Hi Samantha! The Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World have such wonderful theming, and the Wilderness Lodge is no exception! The resort has a rustic, Old West feel. I think the
online pictures are a fair representation of the rooms there. They are darker and smaller than the big, bright, and cheery rooms at the Beach Club Resort. Many people, including some of my fellow Moms Panelists, just adore the Great Northwest theming of the Wilderness Lodge. Personally, I prefer luxurious hotel rooms, and for this reason the bright Beach Club rooms appeal to me more than the darker, rustic ones at the Wilderness Lodge. Also, while the pool at the Wilderness Lodge is nice, it's hard to beat Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club. However, price is also an important factor to me, and because the Wilderness Lodge is generally less expensive than the Beach Club, I often stay there too.
Since you want to try something different, you might enjoy staying in a different area. The Wilderness Lodge has a prime location just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom and the dining options at the nearby monorail resorts. The peaceful, wooded grounds at the Wilderness Lodge offer a relaxing respite from the bustling parks. Because the resort is close to the Fort Wilderness, you'll have convenient access to lots of activities, such as horseback riding, archery, and the nightly Chip'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long.
Another resort you might want to consider is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. While it does not have as convenient a location as the Beach Club and the Wilderness Lodge, you really feel as if you are immersed in an African safari there. The rooms are also somewhat darker and smaller than the Beach Club, but the ability to watch animals grazing on a savanna from your hotel room balcony is so unique and magical.
Wherever you stay, have a magical vacation!