I'm more confused than ever!!Pop, CSR or WL?? Help!!

[Cinderumbrella]

I sympathize as we are in the same dilemma for our trip next December. We are debating between POP, POR and WL.
POP looks cute (and the price is right) but I am not sure I want to be there at Christmastime. We are staying at POR in 6 days for the first time so it may be a no-brainer when we get back. While the theming at WL is not really our thing, I like the idea of staying at a hotel with indoor hallways and everyone says it is very pretty there in December. However, the price would be almost double the cost as POP and I'm sure I can justify it since I am hopeful of planning a trip in 2007 and 2008....
Decisions, Decisions.......

 

[Bugsmom73]

I would go with WL. For a couple of reasons. I have stayed at a Moderate and they are great but you are going in September which is value season. That means park hours are shorter and you WILL spend more time at your hotel. I love the theme, the food and the overall atmosphere.

My BIL and SIL are arriving today. I am so jealous of them.

 

[legalslave]

Why not get two rooms at Pop? King connecting with double. It will be cheaper than WL, and you'll still get the things at Pop your daughters were looking for, plus two TVs and two bathrooms. With value season, and if you join AAA, it shouldn't run more than $160 night with tax for two rooms at Pop.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Why not get two rooms at Pop? King connecting with double. It will be cheaper than WL, and you'll still get the things at Pop your daughters were looking for, plus two TVs and two bathrooms. With value season, and if you join AAA, it shouldn't run more than $160 night with tax for two rooms at Pop.

It's interesting that you suggested this because we talked about doing this very thing. While I think it is a great idea, I guess I want a few more amenities for my $160.00. We actually don't watch tv that much and the bathroom situation isn't a huge big deal because we are all pretty low maintenance. But it really would be nice to have room to spread out. I will definitely give this more thought, especially if I could get a cheaper rate than AAA.

 

[Troy08]

If you can afford the 900.00-go for the WL, without hesitation. Believe me, the overall theming,amenities, pool and yes, the very comfortable queen beds will make you glad you decided on WL.

when you sit on the balcony, sipping a cool drink you will think"why did I even not consider doing this"? Go for the gusto-you only live once-

 

[henrylovespooh]

I've stayed at WL, CSR and All Star Movies, which is similar to Pop. Here's my thoughts:

I liked CSR the least of all three. It's not bad, it just doesn't feel like Disney to me and had the least appeal. The pool is nice and big, but it's far away from many of the buildings. There are multiple bus stops at CSR which adds on to transportation time.

I really liked WL. The bus and boat service was excellent IMHO. We stayed there in 2003. The pool isn't huge, but it's a good size for the size of the hotel and was never crowded. The theming is great and if you plan to use refillable mugs and Roaring Forks (their food court) it is extremely convenient and more convenient than Pop and CSR, where it is a walk to get to the food court.

We have stayed at ASMo the last two visits and we really like it. We're only in our rooms to sleep at night and sometimes for a mid-day nap for the kids, so the price makes sense to me. My DH is 6 foot 4 and makes do with the bed - he has never complained. He usually shares the bed with our 4 year old son who likes to sleep with Daddy on trips. When DH and I are in the same bed, it is more cramped than our king bed, but it's not awful.

$900 is a sizeable difference, and if it were me, I'd rather use the money on other stuff than a room. But if you have to sell DH on WDW, it might be worth the expense.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Go for the gusto-you only live once-

I like the way you think!! Thanks for the input!!

 

[Kitcat]

I just stayed a week at CSR and a week at WL. WL to me is a way better resort. If you are watching your spending I know that it is much more expensive than POP. My family and I just loved WL it was beautiful. I'm sure any choice will be fine as long as you have a good time.

 

[DisneyFan09]

I've stayed at WL, CSR and All Star Movies, which is similar to Pop. Here's my thoughts:

I liked CSR the least of all three. It's not bad, it just doesn't feel like Disney to me and had the least appeal. The pool is nice and big, but it's far away from many of the buildings. There are multiple bus stops at CSR which adds on to transportation time.

I really liked WL. The bus and boat service was excellent IMHO. We stayed there in 2003. The pool isn't huge, but it's a good size for the size of the hotel and was never crowded. The theming is great and if you plan to use refillable mugs and Roaring Forks (their food court) it is extremely convenient and more convenient than Pop and CSR, where it is a walk to get to the food court.

We have stayed at ASMo the last two visits and we really like it. We're only in our rooms to sleep at night and sometimes for a mid-day nap for the kids, so the price makes sense to me. My DH is 6 foot 4 and makes do with the bed - he has never complained. He usually shares the bed with our 4 year old son who likes to sleep with Daddy on trips. When DH and I are in the same bed, it is more cramped than our king bed, but it's not awful.

$900 is a sizeable difference, and if it were me, I'd rather use the money on other stuff than a room. But if you have to sell DH on WDW, it might be worth the expense.

You have a lot of great points! I have wondered about CSR being spread out and that's what I hated about CBR when we stayed there. I'm still torn! I really like Pop Century and it is fun but oh that Wilderness Lodge looks wonderful. I really need to hope for a great discount. The thing that really stinks is that I work at the Disney Store and we used to get great rates at the resorts but no longer get anything. I got spoiled and now it's hard to look at those rack rates!!

 

[SnowWitch]

Go with the WL. Absolutely the most beautiful of the Disney resorts. One of the points another poster made is a great point- your going in off season you will be spending more time at your resort or not in the parks. At a deluxe you don't have to go in search of entertainment away from your resort. At the WL you have boat/bike rentals, a gorgeous pool area, hidden mickeys to discover, nice dining, flag family, a beautiful coutyard to just sit and admire...........I could go on and on and on! Everything is centrally located, we stayed at the CBR and DL about 10 years ago and the thing I remember is the walking to the food court or anything else for that matter, at the WL everything is pretty centrally located no strapping on the hiking apparel when staying here. We are staying in the villas in Dec. 2006, can not wait!!!! Let us know what you decide.

 

[DisneyFan09]

Okay I think I have decided to do a split stay. I just cannot make up my mind so I'm planning on 3 nights Pop Century and 5 nights WL although I still have 11 months to change my mind AGAIN!

I would like to thank all of you who replied, it helps so much to have the opinions of others that seem to have the same addiction as I do. Nobody in my family really cares where we stay (or so they say, I just think they are sick of me asking) and since I have the worst time making decisions, you guys were all so helpful. I feel so sorry for the people that don't know about the Disboards, I have no idea what I would do without it!! Thanks again, now I think I'll head over to the restaurant board!!