Is the WL truly "deluxe"?

[Mousemommy1]

Hey All~ Thanks to my super early planning of our next trip in July 2012, I am continuously analyzing our plan. You have probably seen posts regarding my inability to stick with a decision. So, my most recent thought is this...
WL and AKL are in the "deluxe" category, but are often cheaper than the other deluxes? Is there something that WL and AKL are missing, other than the monorails? Do they have smaller rooms? Not as many activities? Since this is our first (and maybe only) foray into the deluxe category, I want to make sure we get the most amazing experience. To reiterate, it will be DH and myself...our 2 DD's (who will be 8 and 5). We will be there for 8 nights and are currently booked at WL (with 40% off mil discount) from 7/17/12-7/25/12. We have been many times before, and will go many times after (but usually staying value). If we are doing deluxe this time, are we going to get the best DELUXE experience at WL, or should I consider another resort? I have looked at the pictures and love the looks of YC/BC (but no monorail), and also LOVE the look of GF...but again that's alot more expensive than WL, but we could use the 40% discount....HELP!!!! Sorry to be such a pain!!

 

[tiger4me2]

I don't think you will go wrong with the WL or AKL both are great resorts. The are I would say the ground base of getting into the deluxe resorts. Both are nice resorts. I love the WL but my fav is now the BWI. I am staying at the BWI Sept 16th thru Sept 30th when I transfer to the WL Villas.

Yes the rooms are not as big as the other deluxes 344 sq feet. They give you plenty of rooms in my view. Each to their own but I would never say either resorts belong in the moderates


If you got a 40% discount try Beach Club, Yacht Club or even BWI but I wouldn't (again my view) do GF. Maybe the Poly if price was right.
You will love either one

 

[Kae]

WL is an awesome resort. Yes the rooms rooms are smaller but other than that it is a great place. AKL the rooms are the same size too, but at AKL there is tons of activities to do. both great places.

Kae

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

We've stayed at 2 mods and 2 deluxes. Our first mod experience was the CSR. It was ok, but not our fave. Last summer was a split stay between POR and WL. Loved POR, did not care for WL for the most part (and I know we're in the minority on that.)

This year (just got back 2 weeks ago), we stayed at the Poly. It. Was. Fabulous. I can't even begin to compare it to the WL as far as deluxe resorts go - and yes, I know that the WL and AKL are less expensive deluxes.

The room was bigger, the CMs were friendlier and more helpful (imho), having the monorail of course was fantastic - and I think that's the main reason behind the higher cost of the other deluxes. Being able to walk to the TTC if we wanted was a great option as well. So, for transportation, we could choose the resort monorail, the ferry (which was REALLY quick) or the TTC monorail - and of course the buses to AK. LOTS of options.

Being able to watch Wishes from the beach was one of the BIGGEST bonuses as well. We stayed at MK one night to see the festivities firsthand, but dealing with the crowds at park close made that only a one night experience. We could see AND hear Wishes (they pipe in the sound and narration) right from the comfort of the Poly beach.

The check-in process was wonderful in comparison to a painful process (probably just a one-time thing, but it soured us) at the WL - and we had done online check-in both times.

That being said, even though we had a FAR better experience at the Poly vs the WL, I'd still be willing to give WL another shot if we weren't able to stay at the Poly.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I don't think you will go wrong with the WL or AKL both are great resorts. The are I would say the ground base of getting into the deluxe resorts. Both are nice resorts. I love the WL but my fav is now the BWI. I am staying at the BWI Sept 16th thru Sept 30th when I transfer to the WL Villas.

Yes the rooms are not as big as the other deluxes 344 sq feet. They give you plenty of rooms in my view. Each to their own but I would never say either resorts belong in the moderates


If you got a 40% discount try Beach Club, Yacht Club or even BWI but I wouldn't (again my view) do GF. Maybe the Poly if price was right.
You will love either one

So, the rooms at 344 sq. feet...is that the same as CBR (which supposedly has bigger rooms for moderate)...because that is where we stayed this past Feb. so I could use that room size for reference.

