Hi Robyn,
How exciting to be planning your first trip to Walt Disney World. You are choosing between two wonderful resorts, and I do not think that you can make a wrong decision!
Disney's Wilderness Lodge has an amazing ambiance of a Northwestern National Park Lodge. Especially in the winter, I find this resort to be cozy and inviting.
Disney's Contemporary Resort is sleek and modern and is truly contemporary, with the monorail running right through the fourth-floor concourse!
If I was choosing between these two resorts, I would choose Disney's Contemporary Resort. I know that you mentioned that it costs more; however, my choice would be based mainly on convenience. From Disney's Wilderness Lodge, you can take bus transportation to locations across Walt Disney World, and you can also take a boat to Magic Kingdom. Disney's Contemporary Resort also has a boat to the Magic Kingdom, or you can ride the monorail or even walk! Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is absolutely wonderful. My family even loves the walk back at night - after viewing the fireworks, we can be back in your room and ready for bed so quickly! The monorail access is also wonderful. This gives you quick access to and from both Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
I also really enjoy the feeling at Disney's Contemporary Resort. It was one of the original resorts at Walt Disney World, so it has great history! Be sure to check out
Contempo Cafe if you stay there, which is in my opinion one of the best quick-service locations around.
Again, this is my opinion and I am sure that you will have a great stay at either resort. Please do let us know if you have any further questions, Robyn!