I'm Worried.

[jackal]

We are going in October - 23rd to November 2 But for some reason, I just cannot get excited about this trip. I'm worried about where we are staying. We are staying at the WL. I know it's a beautiful resort. We are just so spoiled by the Poly and the CR, being able to walk or take the monorail, that I just do not know if we are going to enjoy this trip. My girls love the Poly, as do I and DH, but for $1,000 I just didn't want to pay that much.

This will be our last trip for awhile But we have been going about every 9 to 12 months for the last 3 years that DH wants to try something else next time. We are specifically going now for the Halloween party (we are going to 2 maybe even 3). Halloween is the only time we haven't visited.

Anyway, I'm just having a hard time getting excited because I so want to stay at the Poly. The CR is booked up - Garden View. Is it really worth going to debt or eating peanut butter sandwiches for the next month to save up the $1,000 and stay where I know I will love?

 

[rie'smom]

No, it's not worth going into debt. We've stayed all over WDW and have a great time on our trips. Personally, I like the WL more than the Poly or the GF and as much as the Contemporary. Staying on the monorail is not that big a deal to us.

 

[poohgirl6]

Since you're planning on being there for over a week...why not try a split stay? Start with the WL for 3-4 days then transfer to your beloved Poly That way you get to try something new plus your standby fav....the best of both worlds

 

[Nadjalu]

Personally I think that the WL is a wonderful resort. However I do like "woodsy" feel to it. In every way I think it is comparable to Poly on the "deluxe" level just the opposite of the hawaii feel.
I think that since this is the last time for a while you should embrace going whether or not it is WL or a value resort. IT is Disney you are going to. Now if you were going to just stay at the hotel then it MAY be worth it to me. But if I am going to enjoy the world then the hotel really doesn't matter. JMO.
Really take the WL for what it is..........an escape from the real world!

 

[VAN]

We have camped many times at Fort Wilderness so share the boats with WL. It is so cool taking the boat to and from the MK!!

Also Wilderness Lodge is near but just far enough away from the action to be relaxing. It is a lovely, lovely resort and - IMO - much less stressful than staying at the Poly.

Relax and enjoy yourself. If this is your biggest worry, consider yourself one lucky person!!! (but, of course, you already knew that ... didn't you?)

 

[Donna3271]

Listen, It will be fine!! Thats a beautiful resort! And it is great to try new things. I am in the same boat (well, a little smaller boat because we are staying at the POP this Nov 3-10). We like to Cruise on DCL, and next year we are doing the Western in a Cat 3, so I promised my husband we would go cheap. I NEVER stayed at a Value, and felt a little depressed (Poly is my fav). But I showed my kids the pics on line, and they LOVED it. They are small, 2, 4, 8, so they won't know the difference.

But Wilderness Lodge..... Thats great!! Be happy!!! It beats the alternative- staying home!

 

[jackal]

Since you're planning on being there for over a week...why not try a split stay? Start with the WL for 3-4 days then transfer to your beloved Poly That way you get to try something new plus your standby fav....the best of both worlds

I have looked into a split stay and really the price difference was not that big because we are getting the dining plan and have to purchase the one day ticket on the second reservation.

 

[jackal]

Thank you all for your thoughts! The WL looks like a lovely resort. We have a woodsy type resort home here that we stay at. We are definitely more a hawaii type theme family, but The woodsy theme wouldn't bother us at.

I just wish I could shake this feeling. I have to! I don't want to go there thinking I will hate because then I will! I don't want to go there missing the Poly because then I will! We have dining reservations there a few times, so maybe that will get us our Poly fix or it might make us miss it more

It's just in the past, I love every second of planning our trips far in advance. From start to finish. This time, I still have a few things to even book

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

I love both of these resorts and it would be like trying to choose a favorite side of myself. They both have their own quiet serenity to them. Yes having the monorail is a plus but so is being very close to the MK activity yet somewhat secluded from it.

 

[Bugsmom73]

We have stayed at WL and at the CR. WL wins hands down. It is a great resort and you will love it.

 

[disneyatl]

I agree with the above poster - it's not worth it to go into debt. You will really love the WL. It is a beautiful resort. Me and my daughter were up early one morning and the grounds were so quiet. We walked around and saw all the bunnies. Breathtaking! There is nothing like seeing the MK from the boat ride. Much better than arriving my monorail. Think of it this way. You've stayed at other resorts and love them but you are experiencing more of Disney and it's magic. If it ends up not being one of the top resorts on your list, you can stay elsewhere the next time - even if it is years away. Take a deep breath and enjoy the stay! I don't think you'll be sorry.

