Port Orleans: French Quarter vs Wilderness Lodge

[Cogworthfangal85]

I'm hoping to be able to go to WDW in late September/early October. I've got most of the details planned out so far and am trying to figure out a hotel to stay at. I'm going with my mom and once I get to weight goal (which should happen w/in the next couple of months), I'm hoping to give her the details of the trip together and ready to book (or have a Disney travel agent book) as a fait accomplai. I know with Port Orleans: French Quarter, it's easier to get the Disney Dining Plan, not sure on Wilderness Lodge. I've seen pics of the latter and they are awesome. I'd like to know two things: people's opinions of both hotels and if either decorate for Halloween. I know they do for Christmas, but not sure about Halloween.

Thanks so much.

 

[righttrack]

^^^
Those pics look like they are from Fort Wilderness, not WL, but nice anyway.

As for the two locations, I would pick WL over POFQ if you had the chance to. While both are themed nicely, I like the feel of WL so much better. I tend to like a center-hall like gathering place, where there is symmetry. If you want quiet, you go to the outside, if you want to be somewhere to do an activity, to eat, to swim, to be around people, you move towards the center. I'm not sure about Halloween themeing, as these locations have their own theme.

 

[Master Yoda]

You are comparing a deluxe resort to a moderate which is kind of like comparing a Cadillac to a Chevy.

WL is a better resort with better rooms, dining, views, location, etc, but it will cost you more. POFQ is a beautiful resort, but there is no way it can compete side by side with WL when you do not include price. When you do include price, POFQ gives you more bang for the buck IMHO.

When it comes to discounts you will be in about the same boat with either WL or POFQ. If I was a betting man my money would be on WL having a promotion available over POFQ, but just barely. Both are incredibly popular and POFQ is very small making it book up rather quickly.

 

[luv]

Wl is the better of the two. They're both fine places to stay, but POFQ is more motel and WL is more hotel. Only you can decide if you want to pay the extra.

I don't think any of the hotels get too caught up in Halloween decorating. Christmas decorations have been cut way back, so I don't know that they'll be adding to the Halloween ones, but you never know!

 

[R W B]

I stayed at POFQ during the holidays last year and we loved it. It's a smaller resort and it definitely has that cozy feel to it also. All the rooms are close to the main dining hall and bus stops, it's not bad at all.

On the other hand, we always go visit WL on our trips because we also like the feel of that resort too. We've never actually stayed there so I can't compare rooms but I'm sure their a little bit nicer then POFQ since it is a higher priced resort.

 

[Tinkerbell397]

We stayed at the WL this past fall and I don't remember much in Halloween decorations but the hotel itself has a fall/winter feel with the huge lobby height fireplace blazing year round. I would also opt for the WL. We stayed there in 2011 and 2013 and enjoyed every minute of it's cozy, warm feel. I like a self contained hotel with a lobby and restaurants in one location. When you are in....you are in. You walk out of your room and you are in a hall that leads to the lobby. At the moderate resorts, you walk out of your room and you are outside. It's a personal preference I guess.
Not sure what you mean with your concern about the dining plan. If you stay on the property, you can get the dining plan....it is no easier at POFQ than WL or any other resort. Enjoy planning and enjoy your trip!

 

[bethymouse]

WL is one of the "cheaper" deluxes along w/ Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's one of the best stays ever! The geyser is a nice touch, the pool, the beach w/ the Electric Water Pageant, boat to MK, Whispering Canyon Cafe... no complaints! You have to stay there at least once... and don't forget the great feeling when they say to you "Welcome Home". When you enter the lobby. the WOW factor is outstanding! Enjoy!