Where to stay in WDW

[brodieSS24]

Hi All,

As an extreme DisneyWorld novice (one prior visit which was an unmitigated disaster) I'm seeking some advice for a last minute impromptu visit to Disney this December.

My wife is travelling to Orlando for a conference this December. She is staying 5 minutes off site ( the hotel name eludes me at the moment, but it is a very nice resort). We (DH, DW, DD-11, DS-9, and DSmunchkin-7 months) are flying down with my wife on Wednesday DEC 3rd and staying at the conference resort for at least Wed and Thurs nights.

I wanted to stay on site for at least a couple nights and preferably 3, Friday through Sunday.

Due to the last minute booking, only a WL Cabin room was available for those nights, so I booked it. I'm now having second thoughts.... I'm concerned that for the money (substantially more than it would cost to stay in the offsite resort we'll be in wed and thurs) the WL cabin experience may not give us the onsite Disney experience we are seeking. Also, transportation issues (with the 7 month old) are a concern to us.

Our options are to stick with our current reservations, stay at the offsite resort we are going to be at wed/thurs, book a semi-onsite resort room (Dolphin/Swan) or look for cancellations at onsite resorts (preferably a moderate) or even a deluxe, if it is worth the extra $$$$ (for example... a recent query found availability at the Beach Club and Yacht Club at about twice the WL Cabin rate).

Help!!!! Quick responses are much appreciated!!!!!

Cheers.....

Gusman

 

[Kaycee]

I consider Swan/Dolphin to be about as onsite as you can get! Transporatation doesn't get much better than this. You can take the boat to MGM and be there in minutes. Same for Epcot, although it's so close we just walked there. And I found the buses at S/D to be a bit better than buses at Wilderness Lodge and much, much better than buses at Coronado Springs. Plus, we really loved the Dolphin. My boys (ages 9 and 11 on our last S/D visit) loved the Grotto pool and can't wait to go back in June!

 

[YachtDad]

Obviously the deluxe resorts can be somewhat more expensive (as my wife is always very quick to point out!). However, my family has always had such an incredible experience at the Yacht Club each time we've gone, that I have to say it's been worth the extra $$$.

 

[Grumpy92]

The cabins are at Fort Wildernss not the Wilderness Lodge. This is a very relaxing and quiet resort that some consider a hidden gem of WDW. This is not a hotel but a campground resort unlike any you might have seen or imagined. The resort is large and offers plenty of activities. There is so much to do there that I know many guest who come and never set foot in the parks just enjoy FW.

The cabins have a bdrm with a dbl bed & bunk beds, bath, LR with Murphy bed, full kitchen and deck. We have stayed here many times and enjoy just sitting on the deck people watching and enjoying the atmosphere. As for activities, biking, canoeing, horseback riding and the petting farm just to name a few. They also have a nightly Chip & Dale campfire & Singalong, shhhh its free. Dont forget the marshmellows. You also might want to make a resv for the Hoop de doo musical revue, a wonderfuly cute dinner show held at Pioneer Hall.

The bus service is not bad and we have never had to wait more then 15 minutes for a bus. I think most guest are just so excited to get to the park they feel like they are wasting their time waiting for transportation. But if you are concerned you might want to request a loop like 2500 and a cabin close to the entrance/exit or reserve a golf cart thru the bike barn.

Cant say enough good things about this resort. I dont think you will be disappointed. You might want to check out the site below it provides lots of photos and info. Ignore the links for the one & only cabin and the wilderness homes, they no longer exist.

http://home.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/faq_fw.htm

 

[zipDdoodah]

I've heard the cabins are great! Plus, with your large family, you will have a lot more room in the cabin than in a regular hotel room. The resort is close to Magic Kingdom, which is great for younger kids - yet it seems distant because you're off in the woods. Doesn't sound like you made a mistake. The cabins sound like a great place for you and your family. I don't think you will be disappointed!

 

[Byrd]

You will have the magic of Disney plus more room.
Byrd

 

[swilphil]

I would go the Swan/Dolphin route. The Dolphin is right next to the Beach Club, so the location is just as convenient. If you don't qualify for a teacher/nurse/govt. discount, you could still get the Entertainment book discount. I have heard that the weekend of Dec. 5th is extremely booked in all resorts, so your cabin may be the only option. Enjoy!!

 

[susy]

A vote for Swan/Dolphin!!!! If you can get a moderate, those are great too!

 

[Lewski709]

I vote to stay at WLC because it is your $$, not mine. It is a beautiful place and your kids will love the wilderness and cabin surroundings. You truly will enjoy it.

Maybe if the $$ is weighing on your mind, you could try for POR. It too is wonderful.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by Lewski709
I vote to stay at WLC because it is your $$, not mine. It is a beautiful place and your kids will love the wilderness and cabin surroundings. You truly will enjoy it.

Maybe if the $$ is weighing on your mind, you could try for POR. It too is wonderful.

I think you are confused. WL = Wilderness Lodge is a completely seperate resort from FW = Fort Wilderness, the location of the cabins.