 

[jackal]

You are all so right. I should just enjoy the fact that we are there. Like I said, we have gone during all holidays and spring break before, so getting to the park early and quick was a necessity. I know October isn't the slowest time there, but I am sure it's slower than Xmas, NYE, and Spring Break. Maybe we can take the time to slow things down and not be in a mad rush to beat the crowds.

I think I am having crowd craziness mentality and being on the monorail or walking to MK was such a benefit when we went during those very busy times.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

When we first went WL - I totally didn't want to go. I'm an the furthest from a "woodsy" girl that you can get. BUT when we got there it was incredible. IMO it wasn't so much woodsy as it was "arts and crafts" I just fell in love with that place. Its so cool taking the boat to MK....you feel so seculded (sp) and then you turn the corner on the river and there is the Castle. Its so darn close, but yet it feels a million miles away.

Its a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of WDW.

 

[SpecialK]

I've been in the same boat - stayed at the CR, stayed at the Poly a couple of times, and then went to the WL when it was just me and my boys. If transportation is your worry, we had no problems.

As far as the rooms and resort go, honestly I wouldn't stay at the WL again. The room size got to me. I would ,however, try CSR. Same size room as the WL for even less money. Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear.

 

[jackal]

I've been in the same boat - stayed at the CR, stayed at the Poly a couple of times, and then went to the WL when it was just me and my boys. If transportation is your worry, we had no problems.

As far as the rooms and resort go, honestly I wouldn't stay at the WL again. The room size got to me. I would ,however, try CSR. Same size room as the WL for even less money. Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear.

I love to hear everyone's opinions! I have thought about CSR many, many times. Love that they have queen size beds. Only thing that made me not pick it is we HAVE to be close to the food court. THat's a must. I couldn't risk getting put in the Ranchos section. I wish they had preferred rooms available there so you can guarantee being close to the food court. Plus, y DD's just love being close to MK so I thought the WL was a good compromise.

 

[TooBoyz4us]

We LOVED Wilderness Lodge!!!

After two mod stays, we treated ourselves and stayed at WL in 2004 and were so happy about every single aspect of our stay.The front desk staff went out of their way to make us feel special and welcome. A hurricane hit that year, and WL staff went above and beyond to make sure all of their guests were safe and happy while we were confined to the resort for 24 hs.

The boat rides to MK, and to the other Bay Lake resorts, made hopping around for dinner ADRs really easy.

Next week we will be checking into CSR. While I am thrilled and blessed to even be able to go to Disney, I am a bit sad that we can't tay at WL again. It was just not in the budget this year.

So, go with an open mind, and expecting to be happy and you will be!! Go visit the WL resort thread to.There is a ton of info to get you in the mood for WL, and all the regular posters are very nice and helpful.

 

[Scrubba2]

If you really CAN eat peanut butter and save enough to make up the difference I think you should book the Poly. It's what you want. If you booked the poly, you'd have the excited feeling that you are lacking right now. Listen to yourself...you know...

You are afraid of setting yourself up to be disappointed. That WILL happen no matter how beautiful the WL is. It is NOT what you want!

 

[ruzer28]

It's so funny that you have this feeling because it's exactly the way I felt before my trip to the WL last October. Like you, the Poly is my favorite, and I've stayed there twice. A close second is the Beach Club. I live in New England, so the idea of the whole woodsy/lodge theme just seemed too much like home to me and not my taste at all. The resort just looked so dark to me. I love the whole Hawaii theme of the Poly and the bright pastel colors of the Beach Club. I did NOT expect to like it. Much like you, I kept thinking of how much I love the Poly, how I didn't want to have a lesser trip because of the hotel, and on and on. Anyhow, like so many others on this board, I was completely surprised by how much I loved the WL. I found that the woods surrounding the hotel made it seem so much more peaceful than other resorts that are more open. It seems like a quiet retreat. Coming back to the hotel at night to the flickering lantern lights just made it feel so cozy. It could be that you won't love it as much as others do, but I think you may surprise yourself. I just went to the Beach Club in May and found myself wishing that I were at the WL.

 

[jackal]

You guys are making some really great points! I love these boards. Still haven't solved my problem, but you all have me thinking! Thank you

 

[Pinkpony]

Hi, Jackal!

As you probably remember, we decided to stay at the WL this year too. And ever since then, I've been questioning our "group" decision. I toyed with the idea of a 2-bed at OKW (there's 6 of us all together, but not in same room), also gave consideration to the new Waldorf-Astoria that opens in October, and most of all, thought about staying at the BC/YC or BWI because that's where the majority of us REALLY want to stay (but it's more $$). Not $1,000 more, but still a good amount.

So I feel your pain, somewhat.

However, I think the majority of reviews I've read give the WL a really big thumbs up, so I'm sticking with it (I think ). I think it will be fun to give it a try. So I vote that you stick with it.

I'd love to hear about your stay when you get back, as you'll be going before us.



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