Debating Resort for Friends 1st WDW Visit....Help!

[contempgal]

I've made multiple trips to WDW over the years and have stayed at different moderate and deluxe results. However, in October 2008 I am taking my best friend to Walt Disney World for the first time. She is in her mid twenties and is super excited about this trip so I want to make it special for her. Budget is an issue so some of my favorite resorts (Contemporary, Boardwalk) are out. I love Port Orleans French Quarter and know she would enjoy it as well so that was my initial selection for the trip. However, I'm now wondering if maybe I should switch to the Wildnerness Lodge since this is a more reasonable deluxe resort and would provide easy access to the Magic Kingdom and that special deluxe feel. I haven't actually stayed at the Wildnerness Lodge though so I wanted to see if anyone can throw some pros and cons about the Lodge out there. I'm particularly interested in info on pools, sharing of buses, lounges and view of MK fireworks. I know the French Quarter but everyone is free to give their own opinion of the resort and what you would do to make your friends first visit special. I know she would be happy anywhere but I want it to be a trip to remember.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[Endeavour105]

I've made multiple trips to WDW over the years and have stayed at different moderate and deluxe results. However, in October 2008 I am taking my best friend to Walt Disney World for the first time. She is in her mid twenties and is super excited about this trip so I want to make it special for her. Budget is an issue so some of my favorite resorts (Contemporary, Boardwalk) are out. I love Port Orleans French Quarter and know she would enjoy it as well so that was my initial selection for the trip. However, I'm now wondering if maybe I should switch to the Wildnerness Lodge since this is a more reasonable deluxe resort and would provide easy access to the Magic Kingdom and that special deluxe feel. I haven't actually stayed at the Wildnerness Lodge though so I wanted to see if anyone can throw some pros and cons about the Lodge out there. I'm particularly interested in info on pools, sharing of buses, lounges and view of MK fireworks. I know the French Quarter but everyone is free to give their own opinion of the resort and what you would do to make your friends first visit special. I know she would be happy anywhere but I want it to be a trip to remember.

Thanks everyone!!

Although the WL is my personal favorite, you won't be able to see much of the MK fireworks from there as the view is obstructed by trees and the CR unless you are fortunate enough to get one of the upper story rooms on the north side of this hotel.

For info on the boat transportation to/from the WL, see the following:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1646456

 

[annie_in_wonderland]

I took some people who had never been and we stayed at the CR. Sometimes the prices there are pretty good (cheaper than the Poly and the GF, anyway) and the CR is really pretty amazing, if you think about it. It's almost like it is part of the MK, it is so close. And with Chef Mickey's and the monorail, it's a good intro to WDW.

 

[momof2minnies]

Hi Mandy- that is my DD name! Did you give OKW a thought? The rooms are bigger and it would be cheaper than WL.I love it there and you have the Florida feel, it always makes a great first impression. We just sent friends there and they love it.The grounds are beautiful, the pools are great. Bus transportation we never have had a problem with.If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me.
Linda

 

[Cyril pb]

Dear Contempgal

This is what I am thinking. October at Disneyworld means Food and Wine Festival in Epcot. That being said I would stay at an Epcot Resort for easy access. Renting Points from a DVC member and staying at a Villa would be my first choice. Points are going form $10.00 to $11.00 per point. A five day stay at the Boardwalk villa, Sunday though Thursday in a Studio with in a standard view room would be 9 points per day and at @11.00 per point that would amount to $ 495. Seven days would be $ 957. There is no where on Disney Property where you can stay at a deluxe Resort in a Studio for a $100 per night.

 

[GinnyFavers]

I think your instincts are right on, go with the Wilderness Lodge.

It has an incredibly special feel for the price! We stayed for 10 days in the Villas this past August/September, and I have to say, it's my favorite resort now in all of Disney World, over even the Polynesian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I loved the pool, though like any Disney pool, it was crowded. There's a quieter one over by the Villas though with another hot tub that's lovely, and nothing is a far walk.

The beach is great, rent some water mice and really give her a treat!

I can't say enough good about the WL. It's a quintessential Disney resort experience, for sure.

 

[contempgal]

Thanks to everyone....I am greatly appreciative of all of your input. I absolutely love CR and have stayed in the tower multiple times and agree that it is an amazing experience, especially for a first time stay. Unfortunately, its pretty much out of my price range right now. I hadn't thought of some of the other choices but will check into them.

Right now, I'm leaning toward WL. I've heard fabulous things about it!

 

[Elmo888]

While it is difficult to see the fireworks/MK from WL, you can see the Electrical Water Pagaent from the WL boat dock...

http://www.allears.net/tp/ewp.htm

There is a nice lounge, and WL has a CS restaurant, Roaring Fork, which is helpful. And you can always get a drink at the lounge and take it to some scenic part of the lodge or just go sit in the lobby.

Have a great trip!