Advice needed (Wilderness Lodge/Contemporary Garden Wing or Dolphin) New Years last minute trip

Shane0724

Earning My Ears
Joined
Sep 23, 2025
Messages
3
Looking into a last minute short trip Jan1-5 and wanted some thoughts on Wilderness Lodge (never stayed) or Contemporary (Garden Wing only) or This group is our top choice as next "tier" would be Coronado Springs/Port Orleans/Dolphin-Swan. We have been to Disney many times and likely would prefer one of the first 2 but as you can imagine there is a sizeable price difference between those groups. If you can convince me on staying at Coronado/Port Orleans/Dolphin-Swan I'm here for it!

Walking to Contemporary from MK has me leaning towards Contemporary Garden Wing but wouldn't mind somewhere new like Wilderness Lodge either. Thanks for any input.
 
Well you should start by looking to see which resorts even have rooms for your dates. That is going to be your limiting factor for your Jan 1-5 dates.

Dave
 
Well you should start by looking to see which resorts even have rooms for your dates. That is going to be your limiting factor for your Jan 1-5 dates.

Dave
the ones listed all have availability that is what I have to choose from.
 
Wilderness Lodge is spectacular, especially during the holidays. I love the quiet pool. We've stayed at BLT (not the category you mentioned) and though location is easier with the monorail, I find the resort as cold as an operating room. If you want ambiance, go Wilderness!
 

Looking into a last minute short trip Jan1-5 and wanted some thoughts on Wilderness Lodge (never stayed) or Contemporary (Garden Wing only) or This group is our top choice as next "tier" would be Coronado Springs/Port Orleans/Dolphin-Swan. We have been to Disney many times and likely would prefer one of the first 2 but as you can imagine there is a sizeable price difference between those groups. If you can convince me on staying at Coronado/Port Orleans/Dolphin-Swan I'm here for it!

Walking to Contemporary from MK has me leaning towards Contemporary Garden Wing but wouldn't mind somewhere new like Wilderness Lodge either. Thanks for any input.

If it's in the budget, I would choose WL over CR. IMHO, it's an overall better resort. CR, for me, is only a resort of convenience and it's a hefty price to pay for it. If you go mod or Swolphin, I would vote Swan, with Dolphin in second place. While you miss a bit of the Disney immersion, they are both great hotels with fabulous restaurants in an incredible location. The bus situation to MK is a little wonky (we walk over to YC or BWI and use their buses), but otherwise, if you can get a good price, I think there is a ton of value there. I love CSR and POFQ as well, you just lose out on the sweet Swolphin location if you go that route.
 
If it's in the budget, I would choose WL over CR. IMHO, it's an overall better resort. CR, for me, is only a resort of convenience and it's a hefty price to pay for it. If you go mod or Swolphin, I would vote Swan, with Dolphin in second place. While you miss a bit of the Disney immersion, they are both great hotels with fabulous restaurants in an incredible location. The bus situation to MK is a little wonky (we walk over to YC or BWI and use their buses), but otherwise, if you can get a good price, I think there is a ton of value there. I love CSR and POFQ as well, you just lose out on the sweet Swolphin location if you go that route.
Dolphin is 25% less than WL, not a deal breaker but still. Good to know thanks for the quick response.
 
Agree that if it’s not a budget breaker, either WL or CR (walking to/from MK is awesome). But if budget needs to be considered, Seilphin would win hands down over CSR/POFQ as you get EEH and walk ability to/from Epcot.
 
Dolphin is 25% less than WL, not a deal breaker but still. Good to know thanks for the quick response.
If you are not going to spend much time at your resort you can always visit the WL but don't expect the Christmas decorations to still be up but you might just catch them. The CR has mulitple transportion options.

If you are planning on more or an Epcot / HS visit then the Dolphin would be my choice or double check the Swan as it has Queen beds vs Doubles at the Dolphin. The Swan is also 1/2 the size of the Dolphin so it is much easier to navigate to your room, and quicker when you want to exit.

Dave
 
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