or how long you can stay, I'd go with the most affordable. We've had quite nice vacations at All-Star Resorts. Doesn't change the fact that we prefer WL, just means we can go more often.

So to me, it's a question of how does the extra $$ affect your ability to return or how long you stay.

But yes, you'll find WL far superior in almost every way, including being closer to the Magic !:)
 
Upvote 0
NadieMasK2

NadieMasK2

Active Member
Original Poster
I'm in a similar quandry, Jimbo. I keep thinking that we could stay an extra night or two at POR for the same cost. However this time it will already be 10 nights in total so we will have had plenty of time to do what we want.

Is there a slide in the pool at WL? I also liked how POR had lounge chairs in the shade among the trees. Not a deciding factor, though.
 
Upvote 0
elizs77

elizs77

Active Member
There is indeed a slide at the WL pool. It's kind of hidden in the faux rocks. It's also a rather shaded area b/c of all the trees, and because the pool is in the middle of the hotel area.

We LOVE the WL! Actually, I feel like I'm cheating on the WL by staying at Poly this time. I must also admit I'm a deluxe kind of girl. The theming is top notch, and it's such a visually stimulating and interesting hotel. We even like the way it smells!

By all means, if you decide that you can afford it, I would go deluxe every time.
 
Upvote 0
dvcnut39

dvcnut39

Well-Known Member
I'll only comment on the pool. The Disney Magazine took a poll on all the pools at WDW. POR's pool (Old Man Island) came in 2nd out of all pools at WDW. Only StormAlong Bay beat it.
 
Upvote 0
wvdisneyfamily

wvdisneyfamily

Well-Known Member
We had the same debate this year. I adore POR as does my husband. We called AAA to get price quotes from our agent for the Poly, Contemporary, the Grand Flo, and WL. I couldn't rationalize the price for the Grand Flo, and I honestly thought I might feel a little out of place there. The Poly is nice but not worth the price tag IMHO. The Contemporary was unavailble. The price for WL was reasonable so it came down to a choice of POR or WL. My husband was 100% ready to make the switch, but I wasn't. I really love POR and was looking forward to being "home" again. However, I researched the WL and found lots of perks. I also watched some YouTube videos of it and fell in love. My husband's thing with Disney hotels is since he never got to stay on property as a kiddo, he wants to stay on property every time now (as do I) and try different places. If you've never stayed at WL, I say go for it. Part of the Disney magic is the new experiences. We'll compare first time WL notes when you get back! :wave:
 
Upvote 0
DAKOTADISNEY

DAKOTADISNEY

Active Member
We really enjoyed everything about WL. The pool area was great and they do have a slide. Our kids liked the quiet pool as well. The boat service was very efficient. The ride was nice and didn't take long at all.
 
Upvote 0
TakeMe2TheMagic

TakeMe2TheMagic

New Member
We have stayed at POR and love it there. The atmosphere is so peaceful but as another poster has stated part of the magic is new experiences. Thats why we are staying at WL this Sept. What ever you decide I am sure you will have a great trip.
 
Upvote 0
elizs77

elizs77

Active Member
dvcnut39 said:
I'll only comment on the pool. The Disney Magazine took a poll on all the pools at WDW. POR's pool (Old Man Island) came in 2nd out of all pools at WDW. Only StormAlong Bay beat it.
Click to expand...

The Unofficial Guide ranked POR second as well, but they listed WL as fourth with the same number of stars as well. I guess technically they were tied for second, but that's just not how the UG listed it.

So, POR has an awesome pool, but I don't think WL is that far behind!
 
Upvote 0
SallyShine

SallyShine

New Member
The nice thing about WL is you won't do all of the walking you have to do at POR. That was my biggest complaint when we stayed there. I felt like I was walking miles just at the resort. Also, the boat ride to MK is the best!
 
Upvote 0
1DisneyDad

1DisneyDad

Well-Known Member
We've stayed at both and had a great time. I have to say. When you come back to WL in the evening after being at the parks it feels so warm and cozy. WL is my favorite. We've saved some money our last 2 trips at POR but I can't wait to go back to WL!!!!
 
Upvote 0
Rinx

Rinx

Well-Known Member
NadieMasK2 said:
We have booked 3 nights at POR at the end of our vacation (off-site). We have been there before and everyone really enjoyed it. I am considering upgrading to the WL as a surprise for the kids (12 and 18).

Is it worth the extra $? How is the pool compared to POR? How is the boat service to MK? Opinions?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

IT SURE IS!!!!

Wilderness Lodge has one of the most magical themes at WDW. It's so original and just majestic. The pool is exceptional with the falls of the spring coming from the lobby There's also a slide. There is also easy access to the marina for recreation and launches to MK and the other resorts in the area. You all will LOVE it.
 
Upvote 0
cymbaldiva

cymbaldiva

Active Member
Having stayed at both, I have to lean toward POR. WL is absolutely beautiful to be sure, but the bus transportation was awful.

If time and money were both no object I might give it another go, but as it is both are at a premium so I'd go POR.
 
Upvote 0

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom