Specific comparision ?? WL, POR, CBR

[#1Disfann]

Hi all. Here I go fussing over my existing ressie again. Right now I am booked at POR, which I love, love, love! DH would like to try someplace new (have stayed at POFQ & CBR). I am greatly considering WL and after reading MANY posts I have a few specific questions.

1. Have heard that the pool at WL can get crowded. How does it compare to the pool at CBR, which seemed very small and crowded to me?

2. How does Roaring Forks (food court) compare to the food court at POR (which I love)?

3. How does transportation from WL compare to POR, which I have never had a problem with. We will most likely have a rental car but have had to use it very little in the past. How much does the WL bus share with other places (multiple stops)?

Thanks for any info.

 

[dpic]

I can help with WL, but I've stayed at POR or CBR.

The crowding at the WL's pool will probably depend on when you go. When we go in October, the pool is very rarely crowded. Below is a photo that shows the pool with few people during our last stay.

Next, Roaring forks is very nice. Seldom is it very crowded (again in October). I didn't think it was outragiously expensive, and it had a decent selection. One thing it's all inside so it's a little dark and confined.

We love the transportation at WL. MK is a very pleasant boat ride away. A different boat will take you to CR. From there, the GF, Poly, and TTC are an easy monorail ride away. From TTC, you can take the monorail to Epcot. We have never taken a bus from WL as we used our rental for Animal Kingdom and MGM.

We are headed to WL again in a couple of weeks (love the sound of that!). One thing I should mention, too, is that WL is under one (huge) roof. You park close to the front doors, and when you enter the 7 story lobby and hear, "Welcome home" you'll be spoiled.

 

[susy]

Haven't done POR, but have stayed at POFQ, CBR, and WL. We were at the WL over Thanksgiving. The pool did not see any more crowded to me than when we stayed at CBR (in early May). I'm talking Thanksgiving Day! In fact, I never felt crowded at this resort. It was nice and compact, too. Roaring forks is fine. WCC is a MUST DO!!! We only used the bus to AK-shared with GF, very quick and is the first bus stop at AK!!! Loved POFQ for theming and small size. The pool and food court were just okay. Good bus service in the morning, as there was just the one stop. CBR was way too spread our for me (and I was in a preferred building!), the pool was fine, food court fine, but the WL- Oh heaven!!!! we do want to try POR in the future...

I vote for WL- and please spring for a woods view!

 

[limabeanmom2003]

I would not consider Roaring Forks a food court. They have plenty of hot and cold foods to choose from, but it much smaller that the food courts that you find at the moderate and value resorts. Because WL is one building, rather than spread out like the mod and value resorts are, it is really quick and easy to get the Roaring Forks, which is a plus for me. We grabbed breakfast there and brought it back to the room most mornings. It is just an elevator ride and short walk away! Whispering Canyon Cafe has a great skillet breakfast, too!

The courtyard and pool are fabulous. It wasn't crowded when we were there, but we were there during a value season. You can also watch the Electric Water Pagaent from the beach area every night (9:35 pm, I think).

The transportation to MK is great. We love the boat ride. The boats come often and it is a relaxing 10-15 minute cruise to MK. The bus service at WL was fine. Because WL is so close to TTC, we sometimes took the bus from WL to TTC and hoped on a monorail to EPCOT from there.

I would highly suggest trying WL. It is such a lovely resort. I really like PO too, but it just can't compare to WL in my book.

 

[rileyroosmom]

I agree that Roaring Forks is not really a food court compared to the one at CBR. Small selection of food, premade sandwiches, burgers, etc. It is ample enough though. I was there in May and the pool was very crowded. It was almost impossible to get a chair...all taken by towels and shoes! Very frustrating. That said, I would definetly stay again, I loved it. We are going at Thanksgiving and due to the lack of codes at WL, we are staying in 2 rooms (family of 5r) at CSR.

 

[Winnie Pooh Fan]

I absolutely LOVED the WL. Everything from the "entrance man" saying "Welcome Home" to the unbelieveable warm theming. Some say the resort is dark, I call it cozy with plenty of lights to turn on if you want them.

We were there in July and the pool area was definitley on the busy side, but I was always able to grab a chair and the life guards were great about watching the kids. The pool is on the small side for the deluxes, but this is a small resort about 1/2 the size of most deluxes. Has a nice relaxed private feel.

Well unfortunately I can only give you my opinion of the WL. As I have only seen but never stayed in the others (that will be changing soon as we are in the double digits now)



Have a great vacation no matter what you choose.

BTW - How was POFQ when you stayed there?? We loved WL I wonder how we'll like it?? We will be there soon.

 

[#1Disfann]

OK. I went ahead and did it...I changed from POR to WL (and I did spring for the woods view! ) I am very excited...so many more things to read about and plan for now! I am going to surprise my DH and DD by NOT telling them that I have switched. My DH will be very happy! Thanks for the input!

 

[susy]

Good for you!!!! You will love it!!! Request the north wing (the south wing faces the villas). Don't forget that there is a very nice quiet pool in addition to the main pool...

We took the boat one night to the CR for dinner at Chef Mickey's (actually, Thanksgiving dinner). It was sooo painless!


We also rented a surrey bike and rode to Fw (about ten minutes away). When you arrive there is a free petting zoo and pony rides ($3).

What I loved about the WL is all there is to do there... I once did a comparison and found that WL woods view is the best overall value at disney (just my opinion). I say the woods view, because I am not a fan of parking lot/roof views (UGH!).

Also, I have heard that depending on when you go , you may be able to upgrade to concierge for $30-$50 a night. Just ask about an upgrade at check-in.

Have fun!!!!

winnie Pooh fan- I found POFQ to be just beautiful!!!! And that is coming right off a stay at the Beach club!