Wilderness Lodge or Poly?

[riogirl]

I am planning an Aug 2011 trip with Free Dining and I am stuck on the Wilderness Lodge OR Poly? I find it very difficult making a decision because they are both considered deluxe yet the price difference is soooo much! I always wanted to stay at the Poly, but it is sooo expensive. I have been to both to eat and I like the Wilderness Lodge but I have no idea about the rooms and the restaurants. It seems like the Poly has better of both. Also the pool at the WL looks really small. If anyone can help me decide I would very much appreciate it! Thanks:shrug:

 

[zurgandfriend]

I have stayed at both, I love being in a Monorail resort and breakfast at the Kona Café but the Wilderness Lodge was the first resort we stayed at with DS and is a favorite with DW. If I had to pick one I would say Wilderness Lodge.

 

[riogirl]

WOW! I am really surprised by the majority of great reviews for the WL. I really wasn't expecting that many great things! I liked the feel of the place too when I ate at the Whispering Canyon. It was really beautiful and also the boat ride back to the MK for late hours was really nice. How crowded does the boat get during the daytime though? Keep the comments coming!

 

[Phonedave]

WOW! I am really surprised by the majority of great reviews for the WL. I really wasn't expecting that many great things! I liked the feel of the place too when I ate at the Whispering Canyon. It was really beautiful and also the boat ride back to the MK for late hours was really nice. How crowded does the boat get during the daytime though? Keep the comments coming!

I have never seen the boat more than one boat backed up. In other words, I have never seen a line where you have to wait for the 3rd boat to come in order to fit on board.

Boats do not get crowded, because they are only allowed to carry a certain amount of people depending on the number of PFDs they have on board. The boats run on the order of every 10 minutes or so, so you never have too long a wait.

You can also see the fireworks from the beach at the WL. Grab a drink at the pool bar, get a chair on the beach and you are set.

There are also all sorts of little hidey-holes in the resort. Wander around the building on each floor. You will find overstuffed chairs tucked next to a window, or an out of the way fireplace. Very nice place to just relax.

The lobby of the Villas at Wilderness Lodge is my favorite. Tables, chairs, recliners, couches, games, fireplaces. I could just hang out in there with my kids on a rainy day, or wind down after a day in the parks.

-dave

 

[captainkidd]

WOW! I am really surprised by the majority of great reviews for the WL. I really wasn't expecting that many great things! I liked the feel of the place too when I ate at the Whispering Canyon. It was really beautiful and also the boat ride back to the MK for late hours was really nice. How crowded does the boat get during the daytime though? Keep the comments coming!

A CM told me (take it for what it's worth), that the WL has the highest guest satisfaction rate and highest guest return rate of any Disney Resort. For once, I actually believe the CM. During the day, it's beautiful. At night, it's simply breathtaking.

 

[tigsmom]

I believe it has the highest rating, there is just something about the place...a feeling that I don't get when visiting the other hotels. :shrug: I love to sit in one of the big rockers by the fireplace and sip a cuppa tea.

to the OP...if you decide to stay there so the Hidden Mickey Hunt in the lobby, you can get the info from the front desk.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I stayed at both a few trips back. I prefer the Poly, Mrs Sak has WL as her favourite place. But its a no lose surely :shrug:

Better cocktails at the Poly, or so Ive heard.