Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary for a 5 night stay

[missmickey]

Which of the two would you choose and why? Roughly 1,000 more for Contemporary.

5 nights at the end of January
Family of 4 - kids are 11 and 14.

Thanks

 

[Skippyboo]

WL and save $1000 for other stuff. If your kids were super little the Contemporary would be easier for returning back to hotel from MK.

Pro WL - cool decor, good dining with Geyer point, whispering canyon and artist point. Boat to MK. Doesn’t feel like you’re in FL with all the trees

 

[Minnie1222]

Contemporary is my least favorite resort, but it has an extra sleeping surface whereas Wilderness does not.

 

[msmayor]

With those ages, I'd choose Wilderness Lodge.

Stayed there once and it remains one of my most favorite resorts. I would get up early in the morning while the family slept, grab a cup of coffee at the quick-serve and sit in the rockers in the lobby...so peaceful!

 

[Lumpy1106]

We are BLT owners. We've stayed there, BWV and CCV. Wilderness Lodge was our favorite by far. The boat to MK is better than the Monorail, though being walking distance does have it's advantages. Monorail to EPCOT is overrated because you have to transfer at TTC and the line can be very long there. WL is FAR more immersive. The bus line at Contemporary leaves a lot to be desired - just not all that well organized. Contemporary costs more too. We'll probably stay at BLT again (because 2 bathrooms in the 1BR and sleeps 5), but as for Contemporary? Over it.

 

[DeeBee3]

WL!

 

[Nabas]

Tough choice for 11 and 14 year olds. They might really enjoy having the Monorail right there. Contemporary rooms are also larger than Wilderness Lodge, which are among the smallest Deluxe rooms at WDW.

But Wilderness Lodge has 2 pools that are really good. Great theming too, if you like the “Great Northwest”.

As @Skippyboo suggested, it’s probably best to save the $1000 for other stuff.

 

[Newsies]

Love the Contemporary but don't think it's worth a $1000 jump over WL. WL is just as lovely.

 

[Marthasor]

I vote for WL. It's a beautiful resort and you can use that $1000 for dining, souvenirs or even a Minnie Van/lyft here or there.

 

[HairyChest]

Wilderness Lodge. It would be worth $1000 over Contemporary. Glad it’s actually $1000 less.

The place is special, amazing themeing.

Contemporary is almost like staying at an airport hotel.

 

[Disneychick75]

Contemporary 100% - Convenient with the monorail and I love the theme. The rooms are larger and feel more upscale.
We tried the Wilderness Lodge 2x. Both times CMs were arguing with guests. Don't know why but one of the guests was crying on our 2nd visit while the CM was arguing. The rooms felt small. The lobby is gorgeous. This did happen several yrs. ago and things may have improved - hope so.

 

[Jwaire]

Wilderness Lodge by a mile. You don't even feel like you're in Florida.

I wouldn't pay a premium to stay in a cheap-looking Incredibles "themed" room at Contemporary. There's nothing upscale about that refurb.

The pools are much better at WL.
Lots of dining options with Geyser Point, Whispering Canyon and Artist Point. Plus you have Trail's End at FW.
The boat transportation is quick and relaxing and they just opened the "blue route" so you can now travel directly from Wilderness Lodge to Contemporary and Fort Wilderness.

 

[nw6675]

With those ages, I'd choose Wilderness Lodge.

Stayed there once and it remains one of my most favorite resorts. I would get up early in the morning while the family slept, grab a cup of coffee at the quick-serve and sit in the rockers in the lobby...so peaceful!

The coffee in the lobby is now on my to do list for next month!

 

[Silvermist999]

What type of room at the Contemporary? Main tower? Theme Park view? Is this your first time at Disney? Budget aside, if it’s your first visit, I would definitely choose the Contemporary for the ability to walk to MK and take the monorail to both MK and Epcot.

We have stayed at both WL and Contemporary (Bay Lake Tower), and my family prefers the convenience of being on the monorail loop for resort dining and resort hopping.

 

[JM_97]

I love the Contemporary but $1,000 can go a long way at Disney. Especially if you will be doing a lot of park time.

 

[HairyChest]

Which of the two would you choose and why? Roughly 1,000 more for Contemporary.

5 nights at the end of January
Family of 4 - kids are 11 and 14.

Thanks

The best thing you can do actually is rent points and stay at boulder ridge. Bigger rooms, newly refurbished, beautiful artwork & probably save more money. Davids dvc rental

 

[DL1WDW2]

Both resorts are special.
My grandchildren ( similar age) would definitely choose BLT / Contemporary .
At the end of January that boat ride might be chilly.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I would Pay $1000 more for the lodge.

 

[RanDIZ]

WL is by far the better resort. Not a fan of the Contemporary and definitely not for $1000 more.

 

[beccasmom]

BLT is one of our home resorts and the CR has long been a favorite of ours. The CR rooms are generously-sized and the location/convenience is wonderful. The renovated CR rooms are not to my taste, but that’s just my opinion. Great restaurants. The pool area is underwhelming iMHO. And kids get a kick out of the monorail going right through the structure. It’s one of the original resorts and that’s pretty cool.

We also really love WL and try to stay there (usually at BRV) every year. It’s a truly immersive resort and I can feel my stress level go down several degrees when I step into the lobby . We love the restaurants (Geyser Point is one of our absolute favorites in terms of atmosphere) and the pools are great. The rooms are smaller than the CR (unless you’re staying in one of the DVC units). On our recent visit we saw several different Disney characters in the lobby, which of course the kids loved (Chip and Dale, Gepetto, Baloo, Stitch). In my opinion, the CR is not worth a $1,000 premium. Enjoy whatever you choose!