Wilderness Lodge or Polynesian?

[Susanne]

I'm trying to decide between WL and Poly for my upcoming trip. I've stayed at the Poly before and enjoyed it, but wasn't totally blown away (i.e., I'm open to trying something new). Here's what I could use some help with:

1) When I stayed at the Poly I loved the monorail access to MK because my son was just 2. Now my son is 5 and my younger son will be 3, so easy access to MK is still a big priority for us. If we stay at WL, how often do the boats and buses run? Are the buses direct between WL and MK?

2) For any WL fans out there, what do you like about the resort? I'm considering it because the Poly is a bit out of our price range this time, and there is no availability at the Contemporary for our dates.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[tjmouse]

I haven't stayed at WL (yet), but my mom and dad did. There is a boat with direct access to MK, and I think there is one to TTC as well, but I could be wrong on that, if not, you can always just hop on the monorail from MK. They loved that resort. In fact, mom said the only way she will go with us is if we stay at WL. Which is fine by me!

 

[Houston_Disney_Fan]

Yes, the bus runs direct from the WL to the MK. At least, it did in October. We found it much faster than the boats, especially near park closing time.

The theming at WL is absolutely spectacular, and the pool is wonderful. Whispering Canyon is a lot of fun...we found ourselves wishing we'd eaten there more often, instead of saving it for our last day. Rooms at the Poly are larger, but we don't spend a lot of time sitting in the room anyway.

 

[disneydawn6]

Those 2 and the Boardwalk are my 3 favorite resorts. I've only styed in conceierge at the Poly so I must admit I'm alittle spoiled there and will only stay at Conceieerge there which is wonderful... But I love the theming at the wilderness lodge.. the boat is great and I think the bus goes to the TTC. instead of dirictly to MK

 

[Susanne]

Thanks for the replies so far! Does anyone know:

1) How often the boats and buses run?

2 How long is the boat ride from WL to MK? I never even considered how long it might be, until somone mentioned the buses are faster!

I may just book things today, but will keep watching this post for more great info!

 

[#1MMFan]

Boats and buses are frequent. Every 15mins for the boat I'd guess. Boat goes to MK, sometimes via Fort Wilderness (the boats sometimes do a loop), but when we were there in October/November 05 we went directly to MK always. Buses are frequent too. They go directly to MK. NOT to TTC anymore. This was new since my previous trip Jan 05 when they still went to TTC. Boat ride to MK is about 12 minutes I believe, but it feels quick and enjoyable - like an exclusive ride to the front of MK! There is much more of a walk if you take the bus as you get dropped at the bus depot to the far right of MK, whereas the boat is directly in front.

 

[southjerseymom]

I've done both. When DD was an infant and DS2.5 we stayed at WL. The theming is great - and DS still calls it "my" hotel. Remembers the duck races and everything. It is a beautiful resort. Loved the boat ride to unwind before and after the MK. Pros - theming, relaxing boat ride, balcony Cons - Roaring Forks was too small with limited menu, rooms were small. We were crowded when we added the strollers in the room. DH was always hitting his shins on the bedframe (looked like a log) Ouch!
We stayed at the Poly in last November and are going back this Feb. It is beautiful resort but needed this rehab. Pros - BIG room, boat to MK, monorail, room service and Kona Cafe. Cons - Captain Cooks was awful.
We are not absolutely in love with the Poly - but it is a nice resort. Semi reasonable if you get the AAA or another type of discount. For us it is the room size and theming. Stayed at the BC in May. It was like a giant chain hotel. Small rooms. Good location - but we are going back to the MK resorts.

 

[Cinderella]

I always find this a tough question, as these are my two favourites - but for different reasons. But, it sounds to me like you have already answered your own question - you weren't blown away by the polynesian, and you want to spend less this trip. It sounds like your main concern is whether the transport would be adequate. On any trip i have had the transport has been great. You don't wait long for the mk boat, and although it takes longer to get there, the boat trip is lovely.

I have stayed at WL with kids exactly the same age as yours and they loved it. If you feel the five year old will be ok on a top bunk, request a room with bunkbeds - this will give you more space (the rooms are a little smaller than the poly) and will be more fun for the kids.

Another great thing about WL is that it has a paddling pool for younger children to play in.

Do bear in mind that Roaring Forks - the food court will be closed in Jan and Feb, but I wouldn't worry too much about this, if you are going then - unless you really like using a food court. Hopefully, they are going to do it up well, because to me - it is the least appealing part of the resort - and it was what actually put me off staying there initially.

The theming at WL is amazing and i am sure you will be blown away by it. To me it is the most dramatic at disney - but do bear in mind that i have never visited AKL.

 

[Susanne]

This board constantly amazes me! It isn't just the quality of the information, but how FAST I get it! I post a question, go to bed, and by the time I'm done breakfast, I have all of this great info! No TA could ever match it!

