POR vs. WL

[wellesleyprincess]

My family is already starting to plan our next Disney vacation. We will be going for 5+ days (exact length hasn't been determined yet) in mid-January 2007. We are leaning towards either Port Orleans-Riverside or Wilderness Lodge. We've only stayed in a moderate (Coronado Springs) once before. That time we had a rental car but this time we will not. We don't spend a lot of time in the room but we do want to have plenty of room when we are there. We will not do a split-stay. So what are ya'll's thoughts on Port Orleans-Riverside and Wilderness Lodge? If you've stayed at both which do you like better and why? What is your general opinion about deluxe vs. moderate? TIA

 

[Sandi]

We've stayed at both and prefer PO-R. We just like the feel of PO-R better -- all the way from the brighter rooms to the landscaping. Also the PO-R food court is far superior to Roaring Forks. I found the transportation from WL to be spotty. Boat to MK is nice, but there were times when it was too full to take everyone on the dock (and we were there in October/November). We really enjoy the boat ride from PO-R to DTD.

WL is a deluxe and the restaurants there are very good. WL also has queen sized beds, so if that's a big deal to you, take that into consideration. The rooms there felt sort of cave like to me. We had a fine experience and I wanted to try WL. However, when we go in February, we're going back to PO-R.

 

[purplern]

We have stayed at both. The last time we stayed at POR is was still called Dixie Landings. We recently did the carriage ride there. It is a beautiful resort we enjoyed our stay here. We stayed in the AB section. There is alot to do: pools, boats fishing. The boat ride to DTD is suppose to be beautiful.
WL won our hearts!!! Love this place. The theming, the decor, the geyser. The logde is beatiful! Lots to do here too! We rented the boats and had a blast!!!!!!
You wont go wrong with either of them but we love WL.

 

[edingerc]

When posting about something like this, the first thing that we always need to know is: who's in the party. If you have kids, the WL has bunk bed rooms (also has a queen in it) which are very good for them and the theming at WL is great for kids. Whispering Pines is the kind of restaurant that will wear out even the rowdiest of kids. However, WL is between moderate and deluxe. You see that in the size of the rooms, which is a litte smaller than either. You get deluxe accomodations for just a little bit more than moderate prices, but you pay by getting a slightly smaller room.

POR is my favorite moderate resort. It's perfect for people who don't want the noise and bustle of the All Stars. The theme pool and Old Man Island are great for kids too. The only problem is that you have two complete resorts (Dixie Landings, which consists of Magnolia Bend and Gator Bayou and Port Orleans, French Quarter) sharing the buses, which can get a little full at times. However, the water boats on the Sasagoola River to DtD are fun enoughto make you forget about the theme park buses

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Thanks for all the responses so far. There would be three adults (2 in their 50s and one in her 20s) in the party and no kids.

 

[Troy08]

WL gets my vote. You will absalutely LOVE the lobby and the overall theming. Have stayed there twice in the summer(when resort was 100% full) and NEVER had any issues with the transportation. My advice, splurge and book the WL. You will NOT be sorry!

 

[bonnielynn]

I also have stayed about both and WL wins out everytime.. I loved that we were just a boat ride away from MK.. also the bus service was excellent.. never waited long and bus was never full..

Dont get me wrong PO is also very nice, but if I had to make a decision...
WL would win everytime.

Even my 8 yr old wants to go back and stay there!!

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I've never stayed at POR but have stayed at WL three times. We have stayed at many of the other Deluxe resorts, but once we found WL, it had us hooked. It is an oasis of relaxation. You will love the beautiful lobby. You can sit in front of the fireplace in rocking chairs and enjoy some hot chocolate (or something stronger if you choose)! Most floors have a little sitting area tucked away with sofas and chairs and small fireplaces, too. Walking around the courtyard and listening to the waterfall is music to my ears. Transportation to MK is just a three minute bus ride away or a leisurely 10-15 minute boat ride.

Although, I've wanted to try POR, I've never wanted to try sharing a full sized bed when I'm used to a king size at home. The queen sized beds at WL are just right!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[justcruisin]

What do you want to do when you're on vacation? We like the WL because it's so easy to get to MK and the monorail. Someday, when I travel with all adults, DTD or World Showcase or the Boardwalk will appeal more.

 

[LolitaBelle]

WL, without question. It is simply awesome. We stayed at POR when it was Dixie Landings and while we certainly enjoyed it, there is no comparison to the WL. We are leaving tomorrow and will be staying at the WL for the first week and the AKL for the second. Go with the WL, you won't regret it.