Hi all! I wanted to chime and give thanks to all of the posters on this board. Don't think I asked any specific questions, but all the knowledge was invaluable. Here's my mini-TR on just the WL:
Our only request was king bed, and we got it! First floor, pool view, and handicap-accessible. My DH was at first disappointed that we didn't have a balcony, but the 2-person "walk-in" shower changed his attitude! Not that we had any time for a patio/balcony anyway.
When we checked in, my DH asked the CM if our room was quiet, and she gave us an odd look and mumbled something. That looked like a bad omen to me, esp. when we looked out the window onto the pool! But there was barely anyone in our hallway, and I don't think either room on each side of us was occupied. We couldn't even hear the kids playing at the pool. One time, we heard a CM with a megaphone and some music, but only for one hour. Honestly, if we hadn't seen other "Do Not Disturb" hangers on other doors, we wouldn't have known anyone was in our hallway at all.
The sensored fans in the bathroom were a bit annoying, but nothing we couldn't handle. And there was a card in the bathroom that said if we wanted to keep our towels, to please hang them over the shower rod. We tried that, and they replaced them. No matter where we hung them/put them, they replaced them every day. Not sure what we were doing wrong. Not a big deal, though. And it bothered me a little that they turned on our light every night. I'm sure that was so we don't trip over anything, and to make it look homey, but I was raised in a house where it was practically a mortal sin to leave lights on in an unused room, so I wished they hadn't done that. But this is me just being nitpicky. I really absolutely loved the WL, and would love to come back (not sure if that will ever happen, as I live on the Left Coast and
Disneyland is just much more convenient).
Roaring Forks had decent food that we enjoyed, if not a lack in variety. Our best decision was to buy the refillable mugs, though my DH wished every day we could use it in the parks as well. (By the way, Roaring Forks was rather small, so even when there were few people, everyone kept running into us, and watch out for running kids and strollers!) Our second day we had breakfast there, and my DH asked what we could get on the dining plan for breakfast. The CM told him a plate of food (those breakfast platters), a drink, and a dessert! I was like, no way, they do not offer dessert with breakfast, that's ridiculous. We didn't want dessert, so they said we get a non-alcoholic beverage (we both chose waters) and a juice. We also had our mugs, so we each walked away with 3 beverages. Which is utterly ridiculous, IMO. My DH drank both OJs, and we saved the bottled waters for the parks, and then I had tea and he had Diet Coke (do you think they'd offer a refillable IV for his arm? lol).
The boats were awesome, my favorite mode of transportation. The water parade was NOTHING what I expected, and to be honest, kind of lame (at least for us adults, and we are adults that are usually easily amused). No matter how many times we walked past the geyser, it never erupted (and I've since learned it erupts on the hour, so I guess it was bad timing on our part). And the first night we got there, I wanted so badly to soak in the hot tub, but I have a mild fear of people, so I refused to strip down to my bathing suit in front of all those people and kids and squeeze in the hot tub with all those people. Then, I remembered hearing about the VWL pool that is nearby and quieter, and we walked around the building to find it. It wasn't that far from our room, in fact, and very few people, and none in the hot tub. We also found a little frog friend that kept me company on the edge of the spa. That was the only time we went near the pool areas.
Whispering Canyon is my favorite restaurant! We had only one reservation, but after we ate there, we booked another dinner and breakfast. The skillets were amazing, and I crave that food. Guess it helps that I'm a meat and potatoes girl. On the other side, my DH wasn't that impressed, but I think that's because he's a picky eater, so most of that stuff he wouldn't eat. The first dinner we were in the back corner (over-looking the pin cart) and it was perfect for us honeymooners. The second dinner we were literally seated next to the reservation desk, and it was wild and loud, but I loved it, too. Breakfast was a much calmer affair, even though we were still in the main dining room. My DH wanted me to include here that he did not like our breakfast waitress, but when asked for details, he said she took forever bringing out his second orange juice. In fact, she had forgotten, and instead brought it in a coffee to-go cup so he could take it with him. He said if it weren't for the fact we had
free dining, he wouldn't have left a tip, which I think is an overreaction to a simple mistake. But I thought I'd be fair and not give only my opinion. I would eat there again, and again, and again. And the ketchup bit was freakin' hilarious, even after the tenth time we witnessed it.
Whoa, so my mini-TR turned out to be rather long. If you've read this long, you must be into the little details much as I am. I just want everyone to get as much info as possible to help plan their trip, as I got from this board. All I can say to those upcoming trips... I'm jealous! Take me with you!!
P.S. We had a flyer for bounceback next fall (can't remember specific dates, but from what I remember, it was similar to this year). I told my DH what it was all about. But since this vacation was "once in a lifetime" for us, I knew we wouldn't be coming back so soon, if ever. While we loved almost every minute of our unforgettable honeymoon, there are so many places in the world to see, and limited funds to see it all. Besides, we live so close to Disneyland, and my DH hates flying so far, we'll probably stick around here for a good while. But for those wondering if it was there... it was.