just back, WL

[dizkidz2]

Florida's rain should be clearing because we are home now. We have never been to DW in June and probably not go again. (in june that is)
The WL was beautiful as always. Our room had a courtyard view, 3rd floor. Mousekeeping was ok, no special little surprises, except for the day after my son was sick. They left a 'hope your feeling better' card with a picture of Mickey, and stuffed beanie Humphrey bear and a little bunny made out of a washcloth.
The buses were ok, you just have to make to many stops. The boat also. Several times we had to go the the campgrounds before going to the MK.
The Roaring Fork was rather unimpressive. We have had better selections at other resorts. I do have to say that if I knew there was a microwave and toaster available I would have brought more things from home. We spent quite a few mornings in the room for breakfast after picking up donuts and juice from the gift shop. Items were also cheeper in the gift shop then in the RF.
We also call housekeeping for a coffee pot and got one no problem with 4 packs of coffee and then had to call days later for more packets.
The Whispering Canyon Cafe was fun, especially when my son asked for some ketchup.
The pool was great even in all the rain. If it wasn't lightning there was always someone in it. On our way back from the pool one night we did see a snake. UGH!!! It slithered right across our path. So the rest of the trip I was very cautious walking at night.
All in all it was a good trip, just wish it was a little dryer.

 

[skiwee1]

Sorry to hear about all the rain you had. I was at WL last month and also thought the resort was beautiful. My only complaint was the transportation. I have been watching these boards lately hoping someone coming back from the WL will report that the transportation has changed for the good. We had the same problem with the bus and boat going to FW before going to the final destination. It was such a pain having to go out of the way every time we went somewhere. Did you find this happening on all of your trips? I know that it didn't matter what boat we rode on they all went to FW before going to the CR or MK. We even followed another boat to FW before both boats when to MK! It was truly horrible. I am keeping my hopes up that this changes before my next trip in October. I would love to stay at the WL then but am waiting for the transportation problems to clear up. Thanks for the report!

 

[lodge_man]

We just too returned from the WL, 6/12 - 6/20, staying in room 4032. Had a good view of the fireworks & we could also see the castle thru a opening in the trees! I did appreciate the change they made to the Roaring Forks, by moving the arcade out & making it a seating area. (the arcade is now outside the lobby on your way to the bus stops) I also did not appreciate the sharing of the boat & buses with FW. The reason we paid extra $$ for a deluxe resort is to get better transportation, but now they screwed this up for the Lodge. I was impressed how they integrated the Villas, they look as if they had been there when the Lodge was built.

Even though we love the WL, we may reconsider staying there in the future if the transportation situation stays the same. Let's hope not.

 

[lodge_man]

We just too returned from the WL, 6/12 - 6/20, staying in room 4032. Had a good view of the fireworks & we could also see the castle thru a opening in the trees! I did appreciate the change they made to the Roaring Forks, by moving the arcade out & making it a seating area. (the arcade is now outside the lobby on your way to the bus stops) I also did not appreciate the sharing of the boat & buses with FW. The reason we paid extra $$ for a deluxe resort is to get better transportation, but now they screwed this up for the Lodge. I was impressed how they integrated the Villas, they look as if they had been there when the Lodge was built.

Even though we love the WL, we may reconsider staying there in the future if the transportation situation stays the same. Let's hope not.

 

[jwfla422]

Hi dizkidz2
Sorry about your drenching trip. I totally understand as we've been ready to purchase a canoe down here with all of the soaking rains we've had. It was quite a kick to see the sun today though!

I was wondering about something you mentioned ... "if you would have known there would be a microwave and toaster you would have brought more items from home", where were these appliances??

Too bad to keep hearing about the negatives on the transportation. That was one of the reasons we stopped staying at WL a few years back but this time since I decided to stay there with just my 4 yr old dd I do intend to take advantage of valet parking. But, I do agree being a deluxe the transportation should be a lot better.

lodgeman-where exactly was your room? Was it above the Whispering Winds cafe or was it further down in the wing? What was the bed configuration? (queens, bunk beds, king, etc?), was it smoking or non?? Thanks

 

[dizkidz2]

jwfla422 there was a toasters in Roaring Fork and at least 3 microwaves.

 

[Beanie]

Sorry to hear about the rain! We stayed at WL in May and it was beautiful weather!! Glad you had a great time! Welcome home!

 

[MKingdom]

My impression of the transportation at WL has always been bad. We've visited the resort many times (used bus and boat), but when we stayed there for the first time last September, we rented a car, mainly because my mom needed to use a wheelchair.

We used WL valet parking (excellent service) and found that driving ourselves was faster, less stressful, and we didn't have to worry about how to get to very early or very late meals using resort transportation. We rented from Avis and picked up the car right at the airport.

 

[Claire L]

Got back from WL today and found the transport to be good and reliable. I can't believe that people complain about making one stop en route at FW. If the bus didn't stop there I'm sure their frequency would drop. Also it only adds on 5 minutes to the average journey time which was no more than 20 minutes to any park. I thought the Disney transport was much better than the Downtown hotels where one bus does five hotels and it is often standing room only! On the Disney bus this only happened to us twice.
As for the lodge itself it is wonderful. Front desk and mousekeeping were very good. Had a wonderful unmentioned and complimentary upgrade to Courtyard view fourt floor with king bed from 'special offer room' (woods view?). Also as it was our first wedding anniversary got Champagne, card + baloons from Mickey & Minnie and cookies from front desk.
The weather was a shame though and most unlike June. Would go back in June again as last year it was wonderfully sunny for all of our three weeks in Florida.
Claire