Update to Buyers Remorse Post- Final Decision Update!

[triplefigs]

First, thank you all for your advice on this post (and the PM's sent). I appreciate everyone's input. Need to finalize this today.

We have definitely decided to switch from the GF. Here are the AAA rates we were quoted today for 2 rooms:

• CR Wing Room Garden View (Standard is sold out) for $3715
• WL Courtyard View for $3372

Biggest worry about the CR is the rooms needing updating, long walk to Tower. Biggest plus is walking to MK (will be there the most), Monorail, large rooms with lots of space, CM, and 1st stop is TTC to go to Epcot.

Biggest worry about WL is transportation issues (buses and taking boat in Dec when it could be cold and rainy). Plus is theming, Christmas decorations, overall feel of resort.

Please give anything else that would sway us.

 

[VAgal76]

Just because of space alone I would say CR. WL rooms didn't feel as roomy to me though I loved the theming more.

 

[tigerlilly]

I would go with WL but that is just because I like the theme there better (we are currently holding a ressie for about the same time you are ) That being said I think I have read they are redoing some of the CR Garden rooms. Also if you really want the standard room price at the CR I would keep trying since things with reservations change so frequently.
Good luck with your final decision...if you are like me you may end up changing your mind another 3 or 4 times before you make the actual trip

 

[jarestel]

Christmas time at WL is the best! My vote is WL. Good luck!!!

 

[Kimberle]

I have stayed in both.

The CR wing rooms are not that long of a walk to the tower. Our room was in the north wing about 1/2 way down. The bus stop was right outside the door and the food court was around a 3-4 minute walk. The rooms are large as are the bathrooms, with a seperate toilet room. There is no balacony in wing rooms. If you are on the 1st floor, there is a patio, but it's not "that" private. We had a great view of the fireworks from our room.

The WL is also a wonderful resort. We actually preferred this transportation to that of the CR. The boat to MK is nice. The rooms are smaller, but they are nicely set up. My only real "complaint" is the sink area does not have a door to close it off, so the blow dryers make the room a bit noisey. The pool areas are so nice. All rooms have balconies (patios on 2nd). The lodge is fairly small so it is not a far walk to anywhere.

They are both wonderful. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Although you know I love the GF I would go with the WL for its Christmas feel and theming. I think the Contemporary is too sterile for me. Your kids will love the boat ride to the MK.

 

[raider93]

I would think you could get a 1BR at the Wilderness Villa for less than two rooms at any of the three resorts. We stayed there last year in a 1BR and had plenty of room. You also get a full kitchen, washer dryer, king in bedroom and queen sleeper sofa in the living room. We have two kids and had plenty of room. The boat ride to MK is great and the buses to the other parks were no longer than 12-15 min. last October. I will be staying there again Dec. 16th thru 22nd. I have plans for two Character Meals at the GF to take in the Holiday decs, but comparing the two I like the Wilderness Villas best of all and I have stayed in the GF, Polly and the Contemporary.

 

[amy1976]

I loved WL and would recommend it. I agree about renting a one bedroom villa though. We are renting a two bedroom in August and saved a lot of money this way(5 nights for $2000). They are beautiful and spacious.

 

[minijeanie]

my 2 cents

staying at CR this year...but DD is 15 and DS 14,,,,

when kids were much younger stayed at WL...
and believe WL is so much more magical

feel it is geared to the much younger.
feel your kids will love it more
boat is great going over to MK
geyser is fantastic at WL
service is wonderful
whispering canyon perfect place to take the kids
roaring forks (i believe) is great take out lunch/breakfast place
you can rent a boat
pool wonderful for small children

stay at WL

xmas time so absolutely beautiful

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Having been to many mvmcp's the ONLY resort that I would stay in or reccommend @ that time, would be CR. The crowds coming and going are unbelievable. 1 year the express monorail was parked in the cr and filling up with people to go directly to mk we rode that in backwards! (about 3 years ago). {We where staying in the tower and saw it so we went down there to get on! } The walking factor wins hands down.

Cr also has a great bathroom, 2 sinks, + private commode area! Rooms are very large. And you could be one of the last people to see the "old" CR. However I do admit they have the worst x-mas decorations on property. ??? Why?

WL does have nice themeing but I think the rooms are small. And when we stayed there the transportation was bad. WL @ that time was with FW and the ride through FW is long, on that bus. One of the best X-mas decorations on property!

Tough decision, but I know where I would stay. Good luck, mky

 

[SB in KY]

I would second the suggestion about looking into a villa at the WL (since the CR is sold out anyways)... you would have the sq. footage of a little over 3 regular WL hotel rooms, a jacuzzi tub and seperate shower....the jacuzzi is big enough to dump all 3 in at once (a little bubble bath, turn on the jets and voila....it is a triplet auto-wash!!!)

The washer/dryer right there is bound to come in handy, not to mention a full kitchen...not that I am into playing Emeril on vacation, but the PB&J's and cereal and milk make life so much easier some days.... Mom and Dad still have a room to themselves...and the maid comes in every day and cleans up the kitchen, etc.

If you wanted to save some more$$ and were willing to give up the daily maid service you could rent DVC points and stay for about $200/night (includes tax, etc)...more for Friday and Sat nights. Just a thought.

 

[triplefigs]

Thank you all so much for your input and advice. You really helped us make our decision. We have decided this is such a special trip for us that we will splurge and stay at the Grand Floridian.

See my original post: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=788934&highlight=triplefigs

DH and I decided that if something financially happens between now and our trip we can always cancel one room (we currently have 2 booked) and stay together.

Again, thank you so much for all your help and patience during my "crisis"~!

 

[triplefigs]

oops! double post!