POR or WL - You Decide!?!?!

[Lauralee131]

Ok Disser's...HELP!! If you had a choice to stay at either the Port Orleans Riverside or the Wilderness Lodge, which would you choose? Now, before you all go and answer, consider these:

1) Roaring Forks will be closed at WL (which, honestly, is what started this fiasco for me in the first place - once I get something in my head, forget about it!)
2) Substantial cost savings - nearly $800 less to stay at POR
3) WL is closer to MK and on Bay Lake so you could view the EWP (big selling point for me)
4) We have the dining plan - so our CS's would have been used at the RF - don't know what kind of designation (off the top of my head) that Whispering Canyon is
5) Refillable mugs...how important are the little things like this for you?
6) Balcony - WL has it, POR does not

So here's the facts - it's me, my DH and DS (4) and my BIL and SIL. We want connecting rooms so we can put my son to bed and still hang out, drink coffee, play cards, etc. And, we're all smokers so we would prefer a balcony to sit out on, BUT any access to the outdoors would do in time of crisis. NO smoking around the kiddo...I simply don't allow it. But enough of my personal BAD habits...

Am I crazy to think of switching?????? What would you guys do???

Lauralee131

 

[NJBlackBerry]

I was in Roaring Forks about 3 weeks ago. I could not believe how awful it smelled in there. The place clearly needs a refurb. I am sorry it is going on while you were planning on being there, but I, personally, would NOT change my reservation from WL just because Roaring Forks was closed. WL is our favorite resort at WDW.

 

[hAm53]

in my opinion, the only thing that WL has over POR are the leather couches in the lobby. those things are great!!!
~ the food court at POR is great, with a TON of seating, and one of the best views of any food court.
~ plus, you have bob jackson at the river roost (YYEEEEAAAAAA HAAAAAAAA!!!) most nights. he's great for families, and also later in the night for when its just adults.
~ yes, the balcony is nice, but POR has a bunch of outdoor seating with gazebos and benchs all over the place. plus, does it outweight the 800 bucks you say you'll save.
~ the boat to the MK is nice, but at night its really buggy.
so i'd say save the cash, go over to whispering canyon for dinner, then out to the EWP.

 

[PrincessAurora]

I vote spend the money and stay at Wilderness Lodge. I am. Even without Roaring Forks, There are sooo many things that the moderates do not have. I'm sure they will have some food/mug alternatives during the renovation but if not you have a cool pool, a geyser, a boat ride to MK, the otter pond, a bridge over a river in the lobby, wonderful couches, rocking chairs in front of the fire, trails, Artist Point, cozy rooms, the water parade and sooo much more.

 

[teacher31]

I vote for POR. It is beautiful, quiet, great pools, walkable to get those refills, and you feel like you are somewhere else. We haven't stayed at WL, but went over for a visit on our last trip. Yes, it's cute. But does money play into this at all for you? It does for us. I don't think it is worth the extra just to have the kidsclub on the premises. Stick to the POR.

 

[Forever a Princess]

We love both.

That being said my heart is at the WL.

 

[Lauralee131]

Ok, after my bout of temporary insanity...I'm back! And I've come to my senses - thanks to my SIL (gotta love her).

We weighed all the pros and cons of switching and saving the $800 bucks by going to POR wasn't worth the comfort of a balcony, and the little goodies like iron/ironing board, etc. Yes, I'm shallow...I admit it

We'll have a fridge in the room anyway, right? So we'll just buy soda..hey - why didn't I think of that?? It seems like such a basic thought and I didn't have that! Ah well, my poor TA is definitely earning her money! I
think I'm driving her insane!

My vacation will be magical with or without refillable mugs!

Thanks to all of you for your input - where would I be without the Dis??

Lauralee131

 

[hilltopper72]

Lauralee131- For those of us with Disney stock, we thank you for picking WL and spending that extra $$

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I would definitely stay at the WL---and we are, in fact, over Spring Break.

I love the boatride to the MK, and I always tear up when I first enter the WL lobby.

Several DISers have posted that drink refills will probably be offered somewhere---maybe by the pool.

Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[Lauralee131]

Thanks Hilltopper! Glad I could help! LOL

 

[Cinderella]

You made a good choice. WL is lovely and it also has the Cubs Den, where your dear son can stay and eat dinner if you wanted to go to Artist Point or somewhere. The balconies are a definite plus. And believe me - the only bad thing about WK ever was roaring forks, which is probably why they are refurbishing it, so you are missing nothing.

 

[Lauralee131]

Thanks Cinderella! Your message made me feel much better!

 

[Minnie]

You've definitely made the right choice. We have stayed at both WL and POFQ and WL has the edge any day. When the guard says "welcome home" my vacation has truly begun.

You'll have a fantastic time. Rub Humphrey's nose for us

 

[aubeone]

I just booked 2 nights at WL followed by 6 nights at OKW(DVC rental) in April. I have not stayed at WL but it seems like a must do experience. I am hoping for a courtyard view on the 6th floor!

 

[jlb]

We love the WL, but since our past 2 stays at the POR we have become big fans of that too. I just read on another message they will not be doing the refillable mugs during the refurb of WL. Hope that is not true...we are always torn between the 2 resorts.

 

[mouseketeer_times_2]

I'm glad you were able to come to a decision that you are happy and content with. Afterall, that is what is most important.

Just a small fyi however,

We weighed all the pros and cons of switching and saving the $800 bucks by going to POR wasn't worth the comfort of a balcony, and the little goodies like iron/ironing board, etc. Yes, I'm shallow...I admit it

POR does have a iron/ironing board

I wanted to bring this up just so someone who is still trying to decide between the two will have the info.

Anyhow, have a wonderful, magical vacation!! Here is a heaping helping of pixie dust to make your trip the best!