Caribbean Beach or Wilderness Lodge

[Beaker74]

My fiance and I are visiting DWD for our honeymoon in May of 2004 for 10 nights. We opted for the Dream Makers Gold Plan Package. We are trying to decide between the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Wilderness Lodge. We are aware of the category differences between the two, however we are interested in finding the resort which is most convienent for transportation and most enjoyable. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cooderbrown]

Many folks celebrate their honeymoons there - they have suites just for honeymooners.
CB would be fine but you will get more families there.
WL has a great hotTub next to the geyser.

Transportation is why I'd go back to WL - you can catch a boat to the Magic Kingdom and back - and it's bus service is excellent.

Definitely WL.

 

[ripleysmom]

WL, you couldn't pay me to stay at CBR again.

 

[diznee25]

How about both? Seriously, we are going out for our honeymoon in December and are spliting our stay between WL & CBR! (5 nights at CBR followed by 8 nights at the WL)

Diznee25

 

[HopperFan]

The Wilderness Lodge is a smaller, intimate hotel and I would think for your honeymoon very cozy and romantic.

Even though we were there with children, there seemed to be mostly adults. It has all kinds of nooks and crannies to sit, fireplaces, peaceful pool area, hot tubs......very relaxing. Because of the size there is very little walking.

The boat to MK was great, and you could easily hook up to the monorail hotels for meals also.

Caribbean Beach is huge and has the feel of a motel. I NEVER want to stay there again, and especially not for my honeymoon.

Wish I had gone to Disney on my honeymoon! ENJOY

 

[Tamickey]

For a honeymoon - WL for sure. CR is fine, but lower on the cozy factor.

 

[xmatt0926x]

I love the Caribbean beach, but for your honeymoon, I would have to say Wilderness Lodge. I've stayed at just about all the hotels at Disney and I still haven't found one that left me in awe as much as the WL. Plus, going to the Magic Kingdom by boat is very relaxing. Its just a beautiful resort. Its also the perfect size. It has 2 in-house restaurants. You can also go to Fort Wilderness as well. They have an awesome buffet there as well as hayrides, etc. Some people swear the transportaion is bad at WL, but I think its way overblown. Dont let that stop you from staying there.

 

[donnamerry]

CBR is nice but if had choice, definitely WL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you will love it!

 

[jds]

I've stayed at and enjoyed both, but I agree with most of the previous posters--I'd definitely go with WL for a honeymoon! It's much cozier and romantic. Have fun!

 

[lyncruiser2]

I would also pick Wilderness Lodge. However, unlike others in this chain have reported, it's been loaded with kids when we've been there (in offpeak!) -- running in the lobby, yelling in the mis-named "Whispering" Canyon Cafe, etc. I think it attracts many young families because the boat transportation to MK is very convenient, yet the hotel costs less than the monorail resorts.

Having said that, it is a beautiful hotel and Artist Point is a lovely, though often noisy, restaurant. If you want quiet, eat after 8:30 p.m. Perhaps the nicest thing here would be to do concierge, since it is your Honeymoon. My sister and her family stayed WL concierge recently and said it was truly lovely. The CMs were very helpful and wonderful, the food offerings were great and it was somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle. Moreover, even though many complain about the closed balconies on the concierge floor, my sister didn't mind it at all. And for a honeymoon they might be perfect -- more privacy. And, concierge at WL is the least expensive on property and, I understand from these boards, can sometimes be obtained for $50 or so per night on checkin.

One last suggestion -- don't forget about AKL. We stayed there concierge recently and it's our favorite (we've also stayed WL, Poly and Boardwalk Inn). It often has very good discounts available. The resort is beautiful, and it seems much quieter than other places we've stayed. The CM's are great, the restaurants are great, especially Jiko, and we thought the bus transportation was fine. The trip is longer, but the buses serve only AKL, so no stops on the way. I don't think the bus to MK takes any longer, really, than the boat from WL by the time the boat stops at the Contemporary Resort and Ft. Wilderness Campground. And, the animals are endlessly fascinating. AKL, perhaps more than any other Disney resort, truly transports one to someplace that is unique, exotic and far away -- just what one wants for a honeymoon. And the Sunrise Safari for concierge guests is not to be missed.

One more suggestion -- pick up a copy of "Walt Disney World for Couples" by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter. The latest edition is just out. It has great ideas for making your WDW visit truly romantic.

Whatever you choose, have a wonderful honeymoon!

 

[joats]

We stayed at the WL for our honeymoon and it was incredible!!
We had both previously stayed at WL and loved it and couldn't think of any place else we would want to be for our special celebration than WL.

We stayed in a honeymoon suite on the concierge floor. The room had a spa-tub big enough for two and from our balcony you could view the MK fireworks. Our room was quiet. Everyone at WL was congratulating us and champagne was sent to us on our first night.

There are so many romantic places at WL and the moment you walk through the doors it's magic takes your breath away.

Never stayed at CBR, but this is your honeymoon and I recommend WL all the way!

 

[Bon Bon]

We have stayed at both but DH and I went alone, no kids, in 1998. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge and LOVED it!! It is too expensive if we are taking the whole family, although we spent too much money on "guilt" gifts for the kids.

Wilderness Lodge was breathtaking. We got up in the AM, ordered a fresh pot of coffee from room service, and sat on the beautiful porch waking up to the birds and wildlife. We took our time getting ready for the parks and hopped a boat to the Magic Kingdom from the resort. We took a half day off and sat by the pool relaxing. They had a great poolside bar. We aren't big drinkers but those drinks were awesome! DH had never been to Disney World before. He fell in love with it!

So, if my opinion counts, for romance, Wilderness Lodge has my vote!

 

[MinnieGi]

Since you are staying 10 nights I would be tempted to try both! I think it would be fun to do two very different themed resorts for your honeymoon. You can feel as if you've been to the mountains and the caribbean all in one trip!