I've stayed at both and it just depends on what you want to get out of your stay.
Contemporary Pros:
Best Arcade
Convenient Location
Daybed
Room-Views (from tower)
Contemporary Cons:
Very busy.....BUSTLING / LOUD
Stark.....concrete everywhere (but some people like that)
Wilderness Lodge Pros:
Laid-Back Atmosphere
Better Pool Area (theming)
Better Room Theming
Room-Views (wilderness)
Wilderness Lodge Cons:
Not as Convenient (boat to MK, busses to everywhere else)
Rooms are a bit smaller
Personally, I don't think you'd go wrong with either choice. They're both great resorts in their own rite. However, consider this:
I know this wasn't one of your choices, but the Polynesian would give you the best of ALL of these worlds. It's the resort that is the most convenient (transportation-wise
) to everything in the WDW complex.......the Transportation & Ticket Center is within easy walking distance.......in addition to being able to catch a boat, bus AND monorail from the property itself. Also, every room at the Polynesian has a day bed. The theming is among the best at WDW (if not THE best, in my opinion) and the atmosphere is laid-back. Great pools, great restaurants, some of the best beaches 
, a cove-type marina for all sorts of watercraft rental 
and an "OK" arcade. The best arcade (at the Contemporary) is only a short monorail ride away......and who doesn't like to ride the monorail?
Just food for thought.
Contemporary Pros:
Best Arcade
Convenient Location
Daybed
Room-Views (from tower)
Contemporary Cons:
Very busy.....BUSTLING / LOUD
Stark.....concrete everywhere (but some people like that)
Wilderness Lodge Pros:
Laid-Back Atmosphere
Better Pool Area (theming)
Better Room Theming
Room-Views (wilderness)
Wilderness Lodge Cons:
Not as Convenient (boat to MK, busses to everywhere else)
Rooms are a bit smaller
Personally, I don't think you'd go wrong with either choice. They're both great resorts in their own rite. However, consider this:
I know this wasn't one of your choices, but the Polynesian would give you the best of ALL of these worlds. It's the resort that is the most convenient (transportation-wise
) to everything in the WDW complex.......the Transportation & Ticket Center is within easy walking distance.......in addition to being able to catch a boat, bus AND monorail from the property itself. Also, every room at the Polynesian has a day bed. The theming is among the best at WDW (if not THE best, in my opinion) and the atmosphere is laid-back. Great pools, great restaurants, some of the best beaches , a cove-type marina for all sorts of watercraft rental and an "OK" arcade. The best arcade (at the Contemporary) is only a short monorail ride away......and who doesn't like to ride the monorail? Just food for thought.
