Grand Floridian or Wilderness Lodge

[Brob2132]

We are trying to stay at a different resort every time we go. We booked GF because of availability, and have really warmed to the relaxed vibe it seems to have.

However, WL has recently opened as well. What say you?

 

[Cheburashka]

We are trying to stay at a different resort every time we go. We booked GF because of availability, and have really warmed to the relaxed vibe it seems to have.

However, WL has recently opened as well. What say you?

Are you referring to Wilderness Lodge (WL) or Fort Wilderness (which was in your title)? They're two very different resorts. WIlderness Lodge is a northwestern national park themed hotel. Fort Wilderness is a campground with cabins, and lots for campers or tents.

 

[Brob2132]

Wilderness Lodge. Edited for clarity. Thanks!

 

[Cheburashka]

Wilderness Lodge. Edited for clarity. Thanks!

They're both very nice resorts & I've stayed at both multiple times. Grand Floridian has much better transportation to Magic Kingdom, since it's right next door and on the monorail track. They're equal in terms of transportation to the other parks. Some areas of GF have wonderful Magic Kingdom views, as well as views of the Contemporary Resort and Polynesian. If MK access and good views are important to you, stay at GF.

Wilderness Lodge has a lot of charm, particularly during the Christmas season, when it is the best Christmas-themed resort imo. Grand Floridian is no slouch at Christmas, either, with its huge gingerbread house, but GF gets very busy at Christmas with all of the non-resort guests stepping off the monorail to look in at the gingerbread house & other decor- it's a bit like Grand Central Station at Christmas. Wilderness Lodge is more peaceful, more tucked away. Some WL rooms have far away views of MK, and you can see distant MK fireworks from some of the rooms.

They're both good resorts. Look at pictures of each to get a feel for the style you're more attracted to, and consider how important easy access to MK is to you. The WL resort rooms were recently renovated, so you might want to search for pictures of the renovated rooms online. I'm not sure if the Disney website pics have been updated to reflect the new rooms.

 

[Cheburashka]

Duplicate post

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

We are trying to stay at a different resort every time we go. We booked GF because of availability, and have really warmed to the relaxed vibe it seems to have.

However, WL has recently opened as well. What say you?

Both are very nice but quite different. WL just had a room refurb and they look very nice. I'd like to check out the newly refurb rooms but I also like the convenience of the monorail at GF and the new walkway to MK. If price is similar and you'll be at MK at least one day of your trip, you really can't go wrong with either resort. You'll get to MK likely a little faster from GF but they're both very nice. If the room amenities/bed situation is similar, I would choose based on your theming preference.

Few items to note, I think all the restaurants at GF are reopened but I don't believe all dining has returned to WL. There is still no monorail from GF to epcot at this time.

 

[Cheburashka]

Few items to note, I think all the restaurants at GF are reopened but I don't believe all dining has returned to WL.

Actually, 1900 Park Fare and Victoria & Albert's are both still closed at GF, as is Artist's Point at WL.

GF has the Grand Floridian Cafe (table service), Narcoossee's (table service dinner only), Gasparilla Island Grill (quick service), and room service (a big bonus right now as few other Disney resorts currently offer it).

WL has Whispering Canyon Cafe (family oriented table service) and Roaring Fork (quick service). WL has no room service at this time.

 

[Marthasor]

They are both beautiful. WL feels more remote to me and the rooms are smaller. I'm also not a huge fan of the transportation at WL. I would pick one to try and then do the other one on another trip, if possible.