Just back from WL

[cscin3d]

This is my 7th trip to WDW and my first stay at WL. To be honest I wasn't too impressed. I lurked here for a while and everybody seemed to rave about it, so we thought we'd try it.
We stayed eight nights. At check in, we were upgraded from standard to woods view, but the first room we were sent to was horrible. It was ground floor right off the lobby. The view was some brown grass and a tree with a parking lot behind it. I don't know if that qualifies as woods. So we went back to the front desk and requested another room on a higher floor. He said the highest they had was third. So we went there. We had a view of a disgusting drainage pond with some trees and the Contemporary behind it. There was noise from some kind of facility where cast members kept walking in and out of. By that time we were too tired to complain again, so we just stayed there.
The rooms there are very small, definitely not deluxe size. There really wasn't a difference between the moderate rooms and our room. I think the bathroom was even smaller than the moderates. Everything was really dark.
When we were there we ate a Whispering Canyon twice. The first time we went it was kind of cute, but it got old fast. I just wanted to eat. We went there for breakfast again one day, and it was the same experience. The food was okay, but it was just too much work to just sit down and eat.
The pool was okay, but it was pathetic compared to the Polynesian. The slide was small. Outside, there were birds EVERYWHERE. I felt like I was in the movie The Birds.
The bus transportation was pretty bad. We never had a wait of less than 30 minutes for the bus. One night returning from MK, we didn't feel like boating back, because that took an hour the last time we did that, we decided to take the bus. Big mistake. In the time we waited for one bus, at least 4 buses for AKL came, and 5 for the All Stars. We were at the bus stop at 9:10 and didn't get back to the hotel, which is supposedly close to MK, until 10:15.
I know it must sound like we had a bad time from this review lol, but we had a great time actually. We didn't spend much time at the hotel where as at the Poly we returned at least twice a day. We won't be returning to the WL anytime soon.
We joined the DVC this trip! We bought at Saratoga. But I really can't wait until the Contemporary becoems DVC. I think it's pretty much a definite because on boat rides past the garden wing, there was construction tape all around it and inside everything was pretty much gutted out.

 

[Jen4974]

I know exactly what you mean. We stayed at WL for the first time last September. My husband loved it. I kept waiting for it to impress me.

I know there are people that will argue until they are blue in the face with me about the size of the room, but I really didn't find it that much bigger then the room we've had at ASSp. The ferry back and forth was nice but we, too, experienced tremendous waits for it.

It is a beautiful lodge, but I agree with you on the pool. It is sooooo small. And we did not enjoy our meal at WC either. The ambiance was fun but we did not like the food.

Overall it would take a heck of a lot for my dh to convince me to stay there again. I like the value resorts. I really do. With kids you cannot beat the atmosphere. I like the big food courts and the big pools. There are always tons of buses as well.

We had a great time, as we always do, but I would not say I am hooked on WL.

I'm glad your trip went well anyway!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Sorry you weren't impressed with WL, and I understand your reasons. Funny how what works for one person doesn't for another, or how a few things can completely alter one's view. I can't say I wouldn't feel the same way about WL had I been in your shoes.

On the other hand, we've been twice and loved it, albeit as DVC members at the Villas. We've had plenty of space, only had to wait longer than 15 minutes for a bus once, never had a slow enough boat ride to warrant criticism, enjoyed the smaller pool since large ones with large crowds aren't our style, and felt at home in a more serene setting that WL imparts to us.

We, too, did not like WCC having tried it twice. The food is rather average, the service has been snail-like, and the value for how much we eat is poor. On the other hand, the Roaring Forks grill has been more than adequate, and we never fail to dine at Artist Point--it's an exceptional dining experience. Hopefully, some day you'll get a chance to experience VWL and perhaps change your mind. Glad you enjoyed your stay, regardless. aw:

 

[Pig Pen]

I agree that the DVC accomodations in WL are much nicer than the regular rooms. We are not pool people so that is not a factor for us.

I think what attracts us to the Lodge is the atmosphere. We are people-watchers and love to sit in the lobby with our hot chocolate (even during 90 degree weather) and gawk. We are not park commandos anymore so we find the leisurely and scenic boat ride very enjoyable. We also love renting watermice and zooming around the lake, renting bikes, and using the walking paths to FW.

WCC is not my favorite restaurant though. We will go there with a big crowd, but NOT for a quiet or quick meal for two. If we eat breakfast, we go to FW or the Poly. We also ate a light meal in the WL bar one night.

I've never stayed at the Poly, so can't really compare. Maybe I would change my mind afterwards!

 

[AspiringCindy]

Sorry your stay was less than stellar! While I absolutely love WL...it isn't for everyone! That's why Disney has created so Many options to appeal to a number of different tastes! Having stayed at the Poly and WL both...for me WL is HOME!