Has anyone had a negative experience at Wildnerness Lodge?

[vhoffman]

I'm not too sure where to place this thread, but trip reports seems the best bet. We've got reservations at WL this Dec. for three nights. Our main event will be the MVMCP. I had originally booked the Contemporary because of its location-close to the MK and on the monorail. A tower room would cost $956 for three nights. Then I looked into the WL. Its much cheaper--three nights for about $560, a savings of $400! And it really looks nice. I've read nothing but good reviews of the WL and its especially nice at Christmas. However, I tend to over-worry my choice of hotels. I'm sure either one--CR or WL, are fine hotels. However, has anyone had a bad experience at WL they'd be willing to share? I realize no place is perfect and something can go wrong anywhere, but I'd still like to hear if anyone's had a bad experience there. Also, WL is quite a bit farther from MK than CR. How is the transportation? I understand there's a water taxi direct from WL to MK. How efficient is it? I think my kids would get a kick out of the boat. They can ride the monorail, too, once we reach the MK. Also, what type of boats are used from WL? Are they like the boats used around the boardwalk? Those boats didn't have any "step down". You just walked onto the boat. It looked like one could push a wheelchair on with no problem. I don't use a wheelchair, however, its difficult for me to handle steep steps down or up (I decline the jungle boat rides for that reason). That step would really make a difference for me. I'm really leaning towards the WL for the ambience and price, so I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[JPN4265]

You will really enjoy WL during the Christmas Season. The christmas decorations are wounderful. The boat ride is fun, and you shouldn't have any problems. I might also suggest that you book the sleigh ride for one of the nights that you are there. We really enjoyed it. Have a great time.

 

[vhoffman]

How do you book the sleigh ride? through the hotel, or CRO? How much is it?

 

[Alice28]

We loved the Wilderness Lodge, and we have stayed at both the WL and the Contemporary. I would stay at the WL again, hands down, where I doubt I would pay full price for the CR (we were able to stay there at the Shades of Green military rate of $70 a night- can't beat that). The convenience of the CR is great- you can walk to the MK or take the monorail. As I recall, the boat ride from the WL to the MK is pretty efficient- it leaves on the half-hour or something like that. It is not like an Epcot resort boat though- there are a couple of steps as I recall. Not steep, but I believe there are 2-3 steps down into the boat. That may have changed as it's been several years since we stayed at the Lodge. But I watched the boats go to and from the Lodge last time I was there and they looked the same. I think staying at the Lodge at Christmas time would be especially magical and a good choice. The Contemporary doesn't decorate as much as the other reorts do (DH was there at Christmas time last year on a business trip and said it was nothing special)- have fun!

 

[ABCMom]

Try posting this on the Resorts board for more responses.