 

[JJSWDW]

Can't go wrong with WL, beautiful place!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

We've stayed at 2 mods and 2 deluxes. Our first mod experience was the CSR. It was ok, but not our fave. Last summer was a split stay between POR and WL. Loved POR, did not care for WL for the most part (and I know we're in the minority on that.)

This year (just got back 2 weeks ago), we stayed at the Poly. It. Was. Fabulous. I can't even begin to compare it to the WL as far as deluxe resorts go - and yes, I know that the WL and AKL are less expensive deluxes.

The room was bigger, the CMs were friendlier and more helpful (imho), having the monorail of course was fantastic - and I think that's the main reason behind the higher cost of the other deluxes. Being able to walk to the TTC if we wanted was a great option as well. So, for transportation, we could choose the resort monorail, the ferry (which was REALLY quick) or the TTC monorail - and of course the buses to AK. LOTS of options.

Being able to watch Wishes from the beach was one of the BIGGEST bonuses as well. We stayed at MK one night to see the festivities firsthand, but dealing with the crowds at park close made that only a one night experience. We could see AND hear Wishes (they pipe in the sound and narration) right from the comfort of the Poly beach.

The check-in process was wonderful in comparison to a painful process (probably just a one-time thing, but it soured us) at the WL - and we had done online check-in both times.

That being said, even though we had a FAR better experience at the Poly vs the WL, I'd still be willing to give WL another shot if we weren't able to stay at the Poly.

Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for the input...my two "dream" resorts at WDW are 1) POLY and 2) WL. However, even at 40% off, POLY will be approx $700!!! I would certainly have some convincing to do with DH!!! Would the extra $700 be worth it if this was our only Deluxe trip...again, we fully intend on returning to the values after this trip...Unless we are so thoroughly spoiled by this upcoming trip...

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Thanks for the input...my two "dream" resorts at WDW are 1) POLY and 2) WL. However, even at 40% off, POLY will be approx $700!!! I would certainly have some convincing to do with DH!!! Would the extra $700 be worth it if this was our only Deluxe trip...again, we fully intend on returning to the values after this trip...Unless we are so thoroughly spoiled by this upcoming trip...

yep, Poly was our dream too - and we got the 40%. And yes, it was about $700 more than POR (which we were planning on choosing because our kids loved it so much.) We hemmed and hawed and waffled back and forth. I was actually planning on telling my dh to go ahead and book POR - I just couldn't justify the extra $700. However, this last mother's day, he surprised me by telling me that he booked as at Poly. Took that decision right out of my hands! I couldn't have been happier! And to us, the extra money wound up being worth it - except that it really spoiled us on ever staying at a non-monorail resort again after being there!

 

[NikitaZee]

If it's in your budget to stay at the Polynesian, do it. If room size is important to you, the Polynesian has the WL beat hands down. At the WL, we were tight - with a stroller in room plus our stuff. At the Polynesian it is no problem. I like to be able to spread out and get comfy in my room. Plus the monorail is so convenient, and I hate riding a bus if I can ever avoid it. That said, the ferry ride back to the WL was nice and relaxing. Good luck choosing!

 

[Mousemommy1]

yep, Poly was our dream too - and we got the 40%. And yes, it was about $700 more than POR (which we were planning on choosing because our kids loved it so much.) We hemmed and hawed and waffled back and forth. I was actually planning on telling my dh to go ahead and book POR - I just couldn't justify the extra $700. However, this last mother's day, he surprised me by telling me that he booked as at Poly. Took that decision right out of my hands! I couldn't have been happier! And to us, the extra money wound up being worth it - except that it really spoiled us on ever staying at a non-monorail resort again after being there!

Oh boy! You are not making this easy...my order of dream resorts is just as I listed, with POLY being # 1. I just don't know what to do now!!! I feel like, we have the 40% guaranteed now so we need to capitalize on it, otherwise, we might not have that opportunity again.... what to do, what to do...

 

[sjs314]

I think first you have to ask yourself what you are looking for in a Deluxe Resort.

