WL or Port Orleans Riverside

[Toad2]

We have always stayed at the old Dixie Landings resort and love it. Recently to save money, we tried one of the All-Stars. It was OK, but the food court in the morning was a bit too crazy for old-timers if you know what I mean. Rooms were fine - we spent very little time there.

Our next trip in the fall we will be four adults (women). While Dixie remains our fave resort, we are wondering about some of the deluxe resorts. While we don't need to go to the other extreme to save money on this trip, I stll can't see paying top dollar when we are rarely in the room but to sleep and shower.
Wilnderness Lodge seems like the least expensive of the deluxe resorts. While I am not concerned about recent posts concerning lost "magic" I just want to know is it good value for the money?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I remember that this question was asked once before and I was definitely in the minority opinion. Stay with POR (DH insists it's still Dixie Landings to him!) How I came about this choice-stayed at WL in 1994 (yes, right after it opened). 1995-needed to save money so stayed at Dixie Landings. 1996-Yay! More money-back to WL. Then chose to go back to Dixie from then on. Dixie Landings was quieter (that lobby at WL can seem loud and bustling), bus transportation seemed more direct, prefered the availability of the big food court to grab more affordable food. Yet, compared to All-Stars, I agree-it's well worth the extra money to stay at POR. Just my opinion.

 

[wld]

We normally stay at the moderates but upgraded to WL for an anniversary trip. Was it worth the money? In a word NO and I wouldn't do it again.
Now the Swan on the other hand......

 

[woody5]

I think it all depends on what you want from the resort. We have stayed at both of these. I personally liked WL better. It was quieter and closer to the MK. I like having inside doors and hallways. I didn't feel as though we used all of the amenities that the deluxe resorts have to offer. We too use the room for mostly sleeping and some swimming at the pool. The WL is not quite a deluxe compared to others but more than a moderate. When we went in August 2002, our room rate was $129 per night. I thought that was a great deal. The moderates were $85 per night. Good luck deciding.

 

[Kimberle]

WL all the way baby!!! It's a wonderful resort! We loved loved loved our stay!!!

Don't let 1 persons sour grapes spoil you!

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by woody5
The WL is not quite a deluxe compared to others but more than a moderate.

Oh no, it is a DELUXE all the way!!!!

 

[lindamg]

I don't think anything that has been posted so far is a matter of sour grapes. Different resorts appeal to different people. I would say consider what you want from your trip and choose which resort is best for you. My husband and I LOVE Wilderness Lodge, but we will also stay at a moderate just as often, if not more. Riverside is a lovely moderate. The boat ride to Downtown Disney is great, and if you plan on spending time at DTD, Riverside is a plus. Also, the food court at Riverside offers many more choices that the fast food place at WL.

On the other hand, when hubby and I want to spend less time in the parks, WL is for us. We find the grounds and the balcony very relaxing and romantic. We love to sit in front of one of the fireplaces and relax. We sit on our balcony and watch the courtyard below. The place to refill your drinks is closer than at Riverside and if we are spending time in the room, we appreciate that. We also love the boat ride to MK - it might be a little slower, but we're not in a rush. We've never had a major problem with the bus transportation. We are Floridians, so going to WL is like being able to leave the state of Florida without having to travel too far.

Decide how you want to spend your vacation and pick the resort that works best for you.

Linda

 

[Toad2]

Thans for everyones replies. It really could go either way. I love Dixie, but now realize the beds are doubles not queens. This was never an issue before as we were only two. This trip we'll be sharing beds ( 4 sisters (2 sets)). I love my sister and have shared beds with her in the past, but we're both a lot bigger now so we may have to opt for WL just for the extra few inches on the beds!!

Thanks again everyone!!