Going Christmas! Where Should We Stay?

[ubetiski]

DH and I are now convinced that we would like to spend this Christmas at WDW. But we are not sure where to stay. I figure that because it's a very busy time, we could benefit from a monorail resort. DH has already stayed at CR and Poly. We are also planning to stay at BWV and CSR in October. We would prefer to stay at a resort that really goes crazy with the holiday decorations. We currently have a ressie at Poly for 7 nights for a standard view room just in case. We are thinking about switching to WL. I usually love jumping around from one resort to the next but I prefer not to do this during Christmas time. Just want to settle in one place. I love the tower rooms at the CR but not sure how good the Christmas atmosphere is. I know you guys can help me (us)....well mainly me decide where to stay. We got a pretty decent Disney Club rate at the Poly but could save about $500 if we switch to lodge view at the WL.

Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[jane51]

We were at WL this past Dec. and I would highly recommend it!
The Christmas Decorations are wonderful! The huge fireplace in the lobby adds so much to the Christmasy feeling!

 

[wdwnut]

hi: the rooms are smaller at the wl than the polynesian. if you kept close to the same rate, could you get a 1br unit at the vwl? then you'd have a lot of space. the lodge is totally awesome when decorated. it might feel a little more "Christmasy" at the wl or vwl as well.

 

[Ted and Holly]

My vote is either WL or AKL. Both are warm and cozy and have beautiful Christmas decorations!

Holly

 

[fortwilderness]

I have stayed at both the Wilderness Lodge and in a Contemporary tower room at Christmas. As everyone said the WL is beautiful at Christmas and is really cozy. The Christmas decorations at the CR were kinda strange. There were futuristic looking Christmas trees in the check in area and a gingerbread village but I don't really remember much more. It was kinda neat but certainly not better than the WL.

 

[B3LM]

We stayed at CR during the 2001 Holiday season. We loved staying there, but I wouldn't stay there for the holiday decorations. If you can afford it, the Grand Floridian's Christmas decorations were absolutely beautiful. They had a life size gingerbread house in the lobby. My DD loved it. Even if you can't stay there, be sure to go see the decor.

We also visited WL and Poly. I really don't remember many Christmas decorations at Poly, but WL was beautiful, too. The huge Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby along with the huge fire place really makes it festive and cozy.

JMHO
Beth

 

[ubetiski]

Thanks for all the replies so far. We were actually thinking about the Grand Floridian but am not sure that my husband would like it. We are big time skiers and love the idea of staying in one gigantic log cabin. But then again I have heard wonderful things about Christmas time at the GF. I know we will do dinner at Narcoosee's so we will definitely get there for a visit. I think I just need to convince myself that I really want WL. But I am sure going to miss the monorail. Decisions decisions.

 

[bethie]

We stayed at the WL in 2000 at Christmas time. It was beautiful. I highly reccomend it.

 

[princess angel]

from what you have said, I think you should stay at either the WL or the GF!
the poly isnt very christmasy at all, although it's beautiful and relaxing, but a better choice for a different time of year! same with CR, I wouldnt stay there during christmas!

the WL is absolutley beautiful during christmas, very cozy, and it seems you would really enjoy it there! the rooms are smaller, but if it's just you and dh (do you have children?) then the room should be fine!! however you have the issue of no monorail, I agree that it is nice to have alternate transportation other than buses! I know WL has th eferry to MK, but the monorail is nice and convenient!
now, if you can spend the $$, the GF is incredible at christmas too! the lobby is incredibly stunning! and there are decorations all over the resort, huge lighted reindeer...etc.. plus, you'd have the convenience of the monorail during the highly busy time of the season.

I think you'd be happy at either, they are both awesome resorts, very different from one another though. I'd choose based on theming you like better, and how big of an issue convenience is!

have a wonderful trip!!! and have fun planning!!

Laura

 

[ubetiski]

Thanks for the great replies. It will just be the two of us so the smaller room size at WL is not an issue. We do not have any children yet. Just celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary. We are starting out with cats and working our way up from there.

We are definitely torn between the GF and the WL. We have a trip planned in October for BWV, however we are on standby right now. We may end up at WLV for October so maybe we should go for gold and pick Grand Floridian. Although if I were standing on the monorail platform and someone came up to me with $700 cash and said all I would have to do for the money is not use the monorail I would probably take it. The extra money would cover most, if not all of our food. I have only been to WDW once during Christmas time. The crowds were terrible but I insist that DH experiences the extra Christmas magic. Since we probably won't be back for a while for Christmas maybe we should just go for it. Although I love the Poly, I think we have at least narrowed it down to the WL or GF. Plus we really want a king bed room with a bathtub with may be easier to get at GF. The only thing I do not like about the GF is the parking. We always rent a car...even if we hardly ever use it. I hate depending on anyone for transportation. THanks again for all the advice so far.