Wilderness Lodge vs Port Orleans--help!

[ishbit92]

Hi,

I'll be in Orlando next month on a group trip. My husband and I last minute decided to add a MK day, just us. We are doing Epcot with our group on Monday, then MK just us on Tuesday. So I am toying with the idea of staying on property Monday night, both for the early entry benefit, and just to have a mini-getaway to ourselves mid-trip. I've narrowed it down to Fort Wilderness Lodge versus Port Orleans (either Riverside or French Quarter, haven't decided).

-Fort Wilderness Lodge is definitely more $$, but the vibe in there and proximity to MK are big pluses. We are DLR vets, so have stayed at the Grand Californian which feels very similar. We LOVE the Grand. It's so tranquil and being from Alaska I guess the woodsy look is our aesthetic lol. I love the balcony in the rooms and that it is close to MK. The boat access sounds convenient. The food options look great too.

-Port Orleans is less expensive so that's a plus. I am willing to shell out $ for the deluxe properties but anyone who has stayed at both Wilderness and Port Orleans if you have any insight on quality difference of these moderate and deluxe resorts, I'd love to hear it! The vibe at Port Orleans looks awesome too, and I'm always down for beignets. We are considering one of those Royal rooms at Riverside. I think the main thing I'm less sure of is the distance. I haven't been to WDW since I was a kid, so I have no concept of how long it takes to get anywhere. Would this feel far/would we have to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch a bus to make it to MK rope drop?

I'm also open to other on property hotels, so happy to hear suggestions for those too. Ideally close to MK. Grand Floridian is too much $$. I could be talked into Polynesian (I stayed there with my family years ago as a kid and loved it), but the $150ish less that Fort Wilderness Lodge is makes it seem preferable. I would have been so down for the Contemporary but I really can't stand those Incredibles rooms sorry lol...I don't even care for the movies honestly and it just doesn't feel like deluxe. But I can be talked into things, I'm just going off internet research and would love to hear from folks who are more familiar with these properties

 

[RoseGold]

WL qualifies for the late hours, which are game-changing IMO. If that's on the table for your trip, it's a consideration. Swan/Dolphin also qualify for this.

As a hotel, I am indifferent to WL, probably because I live in this theming. It's a ski cabin to me and it hurts my brain for it to be in FL. But it has many pluses, like the very charming boat to MK.

 

[ishbit92]

WL qualifies for the late hours, which are game-changing IMO. If that's on the table for your trip, it's a consideration. Swan/Dolphin also qualify for this.

As a hotel, I am indifferent to WL, probably because I live in this theming. It's a ski cabin to me and it hurts my brain for it to be in FL. But it has many pluses, like the very charming boat to MK.

Thanks for your response! That is a good point about late hours, Epcot happens to be the park with late hours on the day we'd check in, so it would be nice to have that option to go back at night if we wanted to. I'm torn though because evening would basically be our only time to enjoy the hotel. I will check out Swan/Dolphin as well!

Haha I live in the theming basically too, but for some reason I'm not sick of it. I think a big part of it too is that I love the Grand Californian so much, and this hotel really reminds me of it.

 

[Southernswthrt]

We have not stayed at WL but we have stayed at POFQ, Poly and CR. While I love the deluxe resorts for the ambiance and the location, I just cannot justify the current cost for these resorts over the moderates. We are trying S/D out this Christmas as it has the deluxe location with the moderate price tag! Have a magical trip

 

[ishbit92]

We have not stayed at WL but we have stayed at POFQ, Poly and CR. While I love the deluxe resorts for the ambiance and the location, I just cannot justify the current cost for these resorts over the moderates. We are trying S/D out this Christmas as it has the deluxe location with the moderate price tag! Have a magical trip

Thank you for your response! See I'm normally on the same page, but with the exception that I can justify it for one night, just not multiple nights. When it starts to cost more than my monthly mortgage for a 2+ nights I'm out haha.

But I appreciate the insight about deluxe vs moderate, that there's not anything over the top to justify that price tag. I am very intrigued by S/D now and am heavily considering it--I agree on the location!

Thank you

 

[NicoleLarson]

Just to clarify you are asking about Wilderness lodge hotel, not the cabins at Fort Wilderness campground? There's not a Fort Wilderness hotel, just wanted to make sure I'm comparing the right thing. Both WL and POFQ are lovely hotels, we've stayed at both multiple times We've also stayed in the Royal rooms at POR but for just one night I would choose POFQ.

Between POFQ and WL, thats a tough one. How much time will you really spend in your room? It doesn't sound like much so that makes me lean towards POFQ.

Transportation us pretty good from both hotels. The boat to MK is almost always slower than the bus from WL. POFQ is fairly centrally located and usually has its own bus so its fairly quick.

WL has interior corridors vs outside ones at POFQ. The pools are comparable at each.

WL has 3 restaurants vs the small POFQ food court. But will you even be eating at the resort? So that might not even be a factor.

So with all of that being said, I would lean towards POFQ and maybe spend the savings on a nice meal like California Grill or extra LL.

