2 rooms at Pop or 1 room at WL for December Trip?

[kath1210]

We are considering a trip to WDW for December 18-24. We can get 2 rooms at Pop or 1 at WL for close to the same price (WL only about $200 more). Here are the pros and cons as I see them:

Pop Century Pros
- 2 whole rooms (hopefully connecting)
- 2 bathrooms
- 2 TVs
- 3-4 beds (will request king room connecting to standard dbl)
- the price is right
Pop Century Cons
- smaller rooms
- no balcony
- no sit-down restaurant on site
- if weather is bad, we'd need to go outside to get to amenities
- no guarantee of connecting rooms or king bed
- more crowded?
- less "Christmasy" atmosphere
Wilderness Lodge Pros
- balcony
- refrigerator and coffee maker
- lots of Christmas decorations
- restaurants on-site
- boat to MK
- if weather is bad, no need to go outside to get to amenities
- seems like more of a cool weather place to stay (fireplace, etc.)
Wilderness Lodge Cons
- only 1 TV
- only 1 bathroom
- costs more
- only 1 room
- no guarantee that we'll get bunkbeds

What do you think? Did I miss anything? I just can't decide!!

 

[DisneyDar]

These are two totally different atmospheres. Do you like to walk outside? Or do you prefer to be inside to get to your room. Do you like to walk to a food court to eat? Or do you like to have the availability of a few restaurants? Which decor do you like better? What can you afford? Only you can make these decisions.....

 

[crow11ad]

In December espically the 1st 2 weeks, the price for the lodge with the discounts will be well worth it...

 

[cocowum]

I would definitely chose WL but if you asked DD she'd chose Pop

 

[kath1210]

Thanks for your thoughts! I think we'll try the Wilderness Lodge. I am just worried about feeling like a prisoner in the room if the weather is bad. At least we can walk around and enjoy the WL without having to go outside. Plus, the hot tubs sound good if it's cool. And, we're likely to be going to MVMCP, so it would be convenient to take the boat, I think!

Thanks again!

 

[pjtjm]

What do you think? Did I miss anything? I just can't decide!!

I just made a similar choice of hotel. We are a family of 5 and had booked POR since this was the only mod which could accommodate us.
I crunched some #’s and found that 2 rooms at the POP would be just about the same $$$ and jumped at the change in hotel. Having 2 rooms outweighed the amenities for us, and they did specific “Guaranteed connecting for family” on my ressie.
However, like someone else mentioned, only you know what’s right for you and your family. Good luck deciding, and enjoy!

 

[SnowWitch]

In Dec most definitely the WL!!!!! We stayed at the AllStars for 2 nights because we couldn't get our DVC ressies for those nights several yrs ago. Way to small!!

The WL in Dec is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kda]

WL is very special in December, and that's the one time of the year I'd recommend WL the very most, above any other resort. There are wonderful nooks and crannies where you can curl up with a book, and also explore the Lodge, if the weather isn't so good. There's a direct boat to the CR, where you have more dining options, and can always get on the monorail at the CR and get to the Poly or GF.


That said, I didn't see the # of people in your party. Most rooms at WL only accomodate 4 + a pack 'n play, and WL and AKL are the smallest of the deluxe resorts. It's possible to get bunk beds at WL, although not guaranteed. 2 BRs and 2 TVs may be more important for you and your family. Good luck making your decision!

 

[JennyDrake]

I think I must have missed how many are in your party, but let me share this from expereince. We went with a party of 5, 2 adults and 3 teenagers. We had teh same dilemna and we went with 2 rooms at AS. I was never so happy with a decision. The two bathrooms alone were worth it. It also enabled those who wanted to nap or to retire early to do so, while the others could be more active w/o worry of disturbing. I'd vote for the two rooms and hopefully you'll still be on speaking terms by the end of the trip!

 

[Stitch Inside]

I'd pick 2 rooms over one, depending on the age of your children. Younger ones I could cram into WL. Pre-teens and older I would think would be better off in two rooms. You can always visit the WL's Christmas decorations. WL is very popular that time of year, and I would think it would be more likely to be full, loud and crowded. JMHO.