Please help me choose which resort!

[HonestAbe]

We love Disneyland and we've been to WDW twice. Maybe 3 times over the years...but we're thinking about a trip in December. I'm stuck in analysis paralysis with choosing an on site property. We've stayed at the budget resorts before and it's just the 2 of us, but I'm willing to spend more money this time.

Price wise Im definitely more compelled to do a moderate over the deluxe since they seem to be about 1/2 the cost. However, that doesnt rule out any of the deluxe resorts either.

We like our room to be quiet and peaceful with a good view if possible. We don't use the spas or the exercise type stuff but we do like a good pool to swim in or relax. We also like wildlife but the pricing on the Animal Kingdom is still a little pricey. We can do it...but wouldnt it be better to spend money on souvenirs?

Please help me decide. THanks - honestabe

Also - please avoid using the acronyms since I dont know what a lot of them are (its been a LONG time since Ive been on the DIS)...or if you do just please explain what it is the first time so I know what you're talking about Thanks again....

 

[mariamouse]

I would opt for the WL (Wilderness Lodge) if you can spring for it-- should be the same price as the AKL (Animal Kingdom Lodge). The resort theme is so well suited to the holidays and the decorations are truly impressive! If you will spend a decent amount of time at your resort, I say WL no question. The GF (Grand Floridian) is also beautifully decorated, but much more expensive.

If you do not want to pay for the WL, I would choose CSR (Coronado Springs Resort) since its decorations are undoubtedly the best of the mods.

Good luck with your decision! We took our first ever December trip this past year and had a great time! There will certainly be no shortage of holiday decor.

 

[Sue M]

For the moderates, Port Orleans Riverside is our fav. It's very quiet and relaxing. The landscaping is beautiful. Just love walking around enjoying the scenery. We prefer the mansion section. Either Acadian House or Magnolia Terrace location near bridge to Old Man Island.
Love the boat to DTD (downtown Disney) evening entertainment in the lounge, horse & carriage rides, great food court.

I wouldn't pay to get a water view at any moderate because you have no balcony to enjoy it on. We got a garden view. Only a few $ more then the standard view because we didn't want to back onto the parking lot.

There is a POR thread on this board that has lots of great photos. And info

 

[ilovejsparrow]

I agree with Sue M.. POR seems to fit the bill for you! Very peaceful resort.

 

[dskib]

I like Port Orleans French Quarter. I have found it to be nice and quiet but isn't as HUGE as Riverside. We love it there.

 

[HonestAbe]

I talked to the DW last night and when I told her the rate at the deluxes (particularly the contemporary) she was in a little bit of sticker shock, so moderates appear to be the order of the day.

 

[DemoBri1]

I would tend to agree with the last couple of posts. Port Orleans seems to be the best of the moderates. I wouldn't necessarily rule out Wilderness Lodge yet especially if you can get a discount code later this Summer.

Definitely check out the resort threads for both.

 

[AudreyLovesTheMouse]

I think the Wilderness Lodge would be perfect for you. The rates are more reasonable than other deluxes. But it's amazing! The lobby is breathtaking. My daughter and I say it feels like we get to stay in some serene part of Frontierland. You'll love the pool. There's a spa/gym with a sauna (free). You'll love the convenience of being a quick boat ride from the magic kingdom (and the contemporary in case you want to do Chef Mickey's for breakfast) The food options are great... and Roaring Forks (quick service) is much less hectic than the ones at the moderate hotels. I'd recommend booking a standard or woods view. We've stayed 5 times and were upgraded 4 out of those 5 times. You'll love it!

 

[ChadsGirl]

If you go moderate, here's another vote for Port Orleans Riverside! We love both Riverside and French Quarter, but if you're interested in pools POR has quiet pools, which are very nice to get away from the hustle and bustle.

However, I would also echo PP's comments on Wilderness Lodge if you can swing it. My mom and I just stayed there for the first time this spring and LOVED IT! The building and grounds are beautiful. We always used the quiet pool adjacent to the Villas and it was wonderful. We also loved the boat to MK--very quick and convenient and really made us feel like we were in the heart of Disney.

 

[tofubeast]

I vote Coronado (CSR). Huge pool with largest hot tub on property. The slide is fun to (even for adults!). The rooms have a bit more deluxe feel to them, and I find their buses to be the best.