Just Switched from POFQ to Wilderness Lodge

[aml3679]

This will be our first stay on Disney property. I was convinced that we were going to stay at a moderate resort because of cost. We are both in our 50's and plan on taking time to relax between enjoying the parks. Help convince me that I made the right choice. We will be staying from Dec 5 to 16, 2013. Also, how easy is it to get to Downtown Disney?

 

[Mousemommy1]

This will be our first stay on Disney property. I was convinced that we were going to stay at a moderate resort because of cost. We are both in our 50's and plan on taking time to relax between enjoying the parks. Help convince me that I made the right choice. We will be staying from Dec 5 to 16, 2013. Also, how easy is it to get to Downtown Disney?

You picked a great resort to relax at!! It is truly

There is a bus to DTD. When we were there it also stopped at the GF and FW, not too bad.

 

[chemnerd09]

The WL looks amazing at Christmas. It's one of my favorite of the deluxe resorts. Its also great to sit in the rocking chairs in the lobby and watch all the going ons. To get to Downtown Disney, you would need to take the bus. They run pretty frequently so I don't think you would have any problems.

 

[Sue M]

Both are wonderful resorts. No bad choices there. We have stayed several times at POR, and have walked over to FQ to check out their food court and shop. We love the POR resort area, and the boat to DTD.

WL is another love of ours. The lobby is fantastic, and as mentioned has a lot of nice sitting areas, love having a balcony, taking the boat to MK and watching the Electric water parade from the beach. Also a nice walking path over to FtW
You would take the bus from WL to DTD.
The pool and hot tubs are very nice too!
When you check in ask about being a flag family!

 

[bnk1120]

You made a great choice!! WL is so beautiful at Christmas. Very cozy and relaxing and a nice retreat from the craziness of the parks. The bus ride to DTD can be a pain depending on how long you have to wait and if it goes to other resorts too...if you have ADR s in DTD plan lots of time for travel.

 

[fla4fun]

Getting to DTD from any resort can be time consuming. It seems like the buses run less frequently to DTD than to the parks. The PO resorts do have a slight edge in that they have a boat to DTD, but it can also take a while if you've just missed one. Be sure to have plenty of patience on your DTD day and you will be fine.

If you plan to relax and spend time at the resort, WL is an excellent choice. I've booked long weekends at WL and not gone to the parks at all - and I have an AP! I like being on the lake, whether renting a boat at the marina or just riding the circle route between CR/FW/WL on the Disney transportation boat. You can rent bikes and ride back and forth between WL and FW - a great way to spend an afternoon and the Christmas decorations at FW are something you don't want to miss.

One thing though - the top floor balconies are sort of a dormer balcony. They have solid walls about four feet high, meaning to see out you have to stand up. I actually prefer these balconies because I can sit outside and be very private, or stand up if I want to see (and be seen). But if you plan to sit on your balcony to take in the view, you should request not to be on the top floor.

 

[aml3679]

Thanks everyone. It sounds like I have made a good choice. I was hesitant because of the price difference. We plan on a few non park days to relax.

 

[Kimberle]

You will love WL. I love the small boat that takes us to CR and FW. You will also love sitting in front of the huge fireplace with a cup of something hot. It will put you in the Christmas mood. Don't forget to explore the Lodge. There are lots of little hidden corners to sit and relaxe. Last year, we could see the MK fireworks (obstructed) from our room (Woods view, Roaring Forks side).

 

[mickeynut1]

You will love the WL . It's a beautiful resort any time of year, but especially so during the holidays. The minute you walk into the lobby it feels like home with the huge fireplace in the center surrounded by rocking chairs . I think you made a great choice. Have a great trip .

 

[ms mouse]

For a relaxing trip for two adults you will love WL. The ability to have a balcony to sit on is so nice. And the lodge has so many little nooks you can just sit and enjoy. While we love POFQ you made a great choice.

 

[nkereina]

We are going almost your exact dates next year and are debating between POR and WL. We are a couple as well in our late 20s, no kids.

We've stayed at POR twice now and there is nothing like the boat to DTD. If you plan to head to DTD a lot, the boat is a relaxing way without the frustrations of waiting for the bus as bus service to DTD can be intermittent. We like to go to DTD on most nights to have a drink after we're done at the parks, so this is one of the main reasons we're hesitant to leave POR. However, WL is beautiful and we think we'd also enjoy relaxing on the balcony. WL also has a nice lounge area (better than POFQ) and WCC is one of my favorite restaurants. I would keep it - you don't know until you try!

 

[miprender]

You will love WL But both choices were great as we did love our stay at POFQ too.


Funny thing is what ever bus you are waiting for all the others will come except that one. One day waiting for DHS bus we saw 4 DTD buses come

 

[Wood Nymph]

Funny thing is what ever bus you are waiting for all the others will come except that one. One day waiting for DHS bus we saw 4 DTD buses come

We always saw plenty of DTD buses while we waited at the BC bus stop. It is odd to see so many complaints about it.

I love hearing all the good things about WL, since we are going there for the first time ever in Feb 2013. I can't wait.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

Stayed at WL 2008. Wonderful experience. Great dining, both table service and quick service. Due to villas the store in the lobby has an amazing selection of foods and beverages you would not ordinarily find in a gift shop. CM's were freindly and helpful. Pool is really nice and the hot tubs are great and the end of a long day. Short boat ride to MK or CR if you want monorail to Epcot. THUMBS UP all the way.

 

[princessallegra]

This will be our first stay on Disney property. I was convinced that we were going to stay at a moderate resort because of cost. We are both in our 50's and plan on taking time to relax between enjoying the parks. Help convince me that I made the right choice. We will be staying from Dec 5 to 16, 2013. Also, how easy is it to get to Downtown Disney?

Congrats!!!! We absolutely adore WL. It is a gorgeous, luxury resort that just makes you feel at home and happy. Love Roaring Forks burgers and tuna sandwiches. Love the pool bar which has top shelf liquors. Love the marina and theming, boat to CR/FW/MK is great. Artist point is a beautiful restaurant for a fancy dinner. We don't love Whispering canyon cafe but many do. You will not be disappointed in WL.

We are in the small minority here on the DIS that does not like POFQ. It just was not for us at all. Too small, dingy overcrowded unimpressive food court with scary mardi gras mask theming, didn't like the resort theming. The only plus is probably the boat to downtown disney! Sorry to say it!

As for WL to DTD i'm not going to lie it's a longish bus ride. BUT all the other bus service at WL we have found to be excellent. And who knows we may have gotten unlucky on our bus experiences with WL to DTD. If you have a rental car just drive to the marketplace for sure. Also the bus to MK is 5 minutes. The boat ride is lovely and relaxing but if you're looking to get to MK in a hurry the bus is where it's at.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Congrats on the upgrade! WL is a great resort and with boat transportation to MK it makes it even better!

DTD - must take a bus!