WL good for a young family of 4?

[Taratink]

My Dh and I would like to stay at a WDW resort for our upcoming trip. Our DD will be 31/2 and our Ds will be 5. They fight a lot so we thought that maybe the bunk beds would seperate them enough. We also thought that we might like a balcony too. So thru my research I found that WL has both of these options. Any recommendations from others in the same situation? We were also thinking about the Poly but it is a little steep. Please give me some of your input. Is WL too small. I want to be able to get into th MK easily as it is our Fav. We are also open to any other WDW resort.
Tara

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

We LOVED the WL with our then 4 and 2 year old sons.

I was not brave enough to try the bunkbeds---a little too scary for me at that age. Are you sure you will be comfortable with the 3 year old climbing up top (as you know he will

But, both boys did fine sharing a bed--they were so pooped from the full days that they fell asleep as soon as their little heads hit the pillows

The beds at WL are pretty elevated, but you can request side bed rails from the front desk.

As for access to the MK, it was wonderful. A beautiful walk through the woods down to the dock to catch a boat to the MK just can't be beat. My boys loved the boatride--almost as much as any other park attraction

We even took the boat to MK, then monorail to Epcot because it was such a fun journey.

We rode the buses to MGM and AK.

We will most definitely be back to the WL. Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Taratink]

I was hoping that my fearless 5 yr old would take the top bunk. but this could also backfire and I could end up with a child in my bed. Booooo! Hisss! How was the food there? Was there a food court? How long did it take you to get to the MK and was the boat big? Did your room have a balcony? Would you spend your money on a upgraded view? Thanks for your help!
Tara

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I just meant you may have to deal with your boys playing on the beds--climbing up top, etc. I know mine would

Roaring Forks is the fast food place--great selection and typical Disney prices. We were always able to get in and out of there quickly. They had quite a few kid friendly selections--individual pizzas, grilled cheese, chicken/fries, hot dogs, etc. You can check the menu and prices at Deb's site www.allears.net

Whispering Canyon is the mid-priced restaurant--with table service. Very fun! Deb's site describes it well, and menu is there also. Make sure you ask for ketchup And your kids may like the rowdy atmosphere--complete with stick horse races.

Artist Pointe is the 3rd ($$$$$$$) fancier restaurant. Haven't eaten there--I'm not brave enough with my boys

They have a kids club (but I think the min. age is 4) and a small arcade that is fun.

The pool is wonderful. Cool waterslide!!! And don't be surprised to see a family of ducks take a swim across the pool.

As for the boat rides to the MK---there are some smaller boats that come by (to make the resort circuit, but they also stop by MK). You can ride those, but have to fold up stroller if you're bringing one.

Then there is a much bigger boat that will allow you to wheel strollers right on that is the direct shuttle to MK (although WL shares it with Fort Wilderness).

We never waited long for any boats, and were always able to ride the one that came (plenty of room). Maybe we were lucky??? The one exception was the night we "closed down" MK and watched the fireworks--we left with the crowd and ended up waiting for 3 or 4 boats to come. But, Disney seems to send all boats out for those situations and we were back "home" in no time.

As an aside--there was a caricature artist in front of the gift shop in the main lobby who was WONDERFUL. Those are my favorite souvenirs from all of our Disney trips--he did both boys and we now have them hanging above their beds.

You can request to sign up to be the flag family at the WL (ask at check in). That is supposed to be fun. But, we didn't ask. We just wanted to hit the parks

Any other questions, just ask away. I LOVE the WL!!!!! And so did my entire family.

 

[Taratink]

Thank you for all of the valuble info. I just can't wait to go. I don't know if it is the warm weather, the parks or just being able to spend a week alone and just focusing on having fun together as a family that makes it so magical. Last year Iwe stayed at a suites hotel outside the park and when visited the WL my Dh said why didn't you pick a place like this? I wanted a lot of space because my DD was only 2. My heart sank with his disapointment beacause it was his first trip to WDW. This time I want Disney magic 24/7.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I'm glad to help. Please post when you return so we can hear how your trip went.

You do know that discount codes are often available on the resorts? We were able to get the WL for $149 per nite woods view.

www.mousesavers.com posts the latest discounts available.

I hope you love the WL as much as we do