Considering WL...

[Karmel96]

Okay, I'm still trying to decide if we should move our ressie from POR (we've stayed there before and enjoyed it both times, esp. the boat ride to DTD) to WL-never been there at all but have heard all rave reviews and have a meal planned for Whispering Canyon on night. We will be in WDW Feb. 6-12.
My two main questions/concerns are:
1) Can you see the fireworks at all from WL? My DS4 gets tired early, so we thought we may see Spectro one night, but leave before the fireworks and try to see them from the hotel, if possible, on another night so that we can go straight inside and to bed. Or, if we do stay for the fireworks, we'd be closer to our hotel to get him to bed quicker (see below).
2) How bad is transportation from WL to other places? I've heard a few complaints about the buses (not much from the boat-how long is the ride to MK via boat?). We plan to visit all the parks and DTD while there and won't have a car (using DME).
Any suggestions
Thanks!

 

[TripTime]

We had this same dilema. We had stayed at POR before but wanted to try something new. We decided to try a split stay. We are at the WL for three days and instead of POR we went with POFQ. We are going in January and from what I am told Disney will move your luggage for you during the day.

 

[Mayl]

We have done WL and POR so can compare for you..

WL is really nice but we liked POR better for our family (just do to the pool, and generally more family friendly feel)

The boat at WL is a launch to MK and works very smooth. Nice feature if you hit MK. You get a great view of the electric light parade from WL also.

Buses were ok at WL. POR can be a hassle also depending on season but rate them about the same. So sort of a toss up there

For us, POR was better. Cheaper then WL, launch to DTD (which we used) and since MK is not our favorite park, POR wins out for us.

Not that WL is bad. When/if wife and I go alone, WL would be our first choice. But for us as a family, POR wins

 

[Got Quattro?]

we have stayed there 3 times.

Technially, yes you can see fireworls at the MK from a few rooms, and you can see the tops of some bursts from the WL beach. But it's not worth the effort. You wont here the music and what you do see will be so sparatic.

Transportation isn't bad. Bus service is on par with other deluxe resprts. The only bad part is you share the bus with the GF on some routes. So some trips can be a little long.

We like to walk. So we frequently take the boat to the contemp, the walk to the MK and vice versa. Or hop on the monorail from contemp and ride to mk, or ttc and switch to epcot.

WL is very relaxing. It moves at a slower pace than other resorts. I think because it is so far off the beaten path.

When we want to save money..it;s our favorite. We preffer yacht / beach club because you can walk to so many attractions.

 

[Forever a Princess]

Answers to your questions:

1. Yes you can see the fireworks from the WL. This is if you have a Standard or Woods View room on the North side (Woods view gives better view) and if you have a higher floor room.

For Firework view I would book a Woods view room. Request room overlooking the otter pond and high floor.

2. We have not had an issue with the bus system. Plan extra time for riding on the bus (vs taking your own car to the park) and you will be fine.

Boat ride from WL to MK is around ten minutes.

Wait time from the MK to WL at park close can be quite long. We've waited up to an hour.

We've stayed at both the WL and POR and we love both. Wherever you decide to stay, enjoy!

 

[brockscandy]

We stayed at WL in Dec. 2006. We had a courtyard view and were on the third floor. We had several nights when our daughters were in bed asleep and my husband and I sat on the balcony and could see the fireworks over the roof of the lodge. While we could see the entire show, we were completely surprised and really enjoyed them. We loved the Wilderness Lodge. I felt I was truly at home (and that is something for a Kansas girl)

I just paid our deposit on the Poly for Dec. 2008. I would have loved to stay at WL again, but we now have 5 in our family instead of 4. I hope I am not disappointed.

 

[Disney Anna]

WL and POR are my two favorite resorts. I loev them both for the same reason: exquisite theming. Plus, personally, I love a rustic, outdoorsy feeling (which is why I prefer the AB section of POR).

I also love both bc they are a great value. The other deluxes are just too pricey for me. The WL is a bargain by comparison. And, of course, you can save even more money by going to POR.

I've always rented a car bc I hate using the bus no matter what. However, I do love the boat from WL to MK. MK is the most difficult park to visit, so I appreciate that service.

I think WL is a bit more relaxing, prettier and more comfortable. In particular, I don't really like the food court at POR. Roarin' Forks is no prize either, but it's not as crazy crowded as POR.

Artist Pointe is an awesome restaurant. I must add that I also love Boatwright's for breakfast at the POR.

I don't think either will be a mistake.