WL, first trip with children questions

[DisneyShack]

Staying at the WL in early May, currently in a standard room. I have several questions:

1. Any suggestions on requests? Room numbers, certain part of the building (prefer OR avoid).

2. Is it worth the extra $$ (I think $10-20/night) to upgrade to a courtyard view?

3. Since this is our first trip with the kids, we decided to stay in the WL for 4 nights since it is near the MK (probably will spend most of our time there). Does anyone suggest splitting the nights and staying 2 at WL and 2 somewhere else (Contemporary??).

Many thanks from a neurotic planner!!

 

[vbfamily]

We stayed in a courtyard view and enjoyed it very much. That's not to say that we wouldn't have enjoyed a standard view. If you think the price is right and you want to upgrade, do it. Ask about the concierge upgrade when you check in. Maybe it will be available.

I read a post from someone on these boards and they said if they were going to stay in a standard view room they would probably stay higher up because I guess some people have had problems with service truck noise.

As for switching resorts, only you can decide if that's right for you. We enjoyed the boat to MK and it wasn't really a hassle not being on the monorail. We still rode the monorail a couple of times just for fun. Your kids will probably love WL and not want to leave. They could love the Contemporary just as much but what if you check in WL and they say that's where they want to stay the whole time?

Definately try the campfire over at FW.

I don't remember the number of our courtyard view room. I would say 3rd floor and higher would be ideal because then you don't have trees blocking your view of the geyser and water parade.

 

[carleesmom]

We stayed in 6148 (I think) in Nov. It was a standard view but we were able to see the fireworks at night. It was by the service dock but never heard the beeping trucks during the early morning hours & I am a light sleeper. The boat ride to MK was nice, never crowded nor a problem. I have 2 boys,k 7 &10 who loved WL. I also thought about the Contemporary but now am glad we stayed the whole time at WL. Hope you have a great time!

 

[lisareneeo]

We stayed at the WL in December. We had a standard view on the 5th floor. Our view was part of a roof top and the bus stop. We were not bothered by the view at all. ( It would have been nice to have a nicer view but we still loved the WL) Our door opened up into the lobby which we really liked. I am a light sleeper and was worried about the noise from Whispering Canyons (it gets a little loud) but this was not a problem at all. We got a great rate (standard view) and this is why we picked this view.
We had a great experience at the Wl. The boat ride to the MK was very nice. We never waited long. We also had no problem with the bus system at all.
We did eat in Whispering Canyons once for breakfast and enjoyed it. We also ate at Roaring Forks food court which was ok. ( we have previously stayed in moderate resorts and thought their food courts were better)
We loved the pool. My kids (4 and 6) loved the slide!
I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Good luck deciding!

 

[AspiringCindy]

I've stayed at WL three times and the last time(last summer), we were upgraded to courtyard view for free. You never know! Anyhow, you may want to request 5th or 6th floor on North side closest to the woods.l

 

[MichiganMommy]

We just split our 7 night stay between WL and the Swan. My kids, DS4 and DS7 liked the WL much better. The LOVED the bunk beds - even DS4 who slept on the bottom. They also liked the pool better (warmer and closer). We moved to be closer to epcot and mgm for part of our trip - and also to get a good rate at the swan. I enjoyed staying at 2 resorts. We did spend about 3 hours packing/transferring our luggage/unpacking. Another thing to consider with kids - you could be homeless from 11 am to 4 or 5. If you are always at the parks at this time it's no big deal. If this is your swim/relax time it might not work as well. I'm sure you'll have a great time either way.

 

[pointandshoot]

If you plan on spending a lot of time in MK, the one advantage to the CR is that you can walk to the park. This can be a time saver and avoids some crowds at the end of the day.

I have stayed at both resorts but never split my stay between them on a visit. We tend to stay at either resort for the portion of our vacation that will be Mk intensive.

A boat does shuttle guests between CR and WL until 11pm. It is very fast with short wait times and a bench while you wait. When we are at WL, sometimes we walk to CR then use that boat to get back. If I was in your shoes with a 4 day stay, unless you really want to see another resort, I would stay at WL and avoid the hassle of repacking. WL is beautiful resort and you will enjoy it.

 

[crisi]

I'd pay to upgrade the view. My parents had a view of the service road with their standard view - and didn't enjoy looking out over the dumpsters. Particularly if the difference in price isn't that big a deal to you. If the extra $20 a day will hit you in your budget other places, take the standard view and don't depend on using the balcony.

We had a woods view overlooking the otter pond. It was perfectly nice - could see the high fireworks, but nothing spectacular. But we weren't looking at the dumpster.

I wouldn't move resorts for a trip as short as yours - but the CR has advantages - the ability to walk, the monorail, bigger rooms.

 

[goofybabe2001]

We have stayed at wl twice and loved it.We have always paid for a standard room and been upgraded both times to a courtyard room for free.We always arrive early in the morning way before normal check-in and get upgraded everytime.It seems they never have our room ready so we get upgraded. be careful with our upgrade plan because you just might get stuck waiting for a room.

 

[Jinnyboom]

If you are considering a "split" stay....think about AKL...your kids will LOVE it..