So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!).

But how do you choose between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Choosing between the Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Floridian, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.

Common Ground

Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks. They both have close proximity to the Magic Kingdom! And both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations.

For the Wilderness Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $453 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $1,740 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)

For the Grand Floridian, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $780 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,502 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

Wow. In the cheapest room, during the cheapest season, Wilderness Lodge is about 60% less than the Grand Floridian! And for those more expensive options, it’s about 70% less than the Grand Floridian! Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!

Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests

Theme/Rooms

These are not your standard hotels. You can stay in the Victorian grandeur of the Grand Floridian or “rough it” in the woods of this Pacific Northwest-styled Wilderness Lodge. But whether your stay takes you into the Flagship Disney World resort or into the rustic ambiance of a national forest cabin, you’ll find that both of these options provide top-of-the-line Disney amenities.

Grand Floridian

Cross the threshold of Disney World’s flagship resort into the Victorian age of high tea, dressing for dinner, and gloved-hands with pinkies-out. The lobby and restaurants are grandiose and luxurious, almost to the point of making guests reflect on imposter syndrome rather than a welcoming presence. The meticulous grounds and pristine white buildings with their brilliant red-tiled roofs definitely provide that grand allure you’d expect from a flagship resort.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays), but it seems like Disney blew the budget on the common areas, and then tightened the purse strings on the room sitch. There are some very nice, and perfectly adequate furnishings, but the rooms themselves just don’t scream lavish.

The Grand Floridian standard rooms haven’t seen the TLC that the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, there’s hope out there that the Grand Floridian rooms will be up soon for the next room renovation, but in the meantime, the Grand Floridian rooms don’t quite deliver for the price tag assigned to them.

Wilderness Lodge

Welcome to the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Towering redwoods, pristine free-flowing creeks, artifacts, and monuments to American history and its inhabitants. The inspiration for this resort is pulled from various lodges and resorts of the national parks like Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park. Guests feel nature’s full majesty once they enter the grand lobby, soaring ceilings, the massive 82-foot tall Grand Canyon-inspired fireplace, and 55-foot totem poles.

And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays).

The Wilderness Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic.

Wilderness Lodge also has two different Disney Vacation Club accommodations, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, which include villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room cabins overlooking Bay Lake.

Some of these cabins face the Contemporary Resort and may provide some obstructed views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Results

This could boil down to your preference. Are you looking for a luxurious resort that feels glamorous and Victorian? Or would you prefer to feel like you’re in the middle of the grand national parks? Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes, but when it comes down to rooms, the Wilderness Lodge may have the edge for that fully immersive experience. Though you may enjoy some of the Mary Poppins touches that have been added to some of the Grand Floridian rooms.

PHOTOS: The Halls at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Are DECKED Out for Christmas!

Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools as well: the Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool. And though both pools are pretty, the most memorable experience might be at the Mad Hatter splash pad.

And because it’s the Grand Floridian, and sophisticated luxury is this resort’s brand, there are plenty of poolside lounge chairs and cabanas available to rent for the day as you relax by the pool and nosh on some peeled-grapes and sip on some sweet tea, like we’re sure Victorian-age vacationers did back in the day.

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge brings its A-game to the pool smackdown; it hosts two pools as well: the Copper Creek Pool and the Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a natural spring. Copper Creek is the main pool, complete with a water slide and the Copper Creek splash area.

Copper Creek pool overlooks the serene Bay Lake and resort-iconic geyser, Fire Rock Geyser, which spouts off every hour on the hour between 7AM and 10PM. But they will turn it off for inclement weather or on particularly windy days. Boulder Ridge pool is a quieter pool closer to the Boulder Ridge section of the resort with rusticly themed cabanas and close proximity to the Geyser Point Bar & Grill. And don’t sleep on Geyser Point. It’s a destination-worthy eatery with amazing burgers, queso, and unique cocktails, all in a serene atmosphere.

Results

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Wilderness Lodge because the theming is so picturesque, and the proximity to Geyser Point and its fare is so handy!

Food

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

Grand Floridian

Beaches Pool Bar and Courtyard Pool Bar provide fixes for your hunger without ever leaving either of the Grand Floridian’s pools.

Grand Floridian is home to two Signature dining restaurants, Citricos and Narcoossee’s.  Citricos is an upscale restaurant serving American dishes with Mediterranean influences. Reserve the Chef’s Domain for a private table and specially prepared menu. Narcoossee’s, another Signature Dining restaurant, specializes in seafood. This beautiful, Victorian-inspired building sits ashore on the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering dramatic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Enchanted Rose Bar and Lounge is inspired by the live-action Beauty and the Beast film. Guests can indulge in gourmet bites and crafted cocktails while enjoying any one of the four themed rooms.

Garden View Tea Room hasn’t yet reopened, but when it does, it offers Afternoon Tea with delicious finger sandwiches, pastries, cheese, and fruit. The beautiful view, elegant atmosphere, and fine china make this an exquisite experience.

Gasparilla Island Grill is a counter service restaurant with a standard food court menu, and it is open for guests 24-hours a day. Dine outdoors overlooking the Marina (with a view of Cinderella Castle) when the weather permits.

The more casual Table Service options at the Grand Floridian are 1900 Park Fare and Grand Floridian Cafe. 1900 Park Fare, when it reopens, provides popular character dining experiences! At breakfast, guests are entertained by Mary Poppins and friends while the young and young-at-heart feast on Mickey waffles. Dinner is a more stately affair hosted by Cinderella and Prince Charming. Grand Floridian Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an airy, casual setting. You’ll find American fare being served at your table overlooking the hotel’s elegant courtyard.