Cinderella, you are right, my main concern is if the WL transport will be adequete. You can't beat the monorail, but what I need is a close second. I'd like to be able to break for a nap at some point during the day, and I don't want it to be an hour-long journey to do so. Hour-long journeys during toddler meltdowns are not good!

Small rooms aren't a concern for me, but I will consider the bunkbed idea if it's available just because it would thrill the boys. What a great tip!

 

[aubeone]

I am also trying to decide between GF, Poly and WL. What rooms would you choose in each?

 

[salmoneous]

2) For any WL fans out there, what do you like about the resort?

One thing I really liked about the Wilderness Lodge was the actual Wilderness. Although the resort itself it totally themed, you are surronded by natural Florida, which you can be surrounded by with a 2 minute walk down the nature trail or a boat trip out on Bay Lake. (Of course, this Would be a turn off for those who want to be immersed in the Disney illusion 24/7).

Speaking of boat trips, they were some of best parts of the visit. Not so much "transportation" as "attraction". Of course, the Polynesian has boat transportation too, so that isn't a reason to pick one over the other. But if you worried about the WL because you'll be "stuck" taking boats as transportation, don't be.

 

[missycj96]

I've stayed at poly, gf and wl. I really did like the poly the best and also really liked the gf. The monorail access and looking out onto the seven seas lagoon is my favorite part of vacationing at wdw. But that said, the poly and gf are very expensive and the WL is a relative bargain for what you get.

The boat ride is nice - you won't mind at all and you'll probably like it. Walking down the dock to the boat is part of the adventure and may end up being your favorite part of the trip. I think that the boat ride may actually be faster than the monorail depending on which direction you are heading. I don't ever remember waiting more than a few minutes (15 would be a long wait there). Another great option is the separate resort launch to the contemporary. This gives you monorail access, lots of dining options (and another easy way home from the MK if there is a wait for the boats) - you can walk to the contemporary and take the small resort launch back to the WL.

The one issue we had with the boats at the WL is that the resort launch between the contemporary and WL only runs to about 10:00. We would like to leave the MK after wishes and walk to the contemporary and go to the cal grill for drinks or desert and then head home - but we were always worried about missing that last resort launch. This should not be a reason not to stay, just something to plan around.

The WL is a true resort - we rented bicycles, the pool area is large and quite nice, and the gift shop is one of the best at disney. Each disney resort (especially the deluxes) have things about them that make them special. Because of this, there are always trade-offs in picking one over the other. But, I would say that for the money, you won't find a better hotel option. Enjoy!!!!!

 

[susy]

I've stayed at both. Loved both. WL theming is way better, IMO....try it!!!

 

[wdwdavem]

We stayed at the WL in August and absolutely loved it. Both the boats and buses were very fast and efficient. Our boat operator told us that until 3:00pm the boats go to the MK first then FW, and after 3:00 they reverse direction. The resort is beautiful and definately takes you away from the craziness of the parks. We have never stayed at the Poly, but have walked around and eaten at the resort many times. My wife and I both agree that we would rather stay at the WL even if they were the same price. Just our opinion though.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

WL

 

[Maria395712]

I vote WL
maria

 

[Marni]

We have stayed at WL twice with our third trip there coming up in less than a month. I can't imagine staying at another resort! I love sitting out on the balcony in the morning and eating breakfast. The lobby is breathtaking! The boat ride to MK is fun and relaxing. We haven't taken the bus to MK, so I can't comment on that. I would stay at WL hands down!

 

[Talkingwoody]

We stayed at WL twice and Poly once. We just find the WL so relaxing. It is great to sit in the lobby during the evening when the kids have a story read to them and just mellow out. The buses are on time and typically not too crowded(depends on time of year, I am sure). We took the boat when we were not in a big hurry because it does take a bit longer. You can't beat the Poly for the monorail but overall, I would give up the monorail for the atmosphere in the WL.
This is our favorite resort.

 

[sadiebell]

I have enjoyed reading these posts because I have booked the WL for my family for Feb. 06. We have stayed at AS Movies and POFQ in the past so this will be our first time at a deluxe resort. It will be a surprise trip for my DH & kids (DS-12, DD-8). My DH will be 40 yo the day after we arrive and there is nothing he would rather do on his birthday than to be in the POTC ride singing along with the pirates!

My question is for those who have stayed at the WL. I have requested a courtyard view room. Any specific room suggestions? TIA!

 

[Gary M]

AS mentioned before the boat ride goes from WL to MK to FW to WL before 3:00 pm. The ride from the WL to MK is about 10 minutes(I've timed it). After 3:00 it goes from WL to FW to MK to WL. To get to the MK after 3:00 it would take about 25 minutes. The boats run about every 15 to 20 minutes. There are no buses from the WL to TTC now.

There is also a boat from WL to CR, which is less than a 10 minute ride.

I have stayed at both the WL and Poly and liked the WL much more.

The WL has hot tubs and the Poly doesn't. The sinks in the WL rooms are in a separate room than the stool and bathtub. The Poly has all in one room.

The kids might like the bunkbeds. The WL is one building and the Poly is several bldgs..