Wilderness Lodge or Beach Club

[eeyore29]

I know, this has been asked a million times (sorry!), and everyone's got their own favorites...so I'm hoping you've got something to help persuade us!

Here's our story: We are 2 adults with no children. We've stayed at all the value resorts, but for our next trip, we're going to splurge and stay at a deluxe as a Christmas present to ourselves! We're planning to go for a week sometime in early December. We plan to attend the Christmas party in the MK and the other festivities in all the parks. Our time will probably be evenly spent in all the parks, and possibly visiting some of the other resorts to see their holiday decorations. We don't usually spend much time in the pool, but since we'd be staying somewhere new, we'll probably check out whichever one we choose at least once. Whichever resort we choose, we will probably book a standard room since we're not in the room much. And DH says a split stay is out of the question.

On our last trip we visited a few of the deluxes and the 2 that we've narrowed it down to are the Wilderness Lodge and the Beach Club. I've been doing a lot of research on the boards, and here's what I've come up with so far:

Wilderness Lodge
PROS
close to MK, easy transportation
closest bus stops at the parks (yes we've checked & yes we know this can change)
cheaper
Christmas sleigh ride
seems more laid back
geyser
shares transportation w/less resorts
Whispering Canyon Cafe (haven't tried it yet, but would like to)
CONS
only close to one park
quiet pool seems far away

Beach Club
PROS
close to EPCOT & DHS, can walk to either
Cape May Cafe clam bake (DH's favorite)
Storm Along Bay
closer to more resorts/restaurants
close to Illuminations (DH's favorite)
CONS
more expensive
shares transportation w/up to 4 other resorts
seems more pretentious
sand in pool (yuck!)

Those being said, here are a few questions we have:
We're average everyday working-joe's so we don't want to stay somewhere that we'd feel out of place, and we're worried that the BC is going to be out of our league. Is it hoity-toity?
We don't want to hike around our resort to get to the pools, bus stops, and dining since we've gotten accustomed to the closeness in the value resorts. Which resort is larger or more spread out? WL looked overwhelming.
Is there anything else you think we should take into consideration with our decision?

Thank you all in advance for your help!

 

[desert traveler]

Can't speak to WL, but as average Joes, we did not feel out of our league at BC when we stayed there two years ago. As the Unofficial Guide says, many of the people at deluxe resorts are just regular folk who saved to be able to go to WDW the top notch way. And sand in the pool was not a turn-off. You won't even know it's there until you're standing in it.

We splurged to stay there thinking it would be our only trip out to WDW (Anaheim is easy driving distance and we go every year). However, we are returning in '08 -- and BC is a large part of the reason. Room was not perfect, but grounds are fantastic, and convenience to EPCOT and MGM as well as BW area make this a great choice.

 

[brergnat]

In my opinion, you are PERFECT candidates for the WL.

It gets my vote every time for a couple with no kids, looking for a relaxing WDW vacation. It's where we spent our honeymoon and I was back there last February for a "girls only" trip with my sister and friend. It is a very beautiful and romantic resort, and it makes men feel very welcome! It's very manly, with the outdoors theme, but it also appeals to women because it is just so pretty. The Beach Club, by contrast, is all pastel-y and light and airy. My DH doesn't care for it. He does like the Yacht Club, though, but that place is a bit stuffy due to all the convention goers.

At Christmas time, especially, the WL is MUCH nicer than BC. They have a HUGE tree in the lobby, and the whole place just feels very Christmas-y. You half expect to see snow out the window. BC would be better for a summer trip. The pool is one of the main draws, but in December, it might be too cold to even use the pool. When we were at WL in February 2007, we were there a week and it was WAY too cold to use even the hot tubs! It was like 45 degrees during the day when we were there (there was a cold snap going on. The pool area was closed for refurbishment, but it didn't matter, because we never had any desire to walk outside in swimsuits. I wouldn't base your decision on the pool for a December trip is all I'm saying.

WL is NOT too big/spread out. Beach Club is more spread out, in terms of things being in different areas. WL, by contrast, is pretty compact. Everything is centrally located. Nothing is really too far of a walk from the lobby (except some rooms WAY out in the wings). The central courtyard is not that big, and the walk to the boat or bus stop from the middle of the lobby is about equal (less than 3 minutes to either).

WL is great for the "everyman". I agree the Epcot resorts are a bit more upscale, if you will, in terms of who they attract. If you are average Joe types, you will feel right at home at WL, although it is "rustic", it's more luxurious feeling than the BC, in my opinion.

