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

[bytheblood]

During Christmastime it is. I would not do it during the rest of the year!

 

[goodferry]

The rooms at Pop are 260 square feet, the rooms at WL are at least 340 square feet. The beds are queen size at WL and doubles at Pop. I would never stay there again if there were more than two of us in a room, it may be true that you will only sleep in the room (it isn't for us, but it may be for some people) but if you DON'T SLEEP, that's a problem. My husband and I aren't overweight, but he is over six foot and sharing a bed there sucked.

There are about 730 rooms in WL, while there are almost 3000 in Pop. That is A LOT of people all sharing the same food court, same buses, etc. If you don't care for food court food, that's your only choice on property.

The boat ride to the MK is lots of fun and quick, if it's cool or storming the bus ride is quick and efficient. We never had any trouble with the bus system at all.
We enjoyed the dining option at WL, the fabulous pool and relaxing in the beautiful lodge.

Did I give you enough reasons? lol

 

[rcraw45425]

The rooms at Pop are 260 square feet, the rooms at WL are at least 340 square feet. The beds are queen size at WL and doubles at Pop. I would never stay there again if there were more than two of us in a room, it may be true that you will only sleep in the room (it isn't for us, but it may be for some people) but if you DON'T SLEEP, that's a problem. My husband and I aren't overweight, but he is over six foot and sharing a bed there sucked.

There are about 730 rooms in WL, while there are almost 3000 in Pop. That is A LOT of people all sharing the same food court, same buses, etc. If you don't care for food court food, that's your only choice on property.

The boat ride to the MK is lots of fun and quick, if it's cool or storming the bus ride is quick and efficient. We never had any trouble with the bus system at all.
We enjoyed the dining option at WL, the fabulous pool and relaxing in the beautiful lodge.

Did I give you enough reasons? lol

More good points. In all of our visits when our girls were very young we always stayed at the CR. Location cannot be beaten. In 2004 I was offered the WL for June for $129 a night. Hubby didn't want to stay there, thought it was too isolated, so back to the CR we went at $149 a night (ah, the good old days!). During that visit I convinced the family to ride over there on the boat. Next visit, we did a split stay there and the Polynesian. It impressed us more than the Poly, where we had problem after problem with our stay. The person that mentioned the courtyard rooms was correcct, those are great. If you receive an inner courtyard view you could see this from your balcony:

that was room 6039s view from the balcony

 

[PrincessAurora]

I love the Lodge. It is true about the addicting part. I started at a value, went to a moderate, then the Lodge and have never gone back to a Value or Moderate again. With me it's Otter Pond/Woods view all the way! It's cheaper than Courtyard. Personally I don't like looking into peoples windows across the way. I would rather look down and watch for otters in the pond below my room or through the trees where I can see the fireworks from Cinderella Castle. Not all Otter Pond rooms have this view but I've found that 5th floor or higher with the rooms by the elevators are the best for that view.

Food is awesome, theming awesome, boat transport/water sports/ amazing pool... the list goes on.

 

[ufpajenn]

Thank you everyone for your replies!
After much consideration, I decided to make the change!!!! I am so excited! Thank you to everyone who gave input!
I really wanted to try to get a woods view, but standard view was all that was available.
Either way, Im sure it will be a great time!!!
Ill report how things went wen I return next week! Thanks again!!!

 

[letsgoreds]

You will LOVE it. It is waaay easier to swing 3 nights in a deluxe vs. 7-10. We're heading down in a couple of weeks and my mom picked AKL...but my heart belongs at WL.

Our first visit we had a standard room reserved, and they gave us a woods view, high room, with a view of the MK fireworks. It was awesome. The only thing to worry about rooms that face MK is the horns on the boats, which can go pretty late. You will hear then at first, but it NEVER bothered DS or us once we drifted off.

Our second visit, we booked Woods view and they gave us first floor courtyard. Which I was not excited about at first. It was AWESOME. We had packed some food for breakfast, and ate it every morning on the patio...with a bunny, couple of ducks, and one morning an armidillo. Not to mention that you could walk straight out to the pool.

Have fun! Make sure to rub the bear's nose and toss a penny/make a wish.