Booked First trip ever and freaking out!

[sara74]

Help! I just booked our first WDW trip (me, DH, DD4 and DS1) for 4/23 - 4/29 at WL. I am freaking out b/c I'm not sure if it is the right resort! My reasoning for WL is proximity to MK, the boat service (way cooler to the kids than a bus) and it is less expensive than the Poly. But I wonder, should I have saved a little cash and booked a moderate? I really like the cool theming of the CSR but have read mixed reviews of that and the PO resorts.
I think I am just panicking since we have never done this before. That and I dragged DH into it and I am afraid he won't like it!

Did I do the right thing?
And in case I sound too crazy - I am freaking out in a good way too! Just got PS for CRT and Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's too!

 

[hockeybabe]

We spent our first WDW trip at WL and LOVED it! The theming is wonderful, you will feel like you are at Yellowstone. You'll even want to buy a CD of the music in the lobby just to take you back there once you get home The boat ride is great, the kids loved it. There's a beach, a playground, and a great pool...check out the ducks swimming in it The fireplace is nice, and every floor has these little quiet comfy nooks...perfect for sitting with your refillable souvenier mug of coffee you get when you sneak out while the kids and DH are sleeping in

However, don't discount other properties. Our second stay we couldn't do deluxe, so we booked at CSR. We loved it too! So now we have 2 places we dream about. Might have to do a split stay next trip!

Enjoy WL, you won't be sorry!

 

[Nevergrowinup]

Help! I just booked our first WDW trip (me, DH, DD4 and DS1) for 4/23 - 4/29 at WL. I am freaking out b/c I'm not sure if it is the right resort! My reasoning for WL is proximity to MK, the boat service (way cooler to the kids than a bus) and it is less expensive than the Poly. But I wonder, should I have saved a little cash and booked a moderate? I really like the cool theming of the CSR but have read mixed reviews of that and the PO resorts.
I think I am just panicking since we have never done this before. That and I dragged DH into it and I am afraid he won't like it!

Did I do the right thing?
And in case I sound too crazy - I am freaking out in a good way too! Just got PS for CRT and Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's too!

Calm down and take a deep breath, I personally don't think you will regret your choice. We love the WL and honestly would probably never stay anywhere else while visiting THE WORLD - except that we like so many other places at WDW too! The theming is terrific, I personally think the lobby is the most relaxing and inviting at WDW for just sitting (flame on! ), and it is much closer to the MK than the CSR. Take the time to explore the Lodge while you are there. The cased Native American artifacts are very authentic (some may be real for all I know) and take a tour of the Fireplace Chimney - there are information plaques on each floor explaining the geologic level of the rock/material in the chimney. For a geek like me it is all very interesting. Anyway, go and enjoy. I think you will love it.

 

[sara74]

Thanks, hockeybabe! I am sure it will be great, juat want everything to be extra special perfect, you know? You even answered a question that I had left unasked. I was worried about going deluxe this time and moderate the next. I think I have talked Dh into a deluxe since the kids are so small and the convenience is such a big factor but next time (just booked tonight and already talking about next time !) I think we will be in a moderate. And if I have my way there will be another DS or DD with us then so we'll need the cash!

I am so excited that I cry every time I visit the Disney website or watch the video! I have goosebumps right now!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We also stayed at WL on our first trip, and that'll be 10 years ago soon! We've returned to WL, and also stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge - we love them both!

Here are some pictures of the resort: http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=554

 

[LoveMickey]

Help! I just booked our first WDW trip (me, DH, DD4 and DS1) for 4/23 - 4/29 at WL. I am freaking out b/c I'm not sure if it is the right resort! My reasoning for WL is proximity to MK, the boat service (way cooler to the kids than a bus) and it is less expensive than the Poly. But I wonder, should I have saved a little cash and booked a moderate? I really like the cool theming of the CSR but have read mixed reviews of that and the PO resorts.
I think I am just panicking since we have never done this before. That and I dragged DH into it and I am afraid he won't like it!

Did I do the right thing?
And in case I sound too crazy - I am freaking out in a good way too! Just got PS for CRT and Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's too!

Don't freak out, you'll love WL. They have games for the kiddies everyday at the pool and you'll love the convenience to MK and Contemporary for your dinners.

The only problem you'll have is that you won't want to stay any place ELSE after that

Also one day, hop over to the Contemporary via boat, head to the monorail over to EPCOT (need to take two monorails) and then the bus back, that way you get all the transporation options in one day.

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR is always are choice!

Photo by Ducky4Disney

Photo by buzz2001

Photo by buzz2001

Visit my website below and/or read this thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=324638

No shared transportation (WL shares with FW), best pool, and beautiful landscaping

 

[debbiedoo]

You will like the WL --- I am not the outdoor person type and I even I enjoyed it!! It is gorgeous!!

Go for it!! You will not regret

 

[hockeybabe]

Thanks, hockeybabe! I am sure it will be great, juat want everything to be extra special perfect, you know? You even answered a question that I had left unasked. I was worried about going deluxe this time and moderate the next. I think I have talked Dh into a deluxe since the kids are so small and the convenience is such a big factor but next time (just booked tonight and already talking about next time !) I think we will be in a moderate. And if I have my way there will be another DS or DD with us then so we'll need the cash!