IMO WL and AKL are both lovely Deluxe resorts. When I am staying at a deluxe vs a mod (have never stayed at a value, so I can not compare them) both WL and AKL have what I want, interior hallways, covered bustops, TS and Signature Restaurants, Room Service and very nicely themed pools.

The room size while smaller than some of the other deluxe resorts is fine for me. CL is also available at both WL & AKL. Personally I prefer the "hotel" feel, something you do not get with GF unless you stay in the Main bldg, or Poly.

Every room at WL and AKL have balconies, whereas there are rooms at BC, Poly, CR wing, BW that do not have balconies.

WL has a health club, not sure about AKL

I have stayed at both WL and AKL and IMO yes they are both Deluxe!

You are fortunate to have the 40% off military and no telling how long that will last and GP discounts seem to be getting smaller so if you want to try one of the upper end Deluxe then I would do it.
My dream is to stay at the Monorail resorts but for now DH loves WL so we are staying there for the 3rd time this October.

 

[ktlm]

CBR's rooms are 340 square feet, so basically they are the exact same size as CBR. We love WL and AKL. They are beautiful resorts. We have also stayed at the Poly a couple of times, as well as POR. The Poly rooms are quite a bit larger than the WL rooms. The difference in price is in large part due to the fact that WL and AKL neither have 1)the monorail nor in its place 2) the ability to walk to Epcot or DHS, like the deluxes in that area. The room size is also the smallest of the deluxes I believe. While the Poly is great too due to the room size and the monorial access, there are things I prefer about the WL over the Poly. The primary thing is that everything is in one building so that if when we get back in the evening and it is dark, if I want to leave DH and DD in the room and go browse the gift shop, go to CS, or sit and enjoy the lobby and some peace and quiet for a bit, I don't have to travel around dark outside paths to do so, like I would at the Poly.

 

[Mousemommy1]

CBR's rooms are 340 square feet, so basically they are the exact same size as CBR. We love WL and AKL. They are beautiful resorts. We have also stayed at the Poly a couple of times, as well as POR. The Poly rooms are quite a bit larger than the WL rooms. The difference in price is in large part due to the fact that WL and AKL neither have 1)the monorail nor in its place 2) the ability to walk to Epcot or DHS, like the deluxes in that area. The room size is also the smallest of the deluxes I believe. While the Poly is great too due to the room size and the monorial access, there are things I prefer about the WL over the Poly. The primary thing is that everything is in one building so that if when we get back in the evening and it is dark, if I want to leave DH and DD in the room and go browse the gift shop, go to CS, or sit and enjoy the lobby and some peace and quiet for a bit, I don't have to travel around dark outside paths to do so, like I would at the Poly.

Ok, so good to know, looking at the maps of POLY, it looks there are several buildings that are a little spread out. You seem to be confirming that. I am not sure DH would like that, as he is looking forward to having everything in one building...what other deluxes are all in one building?

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I did a Poly stay last year with the 40% off code-we stayed CL...I LOVED it and want to go back...def worth $700 !

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Ok, so good to know, looking at the maps of POLY, it looks there are several buildings that are a little spread out. You seem to be confirming that. I am not sure DH would like that, as he is looking forward to having everything in one building...what other deluxes are all in one building?

We (ok, I) did a LOT of research before choosing our longhouse for Poly. After much questioning of fellow Disers and the Tikiman, we chose a longhouse that was VERY centrally located - to both the Volcano pool and quiet pool areas, the walkway to the TTC, and to the main lobby. One evening it was raining and I wanted to fill our mugs, so I just cut through each longhouse on my way to the Grand Ceremonial Lodge and came out steps from the door. Not spread out at all IMO.

Oh boy! You are not making this easy...my order of dream resorts is just as I listed, with POLY being # 1. I just don't know what to do now!!! I feel like, we have the 40% guaranteed now so we need to capitalize on it, otherwise, we might not have that opportunity again.... what to do, what to do...

LOL - sorry! I have just become such a huge Poly fan now. Like I said though, it really did turn me into a resort snob and make it REALLY hard to stay anywhere else on our next visits (which may mean longer before we get to return to WDW!)

