Wilderness Lodge or Grand Floridian

[JerseyBallerina]

Me and three friends are planning a trip for next January for two weeks and we decided to split the trip between two hotels. Me and one of my friends really liked the Grand Flordian when we visited it in July and my other two friends fell in love with the Wilderness Lodge when we ate at Whispering Canyon Cafe. So those are the two hotels we decided on.

Here's my question. Which hotel should we stay at first? Like, I don't want to stay at one the first week and then be disappointed with the second one. Which would be the better starting off point?

Thanks!

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

If you are sharing a room with your friends then I would start off at the WL first, since their room are much smaller. This way, when you check in to the GF you will really enjoy the larger rooms not to mention the monorail.

 

[lark]

For two whole weeks, it doesn't seem like it would end up mattering that much. If you have some need for one of the particular weeks to be near the monorail, for example, because that's when you are going to do the MK and epcot, then the GF would be more convenient that week.

Otherwise, they are both great. I think I would probably do the WL first, and the GF second. By two weeks, I'd probably be feeling a little bedraggled at living out of a suitcase for so long, so the smaller rooms at the WL would probably get me down. My personal view is that the GF is a little bit nicer too, so I probably would think I was "saving the best for last" and it might be a little more to look forward to. The other nice thing is that the WL is a little more retreat-ish, so you can relax for the first part of your vacation and then be a little more active the second part (although the GF is pretty retreat-like too).

I think this is mostly a cousin to a hobson's choice -- the appearance of a choice where there really isn't one. Either way has advantages and either would probably be fine.

 

[Destination Disney]

I agree with Minniefan4ever, start off at the WL. (I think this is the best.) Their rooms are a bit smaller, the Disney transportation is a bus or a boat. Obviously the GF is made to be a step above, so stay there second. This way you will then be spoiled with the monorail, larger rooms, and all of the conveniences of the hotel.
I have never stayed there personally, but have visited friends up there. It is great and I think it would be a great place to finish out your vacation.

 

[cjsmom5]

I agree with Minniefan4ever and Destination Disney.

Both are very nice hotels but differ a great deal in services and ammenities. We always start with the "lesser" (although I don't think either are lesser - just different) and move up. Makes it easier.

 

[susy]

I agree-start at the WL. You can rent a surrey bike (or bikes) and pedal over to FW. There is also the sleigh ride. There is a boat to the CR, FW, and MK. WL is sooooo relaxing. Artist Point is nice and WCC is a lot of fun.

A tip I've heard on here is that you can ask at check-in to upgrade to concierge at the WL during slower times for not much extra ($30-$50). That might make it extra special!

GF has more amenities and larger rooms. More restaurant choices. I'm sure you will have a WONDERFUL time!!!!!!!!

 

[JerseyBallerina]

Thanks for the advice! What is different about the conciege? What bonuses are there? And the second two weeks of January would be considered a slower time of year, right?

 

[DisneyKidds]

I'd start with WL and move to GF.

You have chosen two wonderful resorts that we love. That being said, let me add my unsolicited advice.........

We frequently split stays and when we do we like to stay at a MK resort and an Epcot resort. Usually it's WL and BC. This way we have easy access to the MK form the WL, and easy access to Epcot/MGM from the BC.....not to mention access to the BW and all it's restaurants/entertainment. Just a thought .

You'll hardly be disappointed in any way with a combo of WL/GF so enjoy.

 

[jordgubben]

The concierge at the wilderness lodge is pretty cool IMO though I don't really have anything to compare it to. You are on the 7th floor. You need to put your room key in a slot in the elevator to even activate the button for the floor. There is also a buffet of sorts that has continental breakfast, snacks, wines and appetizers, and cordials and desserts. I think that everyone gets turn down services as well. Also, if you but items in the parks and have them sent back to the resort it goes directly to your room instead of to the gift shop. You can read more about all the resorts including the concierge aspect at www.allearsnet.com. I found this to be an incredible helpful resource when weighing resorts.