 

[Anthony1971]

we have not stayed at port Orleans for around 20 years but we did stay there. We stayed at WL last month and times before as well as most other deluxe. WL and Poly have the best theming of all Disney resorts. AKL is a different beast so I will leave that out for theming. WL is very relaxing has 2 lobbies the main and DVC side if you like or have interest in trains the DVC has a train room ”carolwood pacific room” that has 2 of the cars from Walt’s ride on train and very relaxing chairs . I mention this because Disneyland has the engine on display at the Main Street train station. The resort is indoors with the exception of the covered walk way between the main and DVC building. I could write a lot….. it is easy to get to and from MK by boat or bus. Port Orleans I recall liking we stayed at one other moderate which I was not a big fan of also around the same yeas ago. I do recall PO being a walk to the main building but it was a nice walk and a boat to Disney Springs. As far as transportation PO is bus only maybe a 10 minute bus ride once you are on the bus and after the internal loop so let’s say 15 minutes. WL is maybe 5 minutes by bus 10 by boat. I do not think you will be disappointed with either but if theming matters WL or Poly But Poly is a more grounds themed where WL is a more Hotel themed the grounds are also well themed but are much smaller than the Poly. Contemporary love it or hate it… is still very unique with a monorail running through it always fun to stay at but not an immersive theming. Not a fan of GF just don’t care that much for victorian but a pretty resort just not what we like.

 

[CynBeth]

I would stay at WL since you are only doing MK the next day and WCC is one of our favorite breakfasts on property.

 

[stranger706]

Wilderness Lodge no question. Better location, better food choices, its smaller and easier to get around.

PO is a really nice resort but its big and spread out, and the buses are always hit and miss. From room to MK entrance was usually an hour for us.

Typical morning at WL, walk out of your room, hop on the boat, get off at MK dock and into the gates in around 12 minutes. And thats with 3 kids.

 

[beccasmom]

I would vote for Wilderness Lodge (we are headed there on Saturday! ). It is one of our top 3 resorts. We love the ambience and we find it to be very relaxing. The food options are pretty good - we especially enjoy Geyser Point!

POFQ is also a very nice resort - smaller and easy to navigate. However, it would be nice to have a restaurant there as an option (there used to be one!) instead of just a food court. Although Disney Springs is only a nice boat ride away and there are tons of choices there. It is one of the best moderate resorts IMHO.

I think you have a lot of good options (maybe too many! ). Good luck and enjoy!

 

[PrincesCJM]

Wilderness Lodge and Port Orleans French Quarter are my two favorites! You can't go wrong with either. If you aren't planning to go to Disney Springs, then I'd probably rule out POFQ. The boat to MK from WL is a huge plus

 

[Disney World Dad]

While I love POR, if your day is going to be centered around the MK, Wilderness Loge wins hand down. You want everything about the day to be enjoyable and that INCLUDES the transportation. Being able to take the boat over in the morning and back in the afternoon/evening beats standing in line for the POR bus every time. Having dinner or a nightcap at Geyser Point after being at the MK for most of the day is just icing on the cake.

 

[ishbit92]

Just to clarify you are asking about Wilderness lodge hotel, not the cabins at Fort Wilderness campground? There's not a Fort Wilderness hotel, just wanted to make sure I'm comparing the right thing. Both WL and POFQ are lovely hotels, we've stayed at both multiple times We've also stayed in the Royal rooms at POR but for just one night I would choose POFQ.

Between POFQ and WL, thats a tough one. How much time will you really spend in your room? It doesn't sound like much so that makes me lean towards POFQ.

Transportation us pretty good from both hotels. The boat to MK is almost always slower than the bus from WL. POFQ is fairly centrally located and usually has its own bus so its fairly quick.

WL has interior corridors vs outside ones at POFQ. The pools are comparable at each.

WL has 3 restaurants vs the small POFQ food court. But will you even be eating at the resort? So that might not even be a factor.

So with all of that being said, I would lean towards POFQ and maybe spend the savings on a nice meal like California Grill or extra LL.

Yes the Wilderness Lodge not the Fort Wilderness campground, sorry! Not a WDW expert so mixing up the names .

Thank you for your insight on POFQ over POR! This is exactly the kind of insight I was hoping for. We would spend an evening there and the night and that's it, basically. That does make the higher price tag of WL harder to swallow, but the convenience factor of the proximity to MK makes it desirable. That's a great point you made about transportation however--especially about the boat vs bus. We may eat a light dinner but we will have come from Food & Wine in Epcot so we may be stuffed.

Thank you for your advice!

