Which resort for Christmas? *Updated w/ more ? information*

[Tinkerspell]

We're looking at going to Disney for 5 days in December to celebrate DH finishing his Master's. He's been itching to go at Christmas for a couple of years now, so I want to make this a super special trip for him. Which begs the question:

Which resort for Christmas?

If you've got some advice, it'd be great! Which resort is best for a Christmas trip and why? We're not booking for another month or so, which gives me plenty of time to pick all you pro's brains!

Edit: So we talked to my in-laws and it looks like they're going to go with us. (My parents are still up in the air.) They don't think they can afford to go any higher than a moderate in price, which narrows the field of choices for us away from the deluxes. *sniffs* I was sorta looking forward to WL or GF too. So, which moderate, all you pros? MIL wants to choose and book sooner than later so we've definately got a room.

 

[casajump]

I wouldn't stay anywhere but the Grand Floridian. No one has better service, park placement, food and beauty! The best place at WDW, bar none! =)

 

[hobbester]

Grand Floridian!

 

[serendipity]

Hands down the Wilderness Lodge. We stayed during the holidays in 2006 and it was WONDERFUL. The whole place just feel Christmas like...and that's year round! Between the rustic outdoors and pine feel, the roaring fireplace and the beautiful decorations and tree I would never stay anywhere else during the holidays.

 

[tgropp]

Is money an issue? If not I would also try the Grand Floridian, but since my budget will not allow that I will recommend my favorite, the Wilderness Lodge. I have been there many times in December and each visit is always better than the last one.

 

[phyllis1966]

The GF is our favorite resort and it's absolutely stunning at Christmastime! If you prefer a more rustic feel, the Wildreness Lodge, as others have stated, is also very beautiful at that time of year...we like to try to visit when we're at WDW during the holiday season.

 

[Eoywin]

What's the best moderate for Christmas?

We are thinking about a Christmas 2009 trip, but can't afford deluxe.

 

[MomWDW]

We have stayed AKL in December which was lovely and this December we'll try WL.
As far as Moderates, I would try French Quarter.

 

[Buzz2001]

WL for the deluxe x-mas, lodge, NE feeling.

CSR for a mod. Well decorated.

CLICK HERE FOR CSR X-MAS PICS!

 

[Luv2Roam]

GF first came to my mind too.
Although we were in and out (not staying over night) at CSR around Christmas week. I think it was Christmas Eve when they had Minnie and Mickey in the entry fountain area, FREE Christmas cookies and hot cider.
Earlier that week Santa was also in the check in area.
They seemed very festive.
The values don't seem to have a lot, other than a tree. (Could be wrong as I am not around the values much.)

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Deluxe: Grand Floridian or WL
Moderate: POFQ or POR

 

[Tinkerspell]

Is money an issue?

It may be? I don't think it will though. (With the caveat that we probably can't do a Grand Suite at the GF.) We're pretty sure doing a deluxe isn't a problem, but I really want to go with the best Christmas feel. He's already salivating at the idea of going... did the countdown till he can make ADR's, how many pins to take, where he wants to eat, etc etc.

 

[TinkerKel]

We stayed at WL during December 06, and thought it was fantastic for Christmas time! I'd also recommend going on the sleigh ride that WL offers - we loved it!

 

[tgropp]

It may be? I don't think it will though. (With the caveat that we probably can't do a Grand Suite at the GF.) We're pretty sure doing a deluxe isn't a problem, but I really want to go with the best Christmas feel. He's already salivating at the idea of going... did the countdown till he can make ADR's, how many pins to take, where he wants to eat, etc etc.

Renting points from someone with DVC Points will save you some money if you can find someone on the Rent Board. Actually at Christmas time it will save you a lot of money from a hotel room reserved directly from Disney. Plus you can get the Dining Plan. If you go you will have an unbelievable Christmas Holiday

 

[MickeyNicki]

WL hands down, it is gorgeous!

 

[PetesDragon]

It depends on what you like.

GF - If you like elegant, beautiful, and bright Christmas decorations. More of a classical Christmas experience in a beautiful hotel. Since the resort itself is based on Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego.

WL - If you like warm, homey, inviting Christmas decorations. Gives you the feeling that you are in someone's very big house at Christmastime in front of the fire.

I would suggest the WL.

 

[Goofyz3girls]

We stayed at the BC for this past christmas and had a blast.I don't know if all the resorts do this but both Mickey and Minnie (dressed in their xmas finest) were stationed in the lobby for a half hour each day for the first four days of our stay(Dec.21-28) and we were able to take as many pictures with them for FREE......PRICELESS.

 

[pixiedust1]

I would go with the Wilderness Lodge!!!!! My husband and I spent our honeymoon there in December 2006, and it was truly magical!

 

[wendy darling]

Wilderness Lodge gets my vote, Beach Club is also really pretty at Christmas Time!!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

All of the resorts have their merits, however, we usually go to either GF or WL during the holiday season.

Both are stunning!