Please help me pick a new resort!!

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Based on the resorts your asking about I would go with the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[fla4fun]

Well, you are comparing two totally different types of resorts - so first you need to decide if you want to go moderate or deluxe.

The main differences between the moderate and deluxe resorts you mentioned - the moderates have several bus stops throughout the resort, where the deluxes will have one centralized bus stop. The deluxes will have more diverse dining options (from food court, to TS, to Signature dining). The moderates have exterior corridors and no balconies, whereas the deluxe resorts have balconies and interior corridors. All the resorts you mentioned will have themed pools with slides and hot tubs.

Once you've decided whether you want to go moderate or deluxe, then the choices get a little more difficult. Between the two moderates you selected there are some significant differences. CSR is what I call a "moderate plus". Because it is a convention resort, it has some amenities other moderates don't have, such as queen size beds and a more extensive room service menu. It also has a food court that's a little different than other food courts (go to the dining forum and search for Pepper Market). A lot of people love CSR, but there are also people who don't like sharing their vacation resort with people traveling on business. Although it's a farther walk to the facilities, I usually request the Ranchos section when staying at CSR. I've found it to be quieter and less busy. POR is not a bad choice, but they do only have full size beds instead of queen size, which can be a dealbreaker depending on the number of guests in your room.

As far as WL/AKL, they are quite similar. The rooms are laid out the same and are the same size - only the decor/theme is different. So picking between these two is more about which theme appeals to you most. I prefer WL, because I like to stay at resorts with water features, and I really missed the lake when I stayed at AKL. Both have good restaurant choices, and neither really has a location advantage (i.e., you can't walk to a park from either one - you have to drive or use Disney transport).

So start by making a list of what you want out of your resort experience, and then see which of the four meets the most criteria on your list.

 

[1971DBday]

I've stayed at WL and CSR and visited AKL and POR.

Start with the WINS...

CSR is a nice resort for the money and would recommend it as the top moderate. It has a fantastic main pool, several quite pools, nice rooms and nice main areas. We also love the food court. However, this is a HUGE resort and you could be walking a long way to your room. I don't hate walking, but after long days at the Parks.

WL....Gorgeous! We stayed here for our honeymoon and now our family is to big for the standard room. Beautiful and relaxing atmosphere and no comparison to the CSR - it's a Deluxe!

AKL was beautiful and unique, but it was confusing to us as visitors and the staff weren't helpful to lost souls. However, Jiko's is now my favorite place to eat.

POR - just a quick visit to check it out and it just did not appeal to us.

However, we are hooked on the Poly now.

 

[goofy4prez]

Of the ones you listed, the only one I've stayed at is the WL. I love this resort. Incredible lobby, nice rooms, and decent dining options there. While the pool may not be as large as some of the others it is nice, and there is also a hottub. The transportation is excellent. The boat is a quick ride over to the MK. The buses run often and also have one to the MK if you don't want to take the boat. IMHO, WL is the best value of any resort in WDW.