Hi Leslie,
Forgive me, but I'm going to give you a very biased opinion. I LOVE
Disney's Wilderness Lodge! It is my favorite resort on the planet, so I think it is definitely worth the extra money to stay there. It's actually a good deal when you consider it is the most reasonably priced resort in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World.
Because you will be traveling with three young children, you cannot overestimate the importance of easy access to the Magic Kingdom. It is only a four-minute bus ride from the Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom. If you have a little one who needs a nap, a speedy return to your quiet hotel room can be priceless! If you have a few extra minutes to spend traveling to the Magic Kingdom, definitely take a boat from the back of the resort to your destination. This delightful ride across Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon is an attraction in and of itself. One night while returning from a day in the Magic Kingdom by boat, we caught the fireworks over Cinderella Castle. The cast member operating the watercraft simply parked it for us and let us watch the entire show. That experience was pure magic!
Beyond the convenience of the Lodge's location, I must also note the incredible theming of this deluxe resort. it takes its inspiration from the National Parks of the American northwest. The architecture and decor are breath-taking! I dare you to walk into the seven-story lobby for the first time and not gasp at its beauty. The attention to detail here is amazing. Be sure to look for the animal prints in the walkways around the resort and listen for the crickets at night as you stroll back to your room. I could go on and on about what makes this resort truly magical, but I think you get the idea.
I vote for the Wilderness Lodge!
Jill