Would you switch from WL to POR for the savings?

[wollydoodle]

Hello, I am planning a trip for the week of Dec. 12-21. We have stayed at WL twice before and love it so much that we have a hard time looking at anything else. Also, I have a ds, 13 and dd, 11 so the bunk beds work perfectly because they don't have to sleep together. Here's my dilemma: with the new RO discounts out, we could save a little over $1400 if we switch to POR, Alligator Bayou section so we can keep the separate sleeping arrangements. My daughter is tall but I think (hope) she'll fit in that small bed. I was really excited about Christmas at WL, but we want to do some extras this trip like Hoop Dee Do, MVMCP, and the House of Blues Gospel Brunch so the savings would cover those plus some! For those of you in the know, would you make the switch? I can't decide. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[rcraw45425]

Hello, I am planning a trip for the week of Dec. 12-21. We have stayed at WL twice before and love it so much that we have a hard time looking at anything else. Also, I have a ds, 13 and dd, 11 so the bunk beds work perfectly because they don't have to sleep together. Here's my dilemma: with the new RO discounts out, we could save a little over $1400 if we switch to POR, Alligator Bayou section so we can keep the separate sleeping arrangements. My daughter is tall but I think (hope) she'll fit in that small bed. I was really excited about Christmas at WL, but we want to do some extras this trip like Hoop Dee Do, MVMCP, and the House of Blues Gospel Brunch so the savings would cover those plus some! For those of you in the know, would you make the switch? I can't decide. Thanks in advance for your help!

truly you're the only one that can make that decision as yo know your finances. Personally, I'd keep WL, the location, theming and indoor corridors make it much more desirable for me. Also, how old is your daughter? I can't imagine that fold down being comfortable for anyone very old, it's not a real bed with a real mattress, just a thin cot mattress.

 

[mickeynut1]

I, personally, would keep WL. We've never stayed at POR and that is quite a big savings, but the WL is one of our favorites and is really hard to beat (IMO) during the holidays. The decorations are beautiful and the overall atmosphere is very relaxing. The WL is beautiful anytime of year, but especially so during Christmas time. Good luck with your decision, although I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter which resort you choose .

 

[Babsy]

If you can easily afford it, stay with WL. If you won't be able to do any extras that you were planning then POR may be a good option. Obviously, WL is an especially good choice at Christmas time. Plus it i very convenient for Hoop Dee Doo, etc.

PoR is a very nice resort as well, though, and at the end of the day, it isn't pleasant to deal with a budget that was overshot.

I would let my bank account make the decision for me. I have had to go the POR route (or even value) sometimes but have been blessed at other times to be able to book deluxe. It all depends upon my disposable income at the time and the purpose/ plans for that particular trip.

Good luck deciding! Enjoy your trip either way!

 

[Me!Thatswho]

While I have never stayed at the WL, I have stayed at POR. In my humble opinion, I would remain at WL. The sole reason - the buses! We stayed this past December (4th-9th). Even though the parks were supposedly 4 out of 10 according to Touring Plans, there wasn't a single trip back to the resort in the evening that we didn't have to wait for at least two buses before getting in. By the end, we were jumping on the buses for POFQ and walking - and still getting back to the rooms before our friends. I can't imagine what the buses will be like in the days right before Christmas.

I suppose you could always rent a car and still come out on top.

 

[pigletto]

We stayed at WL last year during the same week you are going this year. POR is our favourite mod. So for me it would be an easy choice and I'd save the money for the extras and stay at POR. But, I think I might have a bit of "been there, done that" with WL at Christmas and like I said, I LOVE POR so that all factors in.

 

[sonofanarchy]

My personal feeling is if I'm questioning the money I'm spending, then I'm spending too much. For next year, we really wanted to stay the Grand Floridian Villas. We always rent points. But it left me thinking it was too much. So we're staying at Wilderness Lodge Villas instead.

 

[maxiesmom]

While I have never stayed at the WL, I have stayed at POR. In my humble opinion, I would remain at WL. The sole reason - the buses! We stayed this past December (4th-9th). Even though the parks were supposedly 4 out of 10 according to Touring Plans, there wasn't a single trip back to the resort in the evening that we didn't have to wait for at least two buses before getting in. By the end, we were jumping on the buses for POFQ and walking - and still getting back to the rooms before our friends. I can't imagine what the buses will be like in the days right before Christmas.

I suppose you could always rent a car and still come out on top.

I think you hit the wrong week. I was at POR the following week, and we never had to wait for an additional bus before we could board.

OP--Those extras you are talking about, would you still do them if you stayed put at the Wilderness Lodge? If not, then which is more important to you, your room or the extras? If you don't think your daughter could fit on the fold down bed you could always pack an air mattress. Or the girls take one bed and the guys the other.

 

[wollydoodle]

Thanks all, for your replies! I knew I could get some additional insight here. My budget was looking good until I added the extras, but those are things I would just pay for outside of our reservation in the months leading up to the trip so I'm not too worried about them breaking the bank unless my dh opposes in which case, problem solved! Lol.. The other factor is we are not doing the dining plan as we have in the past so I'm like, how much are we going to spend on food? That's kind of a wild card, but I'm ball-parking $2000?? I am also looking into renting points. I guess this really is a personal decision, but your opinions about POR do help. It sounds like it is well-liked if we do wind up there we'll be totally fine. Heck, I am so happy to have the opportunity to go that I won't really be worried about it. I've decided to let dh be the "tie-breaker," but still welcome opinions on POR. I am a WL lover myself but thinking I could embrace another resort! Thanks so much!!!

 

[starousse]

Our family absolutely loves the WL and have stayed there twice over the past three years we've been going. We have also stayed at the BC. We are starting to discuss our plans for next year and have pretty much decided that we're gonna give POR a try to save some money.

