Coronado vs. Wilderness

[Colorado Boiler Kid]

My wife and I (and our 2 year old) are planning a trip in late September and were wondering if anyone can provide some guidance on the differences between staying at the CS and the WL (outside of the price). We are familiar with the CS, having stayed there last year, and really enjoyed it. Especially the pool.

Any feedback on the difference between their pools, rooms, restaurants, September crowds, etc.. would be greatly appreciated.

Also, would be thankful for any tips on WL room locations.

Thanks,

 

[Buzz2001]

Welcome to the DIS!

WL is a deluxe with larger rooms, queen beds and indoor hallways. Difficult to compare a mod with a deluxe. CSR still has a better pool.

 

[Tron72]

If price is not a factor in choosing your resort stay, I would go with the Wilderness Lodge. For me and when I take my nephews who range from 3-6 it is nice having everying all in one building. There is no having to walk outside or a long walk for that matter to go to the food court. Not to mention you are only a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom. There are obvious more perks with a deluxe hotel vs. a moderate and don't get me wrong I have stayed at Port Orleans and love it there also.

Here is a really nice link http://allearsnet.com/

Go under accomondations and you can read about the Lodge, as well look at the pictures of the resort. i am heading back there in May, for a Family Gathering and let me say when I asked the other parties as to which hotel, they would want me to book them for our up coming Family's Grand Gathering they all said they wanted the Wilderness Lodge.

For what it is worth, I hoped this helped, just remember as long as you have fun on your trip to Disney World

Tron72

 

[Colorado Boiler Kid]

Thank you very much for your comments Tron72 & Buzz2001.

I have stayed at the Port Orleans and the Coronado Springs - and enjoyed both immensely (very similar experiences). Though the Dig Site and pool at Coronado Springs are amazing.

I'm just trying to understand what the Wilderness might have that would improve on the great experiences we've enjoyed at the moderate resorts.

 

[Buzz2001]

There is a boat to MK. Check out the link to WL FAQ

 

[Destination Disney]

We have a two yr old as well and we stayed at the WL back in October. We love that resort. My son loved the kiddie pool. He thought he was "hot stuff" swimming all by himself! He especially liked the fact that early in the morning before the pool "opened" for the day there were always these 3 ducks swimming in the pool! The grounds are nice. They have a small beach there, trails to rent surrey bikes (the little one sits in a seat up front) or to just walk on. There is the electric water pagent, you can take a bus or boat to Mk. (My son loved the boat), or you could take a boat over to FW. They have a gyser there that erupts, and you will like how close you are to everything! The best is that everything is under one roof. We had a woods view which was nice. Actually, we had a view of the water through the trees.

I have never stayed at CS before, and I am planning on staying there the next trip I book.

The way I look at it is to try everything at least once, you might be plesantly surprised. If you can afford it...spend the money... go WL.

 

[Colorado Boiler Kid]

Thanks, I share your attitude about trying everything once.

Your little one will love the pool and playground at the CSR.

 

[rileyroosmom]

I have stayed at both resorts and liked them both for different reasons.

The WL location was great. It was fun to take the boat. We had a room on the first floor could see the quiet pool from the room and was around the corner from main pool. This was great because we walked right out the door to the pool (avoided the lobby). My kids loved the bunk beds and we liked the queen bed rather than the full at CSR. Roaring Forks is a small food court type place. Though small, it basically met our needs. We loved spending time in the lobby and eating at Whispering Canyon Cafe. It was great to rent the mouse boats from the marina. One night we sat on the beach to watch the electric parade. Mousekeeping was great and we got a towel animal each day (we did tip).

CSR is a large resort and very spread out. Never had a problem with bus service. We were in the Ranchos section. Long walk to the food court and pool. Did not like full sized beds. Pepper Market offers a large selection of food, but for some reason it didn't really appeal to me. Didn't like having to wait to be seated and didn't like a tip built in to the check when all they do is get your drinks. The pool here is better than WL, IMO. It is bigger and had 2 hot tubs ( I think) they area is sit is larger and so is the place to get drinks and snacks. The lifeguards weren't as strict here and allowd my dh to hold my dd while on the slide. Mousekeeping kept the room clean, although no towel animals (we did tip).

That being said, I prefer the WL. However, we are a family of 5 now and a standard room is no longer an option for us. If you don't mind the price difference, I would choose the WL.
Good Luck!

 

[GoofyBanker]

Really no comparison, WL hands down, but you pay for the difference!

 

[Nolcrest]

Also if you stay at WL you can walk or boat over to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds for additional activites and I think they may still have a petting barn there. My son took a pony ride there when he was little.

 

[ROBIN4NY]

Since you have a 2 year old I would go for the wl due to its great location.It is just a short boat ride to magic kingdom.I know when my kids were small we spent most of our time at mk.It is my familys favorite resort and they wont stay anywhere else.It really is beautiful.Depending on where your room is you can watch the electric water parade at night(or you can just go to watch it from the beach right on the property)Also you are right next to Ft Wild. which has a lot to do for your 2 yr old including a campfire at night and Mickeys Backyard bbq.Enjoy