I think Port Orleans Riverside is the most "Disney" of the moderates and I enjoy it in general, however I LOVE the Wilderness Lodge. It's one of my favorite resorts. Obviously if they cost the same I would stay at WL, but given the price difference which would you guys pick?
The advantages of WL are mainly the theming, the activities and the proximity to the MK. POR has good theming too and is considerably cheaper. What's you guys' thinking?
I like POR a LOT--I think it's a really pretty resort and fun to stay at. WL is very grand, and just an amazing experience.
There's about a $100 difference per night in cost ($149 for POR during value season, $240 for WL during value season), and, over a week's stay, that's nearing $1000 with taxes.
I'd say WL is a clear winner in terms of themeing, location, and overall enjoyment of stay, but $1000 is a huge hit. It's up to you what $1000 is worth to you.
For me I get to go rarely enough that I want to "maximize" my experience. But I think generally the moderates really don't leave me feeling that much less enthused about my trip. Moreover I really like long Disney trips, so if I can go for 12 days at a moderate instead of 7 days at a deluxe, that's really compelling. I think both are awesome and it depends on your preferred length. The longer you want to stay the more I think the cost savings weighs in.
I have to weigh in on this one! POR is great, but you just can't beat WL! It's one of the best deluxe resorts on property, and for the added cost of about $100 per night, you get a truly magical experience.
WL has so many more amenities, and the feel really is one of a Northwest Lodge, whereas, with POR (as great as it is!), you can still feel like you're in a hotel in Florida.
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2010 Beach Club Resort
2005 Port Orleans Riverside
2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2007 Wilderness Lodge
2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2009 CBR/Polynesian
I have to weigh in on this one! POR is great, but you just can't beat WL! It's one of the best deluxe resorts on property, and for the added cost of about $100 per night, you get a truly magical experience.WL has so many more amenities, and the feel really is one of a Northwest Lodge, whereas, with POR (as great as it is!), you can still feel like you're in a hotel in Florida.
Somehow it is not surprising that Space Ace went with WL. Something tipped me off that it might go that way.
See, I think $100 per night is a lot of money. Over the course of a week, that's almost 2 new annual passes!
POR is a great resort (though I think I would choose CSR over POR), and for a savings of almost a grand, I'll choose POR.
May 2008 CSR 
See, I think $100 per night is a lot of money. Over the course of a week, that's almost 2 new annual passes!POR is a great resort (though I think I would choose CSR over POR), and for a savings of almost a grand, I'll choose POR.
I think you have to decide on the type of trip you want. Sometimes I like the idea of saving money on the room and having the lessened financial burden increase my enjoyment. Sometime it's a "treat" and I just want to max out everything. Anyone else have these two "modes," or do you guys just do it the same way all the time?
I've gotta vote for Wilderness Lodge, but that's probably just because we were just there and I'm missing it
POR is great, and there's nothing better than getting a cup of coffee and wandering around that resort in the morning. It's just beautiful. Plus, the food court is great and you've got Piano Bob (well, as soon as he returns from surgery, you've got Piano Bob!). 