Ready for flames -- we hated the WL!

[CheezDoodle]

I'm sorry you had a bad time there. We've stayed there twice and LOVED it. And yes, we did hear all the noise of WCC, but I liked being woken up by " COOOOME AND GET ITTTTT!!!"

 

[Mainebound]

We enjoyed our last stay at the WL Concierge, and had a lovely view/room. We never heard any noise once we closed our door...which is the way I prefer it. In fact, it's probably one of the deciding factors for selecting Concierge at the deluxe resorts we visit. The floors dedicated to this level of service, seem unequivocally more quiet (IMHO). But, not everyone can/desires to stay concierge...therefore, ALL the rooms should offer similar peace and tranquility.

Hope your next trip to the world is on a more positive note!

Thanks Dreamflight!

It's funny, oftentimes in the elevator, I would look at the "seventh floor -- need room to key at access" and think "why didn't I just do concierge??". That's good advice!

But I think a lot of what we didn't like about WL was a matter of personal style, so take everyone should take my review with a grain of salt! We prefer a quieter experience, which we have had at AKL, Swan and GF. Just our style, that's all!

 

[bjakmom]

Sorry you had those problems! We have experienced 'wonderful' stays and then 'not so wonderful' stays even in the same resort!! These resorts are sooo large, that sometimes just the location of your room or the timing of things (like the MK evening noise through the night) can completely change your experience there.

After 4 wonderful, peaceful stays at BWV, on our last visit in late January we were in a room down near the dance clubs - didn't think a thing of it when we checked in, fabulous view of the canal and Swan/Dolph - until the garbage trucks starting 'beeping', grinding and dumping crashing glass out of the dumpsters at 6:15 AM !!! The next morning happened to be the day they decided to finally remove the tent and re-start the construction work right below our balcony - the equipment was fired up at 8 AM - our sleep-in, check-out day ! After calling down and complaining (we knew there was nothing they could actually do, just wanted to voice our displeasure!) we made the best of it by hanging out and watching them work (and getting the scoop on what they were doing).

Same experience at Hard Rock Hotel - 3 amazing, peaceful stays where we never heard a sound and then last visit - wham ! - we were in a fabulous room, but could hear every word/sound from the hallway and the other rooms - woke us up several times through the night!

So my point is to remember that even the same person can have completely different experiences in the 'same' resort, depending on their location and what's happening at the resort during their stay - one reason why I never 'flame' anyone else's opinion/experience based on my own!

PS: I second the Wilderness Campground cabins for anyone wanting complete peace and quiet (no one on the other side of the wall or in a hallway!) we stayed there several times when the big kids were little before we joined DVC - very 'removed' from the 'World' !

 

[pattyT]

Ya know everything is RELATIVE
to that moment in time and that persons standards...
We haven't stayed anywhere other then WL - dh won't - lol
and I found our courtview (over the pool) room noisy at the kids bedtime - so I just shut the slididng door til the kids were fast asleep -
I have never read anyone else complain about this noisy'ness but it was til they close the pool for the night!
I am on vacation and I am not going to stress about the towels on the elevator floor... they could have been there and I didn't even see them! lol
All of you who are debating NOT staying there because of this ONE bad review must remember that this is ONE persons opinion... and you should go make your own!
Half the time I didn't even notice the CM on the boat...
he/she efficiantly got me to my destination and I was happy - I said thank you and that was it-
Our first stay at WL was 10 days! AND we didn't want to leave! Sometimes were quieter than others at the Lodge -
we never had a line in RF - but when we wre leaving there was alaways a line - we are early risers - and eating by 7:30.

Again this is all just MY opinion which isn't worth squat in the relative world of Disney...
I just think it is sooo sad that so many are basing their hotel choice on ONE review - go make your own opinion... do a split stay is your scared!

Maine Bound _ I am sorry that your stay didn't work for you - I am sure you will find the resort for you eventually - that is why they have so many choices!

