Yacht Club or Wilderness Lodge?

[Ashley Marie]

I'm now looking at the possibility of a last-minute summer stay, and YC garden view and WL courtyard view rates are comparable. I'm a bit behind on what's going on with refurb/construction -- trying to play catch-up on the threads here. Meanwhile, which would you choose?

We have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, so we'd spend more time at MK. On the other hand, we'd want a decent amount of pool time in this heat, and there's Stormalong Bay.

 

[kcpinwdw]

Both are great choices, but if you plan on lots of MK time I would go with WL. IT's not stormalong bay but the pool is really nice. Construction at WL is pretty much wrapping up. YC is still getting rooms redone but it is not that intrusive, and I think the QS place is open or opening very soon. I have stayed at both in recent past. Have a good trip!

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm now looking at the possibility of a last-minute summer stay, and YC garden view and WL courtyard view rates are comparable. I'm a bit behind on what's going on with refurb/construction -- trying to play catch-up on the threads here. Meanwhile, which would you choose?

We have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, so we'd spend more time at MK. On the other hand, we'd want a decent amount of pool time in this heat, and there's Stormalong Bay.

My choice would be the WL. We haven't stayed at YC (have stayed at BC ), but we love everything about the WL. I agree with the pp that if you will be spending a lot of time at MK, the WL would be nice and convenient with 2 little ones. We love the MK area and prefer it to the Epcot area, but you really can't go wrong with either one. Good luck deciding, have a great trip .

 

[KrazeeK120]

I've stayed at both and it's a close call, but based on the makeup of your party, I'd go with WL. The boat ride to MK is a lot of fun! My toddler (18 months at the time) absolutely loved this resort. We are going to try out AKL next year, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay at WL again. But if you go with YC, I think you'll be pleased as well. I just think WL is a little more kid friendly.

 

[pinkxray]

WL for sure. Stormalong Bay was overwhelming to me. I would save that for when the kids are a bit older (although some people really like the sand area and small slides for the young kids) Also once they are older you might spend less time at MK and more time at EPCOT/DHS

I really liked the pool at WL plus they have a cute kids water area now. The boat ride is quick to the MK and relaxing.

 

[MHDTS]

WL would be our choice -- it's a lovely setting and the lagoon and boat rides are fun.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The YC room refurb is just about finished. The new rooms look great. Storm Along Bay has a wonderful shallow, sandy pool area for kids. The kids meals at Hurricane Hanna come in a plastic pail with shovel. There is also a small slide and pool on the lake side of the pirate slide. There are a lot of chairs and tables in the shade near the kids pool. The YC is convenient to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is an 8 minute walk to the International Gateway and a 20 minute boat ride to DHS. The buses share with the BC and the YC is the first stop. This is a nice place to stay.

The Wilderness Lodge has opened it's new villas pool and it has a zero entry. The pool area looks really nice. The main pool at the WL has a slide and a wonderful kids' splash area. There is a really nice restaurant on the shore called Geyser Point bar and Grill. The construction is finished and the DVC section of the resort is set to open on July 17th. The boat to MK is great. This is a real plus for this resort. The bus to MK takes about five minutes. The WL bus for Disney Springs, AK and DHS will share with CR. The bus to Epcot shares with Fort Wilderness. This is a really nice resort and one of our favorites.

Both of these resorts are good places to stay and you can't make a bad choice.

 

[MrToadsWildRide]

These two resorts are quite different.

The Yacht Club (while tastefully decorated) makes you feel out of place, unless you're dressed like Thurston Howell III headed out on a 3 hour tour. Dressing like Lovey doesn't help, this is definitely Thurston's club. (though it does look nice at Christmas)

The Wilderness Lodge has a great, rustic (and somewhat majestic) camping feel. Without the camping. Very comfy feeling.

The Yacht Club has Stormalong Bay. (thanks Beach Club!) The uncontested pool champion of Disney World, with the only 5 Trident ranking. This was the first pool that Disney had to fence in, to keep out non-hotel guests. (that happened years ago) Three pools that are laid out like aquatic puzzle pieces. The family pool, with a huge slide, swim in-out whirlpool, big play area with afternoon activities. The adult-ish pool, where there are sections deeper than the average tourist. And the diaper pool. (nuff said) All with artificial sand bottom.

The Wilderness Lodge has boat (and bus) access to the Magic Kingdom. Arguably a nicer experience than a bus. Though I'm not sure it's any faster. The bus system (especially at MK) has gotten fairly efficient. Though I've never tried to get on the boat after the fireworks exit stampede, as compared to the bus.

The Yacht Club has walk-in access to the Epcot, where you can see Illuminations without rubbing tattoos with +90,000 of your closest friends.

The Wilderness Lodge has the Water Parade/pageant/barge thing. A short, but nice relaxing (quieter) option to fireworks.

The Yacht Club does have the whole Boardwalk experience, which can make for a nice stroll around the evening. Plus, you can see Coney Island Chris, one of Disney World's greatest entertainers.

Both are nice hotels. But if you want to beat the heat and swim every day, Stormalong Bay will not disappoint.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We love both resorts, but WL is one of our favorites!

Stormalong Bay is nice, but it is HUGE, and tough to keep track if you have multiple kids with varying swimming abilities.

We had a July stay at WL and spent a lot of time in their pool and it was wonderful.

 

[nyy]

We have not stayed at YC, but have stayed Courtyard View at WL. I agree with many others that WL is awesome! However, just a note about Courtyard View, the canyon echoes and amplifies the sound of the pool. Normally, this is fine as you also hear the rushing water from the spring.
During the afternoon pool parties, they use a microphone to ask trivia, play music, and lead activities. The sound can be heard in the rooms with the sliding glass doors shut. This isn't a deal breaker, but just an FYI if your kids take afternoon naps. You could always just play soft music. We were on the 7th floor and could definitely hear it.
Also, you might already know this but many Standard View rooms at WL (higher floors) have an MK fireworks view. We could see the tops of the fireworks from our Courtyard balcony but obviously the other half of the building was in the way. Still awesome, though!
If you want to swim in the afternoons, they now have 2 great pools to choose from!

 

[loves to dive]

YC is my favorite resort on property and always my first choice to stay at but given the make up of your family and the fact that you will be spending a lot of time at MK, I think WL is your best bet. Yes, the pool at YC is great but there is a pool at WL and some pretty good dining options. Now if you are planning on spending more time at Epcot or HS, go YC.

 

[Ashley Marie]

Thank you for all the thoughtful replies! Though I haven't stayed at YC and we only tacked on a night or two at WL once (when it was not really warm enough to swim), I'm pretty familiar with the vibe at each place. But it's nice to see others' opinions and all the pros and cons laid out.

 

[Ashley Marie]

I saw Copper Creek deluxe studio pop up at 25% off and just went for it. Looks like we'll be staying there just a couple weeks after CCV officially opens. So excited!

Now on to planning a surprise vacation in only two weeks.

 

[HopperFan]

WL