Will I regret staying at the Wilderness Lodge?

[BASS]

I haven't read the entire thread so I apologize if this has been addressed.

I prefer WL. However, with two small kids, there likely is a big bonus staying at the Contemporary in terms of transportation and quickly shuffling to/from park. If your kids were older, I'd say WL. But at their age, with naps, feeding times and strollers an absolute necessity, the Contemporary may minimize the aggravation/time involved in transportation.

 

[NelleBelle]

I agree with @BASS. I've never stayed at WL but I have stayed at CR with 2 small children (they were 18-mo and 3). And let me tell you, even though I had DH and my mom with me, that walking path was a godsend!! At the end of the night, the last thing I wanted was to line up in a long line to take the monorail back to my resort. I'll hoof it the 10 minutes back to the resort any day!! The theming of WL is amazing but I think kids love a pool and slide anywhere. CR has a great splash pad for the littles and if you have a Lakeview, you can hopefully see the electric water parade go by. The rooms are bigger at CR which you might appreciate with all the kiddo stuff you bring along at that age. But ultimately, you're going to end up on buses regardless of which resort you choose. Maybe save the better themed one until both the kids can remember the experience? Either way, both are great resorts and you're at a win either way! What a fun trip!

 

[wlodge_man]

Or consider a split stay; I know you're only doing 6 nights, but you could switch half way and experience both. And then base your visits to MK when you're @ CR and do the other parks from WL. We did this once, Disney will move your luggage for you and you get to experience 2 great resorts. (especially WL)

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Wilderness is far superior to contemporary...frankly.

But I always recommend whatever is the best discount because of the overpricing. Even if money isn’t an issue - you want value for what you spend. That always makes sense.

The best themes are wilderness and animal kingdom lodge. Period.

And as far as parks and transport go...you’re fine. Also don’t assume you’ll be “crushing” parks with kids that age. You likely won’t. And that means you’ll appreciate the hotel more.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I agree with @BASS. I've never stayed at WL but I have stayed at CR with 2 small children (they were 18-mo and 3). And let me tell you, even though I had DH and my mom with me, that walking path was a godsend!! At the end of the night, the last thing I wanted was to line up in a long line to take the monorail back to my resort. I'll hoof it the 10 minutes back to the resort any day!! The theming of WL is amazing but I think kids love a pool and slide anywhere. CR has a great splash pad for the littles and if you have a Lakeview, you can hopefully see the electric water parade go by. The rooms are bigger at CR which you might appreciate with all the kiddo stuff you bring along at that age. But ultimately, you're going to end up on buses regardless of which resort you choose. Maybe save the better themed one until both the kids can remember the experience? Either way, both are great resorts and you're at a win either way! What a fun trip!

End of the night with an 18 month old?

That’s how vacation becomes “not a vacation”

 

[Wilderness Nut]

I am planning on going to Disney World in June with at 1 1/2 year old and a 4 year old for 6 nights. I am planning on staying at all 4 parks with an extra day at MK. I was planning on staying at the Wilderness Lodge but found a good deal at the Contemporary Garden Wing that would make the room prices the same. I am not really a fan of the theming of the Contemporary and would definitely prefer the Wilderness theme and pools. It seems like transportation options are better at the Contemporary. Is the transportation much worse at the Wilderness? About to fully commit to the wilderness but don't want to regret it.

Well as my user name suggests, I am a big Wilderness fan / NUT. The only difference in transportation between the two resorts is how you are able to get to the MK. All other parks are by bus (until EPCOT run is open). From WL a boat will take you to MK. You can also take a bout to the Contemp, for your meals you mentioned, if your interested in walking to MK, you can take the boat to Contemp and walk the rest of the way if you wanted. It has been a year since I have been to WDW, so I'm not sure what the security screening is like getting off of the boat at MK VS walking to MK. boat trip may have a longer wait at bag check when you get off the boat. As far a theming, WL is a totally different feel. I absolutely love walking into the main lobby from the parking Lot / Magical express drop off. Both resorts are amazing, for me WL is our Home away from Home. Even if coming to WDW property for the day while in the area we will drive in to WL and have lunch at Geyser point Bar and grill.

 

[dvclover15]

Both resorts are wonderful. If your plan is to eat at Chef Mickey and California Grill I'd stay at the Contemporary. We stayed at BLT for the first time in January and fell in love. I didn't think I'd like it too much but wanted to try it.

WL is great but you will have to rely on transportation for every single park. It's nice that you have the walking option for MK at the Contemporary. It's also nice to have the monorail to go to Poly (stop at TTC for that currently) and GF for food.

 

[BASS]

Or consider a split stay; I know you're only doing 6 nights, but you could switch half way and experience both. And then base your visits to MK when you're @ CR and do the other parks from WL. We did this once, Disney will move your luggage for you and you get to experience 2 great resorts. (especially WL)

Personally, with little kids and all the junk that you have to bring for them, I'd avoid a split stay. My kids are a little older now, but when they were the age of OPs, departure/arrival was always the worst part.