 

[cdrn1]

For all intents and purposes, WL is already priced as a "lower deluxe." People should realize that when they aren't paying GF or Poly prices, they aren't going to get the equivalent of a GF or Poly room. I think WL deserves to stay in the deluxe category based on its location near the MK (and that grand lobby) alone.

I am paying $239 for a standard view room in May. To me, that sure feels like deluxe pricing! A hotel that is billed as a deluxe should live up to "deluxe" service standards; proximity to a park does not make a property a deluxe, IMHO. I sure hope we don't encounter rude/indifferent CM's. To me, helpful and considerate employees should be the standard at a deluxe.

 

[skiwee1]

I am paying $239 for a standard view room in May. To me, that sure feels like deluxe pricing! A hotel that is billed as a deluxe should live up to "deluxe" service standards; proximity to a park does not make a property a deluxe, IMHO. I sure hope we don't encounter rude/indifferent CM's. To me, helpful and considerate employees should be the standard at a deluxe.

And we paid over $350 a night for a standard GV room at the Poly last May. While $239 might seem like a lot to you, it is all relative to the other resorts pricing. Paying $239 is cheap for a room at a resort billed as a deluxe. If the WL was as deluxe as it is supposed to be then Disney would be charging current deluxe prices. They are not because it's not.

 

[tinknsnow]

Eek! Your stay sounds terrible. We have always loved it there and I find your report so sad. It's not that I don't believe you but I surely don't want to.

Where do you normally stay?

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Thanks Dreamflight!

It's funny, oftentimes in the elevator, I would look at the "seventh floor -- need room to key at access" and think "why didn't I just do concierge??". That's good advice!

But I think a lot of what we didn't like about WL was a matter of personal style, so take everyone should take my review with a grain of salt! We prefer a quieter experience, which we have had at AKL, Swan and GF. Just our style, that's all!

ITA agreement about the relaxing atmosphere at GF and AKL....the Swan we found pretty in the middle of things...but that could have been the time we were there (Christmas season). To this list I would add the Poly and I have to say we found WL very relaxing, but we were in concierge and in value season...not a lot of people and we were totally pampered by staff, plus resort felt remote due to theming and location. You might try Poly next--I bet you'd like it

 

[chyam]

I posted this on another thread but here goes again......I love the WL but it is not what it used to be.........the pool area is small it was fine when it was just the lodge but once the villas were built it became very busy, this being because the villas pool is shady and not very "interesting" so now instead of just the lodge guests you get the villa guests and this is also why Roaring Forks is so crowded, I think given the size between the 2 buildings they should consider adding a food court in between the 2, I know the villas have cooking facilities but still many do not use them. Also since it was built as an upper moderate that is why the conceige level is now being redone, when it first opened there was no such level there. But since the WL does not have all the amenities of the Poly or the GF that is why the room rate is somewhat less, but I think when people see Deluxe that is exactly what they are expecting, perhaps if the WL does do some renovations many of these issues will be addressed. But it still does not take away from the beautiful surroundings or that awesome lobby.

 

[cdrn1]

And we paid over $350 a night for a standard GV room at the Poly last May. While $239 might seem like a lot to you, it is all relative to the other resorts pricing. Paying $239 is cheap for a room at a resort billed as a deluxe. If the WL was as deluxe as it is supposed to be then Disney would be charging current deluxe prices. They are not because it's not.

Of course it's relative!!! I was quoted a price of $129 for the mods. The point is, it is billed as a deluxe, as is AKL which is in the same price category. I have never stayed at WL, and have found AKL to be a deluxe at $279, which I did NOT find to be a lot because it was a deluxe experience. I am just saying that it is touted as a deluxe so I sure hope that it is. Sheesh.

 

[SuBeat]

I am paying $239 for a standard view room in May. To me, that sure feels like deluxe pricing! A hotel that is billed as a deluxe should live up to "deluxe" service standards; proximity to a park does not make a property a deluxe, IMHO. I sure hope we don't encounter rude/indifferent CM's. To me, helpful and considerate employees should be the standard at a deluxe.

