Wilderness Lodge Was Worth It!

[jsantini]

I recently stayed at WL for a week and I stressed a lot before our trip whether it was worth the cost, because I previous trips, we had only stayed at moderates. I loved it and would definitely stay there again. It was a stretch for our budget, but I really liked having everything under one roof, the extra transportation options, and the overall ambiance. Also, this was our sixth trip to WDW in 11 years, so the goal for us was rest and relxation, not hitting the parks for 12 hours a day. We still spent a lot of time in the parks, but I really loved relaxing on the WL beach, on our balcony, and in the indoor common areas. Also, the resort restaurants did an AWESOME job with my gluten free dietary needs. I'll post a separate dining review within the week. For others who may be wondering if the investment is worth it to stay at WL, I'd say it really is. If I couldn't afford it on the next trip, I would go back to a moderate, but I will definitely be saving up for another trip to the Lodge.

 

[kandb]

I know at the lodge you can take a boat to MK. Is it easy to get to the Poly or GF if you want to go to these resorts for dinner? Glad you had a nice time.

 

[kandb]

Also, can a family of 5 fit at WL? Our youngest is now 3. Thanks

 

[Robbi]

Glad you liked WL, OP. It's one of our favorites. There is not a thing we don't love about it.

 

[jsantini]

I know at the lodge you can take a boat to MK. Is it easy to get to the Poly or GF if you want to go to these resorts for dinner? Glad you had a nice time.

Yes, we ate at all those for dinner. We either took the boat to the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom and then monorailed to the Poly or GF. One time we also took th direct bus to MK and monorailed to those resorts.

 

[jsantini]

Also, can a family of 5 fit at WL? Our youngest is now 3. Thanks

I don't know what the official occupancy is, but I think it could be tight with 5 people and luggage.

 

[princessallegra]

I recently stayed at WL for a week and I stressed a lot before our trip whether it was worth the cost, because I previous trips, we had only stayed at moderates. I loved it and would definitely stay there again. It was a stretch for our budget, but I really liked having everything under one roof, the extra transportation options, and the overall ambiance. Also, this was our sixth trip to WDW in 11 years, so the goal for us was rest and relxation, not hitting the parks for 12 hours a day. We still spent a lot of time in the parks, but I really loved relaxing on the WL beach, on our balcony, and in the indoor common areas. Also, the resort restaurants did an AWESOME job with my gluten free dietary needs. I'll post a separate dining review within the week. For others who may be wondering if the investment is worth it to stay at WL, I'd say it really is. If I couldn't afford it on the next trip, I would go back to a moderate, but I will definitely be saving up for another trip to the Lodge.

So glad to hear this! We LOVE WL! I am gf as well and they do an amazing job, i agree.

 

[aml3679]

Thanks for the great review. This will be our first on site stay. We originally were booked at the POFQ, but, we wanted to be at a resort that we could really relax at on our non park days. Can't wait until next December.

 

[Kimberle]

Also, can a family of 5 fit at WL? Our youngest is now 3. Thanks

Not if you want a regualar room. They have a 4 person limit. They do have some deluxe rooms that sleep 6. They are expensive.

 

[holbie18]

Thanks for the great review. This will be our first on site stay. We originally were booked at the POFQ, but, we wanted to be at a resort that we could really relax at on our non park days. Can't wait until next December.

Us too! We were originally booked at POFQ. This is our first trip as a family and I have a 4 year old and 6.5 year old. I don't think we will spend much time at the resort, but I felt my kids would enjoy the theming at WL much better. We also don't plan on keeping our 4 year old up pretty late, but this way my son can still see the Electric boat parade (and fireworks?) from our hotel with a parent.

We go next month. The kids find out about our trip on Christmas day. I can't wait!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Thanks for your review!! We are staying there next year....I've gone back and forth on which hotel...but have a feeling this will give the best Christmas feel!! Glad you enjoyed your trip!

 

[Robbi]

Thanks for your review!! We are staying there next year....I've gone back and forth on which hotel...but have a feeling this will give the best Christmas feel!! Glad you enjoyed your trip!

We've stayed at different resorts over the holidays and WL definitely, at least to us, feels the most like Christmas.

 

[IllinoisMommy]

I would love to stay there someday. Glad you liked it!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I agree 100%.

We too went from values/mods to wanting to try a deluxe and finally decided on WL (CL) and it did not disappoint!!!

It was absolutely worth it and we would not hesitate to stay there again!

 

[csharpwv]

Here is our resort list..places we have stayed:

Wilderness Lodge ( and Villas)
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Bay Lake Tower
Saratoga Springs
Old Key West
Boardwalk Villas

We have visited:
Port Orleans
Contemporary
Polynesian
Grand Floridian
Pop Century

BY FAR our favorite resort is Wilderness Lodge!

We honeymooned at Wilderness Lodge in 2006, and we hope to spend our 10th anniversary there in just a few short years.

There is just so much to love about the resort - among the things we love most - the lobby!

The Grand Floridian is beautiful, the Polynesian is tropical, the Contemporary is sophisticated - BUT - Wilderness Lodge is just so much more!

OP, SO glad you enjoyed 'The Lodge' as we like to call it - if you ever have a chance to stay Club Level - DO IT! It is AMAZING! We have stayed club level there twice! It really is fantastic! Love the view from the top floor!

 

[mslhb]

I know at the lodge you can take a boat to MK. Is it easy to get to the Poly or GF if you want to go to these resorts for dinner? Glad you had a nice time.

We also recently stayed at the WL. We had breakfast at GF one morning and took the AK bus there. Its route was to stop at GF 1st. We just verified with the driver before we got on. To get back to WL we took the monorail to the Contemporary (also so we could check out that resort) and then took a boat that went direct to the WL. It was super easy. We ate at the Poly our 1st night. It was late and our 1st night and we didn't want to mess with transporation so we just hopped in a cab. I want it say it was less then $10 including tip.