 

[NelleBelle]

End of the night with an 18 month old?

That’s how vacation becomes “not a vacation”

Maybe for some but we kept our kids as close to being on their schedule, which was a WEST coast time zone and we had kids who would fall asleep anywhere and stay asleep at that age. We knew that and dressed them in their pj’s. We were seriously lucky parents to have kids who traveled well. Now, if only the parents could’ve traveled as well back in the day!

 

[MaryJaneP]

To the original poster (OP), please let us know your final choice and how things eventually worked out. Informative and entertaining for those of us who are living vicariously through those able to visit. Pics of the good, bad, and otherwise, if appropriate, are also welcome. Good luck with your choice and with your trip.

 

[LittleMerman]

In my opinion, Wilderness Lodge is far superior to Contemporary. Contemporary to me is kind of ugly and boring. WL has a very unique theme and is so beautiful and relaxing. The pool is better and the dining options (except maybe CA Grill). It's my favorite Disney resort! I've stayed there twice and loved it.

The only differences with transportation is that at the Contemporary you can walk to MK or take the monorail. At WL you would take a boat or bus and honestly, the boat is really fun!

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Maybe for some but we kept our kids as close to being on their schedule, which was a WEST coast time zone and we had kids who would fall asleep anywhere and stay asleep at that age. We knew that and dressed them in their pj’s. We were seriously lucky parents to have kids who traveled well. Now, if only the parents could’ve traveled as well back in the day!

Granted...that makes sense.

But I always caution against giving wdw advice that assumed “pounding” parks with toddlers. It’s usually not a wise plan for the kids or the parents.

 

[Tuvalu]

In my opinion, Wilderness Lodge is far superior to Contemporary. The pool is better and the dining options (except maybe CA Grill but it's closed right now anyway).

Agree with you that WL is superior. California Grill reopened in July.

 

[LittleMerman]

Agree with you that WL is superior. California Grill reopened in July.

Ahh yes, they are! They're closed for brunch so in my mind they've just been "closed"

 

[tikitikitiki]

I've never been to the Wilderness Lodge, it looks beautiful from pictures I've seen in the lobby and especially during the holidays. The rooms don't really do anything for me. Plus I live in Oregon so the themeing is a little...too close to home for me. lol So I don't have an opinion of that resort really. Just wanted to say, we absolutely loved staying at the Contemporary in the Garden Wing. We had a a garden view and requested a quiet room so our view was of Bay Lake and it was gorgeous. Watching birds every morning sunning themselves on the edge of Bay Lake was an unexpected treat.
Also, I am not sure why the walk to the garden wing for some is a big deal but if you're staying the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian its not a big deal. The walk to the Garden Wing is not that big of a deal. I have sensitive feet and stayed in one of the furthest rooms.

I stayed in 2018 and I would guess at this point, the rooms are really in need of a refurb. but for me I would probably still stay at the Contemporary. I actually love the theming of this hotel, I think they need to double down on the mid-mod.

 

[larryz]

From WL a boat will take you to MK. You can also take a bout to the Contemp, for your meals you mentioned, if your interested in walking to MK, you can take the boat to Contemp and walk the rest of the way if you wanted.

During the current unpleasantness, the shuttle boats between lake resorts in the MK area are not running -- only the boats to and from the MK at WL, Poly, GF and FtW.

 

[crawale]

I am planning on going to Disney World in June with at 1 1/2 year old and a 4 year old for 6 nights. I am planning on staying at all 4 parks with an extra day at MK. I was planning on staying at the Wilderness Lodge but found a good deal at the Contemporary Garden Wing that would make the room prices the same. I am not really a fan of the theming of the Contemporary and would definitely prefer the Wilderness theme and pools. It seems like transportation options are better at the Contemporary. Is the transportation much worse at the Wilderness? About to fully commit to the wilderness but don't want to regret it.

Great pity the Snow White themed dinner is no longer available. That was one of the best character meals - set in a 'forest'.

 

[Dr.GrantSeeker]

You will love the Wilderness Lodge. Easily my favorite resort on property for the many reasons everyone has already said. Territory Lounge at WL is my favorite resort bar as well. Can anyone confirm Territory Lounge has reopened? I just noticed they have hours posted for the month of April and didn't think it would reopen until WL reopens.

Edit: it must be open for the Spring break and Easter crowds has it goes back to having no hours on April 12th

 

[Wilderness Nut]

During the current unpleasantness, the shuttle boats between lake resorts in the MK area are not running -- only the boats to and from the MK at WL, Poly, GF and FtW.

Ahhh, that is understandable as you currently have to be staying at that resort or have a restaurant reservation to visit a particular resort.

 

[nickys]

Ahhh, that is understandable as you currently have to be staying at that resort or have a restaurant reservation to visit a particular resort.

Unless using Disney transport.

More likely the “blue launch” boats are not running so they can use the boats on the main resort to MK routes to help with the reduced capacity permitted on board. That and it’s an unnecessary extra expense right now.