To borrow a word from a previous poster, it is all relative. Prices at WDW are high, no doubt about it, but they are a lot higher at the other deluxes. And price is frequently related to location. Compare the cost of a Holiday Inn off the highway to one on the beach. It is all about convenience to the desired location.

As far as service from the CMs is concerned, I think we should all be able to expect polite and helpful CMs at ANY resort level. I'm sure you didn't mean to imply that those staying at the moderates or values should expect to be treated in a rude or indifferent manner. FWIW we have never been disappointed in our service at the WL.

 

[skiwee1]

Of course it's relative!!! I was quoted a price of $129 for the mods. The point is, it is billed as a deluxe, as is AKL which is in the same price category. I have never stayed at WL, and have found AKL to be a deluxe at $279, which I did NOT find to be a lot because it was a deluxe experience. I am just saying that it is touted as a deluxe so I sure hope that it is. Sheesh.

And I'm saying that you get what you pay for. Don't expect the same experience at the WL that you would get at the GF or Poly or other high end resort. The reason why AKL ahd the WL are cheaper is because of their lack of amenities including room size, pool, transportation, and restaurant choices. And you are correct about AKL. Paying $279 is not a lot especially when comparing against the other resorts.

 

[Steph5324]

Each stay for each person is going to be different so I don't think anyone should be worried about staying at WL (or anywhere else) based off the comments of anyone else. Everyone has their own circumstances that make their experience what it is.

I've stayed at WL and the Beach Club and didn't see really any difference to make the Beach Club seem more "Deluxe" except for Stormalong Bay. I've encounted really pleasant CMs at both resorts and really "blah" CMs at both resorts. We loved our stays at both. For that matter, we loved our stay at POR (when it was Dixie Landings) and I wouldn't hesitate to stay at a moderate either.

 

[pattyT]

eekkkk
what I meant by it is all relative is it depends on each persons experiences and excpectations-
I believe no expectations= no dissapointments...

Although when I expect pristine accomodations and supurb service is when I go to the bed and breakfast in Vermont at $390 a night where they only have 40 quests a night and the owners are right there running everything!

At disney these employees are not making enough money to kiss your a** all day long... I feel really bad for them - I have worked in the service industry and know that there are people who will complain NO MATTER what you do for them!! It must really stink to be making $7 an hour and listening to people who can afford a $300 a night hotel COMPLAIN about ridiculous things all day
(I am not saying that some of these complaints are not validated mind you - but those are just one of many for these people!)

I think you really are paying for the access to Disney...
beautiful accomodations (outside at least! and in the lobby!)
if you expect more then go concierge... or to the Grand Floridian...

 

[mickeyluv]

I'm sorry, but I don't think most people are expecting their *** to be kissed all day long. I think when you are staying anywhere, regardless of value, moderate, deluxe, or just in a regular hotel (not disney) people should be treated respectfully when paying their hard earned money!! As far as the CM's who get paid $7 or whatever they get paid, that is really not relative to the guest, whether they can afford a $300.00 a night room or not. I work with the general public all day long and hear alot of griping and complaining in a day's time. I feel like if these people can't be nice to their guests/customers then they need to find other employment. I also am not doubting that some people grip and complain about every and anything when on vacation. I'm just saying that when dealing with the general public, everyone should know that there are going to be unhappy people no matter what, and if a person can't try to deal with these people in a respectful way they should look elsewhere for a job. Take the bad with the good and do the best you can to help someone with their issues. As the saying goes, "A little kindness goes a long way". One person could possibly change another persons whole outlook on things just by being kind to someone!!

 

[skiwee1]

eekkkk
what I meant by it is all relative is it depends on each persons experiences and excpectations-
I believe no expectations= no dissapointments...

Although when I expect pristine accomodations and supurb service is when I go to the bed and breakfast in Vermont at $390 a night where they only have 40 quests a night and the owners are right there running everything!

