WL for someone who prefers the Tropics

[ktink]

We recently decided to downgrade from the Polynesian in order to take another trip in Jan/Feb 2008. So our budget is allowing for AKL or WL. AKL has no availablity and we've booked a woods view at WL.

I'm not feeling the woodsy atmosphere as I prefer the tropical feel. Could you tell me how wonderful WL is? And for those of you who have stayed at WL and normally like the tropical atmosphere, how did you like WL?

DH is really looking forward to WL and I know how many here on the boards adore the Lodge so I'll appreciate any comments. Thank you!

 

[eliza61]

We recently decided to downgrade from the Polynesian in order to take another trip in Jan/Feb 2008. So our budget is allowing for AKL or WL. AKL has no availablity and we've booked a woods view at WL.

I'm not feeling the woodsy atmosphere as I prefer the tropical feel. Could you tell me how wonderful WL is? And for those of you who have stayed at WL and normally like the tropical atmosphere, how did you like WL?

DH is really looking forward to WL and I know how many here on the boards adore the Lodge so I'll appreciate any comments. Thank you!

Hey Karen,
How open minded are you? WL is a wonderful resort (I'm a fan, as you can tell by the dancing moose) but it is a totally different flavor the the Poly. Are you going to be constantly comparing it to the Poly?
1) It is not a monorail line so travel takes a little more time. I personally never had a problem with the transportation but if you are use to the monorail you may complain. The boat to Mk is a lovely leisurely trip. I've never waited more than 20 minutes for a boat to come. The only bus I found slow for WL was the one to DTD.
2)Woods. The lobby in the WL is breathe taking but it is about the woods. Colors are muted greens, golds maroons with lots of wood trim. The lands scapings is peaceful.
3) Pool is great, just got a major upgrade. WCC is a great restuarant, they also have Artist Pointe but I didn't eat there.

My family and I try to resort hop, even now that we are dvc members our goal is to stay at every resort. give it an honest try.

 

[momof2minnies]

The reason we won't stay at SSR again- give us OKW!

 

[Renee1061]

My DD & I just stayed at WL for the first time in April and we loved it!! But we have never stayed at the Poly, so we really can't do a comparison for you. They only way I know to explain it is that we felt like we were home. I almost cried when we had to leave. We are planning to return next June (if I can wait a whole year).

 

[ktink]

Thanks everyone. We have never stayed at the Polynesian or any other deluxe resort for that matter. This will be our first deluxe stay so I really have nothing other than pictures to compare it to. I am open minded and I'm willing to give any resort a try.

I guess my main question is... is the WL so wonderful that I won't mind that it's not a tropical feel? I know really only I will be able to answer that but does the theme at WL just take you away? I'd really love to hear all that you love about WL.

 

[DisneyFans4]

If it's the tropic feel you desire then I would suggest the Poly because it is very tropical. Even the main building is beautiful with all the tropical plants and flowers and waterfalls.

 

[Kae]

WL theming is wonderful. I have stayed at both we like WL a little better. Our reasons: all in 1 building, the lobby is so relaxing & the hot tub.

Kae

 

[Tigger714]

You will be blown away. The majesty of the grand entrance is so awesome that even if your not "into the woods theme" you will be in awe! Everything at the lodge is so meticulously designed, created, staged that you will truly feel like you have been transported to another world. We find that the ability to come back from a busy day at the world to a quiet, peaceful respite is nice. Here's just a few things I think you will enjoy...tropics or not!

We like to watch the electric water parade from the beach the first evening we get there. (or from your balcony every night)

When your enjoying the leisurely boat ride back to the lodge at night, find the face of the bear that the imagineers have created using the lights.

Get a Courtyard view room and watch the sunrise on your face in the early morning!

Enjoy watching your kids swim with the ducks in the early morning.

Sit in the rockers in front of the fireplace in the lobby and drink your cup of coffee, recounting the days activities.

**You might try downloading some of the Wilderness Lodge Music and listen to it on your way, or just a few weeks before......It might get you in the mood!***

 

[becky1960]

How about CBR, we also like WL but it does feel Northwestern. CBR is a mod and would have the Tropic feel.

 

[ktink]

Tigger714, Well your post has hyped me up! That is exactly what I was wanting to hear. Thanks so much!

becky1960, believe it or not I was actually thinking of CBR at one time but we do want to try a deluxe this stay. Having never stayed deluxe I was wondering is there that much of a difference? I guess my question would be for someone who does enjoy the tropics would I be better off at WL or CBR? Coming down to is the upgrade to deluxe via WL worth losing the feel of the tropics?

 

[FlashScout]

Just got back last night from Wilderness Lodge. Previously stayed at the Poly and visited it for while a couple of days ago. The Poly is great for transportation for MK and Epcot, view of MK fireworks, and tropical feel. However, I've seen other resorts do similar theming (though not as well) so it didn't seem that special to me.
The WL, on the other hand, transports you completely somewhere else. Each time I passed through the lobby on the way to the room, I sighed and felt like I had come home. All the neat nooks and crannies (like the fireplace on the 4th floor above the lobby entrance) where you do nothing but relax. It was hot as blazes during the day, but the kids still wanted hot chocolate by the waterfall in the morning and in the lobby rocking chairs in front of the fire in the evening.

