Is The Wilderness Lodge Really A Deluxe Resort

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by yecats
I would never consider WL or AKL as a moderate. They are deluxe resorts. Now granted you can't walk over to the MK but are within a small distance from it plus have the amentities of the deluxes. Your rooms are slightly larger than the moderates but the space is taken up by the queen size beds. I know that both are considered the bottom end of the deluxes and are in the sense that your not in direct view of a theme park but both are beautiful resorts and IMO it depends on how you want to look at the resort (half full - best buy for the $$$ or half empty - not directly on monorail where you'd be paying more for the same service). Also on a personal note, I do perfer that one sink is outside of the bathroom (leaving the bathroom free for someone to use). I couldn't imagine paying $200 per night (ie. at the Poly, which I think is a beautiful resort) but getting stuck in one of those rooms that doesn't have the sink seperated from the bathroom not to mention the fact that there isn't a hot tub.

Not having sinks on the outside doesn't bother me. At WDW it is only myself, my mom, and my little DD. We leave the men home! So the sink is a non issue for us. Now I wouldn't use a public hot tub anywhere much less Disney. Besides them being a breeding ground for bacteria, it is a makeshift toilet for all kids that pile in there. Yick! I really can't see using a hot tub when it 80-80 degrees out anyway! LOL! We have our own hot tub at home and I don't get in it unless it is cold outside. WL has a beautiful lobby but it stops there. The rooms are small, the transportation horrible, and the pool undersized. It is a low cost deluxe because it just can't match the deluxes in those areas. I think it a fine choice if one wants a deluxe but can't afford too much and a great choice if you just love it and don't mind its downfalls. I do think the buses at CBR were much faster and reliable then any at the WL so that and the tiny rooms keep me from ever going back there again to stay. We do dinner at Whispering Canyon every trip which gets me the ambience of the gorgeous lobby and the good food. I can then return to my favorite place in the world, the Poly!

 

[Blondie]

The WL has an ambiance that is all it's own. It's a beautifully themed resort that totally removes you from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. I felt like I was in another part of the country! I've stayed at both the Poly and the WL, and if given a choice, I'd go with the WL again, hands down!

I'll be back there one day, that's for sure!

 

[Kelly Nelly]

How can you be hard on such a beautiful resort like the WL and say that the Polynesian is so much bettter. Are you for real, there is two words that describes the Poly and that is " Tacky" and " Chessy" . The Wilderness Lodge is so much better then the Polynesian it is not funny, when I told some of my friends that where traveling with me that the Poly is alot more money per night then the Lodge and the Boardwalk they thought I was joking. But it was no joke the Polynesian is old, musty, that 70s show look and does not even come close to having the wow factor the lodge has.

Originally posted by skiwee1
Not having sinks on the outside doesn't bother me. At WDW it is only myself, my mom, and my little DD. We leave the men home! So the sink is a non issue for us. Now I wouldn't use a public hot tub anywhere much less Disney. Besides them being a breeding ground for bacteria, it is a makeshift toilet for all kids that pile in there. Yick! I really can't see using a hot tub when it 80-80 degrees out anyway! LOL! We have our own hot tub at home and I don't get in it unless it is cold outside. WL has a beautiful lobby but it stops there. The rooms are small, the transportation horrible, and the pool undersized. It is a low cost deluxe because it just can't match the deluxes in those areas. I think it a fine choice if one wants a deluxe but can't afford too much and a great choice if you just love it and don't mind its downfalls. I do think the buses at CBR were much faster and reliable then any at the WL so that and the tiny rooms keep me from ever going back there again to stay. We do dinner at Whispering Canyon every trip which gets me the ambience of the gorgeous lobby and the good food. I can then return to my favorite place in the world, the Poly!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Kelly Nelly
How can you be hard on such a beautiful resort like the WL and say that the Polynesian is so much bettter. Are you for real, there is two words that describes the Poly and that is " Tacky" and " Chessy" . The Wilderness Lodge is so much better then the Polynesian it is not funny, when I told some of my friends that where traveling with me that the Poly is alot more money per night then the Lodge and the Boardwalk they thought I was joking. But it was no joke the Polynesian is old, musty, that 70s show look and does not even come close to having the wow factor the lodge has.

