WL vs. Pop Century

[Bangerang]

Can anyone who has stayed at the WL/WLV and the Pop Century/Value Resorts share their pro and cons experience?

My extended family (13+) is putting together a magical gathering to cheer on runners in the 2005 marathon. I REALLY want to stay at WL but due to cost most are looking at Pop Century.

In the past, I have stayed at Disney Institute (2000) and OKW (1996) and loved it. We would like to keep the whole family together but I have concerns over some the things I have heard about the value resorts (thin walls, small beds, lots of noise).

Can anyone share experiences about the following (or anything else).

Walks from rooms to transportation sights. We want to take it easy on post marathoner.

Transportation waits and drive time to parks and back. Will be hauling along a 2 year old.

General room/resort experience.

Thanks for your help!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I have stayed at both Resorts and you can't really compare them...two totally different experiences. If we are going down and I can't get a good rate at WL I will book a night or two at Pop, while the Pop is fun it is a value resort.

Other then one is a Deluxe $$$ and the other is a Vaule a few of the differances are listed below:

Pop Century
1.)The beds are double...
2.)The resort is much larger Pop has 2,880 rooms.
3.)While the bus route is dedicated to just Pop there are many more guest sharing the buses.
4.)No sit down restaurants just the food court.
5.)Rooms are 260 square feet,

Wilderness Lodge
1.)Queen size beds
2.)Small resort that is very self-contained 728 rooms
3.)Has direct transportaion via large boat to MK the boat also serves Ft. Wilderness Campgraound, Shares bus route with one additional resort on my last stay this was The Grand Floridian.
4.)Has two sit-down restaurants one family stye, and a very high-end, a snack bar that is open for breakfats, lunch and dinner. Plus In-Room Dining.
5.)Rooms are 340 square feet.

I have enjoyed staying at both Pop and Wilderness Lodge.
I am sure your family will have a great time which ever Resort stay at.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

Have you thought about staying in a FW Cabin? They sleep about 6-8max. They al have kitchens and outdoor grills. Only one bathroom though......

 

[julybride]

If your concerns are proximity to transportation and the parks I would vote for WL.

WL is a compact resort - so you won't be far from bus stops, boat launches, food court, etc.

WL has a boat launch to MK. This is one of the reasons it was our first choice when we began planning our trip with our little ones.

Also, for the post-marothoners - the beds are queens vs doubles at PC.

JMO, for what it's worth.

 

[Bangerang]

Having visited WL on a previous visit, we kind of know what to expect. When you say "two totally different experiences"...how different do you mean?

Right now, all we have to base it on is our stays at OKW & DI.

 

[disneyag]

Comparing those two hotels is not comparing apples to apples. Yes, they are both Disney hotels onsite, but WL is deluxe and PC is Value. If interior hallways, larger rooms, queen sized beds, and sit down restaurants are important to you, then the WL should be your choice. If you are looking for a new experience, or a larger bargain, then go with PC. Although we prefer Deluxe hotels, we are happy to just be at Disney!!