Help, WL or CSR, I can't decide which one

[cindy21494]

I need help deciding which resort to stay at, WL or CSR. We stayed at CSR three years ago and loved it. We have never stayed at WL.

Here is my situation: We (me, DH, and DD's 11 and 5)are staying four nights at the resort the third week of August. My DH"s parents and brother (age 15) will be joining us the last two nights. We do not plan on going to any parks this time, It will be more of a relaxing vacation and just spending time at the pool, DTD, the Boardwalk, and just spending time with our family. Which resort will we have more fun at? I am also coming over budget and am trying to save money . My biggest worry with the WL is that we will be bored and the rooms will be noisy from WC. I also heard the pool is not that big, is this true? My biggest worry with CSR is that it will feel very hot there. I am leaning more towards CSR, but I have WL booked and I am afraid I will make a mistake and regret changing resorts.

This is the first time my DH's parents and brother will be staying at a Disney resort, and we want them to have a good time.

Which would you choose and Why? I would like to hear your pros and cons for each resort based on the time of year we are going and what we plan on doing.

Thanks

Cindy

 

[woody5]

We have stayed at both resorts. I personally don't think the WL is worth the extra $$. The pool is definitely much bigger at CSR. There is also a hot tub, play ground and volleyball court. There are activities that can be done on the lake as well. Don't get me wrong, I like the WL but just didn't think it was that much nicer than CSR. As far as the heat, it will be hot anywhere in August.

 

[cindy21494]

anyone else?

 

[rcraw45425]

I like WL because my girls are 7 & 9 and we like the proximity to the MK. I like taking the boat to MK, the CR, etc.

I just reread your post. WL is everything undr one roof, not spread out like CSR. My girls like the pool there but we have never stayed in CSR or any moderate for that matter. DH is 6'2" and we need th equeen sized beds that the Deluxes provide. Even if you don't do parks you can easily take the boat to CR and ride the monorail to GF for 1900 Park Faire, or go to CHef Mickeys or Ohaha at the Poly. There are all the activities at FW to take advantage of too. DO what ever feels right to you and your wallet though, that's the bottom line.

 

[corndog]

FWIW, we just changed our reservation today from POR to WL for May. We love both but proximity to MK is a huge plus.

Also, if you're not planning to go to the parks you may like WL for it's proximity to other (free) activities: such as the campfire/movie/chip 'n dale sing-along at FW and the nightly water pageant. Also the ability to take the boat to CR or MK and hop the monorail to tour the other MK resorts or just to take a monorail ride!

 

[Buzz2001]

I agree with Woody5.

Recent WL Review

 

[Stitch Inside]

And I agree with rcraw45425.
If you can afford it, I believe WL has more to offer. In August, you will appreciate the "all under one roof" aspect of WL. Also, if you're concerned about pool size, have you looked at the AKL?

 

[BostonRob]

Neither? It seems to me if you're going to be hanging out on the Boardwalk or DTD a lot, you should stay at one of those resorts. Is there any way for you to come up with the extra $$ for one of the Epcot/Boardwalk resorts?

 

[cindy21494]

I think I am more confused as to where to stay than before.

One of the Boardwalk/DTD resorts are out, as I am trying to save some money. Stitch Inside, we have stayed at the AKL and the pool was alright, since we only used it a total of two hours the whole trip. Are you saying the WL pool is the same size?

I didn't think about access to FW, since we didn't plan on going there.

 

[Stitch Inside]

Stitch Inside, we have stayed at the AKL and the pool was alright, since we only used it a total of two hours the whole trip. Are you saying the WL pool is the same size?

Nope, WL is the smallest of the three pools CSR, AKL, and WL. If you have not stayed at WL, you won't be disappointed. There is plenty to do there. If you want to justify saving money, and staying at CSR, I'm sure you'll do fine with that decision. I just don't think you can fairly compare WL to CSR. And in contrast to Woody5, I believe WL, with the "all under one roof" aspect, balconies, chance to see Cinderella's Castle and Wishes from your room, Whispering Canyon breakfast (never done lunch or dinner), Artist Point, the Lake activities, the water pageant, easy boat ride to MK, CR, and FW, is worth the extra money.

 

[kruggel2004]

I have been in the same dilemma between CSR and WL for weeks now..we have to make a decision as our AAA agent is getting a little frustrated with my DH and me..and I can't blame her..I think there are benefits to both..for some reason my gut says to go with CSR..it looks like a real fun resort but WL looks awesome to..Let me know what you decide as I'm still so dazed and confused on what to do..LOL

 

[TandyR]

My family loves WL and all the stuff to do around there...we love renting bikes and going over to FW's petting zoo and the pool is great at WL....we love WL so much we bought DVC at VWL...so really it is the only place we stay, but this up coming trip we are staying at CSR because I want to be close to all the stuff going on for the Danskin Tri, what I have read CSR is suppost to be a lot like a deluxe but costs of a moderate. From what I have read CSR is very spread out, but the pool is nice. Personally I am not big on the southwest type themeing at CSR...I am a pine tree sort of gal, so I personally feel that WL will win hands down for our family every time. But I can understand why it is a tough choice from all I have read about CSR to get ready for my up coming trip it sounds like an awesome resort. So I don't think I have help in any way but I totally understand your delema.

 

[cindy21494]

I decided to go with the WL. As much as I would love to go back to the CSR, WL just works better for us this trip. We plan on using the kids club at the WL. I also plan on taking my DD (5) to the MK while my DH goes to pick up our older DD at Busch Gardens (she will be there for a five day camp). But I think the biggest reason is that my DH's family will be joining use for our last two days and his DSM is handicapped and doesn't do well on long walks (CSR might be too much for her).

kruggel2004, can you split your stay between the two resorts? We did that on our last trip. We stayed at the CBR for 3 nights and AKL for 4 nights. This worked out nice for us, since I really wanted to stay at AKL but DH wanted to try something new.

Good luck on your decision.

Cindy