Victoria and Albert’s is a AAA Five Diamond Award winner offering an exclusive dining experience. This Signature Dining restaurant pampers guests with personalized menus, dedicated servers, and long-stemmed roses.

A Chef’s Table is also available to those who’d like to experience the most exclusive dining experience in Disney World. Also, the Queen Victoria Room is available for a bit more privacy.

Join Us For a Meal at Disney World’s Most EXTRAVAGANT Restaurant — Victoria & Albert’s

Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge has five dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill is located near the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — it’s a unique space in that it offers two different kinds of service for guests… all in one cozy and lovely setting.

It blends two different dining styles (a Table Service lounge and a Quick Service walk-up counter) and two different menus. The Featured Cocktail list at the lounge boasts beverages unique to Geyser Point, featuring spirits from Northwest distilleries in keeping with the theme of the Resort. Hearty appetizers can be ordered from the lounge as well, while full entrees are available at the connected Counter Service.

The open-air restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views and a fireplace for cool evenings.

Formerly a signature restaurant, Artist Point’s setting and menu have been entirely transformed with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme for a different experience. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a Character Meal at Disney World’s beautiful Wilderness Lodge! Guests enjoy a prix-fixe meal and can look forward to Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy stopping by throughout the dinner. And The Evil Queen is even present for a unique photo opportunity.

Shhh…..don’t tell anyone our secret. Territory Lounge is one of our favorite hidden gems at Disney World!  If your idea of a good lounge is one with cozy seating, specialty cocktails (as well as beer and even wine flights), and some of the best lounge eats on Walt Disney World property, then Territory Lounge is your place.

Boasting its own unique menu of lounge noshes, the Disney Food Blog gives it a hearty thumbs-up. You’ll enjoy items like Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie, Oregon Chardonnay Fondue, and even a Cobbler if you’re in the mood for dessert. The Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a light dinner and drinks with friends in an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting.

Hearty comfort food in a warm, rustic setting…. Welcome to Roaring Fork! Roaring Fork offers a variety of stick-to-your-ribs entrees and counter service basics (along with grab-and-go options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a serene atmosphere, with seating both indoors and out.

Guests will even find specialty coffee drinks available, and fans of Disney cupcakes will often find some really fun and unique options here that change with the seasons.

The other Table Service option at the Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge is one of Disney World’s “funnest” restaurants ! With a crew of wayward servers with their minds made up to make you laugh and all-you-can-eat down home grub served skillet-style (guests may also choose from a la carte selections), this restaurant is a great one to book for a casual good time — especially if you’re with a group!

Whispering Canyon is renowned for its raucous hijinks like wooden pony races, massive straw drops, and tables overloaded with ketchup bottles. It is one of Disney’s dining options that put the fun front-and-center, and also provides some consistently tasty eats.

Review: Why Aren’t ALL Disney World Breakfast Foods Mickey-Shaped? Asking For a Friend.

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you’re in the market for fine dining, then the Grand Floridian is for you with Citricos, Narcoossee’s (when it reopens), and the poshest of posh at Victoria & Albert’s.

Grand Floridian edges out Wilderness Lodge in the food category. Grand Floridian is the ultimate act in cuisine versatility from that epic mac and cheese at Gasparilla Island Grill to a multi-course culinary extravaganza at Victoria & Alberts. Now, you won’t regret any meals at Wilderness Lodge, either. But in this culinary showdown, the Grand Flo takes home the title.

Transportation

Do these deluxe resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is also on the Monorail loop. It’s the second stop after the Polynesian on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is also a boat option to sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. You can also get your steps in by strolling the walkway over to Magic Kingdom. Though this resort is closer to the Magic Kingdom than the Polynesian, that walk is still about 15-20 minutes.

If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.

If EPCOT is your park for the day, the easiest option is to board a Disney bus and head over. If you want to take the Monorail, you can but you’d have to walk through the Polynesian resort, over to the Transportation & Ticketing Center to catch that Monorail, resulting in a 15-20 minute walk, and that doesn’t include waiting for the monorail. Or you can hop on the Monorail at the Grand Floridian and ride it past Magic Kingdom, past the Contemporary, and then transfer to the EPCOT Loop Monorail once you get to the Transportation and Ticketing Center, but that does add more time and complication to your already busy morning.

Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge is not on the Monorail loop. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is boat transportation that sails through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. There is also a bus option at peak times or when the weather doesn’t permit boat travel.

If EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.

Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to rely primarily on bus transportation for the free option to navigate around Disney property, though ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.

Results

These Magic Kingdom area resorts are both deluxe and some of the best of what Disney has to offer in terms of luxury and amenities. The Grand Floridian is the winner of the Food and Transportation categories, and interestingly winning both categories by the number of options and how iconic those options are.

And Wilderness Lodge has taken home the categories of the Theme and Pools. The Wilderness Lodge is a triumph of Imagineering and Disney storytelling, stepping into this resort transports guests to a rustic lodge of the classic national parks and relaxing by natural springs, lakes, and creeks.

But do beauty and storytelling beat out food variety and convenience? And when it comes to price (the unspoken comparison), the Wilderness Lodge is significantly cheaper! So, which one is the clear winner?

Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip

The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the Grand Floridian vs. Wilderness Lodge battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The Grand Floridian may seem like a clear choice because of its iconic Disney experiences and convenient transportation, but that price tag can be daunting when compared to Wilderness Lodge. If you’re looking for that serene escape from the stimulation of Disney parks while staying in the magic and being immersed in the tranquility of nature, the Wilderness Lodge might be the oasis you seek.

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Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023

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What do you think? Is the Grand Floridian or Wilderness Lodge better? Let us know in the comments!

The post Grand Floridian vs. Wilderness Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.