WL - courtyard or woods view ? Which is really better ?

[pooh2001]

We booked a courtyard view with an AAA rate.

I am reading courtyard views are those of a pool - noisey.
Could we get a view of MK or the lake from a courtyard view ?
I thought b/c rates were higher, it would be a better view.

Now I see pictures on this thread of woods views having MK and the lake
from the balcony.

Am I going to be sorry with a courtyard view ?

Which side of the courtyard is the best ?
The side closets to the ferry/boat dock
or
the side closets to the DVC villa's ?

Better closer to the lake - or better closer to the middle/main section of the building ?


Can I request a side of the courtyard to be in ?


Sorry for all the questions. Please help before I hunt for AP rates soon.

 

[dpic]

You can get a view of the lake, but not an MK view. Also, some courtyard views look toward the DVC pool and not the main pool (to avoid this ask for "inner courtyard"). Finally, some courtyard views are quite a distance from the main pool--along the creek and falls. Courtyard views are very nice--you'll not regret having one.

We've never had noise problems with courtyard views. To avoid noise ask to be located on the higher floors and/or back from the pool a little. First/second floor rooms near the pool will be noisy. Our only problem (a very small one) has come from the lights around the pool. They can be pretty bright at night.

There are plusses and minuses no matter where you stay. The main thing in, however, is you're in the Wilderness Lodge and that is a good place to start. If you had to pin me down, I'd ask for Inner Courtyard, North Side far end (not as much hall traffic--but you'll have a longer walk to Roaring Forks), highest floor possible.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Sorry the pixs aren't clear. I just took the pix from the actual pictures with my digital cameral. I didn't bring it at that time.

Feb 2005

Feb 2005

Dec 2004

I stayed at WL CY twice and I have stayed at the woodsview as well. I didn't like it. I missed the "action" and I missed seeing the lake and the pool and the people enjoying the courtyard. When I stayed at the woodsview, all I see was the long half dead looking pine trees, nothing like the pine trees here in the north. And there was a small pond there. We did see some ducks and pelicans?? I'm not sure what they were and we also saw a couple of rabbits. It was very quiet and very secluded. I didn't like it. Now if that was the Polynesian... I don't mind feeling secluded and isolated and quiet because it will make me feel like I really am on an island. Anyways... I will only do courtyard from now on. It's worth it to me. I just love to see the beauty of nature has to offer and to be in the middle of action.

Both times, I have requested which side I want to be and was granted both times.

 

[Terk-1]

I had a woods view room (#5032) when I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in 2003 and LOVED IT!!!! The picture below is the view I had. You could see the castle, Wishes, lagoon, monorail & the upper levels of the Contemporary. More pictures of the view and the room are on the link below in the WL section.

Had a Courtyard view when I went in 2000, but liked the Woods view better.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I love the courtyard view! I enjoy being on the balcony watching the waterfall, seeing the lake, people watching, etc. Noise has never been a problem, but can see how it could be if you were on the first floor by the pool. I agree with dpic. I much prefer the north side, and always request it. Ask to be as high as possible (preferably 5th floor because 6th floor has smoking rooms) more because of the gorgeous view than the noise avoidance. I prefer the area right by the waterfall. So I would request in this order: nonsmoking, inner courtyard, high floor, north side by the waterfall. Good luck. You will love it!

 

[Troy08]

I had courtyard view(room 5143) and Loved it!!!We overlooked the falls, and were looking out to the lake. We were on the villa side of the property. It was very quiet. We never heard loud noises from the pool even at the height of the afternoon.

I had woods views on my two previous trips. While they were very nice, theres nothing like that inner courtyard view. Like another poster said, i liked being able to see all the action, the hustle and bustle, from my balcony. Every morning we would look down and see rabbits and squirrels. Was a nice way to start the morning.

 

[rt2dz]

I have never had a CY view, having only stayed at WL once. And I don't have pics to posts or our room number, but let me tell you, the view we had was beyond FANTASTIC as a woods view. I would not trade it for a CY view for anything. We saw the MK castle from our window w/ fireworks, the monorail, the otter pond, bay lake w/ the elctrical pagnant/parade (obscured but easily seen & enjoyed), and very private. We were on the 5th floor, north wing.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Terk-1: That is so funny! We had that same room in Dec. 2004! We loved it as well. We watched "Wishes" from our balcony one night, and could even hear the music! We've also stayed Courtyard as well, right in the middle of the "bear face". Sorry, can't remember the room # right now. We loved that as well. Either way I think you'll have a wonderful stay. We're booked this Dec. for VWL. I can't wait to try that out.

 

[NYRN]

We have 2 courtyard view rooms at WL this December- through a special with our TA that was just $5 more then stanadard view! I am traveling with my grand daughters who are looking forward to bunk beds, and from what I understand you can no longer secure bunk beds in a standard view room.

 

[disneyobessed]

we just came back and had a CY view of the villa pool on the first floor. IT WAS GREAT. we walked out of our room and we were right at the pool. it wasnt noisy at all either. i would prefer staying infron of the villas pool over the main pool b/c of the lights at night. IT was so convienent. room 1156! it had bunkbeds too. we requested a standard room but were upgraded on arrival!