Curious but how many times have you stayed at the Poly and the WL? What experience do you speak from? I have stayed at the Poly 6 times in the last 3 years and have never ran across a musty smell. I haven't seen anything that reminded me of the seventies either. The only thing I see when staying there is authentic Polynesian style. I guess because I have seen the "real" thing in Hawaii I have something to compare it to. I am glad you think it cheesey as that lets more room for me on my trips to the Poly. You are more then welcome to stay at the WL with its bad transportation and tiny rooms. I promise I will not take up any room!

 

[goofydad621]

This is starting to sound nasty, I am not a moderator or anything but lets keep this thing friendly and civil.

We all have our different needs and tastes and that is what is so great about Disney, they have something for everybody.

Personally I am staying at the WL this Jan. and I can't wait, I too have been to Hawaii (and the Poly when it was new)and I really enjoyed that also, three more years then a long trip to the poly for my wife and I.


Think Pixie's and magical thoughts

 

[Kelly Nelly]

I just had a wonderful experience at Disney's Bamboo Holiday Inn 3 weeks ago and it was magical. From the cast members being totally clueless to the moldy smelly rooms to the chessey decor it was great especially with the $300 per night they charge. I have been to Hawaii before and this place was nothing like the place I stayed at. I know that they are going for the old time Polynesian look but it is very dated.Just compare the building structures between the Lodge and the Poly, the Polynesian was build in a factory, the Lodge was built by a World Class Arctitect. There is a real difference between the resorts, lets face it the Polynesian is not a very impressive resort compared to all the other and the service is the worst on property. Just look at all the threads as of late about how crummy the place is and maybe open your eyes a little the next time you are there.

 

[swilphil]

One thing that other Deluxes have going for them is their location. If I'm paying extra, I want to be closer to the theme parks, either via the monorail or walking like at the Epcot area resorts. I personally don't care for the WL theming. To me deluxe means upscale like you find in the BWI and GF lobbies. I do think Disney has done a fabulous job with the woodsy theme--it's just not a theme that appeals to me. I understand how others might find it relaxing though. Let's remember we all have different perspective on things and we can respectively disagree, so play nice

On our last trip, we visited the WL thinking we would want to stay there in the future but realized it wasn't for us. We happened to cut through the BW lobby one day and were wowed by how beautiful and elegant it was. I'm planning on checking out the Poly on our next trip so we can decide for ourselves. That's my advice to you, check out some of the resorts yourselves so you aren't disappointed.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Kelly Nelly
I just had a wonderful experience at Disney's Bamboo Holiday Inn 3 weeks ago and it was magical. From the cast members being totally clueless to the moldy smelly rooms to the chessey decor it was great especially with the $300 per night they charge. I have been to Hawaii before and this place was nothing like the place I stayed at. I know that they are going for the old time Polynesian look but it is very dated.Just compare the building structures between the Lodge and the Poly, the Polynesian was build in a factory, the Lodge was built by a World Class Arctitect. There is a real difference between the resorts, lets face it the Polynesian is not a very impressive resort compared to all the other and the service is the worst on property. Just look at all the threads as of late about how crummy the place is and maybe open your eyes a little the next time you are there.

Oh now I remember your post about the Holiday Inn remark. I also stayed at the Poly two weeks ago and had nothing but a great experience. Can't imagine anyone can liken it to the Holiday Inn and think it laughable to even say it. So when have you stayed at the WL since you seem to think it so much better then the Poly?

 

[Buzzfanmom]

Come on you guys, lighten up a little. It is getting a little nasty in here!
We find both resorts beautiful. Since we are a young family, we are trying the WL on our next trip since it is a little more in our price range .We do hope to stay at the Poly sometime in the future as well.
We all know that everyone has their own favorites but its not very "Disney" to insult each other and put down eachother's choices. Let's keep these boards friendly since we all have so much in common and like getting to talk about this stuff!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Buzzfanmom
Come on you guys, lighten up a little. It is getting a little nasty in here!
We find both resorts beautiful. Since we are a young family, we are trying the WL on our next trip since it is a little more in our price range .We do hope to stay at the Poly sometime in the future as well.
We all know that everyone has their own favorites but its not very "Disney" to insult each other and put down eachother's choices. Let's keep these boards friendly since we all have so much in common and like getting to talk about this stuff!

