Okay, finally narrowed it down to WL (courtyard view) or Poly (garden view)?

[GoingtoWDWagain]

Hi everyone, I still can't decide on which resort to stay at. WL or Poly? Traveling w/ 8yr old, hubby, no parks (if we can't resist then MGM would be our choice) for a three night stay. I stood at the Poly once about two years ago and LOVED it VERY MUCH! I've been waiting to go back for some time now but, have wanted to try out the WL too. Now I'm totally confused . I can't decide on which one. Facts I love about Poly are:
1) beach
2) new pool
3) view of castle
4) beach right next to pool
5) water parade
6) atmosphere
7) 2 pools
8) nice size room
9) monorail ride to CR and GF for dinner
10) 'Ohana
11) room service from breakfast to dinner
The most important feature for us is the pool and beach. I've never stayed at the WL so I can't compare.......please HELP

Thanks in advance!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

You've picked my two favorite resorts, so I think you've got a winner either way!

Your 8yo would probably have fun at the Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL, and they also have a hidden mickey search you can pick up at guest services. The lobby is absolutly beautiful, and there are sitting areas around fireplaces on most floors, which are wonderful places to relax. The view of the lake from the balcony is also incredible.

However, there is just the one pool at WL (plus the one at the villas, but I'm not sure what the rules are on using that one), but unlike the Poly, they do have a hot tub, and sitting in that under the stars and looking up at the lodge all lit up is SO beautiful!

You could always split your stay!

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

Hi WDW Poly Princess, thanks for responding. I'd love to split my stay however, it is only a three (3) night stay so I don't feel it would be worth it for me. How is the beach area at the WL? Is it near the pool? Can you see the EWP from the beach or anywhere on the WL grounds? Is there a slide at the WL pool? Is the pool zero entry? These are really the important issues for me...........beach area and pool.

Thanks again!!!

 

[SpaceMountain_uk]

I love the WL, it is IMO the best themed resort on property. Everything from the STUNNING lobby to that great BBQ smell to the beautiful music is amazing, you really do not feel that you are in central florida, but the MK is just a short boat ride away, aswell as the boat to the Contempary where you could pick up the monorail. There is a bubbling spring in the lobby which flows outside into a river then into a huge waterfall which in turn flows into the pool area. There is a pool bar and roaring forks is very close aswell so you could pop in there to refill your mugs if you purchase them, and grab some snacks.

The pool does have a slide which looks like it has been carved out of the rock work, there are 2 hot tubs and a kiddy pool, there is also the hidden springs pool at the villas which WL guests are free to use. There is a health club as well over at the WLV.There is also a marina for boat hire, and surrey/normal bike hire which is great because there is a cycle path between WL and FW which goes through the forest and along baylake. The EWP can been seen very close up from the beach, the boat dock, by the pool, or by standing near the geyser.

There is also some great wildlife there, The ducks are extremely friendly and i came across afew little rabbits wandering along the pathways which where very sweet.

i've included some pictures for you, also visit these sites for many more.

http://www.wdwig.com/g_wl.htm (you will find a resort map here)

www.ourlaughingplace.com


The beach area

Pool area from lodge roof:the beach is just to the right of that hut, which is the pool bar.

The pool area

One of the hot tubs

The slide

I hope this assists you in your decision, let us know what you decide.

take care

 

[MermaidsMom]

GO with the Poly! My then 12 year old boy still talks about that pool! On the fridge is a picture of him coming thru the slide- an action shot. It was great. WL is nice, but not on the monorail and rooms are much smaller.

 

[Tinks]

No parks!!!!??? Then I vote Wilderness Lodge. The Poly pool is awesome, but the pool at WL is fun too. The slide is a bit smaller but I think an 8 year old would still love it. The monorail does it for me. I have 3 small children and since we go to the parks we need that monorail! Try something different since you are not planning park visits this trip and for your next park trip..stay at the Poly again. Have fun!

 

[dahess]

We live by log cabins & in a woodsy environment so we would choose the Poly.

 

[jaysue]

Assuming no parks then go with WL, the isolation makes you feel like you are in the middle of the wilderness (hence the name) and on a grand vacation.

WL Pic:
http://www.disneypix.com/2000ft/Roll3/Roll03_006.htm

Poly Pic:
http://www.disneypix.com/2000ft/Roll3/Roll03_010.htm

If you do decide to go to MGM then just hop a bus

Thanks
jaysue

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

Hi everyone, THANKS a bunch for all the information and responding to me so quickly ! SpaceMountain_uk THANK YOU for the photos the WL looks awesome! We decided to stay at the POLY ! Were going back in August and since the AP rates for August are not yet out we figure we'll stay at Poly AP rate now and stay at WL for about three nights and Coronado for 7 nights in August. Tropical is more my idea of a resort but, hubby would love to try out the WL and after seeing the photos and reading so much about it, I won't mind a bit!

Thanks again everyone !