 

[mirage0306]

I really think you'll love the WL. The rooms are not enormous, but they are definitely adequate, and having the balcony gives you another place to go and relax. We also like having everything under one roof, which is one of the reasons I actually don't want to stay at the Poly (over some other places). The grounds are so beautiful at the WL. We thought the boat to MK was great and bus service was efficient. Next year we are staying at the CR (Tower) and AKL, and that's partly because both resorts offer everything under one roof and you get a balcony.

I believe the deluxes that are all under one roof are the WL, AKL, CR (excepting the garden wing), BC, YC, and BW. I think it's the BW that doesn't have a counter service place, though, and you have to go outside for that (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong!). The Poly and the GF are not all under one roof.

 

[rusty4]

Ok, so good to know, looking at the maps of POLY, it looks there are several buildings that are a little spread out. You seem to be confirming that. I am not sure DH would like that, as he is looking forward to having everything in one building...what other deluxes are all in one building?

AKL is a lodge too. POLY is really not that spread out. We walked from one end to the other while visiting last year. We were staying at the GF but dreaming of the POLY!!

We had that chance a couple of years ago to stay at the POLY for an extra $100 a night. We opted to stay at POR and save the money. First let me say that we love, love and love POR. Even so it has not killed our dream of staying at the POLY someday.

One thing that we loved about the GF was the monorail. It was first stay even at a monorail resort. You might want to price out a tower room at that CR. You will get that one building that your DH wants plus the monorail and larger room.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I checked and I can get BC for $430 more than what we are paying now. Now, I know there is no monorail, BUT, we can walk to Epcot (which I am not sure we would do in the heat of July). And, we plan on eating at Yachtsman Steakhouse one night for our anniversary dinner and that's right there. I believe the rooms are bigger as well, and there is Stormalong bay which will be GREAT in the summer heat.

Thoughts?

 

[rusty4]

I checked and I can get BC for $430 more than what we are paying now. Now, I know there is no monorail, BUT, we can walk to Epcot (which I am not sure we would do in the heat of July). And, we plan on eating at Yachtsman Steakhouse one night for our anniversary dinner and that's right there. I believe the rooms are bigger as well, and there is Stormalong bay which will be GREAT in the summer heat.

Thoughts?

According to my Passporter book the rooms are 380 sq.ft. at BC. We went last year when DS just turned 7. Our favorite park that trip was Epcot. We did not have time to do and explore all it has to offer. Depending on the choices that we are offered this year (we get convention rates for a show that DH goes to) we may choose BC. We get to book next week I think. Last year we were able to choose BC, CR or GF. Went with GF because it and POLY have been my dream resorts.


I have a link for you. Look at it and the other links to see if it helps narrow your choices.

http://www.wildernesslodgesite.com/content/links

 

[sydneysmom]

Just my opinion, but staying on the monorail is TOTALLY worth the extra money. We've never stayed at WL, but we did stay at GF our last trip. It was amazing, to say the least. The view from the room was priceless, staying on the monorail was the easiest thing ever.

You have to consider what park you're going to spend your time most at.....for us it was MK. (which is why we wanted to be on the monorail) Also, something else to consider... you have a 5 year old.....does your child still nap ? Or do you plan on taking a break during the day to swim / hang out by the pool ? if so, staying at a monorail resort will make your life VERY easy. Our DD was 4 1/2 at the time we went last year....she still took naps. We'd go to the parks, stay till about noon then head back so she could have a nap. Not having to wait for a bus was wonderful. (except when we went to HS or AK) If the monorail is busy, the boat to the resorts are usually empty. (or slow) I'm not sure about the boat launch at WL.....

it's also really fun to have a character meal (s) right in your resort. Plus, hop the monorail and you now have access to the character meals at the GF and Contemporary. (plus MK)

We debated WL for our next trip and we've also considered YC. After much debating, my DH is hooked on the GF. So hopefully, pixie dust will fall and we'll be able to go there again! Whatever you choose, you're going to have a magical time!