POFQ vs. Wilderness Lodge

My Husband, 8 y/o son and I will be at WDW June 1st - 8th and are scheduled to stay at POFQ. I am wondering if we should upgrade to WL for $500 more. We like to travel and this will more than likely be our only disney trip. I have read the UNOFFICAL guide and Mom%26#39;s Panel and still am not sure.

What are the pros and cons?

We have 2 evening meals at Whispering Canyon and Chef Mickey%26#39;s scheduled in the evening with the dining plan.

Is the boat really quicker to get to Magic Kindgom.

How is the WL bus to get to Epcot, DisneyHS and AK?

I am wondering if the Wow of the theming is worth the upgrade.

We hate to shop so really don%26#39;t need to go downtown disney unless my son hears about the TREX cafe.

I have been to New Orleans twice and Yellowstone one and Yellowstone is WAY better and loved Old Faithful lodge. but I am cheap.

What is the differene in the rooms and service.

Sorry for the flight of ideas

POFQ vs. Wilderness Lodge

POFQ is Lovely, WL is Wow

If the budget can handle it, it is a great up-grade

The WL is Beautiful and relaxing. The Baot ride to Magic Kingdom is quite nice and quicker then taking the Bus and Bus transport to the other Parks works well ( the WL doesn%26#39;t share service with anyother Resort )

Having a Balcony is an added bonus of space and the views are quite nice. The Beach is also another nice feature as are the Pools and Hot Tubs

Service from Cast Members has always been outstanding, IMO.

I do like it quite alot, can you tell ? I only stayed there once last year but I%26#39;m booked to stay twice this year, I like it that much :)

www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/wildlodge.htm

POFQ vs. Wilderness Lodge

Well, for me, the $500 cost difference would be too much of a price difference to justify that upgrade, but if you are willing to do it, I think you will love the Wilderness Lodge so much better.

I%26#39;ve been to Yellowstone and the Old Faithful Lodge as well, and the Wilderness Lodge will remind you of it in many ways, only more modern. The courtyard area and pool area are really beautiful.

The rooms at W.L. are much larger than at F.Q. and the resort is more ';compact'; with all the rooms in one huge building vs many different buildings spread out across the campus.

If I could afford it, I%26#39;d stay at Wilderness. Your son may enjoy staying in one of the bunk bed rooms: one queen bed and one set of bunks. Not all rooms have these; you%26#39;d have to request it.

If price is no object, definitely WL.

The boat is fast. We went over to the WL to eat at Whispering Canyon and I thought it would take some time to get a boat. It was fast withen minutes we were on the boat. While heading over there another boat was already heading to drop off and pick up more guests.

Whispering Canyon was our favorite restaurant.

The resort has the WoW factor. I now have it in my head I have to stay there one day.

Having stayed at the Moderates, you really can not compare them to the deluxe resorts.

If you can afford it right now, then I would jump in.

Thanks for the feedback,

I had my husband review the info on the moderate vs. WL or AKL.We are going to upgrade to a deluxe resort. I think the buses may be less congested and less stops which he would like. The WOW of the lodges will be amazing! My son is an animal nut! This year he wants a topographical map of Africa for the design. I think AKL is the way to go and enjoy the 7 nights we have at WDW. So many choices.

Thanks for the help and more questions to come.

We stayed at Wilderness in November. It was lovely -- a very relaxing respite from the parks. The cast members were very nice. The onsite shop was convenient and well-stocked with simple groceries. We had a microwave and refrigerator and had breakfast in the room.

The bus service was the only downside. Our bus did stop at Wilderness Campground and at another resort. It seemed like it took forever to get anywhere. The boat service was very fast. I%26#39;d consider taking the boat next time to MK, then going from there.

The trip previous to that we stayed at AKL. If I had to choose between the two for only one experience, I%26#39;d choose AKL. It%26#39;s just so different from anything else you%26#39;re likely to find. Just make sure the animals are going to be there. On our trip we didn%26#39;t know they%26#39;d been removed. But it was still spectacular. The pool was amazing and the theme incredible. We had interesting talks with Africans working there.

Have a great time!