WL - some concerns

[damone]

I've stayed at the WL 4 times and NEVER had a bad experience. "Small and dingy"? They're not as large as the other deluxes, but hardly small. 344 sq ft is larger than most hotels. In no way are they dingy. That's just ridiculous. They are dark in terms of furnishings, but that's the theme. Open the shades and they're as light as any other room. As for the ducks in the pool, that's true of ALL Disney Resorts. I've yet to walk by one pool in the morning where there weren't ducks swimming in them. But just like every other pool at Disney, the WL pools are immaculate and clean.

You'll be just fine. WL is the best kept and nicest resort we've stayed at in Disney (including the GF).

 

[MissionMouse]

To set your mind at ease...
You'll learn the number 1 rule of the internet.... when it comes to travel sites..

People are 99 times more likely to log-on to complain.. than to log on to a site and say "Everything was fine. No problems."

And in any event.. if you are assigned a room that you don't like for whatever reason, just go to the front desk and ask for a different one.

If you truly hate the resort - ask to be moved. Lots of folks have done it before. Not every place is for everyone. That's partly why Disney offers so much variety and choice in their accommodations.

Agree 100%

...WL for the first time - standard room. This is a splurge for us ...don't expect a great view, nor am I concerned with it...travelocity and reading recent reviews - and they aren't very good. Small dingy dark rooms, bad food at Roaring Forks, ducks pooping in the pools. ... list on disboards of nice standard rooms at WL... How do you get an upgrade - do you ask? or it just magically happens?

Though you state you are not worried about your view it really sounds like you are concerned with it and would suggest you select a courtyard view to get the view you see in all of their advertisements. The reviews you read out at other travel site fall in line with what Canadian Guy stated. Some people find enjoyment in complaining too or just have a natural negative dispostion on everything.

While the Disney WL theme was not all that appealing to us we contribute this to our past travels throughout the Rocky Mountain and NW Region of the US and Canada. As far as the theme being dark I would stay the origin lodging locations that Disney copied from are much darker. Disney brightened the theme up in many ways. I wouldn't even worry about the ducks, I would worry about humans who do some of the most disgusting things imaginable.

Many people find the restaurants at WL very appealing and there is also a quick boat ride, walk or monorail to dine at MK or one of the monorail resorts or a walk over to Wilderness area too.

I would recommend updating your reservation to a courtyard view room, since Standard is more of a wildcard at any resort.

 

[troynkasey]

I'm with many of the PPs...WL is a great resort. We've stayed there like 3 or 4 times. I can't remember...but each time we weren't let down. The decor has a lot of dark green and dark wood stains, but that's the lodge feel. YOu can't go to Yellowstone or the Yukon or anything like that and enter a lodge and expect to see bright colors. If you want bright colors, stay at the CBR.

The pool is fantastic. Yes there are ducks around, but not sure I've seen them poop in the pool. Sad thing is...I'm sure all pools in DW have ducks or some other birds that have pooped in them. That's what they do. And that's why there's chlorine.

Roaring Forks is what it is...a quick service with standard fare. If you want elegant or nice sit down, then Whispering Canyon is a great choice. We've never had a problem with Roaring Forks. I've NEVER had a problem with cleanliness or anything anywhere in the resort. And the price is right...especially since there is a quick ferry boat ride over to MK.

Hopefully you've received enough positive comments here to ease your concerns. Just sit back and let Disney do their thing and make your vacation magical.

 

[vhartwell]

We stayed at the WL last summer and LOVED it so much we are headed back this summer!!

 

[Wonderlandmom]

The closer you are to the end of the resort, the better the fireworks view...likewise, I think the higher your floor, the better the possible view? Except if you get to the floor with the other kind of balcony railing which is harder to see through...

I have stayed in south wing woods view and really can't remember but do the north wing woods view have 6 or 7 levels? I don't want the balcony with the solid rail. Is this solid rail on the 6th floor for the outer woods view?

 

[AuntBot]

Have to agree with all the posters here. We love the WL and our June trip will be out fourth stay. The rooms are smaller than those at the Poly or the Contemporary, but they are not tiny. We've never had an issue with cleanliness of the rooms, nor have we found them "dingy". We saw ducks in the quiet pool at the Poly, too.

One thing I will say about the WL, if you are paying for courtyard view, you need to make it clear you want the inner courtyard. They will not tell you at booking unless you ask, but "courtyard view" includes views of "any landscaped area" at the resort. In other words, courtyard view includes facing the villas.

It's a wonderful resort and I'm sure you will love it.

 

[TxRabbit]

I have stayed in south wing woods view and really can't remember but do the north wing woods view have 6 or 7 levels? I don't want the balcony with the solid rail. Is this solid rail on the 6th floor for the outer woods view?

Here's the link to the thread post with all the information about the rooms.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34123554&postcount=2

I believe that the rooms you are asking about have 6 levels and the 6th level is the one with the dormer balconies, where you have to stand to enjoy the view.

