Port Orleans Riverside or Wilderness Lodge

[Rheenah]

Hi, I've stayed at POR Twice before(Mansions and Bayou), but am considering taking advantage of the great buy 4 get 3 rates to try something new. Is WL worth the $$ for the upgrade, or should I stick with the safe choice that I know that I like? The other option is to go all out and stay at the Polynesian. Again, is it worth the $$? Our travel party is ages 51, 49, 26, 25, and 9. We will be going in early August. TIA

[Drince88]

Why do you think you might not like Wilderness Lodge? I'm all for trying new things - but are you all going to be in one room? I'm not sure which Deluxes allow 5 in the rooms, but the Alligator Bayou portion of POR is the only non-suite moderate that does, and I'm pretty sure Wilderness Lodge rooms are a bit bigger, so that would be good.

If you can swing it, I say go for it!

[anniedg]

WL rooms only sleep 4. You'd have to go with a suite to all fit I think. That said, if you were going to get two rooms anyway, I say go for it if it's in the budget. I'm a big POR fan, but we got to stay at WL once and it's gorgeous! I'd jump at the chance to stay there again.

[Rheenah]

We'd planned on two rooms. I had read some horrible reviews about mold in WR bathrooms and delivery trucks at 4 am.

[danyoung]

I really think it all depends on money, and how willing you are to spend for extra conveniences. When it all comes down to it, even the values provide a clean room, bed & bathroom. I'm a bigtime moderate user, and have stayed in them all at least once. But if I've got a few extra coins to spend, I do enjoy the deluxe, if the rate is good. I recently stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for around $140/night if I remember correctly. It was nice, but I'd never stay at the book rate of over $200/night. And the big premiums that bill over $300/night? Not a chance without a great discount. You decide.

All of that said, the WL is a great resort in a really great location. It's one of the few Disney hotels that I have yet to experience, but I hope to someday soon.

[dsnyredhead]

Wilderness Lodge. We've never had a bad experience there yet.

[GusMan]

We'd planned on two rooms. I had read some horrible reviews about mold in WR bathrooms and delivery trucks at 4 am.
I believe they have Jr Suites that sleep 6. That may be something to look into.

As for Mousekeeping type of issues, quite simply... if you see something that might be a problem - point it out. Go down to the front desk and let them know immediately.

At the same time, if there were many reports of Mousekeeping issues, I am sure you would see it mentioned here often.

[Samrain]

Hi Rheenah - we were literally in the same position a few months ago - we were back and forth between POFQ (we've stayed there before and loved it!) and WL. We had budgeted enough money for POFQ, but when the 7 for 4 deal was extended, WL ended up being very close to the same cost so that sealed the deal.

You may want to consider availability too - I know they only reserve so many rooms on the 7 for 4 deal (based on room size, bunk beds, view, etc...) and if you have a preference, availability may be a factor. We wanted a "woods view" w/out bunk beds at WL, but when I called the first time, the only thing they had available for the 7 for 4 deal was courtyard view w/ bunk beds - a (more expensive) difference of a little over $400 which I wasn't willing to spend. Luckily what we wanted was available when I called back later, but we wouldn't have booked at WL if it wasn't available.

[Mrs. GusMan]

I'd go for WL. It has a wonderful theme throughout. The rocking chairs in front of the fireplace just take you to another place of relaxation and true vacation feel. The pool area is awesome with a great slide for the 9 year old. There is a cool hidden mickey adventure there as well!

Go for it!

[skodousek]

I would definitely choose WL. Don't be too afraid of the negative reviews; people who have had a negative experience are more likely to voice their opinions/concerns than those who had a positive experience. :)