I'd agree on going with a standard room. However, be sure to request the NORTH side of the lodge, and an upper floor. If you request a king bed, be aware that you may get one of the less desireable handicap access rooms on the 1st floor. When you book standard, this means you might be right where the service area is. I'd not request a king bed room, as these tend to be in poor locations (due to the handicap accessibility laws and such).

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

This will be our 3rd trip staying at the BC and our family is far from hoity-toity.

We love the BW area. Something always brings us back there, whether we make a family trip or just DH and I.

 

[eeyore29]

Thanks...keep it coming, y'all!

 

[atpatt]

The easy walk to Epcot for multiple fun evenings pretty much seals the BC as my fave. The pool is wonderful and there are so many dining options in the Epcot resort area, not to mention at Epcot itself! Pretentious? Not a bit! I didn't notice any difference in the staff or guests at BC and WL.

But, Brergnat has a great point about Christmas at WL. If I was going during the holidays, I would choose WL. The boat to MK is nothing to sneeze at either!

Good luck with your decision (what a terrible one to have to make, lol). Let us know what you pick!

 

[tinan]

Well let me start by saying that we are average joes and those are our two favorite resorts. We did a split stay and I absolutely love the location of BC, but we also love the sand in the pool and this pool was definitely warmer than any other resort we stayed in. WL, on the other hand is also a very nice location, but MK is one of my favorite parks besides Epcot. I felt much more relaxed staying at WL than I did at BC. Although it looks spread out and overwhelming, we actually found everything there much closer than when we stayed at BC. We were lucky enough to stay in the villas and our room was so quiet and we had a ton of wildlife outside of our door. We also like to visit Fort Wilderness while we are down there and staying at WL allows us to make that visit much quicker. Just keep in mind that although you won't share as many resorts on the busses, they tend to be fuller than the BC bus as there are a lot of campers in FW. I think it depends on where you plan to spend the majority of your time. Best of luck with your decision and I am sure you will love either one!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

If you just want to go on Chirstmas atmosphere I would definatly go with WL. There are 2 threads with alot of Christmastime pictures of both resorts. They are both beautiful by WL just seems more cozy and warm. I stayed at YC a number of years ago which is supposed to be more "hoity toity" than BC but it didn't feel that way at all. We will be staying at BCV for the first time in May. We are doing a split stay between VWL and BCV. Just couldn't decide on just one! You really can't go wrong with either one.

WL photo thread - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127
BC/YC photo thread - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1735844

 

[eeyore29]

I remember seeing on the signs at the parks that WL shared buses with GF. And on the allearsnet.com site, I think it said that WL shares with POLY, and not FW. What's correct?

 

[Mouse511]

The Wilderness Lodge during the holidays is gorgeous!!!!! The christmas tree in the lobby is huge. This is our favorite resort. However, I laughed when I saw your post because I just said to DH a few days ago that we should stay at the Beach Club for our next trip. Simply because it would be nice to be able to walk to EPCOT. We've never had any issues with the transportation at the Wilderness Lodge....I think the longest we've waited for a bus was 10 minutes. Also, the boat to Magic Kingdom is a great option. I can't say enough great things about this resort

 

[Shmily1]

I just posted the following on another thread so I will copy it here....

We stayed at BC for a week last summer. We loved it!!! The atmosphere and decor is more light and airy. Having the Cape May Cafe right there was wonderful. I never noticed it being a "zoo". The character breakfast was never really crowded any time we were there. I did notice that everyone there was in a good mood and everyone was having a great time and that is why I was there anyway.

The marketplace is a great place to get a snack, such as a sandwich or some gelato. SAB is wonderful. The proximity to EPCOT and the BW was well worth the stay. As they say, location, location, location!!! We had a patio so a balcony was not needed. I could open the sliding glass door to our room and hear the music from EPCOT and be in Epcot in less than 3 minutes!!

It is less than a 5 minute walk to YC if you want to have dinner at YC Galley (now by a different name). That is the only reason we had to go to YC and the darkness of the interior confirmed I had chosen the right resort since we prefer light areas. We rented the mouse boats and took the boat to DHS and it took us about 5 minutes to get to the marina.

BC also has Art. He is the greeter and is the most awesome person!!! I would love to sit down and talk to him for about a week straight. I know he has some great stories to tell. He is in a great mood every time we see him.

I hope you enjoy your stay.


Also, we've stayed at most of the resorts (value, moderate, and deluxe) at WDW and did not find BC to be pretentious at all. It was soooo much fun!!!! Please give it a try.... you will love it!!