You know I only posted answersto the OPs question. It wasn't until I was insulted that I got nasty myself. I was extremely nice to the others that posted back and forth to me up and there was no problems until a certain someone asked me if "I were for real". You may love the WL and never want to go anywhere else. I stated earlier that it is great for those that can't afford a deluxe AND also for those that simply love the place no matter the cost. I am sure you will have a wonderful trip no matter where you stay.

 

[Disney01]

I like the differences that Disney offers in their resorts and don't understand the attacking nature of the poster who is being insulting. It's no difference to me if someone likes one resort over another...There's something for everyone. I love WL-It has nothing to do with the price...I just love it in the Winter and love Beach Club in the summer. Why be insulting about it?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Originally posted by Finally_Talking
Like many others, I've been reading these posts for a long time...finally thought I'd give my two cents...

I cannot say enough good things about the WL. I agree with everyone who says how beautiful, comfortable - and fun - it is. My husband and I (we have two young daughters) have been to other resorts and we just feel like every place else pales in comparison. I guess we don't mind the size of the rooms - we usually don't spend very much time in them anyway - just snoozing and showering.

Anyway, also just wanted to respond to k&ac's mom regarding AP rates at the WL. I say, keep trying - it really is possible to get them! This just happened today - I had reservations at the CR for 11/26-12/1. (Got an AP rate of $131). I REALLY wanted to stay at the WL instead. I called a few days ago...nothing. Called again today. Got WL woodsview room for 11/27-12/1 (AP rate of $121!!!) So, we'll stay at CR for one night, then switch over to WL (aaaahhhh) for four more! Can't wait to see the holiday decorations.

Thanks!! I finally got a WL room at the discounted rate (no AP rates, though) for April 14-18, 2005. So glad I called today, I was thinking that all the codes were only good 'til mid-Feb. When I realized that the general public code was through April 16, I got right on the phone!!

Edited to add: I LOVE the Poly, and hope to love the WL, too! I guess I'll find out next Spring, huh?!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by k&a&c'smom
Thanks!! I finally got a WL room at the discounted rate (no AP rates, though) for April 14-18, 2005. So glad I called today, I was thinking that all the codes were only good 'til mid-Feb. When I realized that the general public code was through April 16, I got right on the phone!!

Edited to add: I LOVE the Poly, and hope to love the WL, too! I guess I'll find out next Spring, huh?!

Enjoy your trip! Be sure to ask the front desk for a list of hidden mickey clues to find in at the WL. It took us hours to find most of them. They also have a cheat sheet to tell you where they are exactly if you give up.

 

[goofydad621]

Thanks Skiwee

I didn't know about the clue sheet for the hidden Mickeys sounds like fun for me and my DD




Dave

 

[Buzzfanmom]

Skiwee1, thats a great idea!!! Do you know how to get to be flag family? I've read about that here on the boards. That seems like it would be really cool for our 5 year old DS.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by goofydad621
Thanks Skiwee

I didn't know about the clue sheet for the hidden Mickeys sounds like fun for me and my DD




Dave

It is a lot of fun and very hard. It takes you on a search of the whole lodge in all the hallways and lobby and even the restaurants. Just ask the front desk at check in. I had read about it on these boards but haven't seen it mentioned lately. I'm sure they still have it because two weeks ago we were in the lobby waiting for dinner at Whispering Canyon and saw another family going around with their sheets of papers looking for them.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Buzzfanmom
Skiwee1, thats a great idea!!! Do you know how to get to be flag family? I've read about that here on the boards. That seems like it would be really cool for our 5 year old DS.

We never tried for the flag family but you can ask at check in and see if it's available. You might get lucky!

 

[inthemood]

We were lucky enough to be picked to be the flag family on September 25, ( the day hurricane Jeanne arrived) our trip started on friday 9-17 and I asked at checkin if we could be picked. I received a letter under my door on the following Friday that we were chosen, It was wonderful!! A bit windy though! LOL!! I think the longer your stay the better your chances.

 

[DVC Jen]

Remember that copy of The Disney Magazine that had all of the different areas of WDW that had been voted number 1?

There is definately a reason the Wilderness Lodge was voted number 1.

 

[wilkolo]

I've just returned from holidaying in Florida and stayed at 4 different hotels. Each was a comparable price and the Wilderness Lodge was the worst. Granted the public areas are pretty good and the hotel is nice looking. However, the rooms are little better than you would get in a motel. The food was nothing special either.

My advice would be to stay offsite at a truly deluxe hotel for less money.