At disney these employees are not making enough money to kiss your a** all day long... I feel really bad for them - I have worked in the service industry and know that there are people who will complain NO MATTER what you do for them!! It must really stink to be making $7 an hour and listening to people who can afford a $300 a night hotel COMPLAIN about ridiculous things all day
(I am not saying that some of these complaints are not validated mind you - but those are just one of many for these people!)

I think you really are paying for the access to Disney...
beautiful accomodations (outside at least! and in the lobby!)
if you expect more then go concierge... or to the Grand Floridian...

I haven't read anywhere that said folks wanted their a** kissed all day. Can you point me to that post? I think people, and rightfully so, expect towels to be picked up, transportation to run smoothly, and so on. Someone making $7 has no bearing on whether someone that can afford $300 should complain or not.

 

[thelobstershanty]

proximity to a park does not make a property a deluxe, IMHO.

It may not make a property a deluxe (which WL was never built to be; it just evolved over the years into that category), BUT proximity to a park is BIG factor in the rankng and pricing of all WDW resorts. The DVC resorts are prefect examples.

 

[pattyT]

I am sorry

I didn't mean it that way really
I do not mean that it is what YOU Personally expect -
but I remember being there and hearing someone CONSTANTLY complain...
they expected concierge level service from a cm at the front desk - the cm was polite and considerate - and NOTHING would make this person Happy and I felt really bad for the cm -
I think sometimes people forget that these CM's are not living in a fairytale like we image it to be - that they hare making minimum wage and going to pick up their kids etc... they don't have a to make everything perfect all the time. I am afraid people go with extreme expectations of the DELUXE at disney...
There are people whom constantly complain - they could stay at Grand Floridian Concierge and will STILL complain...
Just remember they are people too!
and its all about interpertation - Wl as a deluxe isn't really like a 'real world' - kwim
I agree about the basic things - like transportation - towels etc...
I just feal bad for people on these boards ALWAYS flaming the CM's -
there may be one or two have got to go - but there are a hundred wonderful ones and you shouldn't let the one bother you!
Years later will you remember the Cm who checked you in???
again I am sorry -

 

[BostonRob]

It may not make a property a deluxe (which WL was never built to be; it just evolved over the years into that category), BUT proximity to a park is BIG factor in the rankng and pricing of all WDW resorts. The DVC resorts are prefect examples.

I love the original quote " . . .proximity to a park does not make it a Deluxe, IMHO." because it is 100% true. The IMHO part I mean. In that poster's (humble) opinion, location isn't the most important thing. In my opinion, location is THE most important thing.

So while that poster may think that the WL isn't worth $239 because the rooms are very big or because the pool is a bit crowded, I think it is a bargain price, because it gets me as close to the MK as the Polynesian or the Contemporary for about $100 less per night.

 

[TedO]

We have stayed at WL 4 times and obviously love it there, but have to agree with the OP about the "dumpster view rooms" and lobby noise at WL. In 3 of our 4 stays (including our first which was only 2 nights) we have booked a "Woods View" and ended up with the the lovely dumpster/service area view. On our first visit we just decided to stick it out since we were only there for 2 nights and we defintely didn't sleep well having to listen to the trucks all night. On out next 2 "woods" view visits we were assigned to the "dumpster" view again but this time asked to be moved, which we were on both occasions, (on the last visit moved to a room overlooking the otter pond, which was great). I'm really surprised that the rooms that overlook the dumpsters and the service entrance aren't classified as "standard" views, since they are probably the least desriable of all the WL rooms, especially since those rooms have the added "benefit" of being right above the WCC (the name "Screaming Place", is very appropriate!) I would also have to concur the lobby noise has seemingly gotten worse over the years but generally we were not able to hear it once the doors were closed. We have always had good experiences with Cast members at WL but I have to laugh with you about the less than pleasant boat drivers - I thought it must be us but I guess not!

Mainebound, thanks for posting your honest views - just wanted to let you know you weren't alone !