Coronado vs Wilderness Lodge?

[PlutoIsHerFav]

Hi! My husband and I are doing an adults only trip in December. Two nights at Disney before heading out on the Wish. Resort availability has been pretty limited. We are currently booked at Coronado Springs (standard room, not the tower). A standard king room at WL opened up and my TA was able to grab it and put it on hold. Over the two nights, WL will cost about $450 more than CS. Is it worth the extra cost to change to WL? The reason I'm pulled toward WL is that we're starting our day at MK for a tour and then ending there, as well, for the Christmas party. The boat transportation/proximity will be nice for a super long day. WL is also smaller in terms of the potential hike to our room. WL is also so beautiful at Christmas! We've never stayed there but have visited for dinner during the holidays! We will have the evening we arrive, will be gone all day the next day, and then the morning/breakfast before we had to the port. We've never stayed at either. The cost savings would be nice but WL seems a bit more romantic and perfect for an adults only trip! Thoughts?

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

I have stayed at both a number of times. If you can afford it, definitely stay at Wilderness Lodge. The non-tower rooms at Coronado feel like a standard hotel room. The exterior hallways are very... motel feeling. Staying at the lodge during Christmas is magical, and well worth the money, in my opinion.

Keep in mind that, sometimes, bus service may be faster than the boats. There have been times where there's substantial lines for the boats to Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness/Grand Floridian/Poly, but the bus lines for resorts such as Coronado are minimal, with busses arriving every few minutes. It largely depends on what time you leave the park, and how many busses are running the route.

Even with that in mind, I would still fork up the extra money to stay at Wilderness Lodge.

 

[iheartglaciers]

If you can swing it, I'd go for Wilderness Lodge in December! The atmosphere is so cozy and festive. If there's a long line for the boats after the party, you can also take the bus from MK to WL. It's so fast. The short boat ride (or bus ride) also makes it easy to take a mid-day break since you have an early start and late night!

If you'd rather go for the cost savings, maybe you can take a Minnie Van after the party to return to Coronado quickly!

 

[AussieFan8]

There is nothing better than WL at Christmas. If you can swing it, do it! I love mornings in the lobby (or in the second floor alcove) with the tree, the fire, and a cup of coffee. I enjoy it as much or more than going to the parks at that time of year. Try to do Geyser Point and Territory Lounge while you're there.

 

[Her Dotness]

There is nothing better than WL at Christmas.

I'd argue with that but will refrain for once. I will grant that WL is pretty at Christmastime.

If you can swing it, do it! I love mornings in the lobby (or in the second floor alcove) with the tree, the fire, and a cup of coffee. I enjoy it as much or more than going to the parks at that time of year. Try to do Geyser Point and Territory Lounge while you're there.

Coffee in a rocker beside the fireplace--oh, YEAH.

Geyser Point is a wonderful fireworks-viewing spot with cushy chairs if you're more interested in food and drink than standing lagoon-side for an optimal view. Great food!

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

WL all the way in my book especially around the holidays. Particularly bc you're only there for a short time, proximity and convenience of park transportation is worth the extra cash in my opinion.

 

[PlutoIsHerFav]

Thanks all! You gave me the push I needed; we've decided to switch over to WL! SO excited!

 

[Her Dotness]

Thanks all! You gave me the push I needed; we've decided to switch over to WL! SO excited!

You didn't really need us, IMO, except to nudge you a bit maybe.

Look at how many reasons you yourself gave for making the switch.

 

[PlutoIsHerFav]

You didn't really need us, IMO, except to nudge you a bit maybe.

Look at how many reasons you yourself gave for making the switch.

It is true! I knew what I wanted, but it helps make me feel less guilty about spending more money when other Disney-ers agree, right?!

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

It is true! I knew what I wanted, but it helps make me feel less guilty about spending more money when other Disney-ers agree, right?!

Enjoy!

FYI, Wilderness Lodge just updated their food and drink menu at both Whispering Canyon and Territory Lounge.

Grab the Blueberry Cinnamon Roll at Whispering Canyon for breakfast. Thank me later!

 

[Mazz519]

Wilderness lodge is probably our favorite place to stay, feels like your in the middle of things and can take a boat to the MK.... We stayed at Coronado Springs once about 15 years ago it was nice but far from everything...

 

[gottalovepluto]

Xmas time at WL is MAGIC. You won’t regret it.


Btw- excellent username