Is the Wilderness Lodge worth the extra money to upgrade from Pop???

[ufpajenn]

Hey everyone! Im fairly new here... I have been doing a lot of research through looking at posts, but I have a dilema that I hope you can help me with!
A little background: I grew up in central FL and have been to Disney more times than I can count! Because I live close, most of my trips have just been for the day, but this time, myself (30) , DH (29) , and DS (2) are going to stay on the property for 3 days! I have stayed at mainly value resorts, including AS Sports, AS Movies and Pop Century when I have stayed in the past.
When I booked, I booked Pop for our stay. I have been watching prices carefully and I now see that the Wilderness Lodge is in a more affordable range than before but still double the price of Pop
The question is, is the price difference worth it? I really want to stay at a Deluxe hotel... plus my hubby would LOVE the theming... but I somehow have to justify the price difference to him. The theming alone is not going to do the trick!
Please help!!! Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Phatoomch]

I haven't been to WL but here's my input. Personally, if money is a deciding factor then for only 3 days I would say no. If you were staying longer, definitely yes because the themeing is awesome there, the surroundings lovely and the rooms are somewhat bigger which would all make for a relaxing vacation.

 

[rcraw45425]

I have to disagree with the PP. Factoring in your length of stay and your sons age I'd say definitely worth it. you will probably want to spend most of your time at MK, and the boat from WL is an enclosed one that you can wheel the stroller onto. It is also easy to return to the resort midday for a nap. You will have a bal only to sit out on while he naps, as well as two table service options onsite, along with FtbWilderness options and boats to CR for monorail options.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We have been to Disney many times also and now find that staying at different resorts and different dining levels kinda "refreshes" our trips.
We are staying at WL in Dec. but we have stayed at AKL (I think the rooms are about the same).
There is ALOT of difference in the atmosphere and there are some extra perks for the $$ also: We like the balconies, free frig./coffee, better/covered bus stops, better resort dining options (not of big fan of the food courts at the values) and at WL you will have the Boat Option to MK.
We were NOT fans of AKL so I am hoping that we will like WL better. AKL is not the same deluxe as the others we have stayed in IMO.
We take short 3 day trips most of the time and find that it is less $ to justify and we still get to experience a different resort. It just makes it hard to stay at the values now.

 

[mickeynut1]

I think it's definitely worth it . The WL is not only a beautiful resort, but it has a great pool and is so convenient to MK via boat. Plus you can take the boat to the CR and hop on the monorail to visit, eat, and shop at the Poly and GF. I think the cost of the WL is very reasonable for a deluxe resort in the MK area. Good luck deciding, but I don't think you'd regret going with the WL .

 

[Phatoomch]

Maybe its just me then but if I were only staying 3 days, knowing the little amount of time I would be in the room I don't think it would be economical.

 

[AKA Jane Random]

I LOVE traveling by boat to MK - super convenient and so quick. It's also really beautiful.

I also like WL because it has a sit down restaurant - no sit down at POP.

I like POP and have stayed there when the budget demands it but WL is really nice.

 

[damien]

If it's affordable, heck yeah.

 

[valeriemouse]

In a word, yes. But - I feel like courtyard view of the main pool is the only way to go. Otherwise, it is just a bunch of trees and logs. And you can see that anywhere. If you can swing a room only discount, it DOES become affordable . The experience is magical - not to mention the boat ride to and from the magic kingdom is the best!

 

[Belle83]

I haven't been to Pop or Wilderness Lodge, but I would say it's worth it.

Until my last trip, I had only stayed at Disney moderates. When we stayed at the Dolphin, it was so nice to have so many dining options nearby. Being so close to Epcot was awesome.

Your trip is so short, having the boat to/from Magic Kingdom will be worth it. Also, what better time to try a deluxe resort than a shorter (more affordable) trip?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would say it's worth it because you will be staying in a bigger room, have more restaurant to choose from and transportation options.

 

[jdb1232]

Is Wilderness lodge worth it?
7 minute ride to MK on a boat
awesome theme.
cool pool
great bus service, buses only share with one other hotel.
good options for eating, Whispering Canyon and Roaring for a counter service.

Its definately worth the price difference.

 

[JimS4210]

Unless money is a MAJOR factor, it's definitely worth the extra cash. Upgrading from a value to a deluxe is a totally different vacation. Be careful, though... It's hard going back to a value or a moderate after staying in a deluxe!

Jim

 

[Andrew015]

yes!

 

[SuzieQ811]

Going from a value to a deluxe?? Yes Yes YES! But be careful, it IS addicting!

 

[jecskc]

I have stayed at both and I would definitely stay at Wilderness if I could afford the extra money. I do like Pop, though. To me, the queen sized beds are the deciding factor for me. They are just so much more comfortable. Let us know what you decide !!

 

[srgibbs]

What better way to try WL than a short 3 day trip where it wont be a huge price difference. We have stayed there the past 3 trips and LOVE it. Our last trip was in May for 10 days and we have a DS10,DD7, and a DS 4months. It is sooo beautiful and just makes me happy being there. The boat is def. one of the best perks. They have a seperate boat line to go to Contemporary which we did for Chef Mickeys and also once for lunch at thier food court which is great before heading to MK. We are big park people so we are not there a ton but the kids love the lobby area and the pin trading booth there. We also love just sitting in the rockers at night talking. As far as the rooms go I wouldnt say they are that great compared to moderates but are a bit larger. I don't think you can go wrong trying it out but I will warn you it will be hard to stay anywhere else again

 

[nkereina]

Have you considered a moderate? The price jump is less and easier to stomach, and the difference in amenities between value and mod is noticeable and worth the price difference IMO. It might be a way to ease your husband into a Deluxe for a future trip!

In any event, I probably wouldn't pay double the price for a 3 day trip. We would be busy in the parks during those 3 days so it wouldn't be worth it to us. We wouldn't have the opportunity to fully use the pool or balcony or really enjoy the resort.

 

[Vivianne]

We've stayed at both Pop and WL 2xs.

I think staying at the WL is worth it.

You say you've been there before, so maybe now it's about the hotel experience and I don't think you'll be disappointed with the WL. Try to get
the most of the amenities and explore the hotel if you decide to stay there.

 

[waynesgirl]

Not a lot agree with me, but I would say no. I have stayed there with my DH and my DS, who was 3 at the time.

The rooms are not larger than POP.
Unless you have a great view, then the balconies aren't worth it.
The food choices are ok, but unless you plan on eating there every day, then meh.
The theming is beautiful.
The boats are chilly at night.

I enjoyed my stay, don't get me wrong. I am in Disney so I am happy. We were there for 4 days, 3 nights. It was very busy so it was loud, just like POP.

If the money is there, choose something a little different, like Swan and Dolphin, or AKL, or even the BWI if you can find the right discounts.

If not, wait until next year and save up for a little bit longer trip. But I do agree- the deluxes are addicting.