iI'm torn...need some advice!

[UGAFan0829]

The DH and I will be making our 2nd trip to the World this September. We will be there for our 8th wedding anniversary. Last year when we went, we stayed at the ASMo. Ever since the very first time that we started talking about going to Disney, which was years ago, the DH always said that he wanted to one day stay at the WL. So when we decided to book for this year, I booked what else but the WL. We are able to take advantage of the free dining which is nice, but we were going during that time regardless. It's just the DH and I, so there's no kiddies right now.
But this is what I'm so torn about...even though we've had the Wilderness Lodge booked since last December, we aren't wealthy by any means, so it has taken a lot of saving for us to be able to take this trip. However, we are still paying on it and have a small balance left compared to the total price of the trip. But in going back and looking, we could cancel the WL and go with one of the moderates for $400.00 less. I know that isn't a lot to some folks, but to us it is. Especially when we just want to see this trip paid in full so bad. If it were totally up to me, I would change and not think twice, but I have my heart set on the DH having what he wants. I did talk to him about it, and he says that he would be fine with staying at a moderate, but I really think it's only because he knows how much money we would save.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
I know that the resort that we chose probably isn't going to make or break our trip, but I don't want to have any regrets either. I have planned every detail that I can...I have all of our days planned along with our ADR's. And I've had everything pictured in my head from the very beginning, and now it's scary to think about staying somewhere else. Not to mention, since this will be just the 2nd trip for us, I don't know a whole lot about the moderates.
I would love to hear any advice/info that anyone has to offer. Thanks for "listening"!

 

[lpizzuro123]

First thing I would do is check that there is a moderate hotel available during the time you are going that is offering free dining. As you know the price difference is 400.00 maybe you have already done that but I would check to make sure before you drive yourself crazy.

Next, alot depends on how much you plan to use the hotel. We go down at least twice a year (my boyfriends dad lives in Orlando). We generally stay with him but we like to do at least 3 nights in a hotel also. Two years ago with stayed at the WL and just loved it. The pool was great, we had a room with a balcony on the fifth floor overlooking the waterfall, the pool, the geyser and the lake. We would spend time out there each day and evening. It was November so we were able to keep the sliding glass doors open and enjoy the cool night are and not have to rely on the circulated air of the air conditioner.

Last year we stayed at All Star Sports and just basically slept there. We just used the room so we could get the Extra Magic Hours. The pools were very crowded and there was a sports tournament going on so the place was over run with kids. Yes I know we are at Disney and there will be kids but we enjoyed the more relaxing atmosphere of the WL better.

400.00 is alot of money - think of all those extra special dinners and Mickey ice cream bars you could have with that money. I would try to stay at the WL this time as that is what you have been planning all along. Maybe next time try a moderate and then you will have tried all three and you can then decide what you like better.

Linda

 

[LadyGracey]

I have stayed at both the values and WL, and I absolutely love the Lodge. It is much more relaxing, and I actually took time from the parks to spend time there. If the $400 means that much to you (and I'm not wealthy by any means, so I know where you're coming from!), then maybe research to see if you can get a moderate with free dining--but, if this is a "once-in-a-lifetime" thing, or the dining is sold out, then go with the Lodge. We had a 5th-floor room with a view of the Contemporary, the castle through the trees, and the MK fireworks! It is a beautiful place! I could have stayed an extra 2 days at POP for what I paid to stay there, but I don't regret one cent of the extra cost!

If you do go with WL, make time to go on Ranger Stan's tour. He is an icon of the Lodge and one of the kindest and most knowledgeable CMs I have ever met--he really loves his job!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Tough decision! I've stayed at alot of the resorts and other than the Poly, I prefer the moderates. I personally like the spread out resort effect. I like to get a change from the typical upright hotels that we stay at all the time. The spread out layout is just so beautiful and relaxing. While the WL was beautiful, my stay there just didn't do too much for me. I would prefer the moderates over WL any day.

The other poster has a good point. At this late in the game, the moderates may be sold out of the free dining promotion. So you may not have a decision to make! Or at least you won't be able to pick from all 4 moderates.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Praying Colonel]

If I were you I'd leave it up to your hubby. Tell him that you're fine with staying at WL and unless he tells you to call Disney and change, that's the way it's going to be. Sounds like this is an itch he really wants to scratch and with free dining this is a good time to do it. Moderates are fine (we loved our stay at CSR last August and look forward to being there again in the future), but if really wants to do it, go ahead and keep things as they are unless he strongly feels otherwise.