 

[ishbit92]

we have not stayed at port Orleans for around 20 years but we did stay there. We stayed at WL last month and times before as well as most other deluxe. WL and Poly have the best theming of all Disney resorts. AKL is a different beast so I will leave that out for theming. WL is very relaxing has 2 lobbies the main and DVC side if you like or have interest in trains the DVC has a train room ”carolwood pacific room” that has 2 of the cars from Walt’s ride on train and very relaxing chairs . I mention this because Disneyland has the engine on display at the Main Street train station. The resort is indoors with the exception of the covered walk way between the main and DVC building. I could write a lot….. it is easy to get to and from MK by boat or bus. Port Orleans I recall liking we stayed at one other moderate which I was not a big fan of also around the same yeas ago. I do recall PO being a walk to the main building but it was a nice walk and a boat to Disney Springs. As far as transportation PO is bus only maybe a 10 minute bus ride once you are on the bus and after the internal loop so let’s say 15 minutes. WL is maybe 5 minutes by bus 10 by boat. I do not think you will be disappointed with either but if theming matters WL or Poly But Poly is a more grounds themed where WL is a more Hotel themed the grounds are also well themed but are much smaller than the Poly. Contemporary love it or hate it… is still very unique with a monorail running through it always fun to stay at but not an immersive theming. Not a fan of GF just don’t care that much for victorian but a pretty resort just not what we like.

Thank you! Theming is definitely a factor, I want a relaxing atmosphere for sure and nice surroundings. I like the woodsy feel of WL and the New Orleans vibe of PO/POFQ. I love the theming at Poly too! I would have been so down for Contemporary for the location and if the rooms weren't Incredibles themed. I don't mind Disney movie themed rooms, I just don't care for the Incredibles. That would have been cool if some of the rooms were themed to Zootopia or Big Hero 6--the only other Disney movies I can think of set in Metropolitan areas haha. GF looks beautiful but is nearly double the nightly price of WL on the day I'm looking at, so it goes on the "maybe someday" list

 

[ishbit92]

Wilderness Lodge no question. Better location, better food choices, its smaller and easier to get around.

PO is a really nice resort but its big and spread out, and the buses are always hit and miss. From room to MK entrance was usually an hour for us.

Typical morning at WL, walk out of your room, hop on the boat, get off at MK dock and into the gates in around 12 minutes. And thats with 3 kids.

Thank you for your input!

Oh wow and hour from room to MK entrance!? As someone used to Disneyland walking across the street, that's daunting! I'm not sure we will want to wake up that early to make it to rope drop if it's going to take nearly an hour.

 

[ishbit92]

I would vote for Wilderness Lodge (we are headed there on Saturday! ). It is one of our top 3 resorts. We love the ambience and we find it to be very relaxing. The food options are pretty good - we especially enjoy Geyser Point!

POFQ is also a very nice resort - smaller and easy to navigate. However, it would be nice to have a restaurant there as an option (there used to be one!) instead of just a food court. Although Disney Springs is only a nice boat ride away and there are tons of choices there. It is one of the best moderate resorts IMHO.

I think you have a lot of good options (maybe too many! ). Good luck and enjoy!

Enjoy your stay this weekend!

The ambience is probably #1 there for me. I've heard a lot of good about the food too.

Yeah if we go with the Port Orleans option, I'm convinced to do FQ now based on responses in here. The food may not be a factor actually, we will have come from a day of eating/drinking at Epcot Food & Wine the night we'd check in, so we may be stuffed.

Thank you and yes I agree there are many good options!

 

[ishbit92]

Wilderness Lodge and Port Orleans French Quarter are my two favorites! You can't go wrong with either. If you aren't planning to go to Disney Springs, then I'd probably rule out POFQ. The boat to MK from WL is a huge plus

Thanks for your input! Yeah we won't be going to Disney Springs on that night or the next day. We're staying at an Airbnb nearby so plan on hitting up Disney Springs another night. The boat sounds awesome. I have a fond memory of taking the boat to MK when my family stayed at the Poly years ago.

 

[ishbit92]

While I love POR, if your day is going to be centered around the MK, Wilderness Loge wins hand down. You want everything about the day to be enjoyable and that INCLUDES the transportation. Being able to take the boat over in the morning and back in the afternoon/evening beats standing in line for the POR bus every time. Having dinner or a nightcap at Geyser Point after being at the MK for most of the day is just icing on the cake.

This is a really good point, thank you! I think after reading all of these I want to do WL. Thank you everyone for your input! If I end up booking it I will post in the WL thread with a mini-trip report after my stay

 

[ishbit92]

Update...booked the WL last night .

Courtyard View King, can't wait! I'm assuming we can drop bags off at the hotel early (like 8am) before check-in? I'm thinking we'll head to WL in the morning around 8am, drop off our bags, then take the bus to Epcot. We'll have our day in Epcot then head back to WL late afternoon-early evening to enjoy the hotel, eat at Geyser point, and relax. We have the option to go back to Epcot that night for late hours, but I don't think we will since I want to soak up the WL as much as we can and to get to bed a decent hour for our early MK morning. Wake up early the next morning to take the boat to MK for early entry! A very quick and busy mini WDW trip, but I have a feeling this small taste of WDW will make me want to book a longer trip next year. We'd want to do more this trip and see Hollywood Studios and AK, but are visiting friends and doing Universal/Halloween Horror Nights which I'm also very excited about. 2 more weeks until our trip!