Why is WL so popular?

[Kata]

I am trying to figure out why WL is so popular,I often hear complaints that the walls are paper thin and that you hear turbo toliets constantly and that it is in need of an update, but yet it is the highest rated Disney resort on many websites please tell me why. If you had to choose would you pick WL or FQ ( which I currently have booked but now it is sold out for my value dates in December I am worried it will be noisy and I won't get my room preferences Please help

 

[Blondie]

I don't know why it's popular with others, but I'll tell you why I liked it so much!

The architecture and theming transported me to the pacific northwest! There wasn't a palm tree in sight! I didn't feel like I was in Florida at all! We stayed at the WL in late January and it got really cold while we were there (dropped to a record low of 28 degrees one night) so the weather, coupled with the log cabin feel really did make us feel like we were on the other side of the map!

But aside from the theming, which Disney never skimps on, it just had a very comforting feel to it. The warm woodsy colors, the oversized fireplace, rocking chairs, little nooks with fireplaces to sit and unwind at, it was just a really nice place to vacation! Between FQ and WL, I'd go with WL everytime!

We had no problem with "paper thin walls" or hearing "turbo toilets" at all, and the resort seemed to be full while we were there. We had a "woodsview" room that looked over to the Wilderness Lodge Villas. The balconies were of a good size and the bunkbed option was great for my two boys who refuse to sleep with each other! I wish more resorts had bunkbed rooms!

I guess you'll have to go and form your own opinion, but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.

 

[C.Ann]

I think it's simply a matter of personal taste.. I've looked at photos of WL and AKL and personally, I would not choose either one - simply because I don't do well with dark decor.. Doesn't mean that either one are bad - or lacking in some manner - just not something I would choose for myself..

 

[eleanor]

WE have stayed there 3 times and I have never heard turbo toilets or other people talking etc. I wonder about some reports.

 

[WillCAD]

Even though I've never stayed at WL I have visited on many ocasions and I think I understand the reasons why it's so popular.

1. Location, location, location. It's a short boat ride away from MK, the most popular park, and it's usually much cheaper than the monorail resorts.

2. Two words: BIG LOBBY! The lobbies of the Deluxe resorts are always big draws, but WL has one of the most spectacular in all or WDW.

3. Atmosphere. WL's Pacific Northwest atmosphere is cozy, quiet, relaxing, and somewhat isolated from the hectic hubbub of the monorail resorts. It makes people feel comfortable and at-home as soon as they walk through the doors.

By the way, paper-thin walls and turbo-flush toilets are a phenomenon associated with the Value resorts, not WL (though personally I have never heard noise from other rooms at the All-Stars).

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Have you ever actually *seen* the WL yet???

First of all, the lobby is the most breathtaking
georgeous sight. You just HAVE to see it.

The georgous pool begins as a stream *inside*
the lobby. That is so unique.

The grounds are so beautiful. They have full service restaurants that FQ does not have.

Even if you choose FQ, it would be wonderful if you could visit this wonderful resort just to check it out.

My DH and I stayed there about 8 years ago, and I don't remember any problem with noise.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

We have never had any noise problems at WL either, nor at AKL (I've read reports of paper thin walls at AKL as well). The most noise I've ever heard at any WDW resort is when families are walking down the hallways having lots of fun, and that happens at any resort, and is not something that bothers me. I've had problems sleeping at plenty of resorts (non-Disney) with people on telephones late into the night or having parties in hallways or loud conversations in the next room (I stay at a lot of Sheratons and historic Hiltons for conferences), and have never had problems like that with Disney hotels. I think they are well-constructed.

The Wilderness Lodge is beautifully designed and heavily themed. It is an experience rather than a stay. I loved it there and our vacation was virtually perfect

 

[Jasminetigger]

We've stayed at WL the past two years and have never had a problem with noise. As soon as we shut our door, everything is quiet. We love the lodge because of the comfortable feel you get as soon as you walk through the door. I remember our first time there. When I walked into the lobby, I was just speechless. We always enjoy the boat ride to MK. The restaurants seem to suit my family just fine (Me, DH, DD-11, DD-6). The grounds are just beautiful. The walk from the lodge to the boat launch is just so nice. I agree with many other posters, when you are at Wilderness Lodge, you feel separated from the rest of the world. It is a very nice feeling when you are on vacation. We are headed back there again this June. Can't wait.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Guess no one wants to admit: Its the cheapest of the deluxe resorts, its close to the MK, has great themeing, hot and cold spas, remote location!

Have stayed here numerous times and have never had an issue, even stayed conceirge and it was great. Pool hasn't been crowded when we have been there and Trout pass has some great drinks.

