HELP !! WL or POR in December

[TimonTracy]

Please help me !! I'm agonizing over this decision. My husband and I (early 20s) are going to WDW in the beginning of December. I'm very interested in seeing the Wilderness Lodge all done up, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra $$ to stay there.

My husband and I both love Port Orleans, for the boat ride to Downtown Disney and the overally layout of the resort. We don't really spend much time in the room, especially this December, when we want to take in the special events.

I've checked out the pics of the Wilderness Lodge and the interiors of the room don't really appeal to me, so would you say it would be worth it to just visit for dinner and check out the decorations this trip?

Help !!!

 

[jaguar9748]

If you can swing WL, I'd go for it. I've been at both resorts at Christmas and WL is just fabulous. The decorations are great! If the weather turns cool, the fireplaces are nice. We've stayed in the villas and found the decor to be similar to POR. We've never had a bad stay at WL - the CM's are great!

 

[dcedwards]

I think it depends on what you are after and your budget. WL is very nice and pretty but since we lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years it felt too much like home for us. Rooms at WL are a bit bigger and there are inside hallways and a much bigger lobby area. Plus, I believe they have queen beds instead of double.

That being said, if you are only wanting to stay there to see the Christmas decorations then you can either just visit or have dinner and hang out in the lobby area.

Decorations at PO aren't spectacular at Christmas but we really like the location in reference to DTD and Pleasure Island. If you plan to spend much time at PI you can't beat this location. Prior to our DS we stayed at POFQ and really enjoyed it for this reason. We are in the room very little and typically on the go. So, when there has been a difference in price we couldn't really justify the deluxe...I keep thinking I can spend the money at XX instead.... but that is just me ... one these days I'm going to take the plunge and stay at the YC Concierge.

Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you will enjoy either one of them....or perhaps split your stay between the two.

 

[JulesMom]

If you can afford WL, then definitley stay there.

If you don't think you can, stay at PO-FQ and go to WL for lunch or dinner. You can still hang out in the lobby and enjoy the atmosphere.

The most important thing is that you'll be at WDW, right?!?

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

These are our two favorite resorts(so far!)! We did choose WL for Dec. since we had heard how wonderful it is decorated. It was! We also enjoy the balcony there during our down times. You can see the EWP from your balcony(depending on room) or the beach each night. We visited the food court at POR one evening, they have a Christmas tree in the entry lobby. You really can't go wrong either way you go though. Stay there or visit and see WL! We also got an incredibly low price last Dec., making it not much more than POR.

 

[figmentvi]

I've stayed at both during the Christmas season and hands down we enjoyed WL the most.

There's alot of activity in the beautiful lobby, i.e. choirs, school bands, etc. All of which are playing lovely Christmas music.

I also liked the fact that I didn't have to walk outside to get my morning coffee. Just a short walk to the elevators down to the Roaring Forks.

The second time we stayed at WL during Christmas, we had a room on the 5th floor overlooking the lobby. We could open the door to our room and the top of the huge Christmas tree was right there. It was like having it in our room. We could just step outside walk over to the rail and listen to the choirs performing. It was wonderful.

 

[olena]

I'd do WL for the fantastic decorations....

 

[joyful1nh]

The WL is my personal favorite resort, but.... if you don't spend alot of time at the resort, and if Downtown Disney access is important to you, you might find it a disappointment. I wouldn't go to DD again on that bus if you paid me (but I'm not a big DD fan, either).

I'd definately visit the WL, and you might even want to consider the AKL if you want a deluxe experience and don't spend much time at the MK. The rooms are nicer at AKL and it is closer to DD.

Of course, if access to the events is important to you and you can afford it, one word of advice -- Poly!

Whatever you choose, have fun deciding and have fun on your trip -- maybe we will see you there, we'll be at the WL 12/7 - 11.

 

[Krissalee]

I have never stayed at PO-R, but I have stayed at WL and POFQ. I agree with the above posters, if you can swing the $$ for WL, go for it! The resort is gorgeous, and the photos I have seen of the Christmas decorations are spectacular!

I didn't have any problems with bus service from WL to DTD & Pleasure Island, but if you main priority is transport to these places, then maybe PO is best for you!

Whatever you decide - Enjoy!!!!!!! We will be spending the first week of December in WDW, too, and hope to enjoy the Christmas decorations everywhere!

Krissy

 

[#1MMFan]

My feelings would be to go for WL. Would love to stay there in December, have heard so many wonderful things about it. Bus ride to DD is long, but not unbearable. And if you are planning on doing the extra festivities then WL is in a good location for MK and Epcot. The rooms are nicely furnished and have a better layout than POR with the bathroom/vanity area more private (i.e. not in full view of someone looking through your window. The French windows and balcony make it lighter inside than POR but still private. And regardless of actual dimensions, the room does feel bigger - not huge but perfectly comfortable for the three of us. The beds are Queen. Why not check out the WL FAQ thread at the top of this board?

Enjoy your trip regardless of your decision.