The AKL is very similar in layout to the WL. Some of the corridors are very long, though, so I would request a room near the lobby here.
The GF is also a great resort and, if your budget stretches to the CL in the main building (Royal palm Club), then you will be quite close to everything. Even if you stay in a standard room, however, the distance to the main building, pool and transportation is never very far.
Especially now with many rooms converted to
DVC, the Poly rooms are not very far from the GCH and the pool and transportation. You do have to go outside to get to your room, however.
If you are looking for a value or moderate option:
As others have said, POFQ is quite compact. Also, there are ways to reduce the distance walking at any resort by booking either a preferred location (value or moderate) or by booking CL (in the deluxe resorts). Among the values, a preferred room at ASMu is relatively close to the main building, buses and food court.
As you mentioned, the CR is very conveniently laid out with the elevators centrally located in the building, it is a short walk to any of the rooms. It also has the Monorail go right through the building so you don't have to go outside to get to it. All shops and dining are also conveniently located under the same roof that your room is under. It is, IMO, the most convenient of all the resorts in WDW. Some people do not like the decor. I can understand that because for years I questioned why anyone would stay here (it just looked like an airport to me, ugh!). Then circumstances forced me to stay here in a CL TPV room! I opened the door to the room, looked out the window at the view and fell in LOVE! I was hooked and the next three trips had me returning to the CR. I have never before or since did three trips in a row to any one resort! I find that the convenience helps me relax and the activity is exciting. I have enjoyed staying here very much and I believe that it is especially great for seniors or people with small children in strollers. Being able to walk to and from the MK is nice when the monorail is so unreliable, too. Finally, there are garden wing, garden view rooms that are among the least expensive rooms on the monorail line. They are identical to those in the tower except they are quieter and do not have balconies on the second and third floors. There are patios on the ground floor rooms, however. The views aren't as spectacular as those in the tower, but they are often lovely, overlooking the pool area, grounds or the waterways. You would pay extra for these views almost anywhere else. If views aren't important to you, then there are a few standard GW rooms that overlook the parking lot. These go very quickly as they are even less expensive and so are the most economical way to stay on the monorail line.
Good luck choosing! The WL is a great resort and very compact, but I wouldn't stay there during construction either. Nothing like heavy equipment and jackhammers to destroy a tranquil peaceful setting!
Enjoy!!
). TIA.
I will be checking out POFQ. DM would love CR but I don't think she fully understands the rates there lol.