Each person has their own preferences and I'm sure I'll visit other resorts, but I'll always compare them to the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I've stayed at WL before and while beautiful, I prefer the tropical feel also! I also enjoy the spread out type atmosphere that the Poly and moderates have. Have you considered CBR? I stayed there last year and just loved it!

 

[magicmouse2]

I prefer the tropical theme too, but maybe trying WL because of the new room decor, and I can get 2 rooms there for not much more than 1 room at the Beach Club or POLY. DH doesnt like AKL so thats out. Hes not keen on Beach Club and does not like the Poly because of the building styles.

 

[MickeyNicki]

DH is a huge tropical feel kinda guy, we go to the Bahamas alot and he is in his element there soooo his fav resorts are CBR adn POLY.

I booked our 10 year anniversary stay at the WL Dec 06 and he loved it....reason being it was totally decked out for the holidays. He said that is the place for us to go in Dec but he is dying to get into the POLY.

I on the other hand would stay at the WL any chance I get...and I love the tropics but for some reason cannot get excited about POLY

 

[kaysmommie]

I love WL! Let me just say the only other place besides disney I will even consider going on vacation is somewhere tropical. I love any in the Caribbean. Also don't mind vacationing in Florida and would love to go to Hawaii. I think WL is so relaxing and beautiful. I love it as much as Poly but prefer Poly for the monorail.

 

[ktink]

Thank you all for the replies. We will be staying at WL. DH has gotten excited about WL and the kids are thrilled about the boat ride to MK. Oh, woe is me, I guess we'll be roughing it at WL.

 

[auntie]

I don't think you will be dissapointed in the least. The WL is our favorite resort. We have stayed at the Poly..and much prefer the Lodge. We've also stayed at the Beach Club, Caribbean Beach, and the cabins in FW. The WL is is breath taking...the lobby is gorgeous. It is also MUCH newer than the Poly.(Some will say it has a sort of 70's look..as it was built in then) WL is just as nice as the one at the Poly..it also offers a hot tub, that the Poly doesn't. The themed rockscaped pool is on Bay Lake..same as Poly. You will experience the same nightly water pagent. We especially like that the resort is in one U shaped building. This is especially convenient when the weather is bad. If you are in a long house(at the Poly)..you need to leave it to go outside to go back inside to access the monorail or Ceremonial House. There are so many attributes to the WL they are almost too numerous to list. Just know that I wouldn't consider it "downgrading". It is a Deluxe resort that accomodates 4 per room instead of 5. That's basically the difference in my opinion. If you don't have 5 people that you need to accomodate..it's a non issue. We have recently returned from a stay at the WL..my family wouldn't stay elsewhere.

 

[ktink]

I don't think you will be dissapointed in the least. The WL is our favorite resort. We have stayed at the Poly..and much prefer the Lodge. We've also stayed at the Beach Club, Caribbean Beach, and the cabins in FW. The WL is is breath taking...the lobby is gorgeous. It is also MUCH newer than the Poly.(Some will say it has a sort of 70's look..as it was built in then) WL is just as nice as the one at the Poly..it also offers a hot tub, that the Poly doesn't. The themed rockscaped pool is on Bay Lake..same as Poly. You will experience the same nightly water pagent. We especially like that the resort is in one U shaped building. This is especially convenient when the weather is bad. If you are in a long house(at the Poly)..you need to leave it to go outside to go back inside to access the monorail or Ceremonial House. There are so many attributes to the WL they are almost too numerous to list. Just know that I wouldn't consider it "downgrading". It is a Deluxe resort that accomodates 4 per room instead of 5. That's basically the difference in my opinion. If you don't have 5 people that you need to accomodate..it's a non issue. We have recently returned from a stay at the WL..my family wouldn't stay elsewhere.

Thank you for taking the time to post this! I had never thought about it like that. My kids are very excited about the boat ride and are hoping we can be the Flag Family. I've come across several great reviews and I'm now looking forward to staying at WL.

 

[Sammie]

Even though the Polynesian was built in the 70's it definitely does not have a
70's style and was recently completely renovated. The style is pure Polynesian.

As to whether WL will appeal to a tropics person, it will if you can appreciate it for what it is, Wilderness upscale and not the tropics. It is the only Disney resort without a single Palm tree.

They are both great resorts just very different. WL appeals to me greatly in the colder months, but not during the summer, 100 degrees outside and roaring fireplaces do not appeal to me.

Enjoy your stay and be sure and let us know if the tropics gal can sometimes be a Wilderness Gal.

 

[Mouse511]

We love the WL. The resort is gorgeous and the lobby is stunning. The transportation was quick and convenient, plus it's nice to have the option of taking the boat to MK. You won't be disappointed with this resort