 

[sue1013]

I've never stayed at Beach Club and have stayed at Wilderness many times. When we go in December we always stay at Boardwalk. Wilderness is beautiful at Christmas time can't disagree but we prefer the Epcot area that time of year. The parks close earlier except Epcot at Beach Club you are right at the back entrance no waiting for a bus at the end of the night. Also there are many restaurant choices in that area. For 2 adults we prefer the Boardwalk area.

 

[danielle782001]

I remember seeing on the signs at the parks that WL shared buses with GF. And on the allearsnet.com site, I think it said that WL shares with POLY, and not FW. What's correct?

You take the boat from WL to MK.

 

[danielle782001]

WL is so beautiful at Christmas... You can do that carriage ride to the Fort from WL... The Christmas tree is amazing... The lodge has a very calm atmoshere and is really amazing at that time of year... Transporation to MK on boat is terrific and bus transportation is pretty quick and painless (and we have done it with two VERY small kids)... I would stay there...

But you are two adults with no children... Walking to Epcot and HS is really nice... The decorations are nice but not as nice as WL (IMO)... They have the chocolate decoration in the center of the lobby... really cool to look for the hidden Mickeys.... I don't feel like you have to be "upper class" to go there.... We did not feel out of place and we are very middle/working class... We did find the transportation to AK and MK to be a bit of a problem... We were on the bus for a long time.

Pool in December should not really be a factor because the weather should not call for much swimming... Both pools are great for adults anyway (Beach beats WL for kids)...

Yes, WL... I think

 

[Hopefully]

We are 2 adults, no children and regular joe's. I understand about the hoity toity concern. That is not the atmosphere at the BC at all.
This is our very favorite spot in the entire "World". The Epcot Resorts are all about location, location. location. Being able to walk to both Epcot and the DHS is such a plus. I do not think any other area has as many dining/entertainment choices for adults. With the restaurants and lounges at the Boardwalk, the Swan and Dolphin, the Yacht and Beach Clubs and the International Showcase in Epcot - it is wonderful.
We also love SAB. It is the best pool on property. Even in December you may be able to relax by the pool one afternoon and swim.
I think the WL is beautiful. You certainly can make a stop there to see the Christmas decorations. But for a place to stay, the BC wins my vote, hands down.
Have a Great Vacation.

 

[sanibelover]

We have stayed at both and really wouldn't even consider the WL lodge again. The rooms felt dark to me and I never got the "resort" feel there. The Beach Club is right on the Boardwalk. Lots of good restaurants in the hotels and on the Boardwalk. Lots of activities. It's great to take a stroll in the evening to wind down. I felt kind of cut off at the WL, but right in the middle of the magic at the BC. We really enjoy the EPCOT resort area and stay there every trip now.

 

[ABCanada]

Consider a split stay. We are going for a week in December, spending 3 nights at Beach Club (SAB & Candlelight Processional) and 4 at Wilderness Lodge (MK, WCC, & relaxation).
We find moving between resorts hassle free. (We are light packers so there is not a lot to pack up)
We check out of the first resort when we head to the parks, Disney moves our luggage, head to the next resort from the park.
Given check in is 4pm it is possible to get there before the room is ready. A late lunch usually makes the timing perfect.
If you do check in early you can use the resorts facilities while you wait for your room.

 

[Camster0307]

Gotta love that walk through IG at the end of Illuminations when the rest of the crowds are heading for the front exit!

 

[Forever a Princess]

More Pros for the WL.
-Artist Point Restaurant. A Wonderful place to eat-especially for couples!

-The Christmas tree in the WL lobby is huge. Each season they bring in Bell Choirs to perform in the evenings at the foot of the tree. This is so special.

-The Red and Green accent colors and the timbers of the WL make this the perfect place to stay for the holiday season.

-Sitting in the hot or hotter hot tub (there is two) sipping hot chocolate and gazing up at the lodge at night is spectacular!!!

-Coming home from the MVMCP on the boat is way cool!

The WL is quite popular and one of the favorite resorts for Christmas time.

We're booked for December 2008, can't wait to go back!

 

[sherry8253]

I can feel your pain. I always have a tough time deciding on a resort. We too are two adults and are in our early fifties. The WL is one of my favorites especially at Chrismas. We have stayed there at least 7 times through the years. It is a quick boat ride to the MK. Artist Point is one of our favorite restaurants. We enjoy sitting in a rocking chair in front of the fire in the evening. I also like the fact that it is a smaller resort. You don't have to walk miles to your room after a long day. The staff is friendly and the quick foods place is decent. But... how many times are you planning on dining in Epcot in the eve? It is just a boat ride or fairly short walk to the International Gateway. If you plan on dining the majority of time in Epcot, I would probably select BC for convenience. I don't think the BC is stuffy at all and I don't think you would feel out of place there at all.