Each year I've said that if the price difference between WL and the other hotel, whether it be Deluxe or Moderate was less than $500 or $600, than I'd definitely stay at WL. However, you're talking big money here. IMHO, that additional cost is definitely not worth it.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

We've stayed at WL twice and POR once. While POR is lovely, I wouldn't want to stay there again. I didn't like how spread out the resort was, I didn't like the lack of internal hallways, and I didn't like how the vanity area was only separated from the rest of the room by a curtain.

 

[mdinme]

Take the money and run to riverside! $1400? You could splurge for a top end dinner like hoopdedo or buy hoppers. Riverside is great, u can hang and eat at pfq too.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I've stayed at both, and after WL, I would find it hard to stay anywhere else on property again. For me, it's the perfect resort. I love the theme, the pool, the boats to MK, and the recreational options. POR is nice, and all, but it IS a moderate. They say once you go deluxe, it's hard to go back to moderate. I tend to agree with that. The only moderate I'd stay at again would probably be CSR. But I will always visit Boatright's at POR for a prime rib dinner.

 

[Sue M]

Love both those resorts. POR is our fav mid, and has lots to offer like the boat to DTD, evening entertainment in the lounge, Bob puts on a really fun show. Good food court, and horse & carriage rides.

We prefer the mansion section so I've never stayed in the AB section.

WL is spectacular at Christmas. And bunk beds. But if it's going to be a stretch on your budget, POR is great. We go back and forth between deluxe stays and POR and always happy at POR.

99% of the time in our experience busses run well at any resort. I've had the occas glitch with bus service at both POR and WL, all resorts really.

If you're worried about expenses you won't be enjoying your vacay, so go with what you'll be comfortable with.

We go lots without the DDP, and find we save money. The DDP isn't the deal it once was. I calculate how much we would pay for DDP, and put it on a WDW gift card when we arrive. They are in the resort gift shop. And use that for dining.
Savings will depend on how you eat. We never have a dessert after lunch And a snack every day, or drink pop with meals. We all prefer water. At dinner we may share desserts. I find the DDP too much food. Last time we were on the DDP we had sooo many snack credits left, I was buying snacks, candy, nuts, Mickey rice crispy, etc to bring home!!
We always have $ left on gift card. And we eat well.

 

[dchronister]

We were there last year Nov 28- Dec 6th. We spent the first two nights at POR Alligator Bayou section and then moved over to WLV for the remainder of our stay. I love both resorts. I will be staying at POR this November, but because it is a solo trip I can't justify spending the extra for WL. The rooms in the AB section of POR kind of remind me of the WL rooms because of the furnishings and the color of rooms. It is a laid out resort but we requested a room in a certain bldg. and our CM was kind enough to accommodate us so we weren't far from the main bldg, and we paid for a standard view room. Look at a map of the POR if you decide to stay there and decide on a couple of bldgs. that you would like to request, all they can do is tell you no. We did not have an bus problems when we were there. Having said all that, we love WL, it is our favorite and has been for years, but for the savings, I would probably have to change. Speaking of renting points, if you are planning on going this year, good luck with that. I looked into renting points for a studio for my upcoming trip in November, the 12th-19th, and the only studios available were for Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. The 2 bedroom we rented last year at WLV was rented 11 months in advance because that is as soon as a DVC member can book. So if you do decide to rent points, start looking soon. If your DH was agreeable to doing a split stay, you could stay at POR for a few days and then move to WL and still pocket some saving. But then you have to deal with switching, with isn't a huge deal, but it still has to be done. When I get there I like to stay put, unless its a very good reason to move. Personally, this is what I would do. Stay at POR first for a few days and then move over to WL. You would have the best of both worlds, also you would get to try out a new resort and next time you could make an informed decision. I love both resorts.

 

[momofboyz3]

We stayed at POR last year and loved it! Our vacation was flawless. I understand how you feel. I'm in the same dilemma in planning 2015. But, mine is between POP & doing a whole bunch of xtras or CSR. I'm curious to see what you decide

 

[Herbie]

I would totally save the $$$$$$$. WL is not worth it to me.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

I would totally switch to POR!

 

[CSchex]

Hello, I am planning a trip for the week of Dec. 12-21. We have stayed at WL twice before and love it so much that we have a hard time looking at anything else. Also, I have a ds, 13 and dd, 11 so the bunk beds work perfectly because they don't have to sleep together. Here's my dilemma: with the new RO discounts out, we could save a little over $1400 if we switch to POR, Alligator Bayou section so we can keep the separate sleeping arrangements. My daughter is tall but I think (hope) she'll fit in that small bed. I was really excited about Christmas at WL, but we want to do some extras this trip like Hoop Dee Do, MVMCP, and the House of Blues Gospel Brunch so the savings would cover those plus some! For those of you in the know, would you make the switch? I can't decide. Thanks in advance for your help!

OP, are you on the free dining plan during that time? If you are, Port Orleans is not included unless you received a special pin code. If you aren't, you may want to check that option, as it would pay for many of the extras you listed, including the Hoop Dee Do. With 4 people, that savings may eclipse the room only discount.

I have never stayed at the WL (but always wished I could), but I have stayed at POR 4 times. I love it there, but if I could afford to, I would stay at the WL, especially during Christmas time.

 

[wollydoodle]

Aaaahh, y'all are so awesome!!! Except now with the suggestions of a split stay, free dining maybe (or maybe not?) being better savings than the RO, and it possibly being too late for renting points (I have to admit the bit of uncertainty with renting dvc throws me a bit), I may have to recalculate my "Disney math"! I'm back to the drawing board so I'll keep checking here and let you know how it turns out. Thank you, thank you for all the tips, suggestions, and opinions!!