I am so excited that I cry every time I visit the Disney website or watch the video! I have goosebumps right now!

There is nothing like WDW in the world! Be prepared, you will cry alot when you are there, and when you come home, too My DD watching the parades, and meeting the characters, and the excitement in DS's eyes...priceless. WL is a great choice for your first vacation. There's something magic about WDW, once you get sprinkled by pixie dust, you'll never want to vacation anywhere else You'll be planning your next 5 vacations when you come back, and you'll learn to live without things you thought you couldn't just to put some extra money aside so you can return faster It'a an addiction, but a great one!

Have a great trip, and enjoy every minute with your little ones (and bring lots of tissue )

 

[2boyshere]

WE loved, loved loved WL. We will for sure stay there again on a future trip. It's a great hotel!

 

[IluvtheAKL]

Hello!!

My husband and I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and loved it!! The boat ride to the Magic Kingdom can not be beat!! Your kids will enjoy feeding the fish before getting on the boat (bring quarters). We enjoyed sitting on the WL's beach and watching the Electric Water Parade. We had a courtyard view overlooking the pool and geyser, it was great!! The WL was designed by the same architect that designed the Animal Kingdom Lodge (my true favorite! ). I think that you have made a great choice!! Have fun!!

Crissy

 

[crisi]

I've done Deluxe to Moderate in the same trip. I think as long as your expectations are in line, you are fine. The WL has "moderate sized" rooms, so you won't get spoiled by the huge rooms at the Poly.

We love the lodge, and I think you'll discover the MK resorts are the right choice when your kids are the age yours are now. That's where you spend all your time, and busses with little ones can be a real pain. Because of the setup of the MK parking, driving isn't any better than a bus (its magical to come into - you really get the transition of leaving your car - but its not fast and easy). When your kids are a little older, and you are stroller dependant even at the resorts, buses are less of a hassle.

Around here, you'll get mixed reviews of everything. Some of it is expectation setting - your trip will not be perfect - get that idea out of your head right now! But the lodge is beautiful.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I say go and enjoy the WL. Both PO and the CSR are wonderful resorts, but what resort on Disney isn't, right? Each one is so unique and wonderfully themed, each one is a totally different experience. You are going to fall in love with everything Disney. You'll go back. Try the other resorts next time.

We had dinner at the WL one night, it was wonderful. Once you walk into that amazing lobby all doubts will disappear. Have a great trip and post a report when you get back!

 

[d4est]

SNIP
The cased Native American artifacts are very authentic (some may be real for all I know) and take a tour of the Fireplace Chimney - there are information plaques on each floor explaining the geologic level of the rock/material in the chimney. For a geek like me it is all very interesting. Anyway, go and enjoy. I think you will love it.

LOL. I guess I am a geek too. I chose CSR for similar reasons. I am a history teacher who loves ancient stuff. The whole "ruins" theme at CSR got me from the get go. Plus, I know my DS, 8 , will love the pool & dig site.

Go Geeks, Go!

 

[sara74]

Thanks for all the replies! We poured over all the info again today and have decided to stay with the WL this time. The proximity factor is the deal maker for all of us, we are planning on spending at least 3 of our 6 park days in MK and want to have dinner at both Chef Mickey's and California Grill so WL wins out over CSR. We are trying to avoid being that family with the screaming kids on the bus system! (so we'll have screaming kids on the boat instead)

Both DH and I are geeks so both the chimney at WL and the temple at CSR appeal to us! Is it possible that we could go over to CSR just to visit the pool?

I think we will stay at CSR the next time as DH and I are both drawn to the gorgeous pictures that have been posted!

We can't wait!!!!

 

[d4est]

You can go over and see the pool & resort. Unfortunately, "pool hopping" is not allowed. I've seen people get pretty uptight about the subject!

Enjoy your first stay! I know we can't wait for ours.

 

[susy]

You will LOVE WL-great for kids.

 

[michvin]

We were just at WL in October with myself, DH, DS 6, DD 4 and DD 20 mos and it was great. It was our first trip too and we really liked it. We are going back in January for a long weekend (yes, we are crazy) and are staying at POFQ. Am wondering if I'm going to miss out on a Deluxe but for a short trip, we think it will be fun for a change. The boat and bus to MK is great...don't discount the bus. It takes like 5 minutes to get to MK! Have a great time...oh, and we had a "standard room" on the 5th floor which did overlook the service area but at night, WOW...saw the MK fireworks clearly every single night!

 

[sara74]

Michvin - wow! Could we really see the fireworks from our balcony in a standard room? DH asked this and I told him 'no' since I didn't know and I didn't want to get his hopes up. I'd rather be wrong and be happily surprised than the other way around!

 

[lorimstl]

I'm excited for you. We did our first family trip in 2001 and stayed at the VWL and loved it. WL is amazing. Don't second guess yourself for a second. Make sure you make time to do a resort tour or just tour the property yourself. It is magnificent. One experience unique to the WL is being the Flag Family. You can ask about it when you check in.

Enjoy your trip.

Lori