Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge?

[scanne]

Well I'm in the early stages of planning our next trip to WDW. We will be going in August and it will be me, my DH and our son, Chase. Chase will turn 1 on the trip. My parents may also come with us.

At first I wanted to stay at the Polynesian, but with the renovation going on, I'd like to hold out and stay there when it's complete (and when I can stay in the Tahiti building - it will be concierge when we're planning on going).

So that left us with the Contemporary b/c we would like to be on the monorail but we've stayed at the GF twice and I want to try some other resorts.

Then I got to thinking about the Wilderness Lodge. Ideally we would get two rooms if my parents come with us. But, what about the Junior suite? Is there any privacy or is it one big room? I was also thinking of a one bedroom villa at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, but when I checked availibility on www.disneyworld.com, there were only studios available for our dates. Is it possible that a one bedroom villa would become available 7 months out when the DVC properties are open to all guests?

Any thoughts on WL vs. CR? I know the rooms are bigger at CR, but I know that discounts are easier to come by at WL (I think).

Any thoughts, opinions and comments are welcome! Thank you!

It is so much fun to start planning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Micca]

Can't advise on the Jr. suite, but having stayed at Contemp and WL, I'd go for WL. Outstanding, and less expensive than Contemp.

 

[WDW TRIP NUT]

I have to say that while I really liked the WL, I Loved the CR-Tower. If you can stay in the Tower, I would go with that. If not, then I would go with WL. There's nothing more magical than watching the fireworks over Cindy's castle while in bed.

 

[daannzzz]

I personally would pick the WL as I prefer the theme much more than the Contemporary. The rooms are smaller at WL but I just can't get past the style at the Contemporary. We stayed in a Jr Suite at the WL on my first trip there. There were only three of us so it was excellent. The layout is nice with lots of windows and a set of french doors (with sheer curtains) between the living room where there is a pull out couch and the bedroom where there are two queen beds. It is plenty of room for four adults and one kid but the downfall is that it only has one bathroom. My Dad slept on the pull out and siad it was fine and was fairly private. It is 500 square feet. The regular rooms are 340 Sqaure feet.

 

[slimplaw]

You might check out a 2 bedroom at the villas. This would give you 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, washer and dryer. You would also have a folding crib/playpen/bed for your 1 yr old. Check the DVC rental board here on the DIS and you might get a good price if someone will rent you their points.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If I were you I'd stick to the monorail resorts or the epcot resorts. The monorail resorts are great for getting to MK and Epcot, especially with a stroller. The epcot resorts (yc, bc, bwi) are great for getting to epcot and mgm, but you'd have a longer trip over to MK.

I'd definitely skip WL and AKL. It's a pain to fold and unfold the stroller everytime you get on the bus. Especially if little Chase is asleep.

The DVC resorts are great, but since it's just the 3 of you it's not worth having to take the bus everywhere. Just wait until Chase has some little brothers and sisters, then the DVC resorts will be your favorite. (my kids are 3 and 1)

 

[mcm]

The WL is our favorite in theme but the contemporary is my kids favorite because it is where the monorail sleeps. To me it comes down to a matter of convenience --- being on the monorail is just so sweet. No folding down the stroller, quick access to the other WDW hotels.
But the lodge is more our style. And you do have the boat to MK.If it's the bigger boat, they don't make you fold up the stroller either.
At contemporary the extra bed is very nice and the rooms are very big.
We have three kids (one a baby), so convience most often wins out. Unless the price difference is big enough to clinch it for us.

 

[las3888]

I would vote to stay at the CR. Not crazy about WL - didn't like not being on the monorail. There are usually some good deals to be found for garden wing rooms...close in price to the deals at the WL...worth checking out!

Good luck!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Contemporary for the location or Wilderness Lodge for the theme. Humm, not sure which I'd go for. If you wouldn't be getting a tower room at the CR, then I'd go for WL.