 

[megnsamsgracie]

I SOOOOO get this one! We have 2 trips planned for free dining. One for 4 days just hubby and I and one for 12 days with 4 kids. For our anniversary trip, I booked CSR. Then I really felt that since we never go to WDW alone, the Poly would be a once in a lifetime trip. So I switched, at an additional $600. Now I am really fretting over airfare. I know I can come up with the last $1641 on our family trip and our CSR trip is paid. But I sooo worry about having the $ on hand (we dont use CC ever) to get the great DING sales SW had last July for September trips ($39 each way, we need 16 each ways!). So I am back to CSR at a savings of $600. And let me tell you, I just went back to work 2 months ago after 10 years of being a SAHM so money is very tight with us, especially when everything is done in cash (or debit card). I had a very hard time switching since I had my heart set on the Poly. But $600 is $600. If after booking the airfare next month, I have the money, then I am definitely upgrading to the Poly. But right now, $600 is just too much to spend if I am not sure I will need it for airfare or not

 

[mickeystoontown]

Go online and see if any of the moderates are available for your chosen dates.

If they are not, then your decision is made for you.

If they are available, I would have a sit-down talk with your other half so that the two of you could decide what's best for you AND your budget. $400.00 is a lot of money you could spend somewhere else.

We have stayed at the CBR twice now and absolutely love it. It has the largest rooms of the moderates and has a tropical theme.

There are beaches in each of the five villages, each complete with hammocks and beach chairs. You can rent a pontoon boat, canoe, sea raycer, bicycle or surrey bike at the CBR marina.

Banana Cabana is the pool bar and sells fabulous tropical drinks. Purchase one and sit at one of the nearby umbrella tables and just take in the surroundings.

There is also an island in the middle of the resort which has several winding paths. Several families were having picnics and one family was having a birthday party on the island.

The food court at the CBR is large and looks like an open air market. Food stations serve burgers, chicken strips, deli sandwiches, pizza, pasta, rotissiere chicken, veggies, fresh baked items, yogurts, drinks, etc.

The store is large also with one side selling the Caribbean Beach Resort themed items and the other side selling the more typical Disney merchandise.

Our stay at WDW is 10 days/9 nights so we have a couple of "down" days where we just sleep late and then laze around the resort The CBR is a great resort for a family like our's.

If you're thinking of going with a moderate resort, you might want to consider the CBR.

All that being said, we are going back to WDW next year and, if our budget will allow, we are considering a stay at the Wilderness Lodge. Even if we stay in a standard view room at the WL, the cost is $700.00 more than a stay at the CBR. Do I really want to spend that extra $ "just for a room"? Right now, we're thinking no. Maybe by the time the package prices come out, we'll have a little more money in our pocket and the $700.00 won't seem like so much.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Thanks everyone, very much for all your replies.
I did go and check to see if the moderates were available for our dates, and all 4 of them are. That's what so hard...choosing between all of them. But mickeystoontown really helped me, so now I'm leaning towards the CBR. Thanks so much!

 

[ToyStory]

I would suggest POR for you since you were going to stay at WL. You get get the same rustic feel if you stay in the Bayou section of the resort. I am assuming that is what you DH liked about WL.

We stayed there on our last trip in a king room in the Bayou section and loved it. We were in builidng 39 and it was quite and had a quite pool nearby. Walking to the food court area was lovely and same with the main pool. You can always take to boat to Downtown Disney or take a carriage ride. Also, they just refurbished the food court too.

Best luck in yout decision. I know how hard it is. So far I have had reservations in the following order; WL woodview bunk bed room, WL wood view 2 queens, POR, WL courtyard view 2 queens, CSR water view, Poly Garden view and back to CSR standard view. We are trying out CSR this trip mainly for the Dig Site and for something new. My oldest saw the pool at CSR and asked if we could PLEASE stay there.

 

[lulugirl]

I love the moderates, I think they offer excellent value. I have stayed at all of them except CBR. POR is my favorite, with POFQ being a close second.

When I was planning our upcoming trip to WDW I initially booked at WL for 10 nights, I switched to POR and saved $785. I still want to stay at WL someday, but I couldn't pass up saving that much money!
Check out this website for some great resort photo's and planning info.
www.allearsnet.com

 

[JESW]

Can you split your stay? Go the first couple of nights to the moderate and then switch to the WL. That way you get to save money AND your dh gets to stay where he wants to stay. You may not save $400, but there would still be a savings.

Hope you have fun no matter what you choose!

Jill

 

[lonelydreamer]

You didn't mention how long you are staying, but what about cutting your trip short by one day? The room plus park tickets would almost cover teh $400.