 

[Kaycee]

We did have some problems with noise at WL - we could hear the family in the next room talking, although we couldn't make out what they were saying. We had a connecting room though, and I think we could hear them because of the connecting door more than anything else.

Even with the noise problem, we absolutely loved WL. Before we went, I didn't think I'd like it that much because I don't really care for dark decor. We decided to stay there mostly because we got a great room code and we thought our sons would enjoy the bunkbeds. Well, as soon as I walked into that lobby, I fell in love! WL has such a warm, cozy, welcoming feel. We were there at Christmas, and that just added to the atmosphere. It was such a great place to come "home" to after a long day in the parks and just relax for the evening.

 

[dbenlee]

Like Pepe of Ohio stated, its the least expensive of the deluxe resorts, and that plays a part in the decision. But more than that its atmosphere. If you like the rustic feel of the Pacific Northwest, you'll love WL. The rooms are quiet, the atmosphere is peaceful, and it just feels so relaxing.

 

[budwmn]

While we enjoyed our stay at WL, it's not our favorite WDW hotel. I like the theming, the courtyard with the waterfall and geyser, and the boating and biking facilities. However, the rooms didn't appeal to me (they felt kind of kiddie to me- especially the wallpaper in the bathrooms). The direct boat service to MK was great, but I hated the multiple stops the bus made going to the other parks.

Instead, for the same price, we greatly prefer AKL. It looks beautiful, has the animals, more sophisticated rooms, and direct bus service to all the parks. Otherwise, the resorts are similar in layout with a great pool, and a variety of restaurants and activities.

By the way, we never had problems with paper thin rooms or toilets in either resort.

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

AKl & WL are the cheapest of the deluxe resorts...WL may have the advantage in that it does have boat transport to Magic Kingdom. It is also usually easy to get a last minute reservation there. When we were living in Florida we could call up at the last minute and get a reservation. Like most of the deluxe resorts it has great "theming" (is that a word?).

 

[John Dobbertin]

WL is one of WDW's smaller hotels/resorts making booking tougher. Also IOP the most kid-friendly of the WDW resorts with a major lobby. Priced below "deluxe" category. Great architecture heavily "borrowed" from Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn.

 

[DawnCt1]

While we enjoyed our stay at WL, it's not our favorite WDW hotel. I like the theming, the courtyard with the waterfall and geyser, and the boating and biking facilities. However, the rooms didn't appeal to me (they felt kind of kiddie to me- especially the wallpaper in the bathrooms). The direct boat service to MK was great, but I hated the multiple stops the bus made going to the other parks.

[
By the way, we never had problems with paper thin rooms or toilets in either resort.

We stayed there the first year it opened and after moving from the Yacht Club to WL, it was a let down. We had a jr. suite which was okay except for the fact that there was no drawer space. We had a couple of drawers and there was a huge armoir but no place to really unpack. I didn't like living out of the suitcase. The balcony was also small. I thought that the halls were long and drab and I hated the flourescent lighting. I actually prefer PO rooms to WL. The common areas, lobby, etc, that's another story. It almost makes up for what the rooms are lacking.

 

[Arielle22]

I loved the bunk beds at WL. My dds had to alternate each night who got the top bunk. I loved to sit on the balconey and look out at the lake.

I also loved the stream which started in the lobby and ended in the pool. I watched the water parade several nights along with the geyser.

The only thing I didn't like was the food court area was too small.

 

[jarestel]

It's a matter of personal preference. Since WL is, as you note, always at or near the top of the resort list, it only means that many people prefer the themeing, amenities, and location of the WL. Doesn't mean that you will, but give it a shot. You might end up liking it. If you don't, then you have one less resort to worry about staying at on your next trip. Good luck!

 

[alyssa810]

WL was the first place we ever stayed on site, and we fell in love with it! It's our favorite resort, so much that we're also DVC owners there! We checked out all the deluxe resorts one trip before we stayed, and we found the people there to be super friendly, not at all stuffy like at some other deluxes, the theming was awesome like others have said, and again, the price!! AKL is right up there for the best pricing of deluxes, and the animals are really cool too, but there's something about WL that just feels like WDW home to us.
I'm not sure I ever noticed loud bathroom noise any more there than at any of the other resorts either. WL is the best value of the deluxes, IMO, and that of others too!! Try it, you might just love it like the rest of us!

 

[skiwee1]

Because it's cheap. Personally I wouldn't stay there again if it were free.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I just have to point out that I think the "turbo toilets" are a WDW-wide phenomenon and not just restricted to the WL. LOL!