 

[Nina1]

Seems everyone already covered what I was going to say, but just wanted to reiterate a few things. First, the WL is absolutely beautiful. We've stayed all around WDW, but will now only stay there. Also, I agree with what others said about the room views. Last year we had a woods view that had a view of the fireworks. It was wonderful; however, we truly missed waking up in the morning and opening up our door to a view of the gorgeous lobby - even our four year old missed it. So, this year, I requested a fourth floor lobby view (i.e. standard). I hope we get it. Be sure to check out the seating areas on the various floors - especially the ones with fireplaces. So cozy. We sat there one night last year after the parks had closed and played Uno. And, don't forget the outdoor porch areas.

Finally, about the ducks...I've never seen one poop in the pool. We schedule one rest day in the middle of our trip to hang out at the pool because it's just so beautiful and relaxing. We also try to get there at least one evening and also spend our check out day there as we have a late flight home. Anyway, in all these years, never had a duck pooping issue. I asked a lifeguard once and he told me the chlorine level in the pool is very high. Plus, the lifeguards do keep a close eye on the duck situation. Now, the ducks will come around sometimes when you're eating, but we've never had any issues with one trying to get our food. They just kind of sit under the table. Just don't feed them. Anyway...go and enjoy!!!

 

[Corwin]

I think it's been mentioned, but the ducks are in most of the pools at WDW. There were ducks swimming around the volcano pool at the Poly on our last visit while my son and I were in the pool.

It was just the two of us and the ducks.

I've never seen any duck droppings in any of the pools.

 

[Pats Dragon]

We love the northwoods feel to the WL with the evergreens, shade, muted rooms (a little dark but nice). Don't forget that the electric water pageant goes by and it is fun to sit and watch it and sip a drink. Also, contemporary is only a fun boat ride away with its new food court and many restaurants. I think you will love your stay.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Here's the link to the thread post with all the information about the rooms.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34123554&postcount=2

I believe that the rooms you are asking about have 6 levels and the 6th level is the one with the dormer balconies, where you have to stand to enjoy the view.

Thanks! I knew the info was somewhere on here, just could not locate it!

 

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

The WL is our favorite and we've stayed in a lot of different types of rooms. The "worst" we had was a standard overlooking the receiving area and the smoke house. It actually turned out to be a really cool room as we soon found out that we could see the high fireworks at the MK while laying in our bed and looking out the sliding glass doors. While it wasn't a great view during the day it was quiet and we were usually at the pool or the parks during the day anyhow. If you like a woodsy log cabin type atmosphere there isn't a better place to stay; you feel like you are in the middle of no where even though you are in the middle of everything. I'd could stay there and never go to the parks and be very happy!

 

[pmaurer74]

We just booked yesterday for our first family trip to Disney at the WL. I was told by a Disney rep that the WL had a 90% return rate....whatever that is worth.

 

[Evi]

I think alot of the negative reviews you read about disney deluxes have to do with the term deluxe. Non disney regulars who go to a deluxe resort and expect the Ritz can be a bit disappointed. Unfortunately they would probably also have been disappointed at the Ritz jk. Anyhow take it with a grain of salt I think what resort you love will be all about your personal taste and the best thing to do is really read the boards and look at pictures and hear what other people have to say on these boards because most people here go often. versus the people posting who are perhaps doing the once in a lifetime trip.

Also not ever resort is for everyone. I stayed at CSR after reading raving reviews and I hated it. I know other people love it. It wasn't for me I didn't like the contemporary either. But I love POR, the WL, GF, YC and will be trying AKL for first time. So its worth resort hoping to find your fave in my opinion.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We stayed in the WL a couple of years ago. It was perfectly nice, Roaring Forks was fine, a couple of swimming ducks didn't bother us and if it's dim just open the curtains. Some people just like to complain. Although last year we choose to stay at CSR, that's because we like to try new places. We were happy at the WL and would happily return there.

We had booked a standard view at the WL and were very lucky to be upgraded to a courtyard view when we checked, but that was pure luck. We didn't ask for it and didn't even realize that we were upgraded till we got to the room.

 

[FunkyDuck]

I just wanted to throw my thoughts into the mix here as well....although I have nothing else to compare it to...it has been our only stay...but the WL is breathtaking...I agree with all the pp's and would also like to say that the CM's that work there were sooo very kind and helpful...I had a snoring husband problem...hehehe...and could not sleep to save my life...they were out of earplugs in the merchantile...the CM at the desk (this is late at night) offered to drive out to get me some earplugs...which I was just shocked over...lol...thankfully another CM was able to find me some there and no one had to leave the lodge...but just another great point of the WL...truly nice people...who were willing to go above and beyond...

We are planning another trip this November...and part of me wants to try "new" resorts each time...but I find myself constantly looking at the WL thread and thinking...why change when we had such a great time there??? lol...we will see!!!

 

[MyDisneyTrio]

We stayed at the WL in January, and I LOVED it. The theming, architecture, and whole feel of the resort is absolutely amazing. I really liked Roaring Fork. I liked everything I ate there. Our beds were comfy, mousekeeping was great, we had towel animals almost everyday. Buses were quick, as was the boat to MK. The lobby, OMG, I could sit in that lobby all day just admiring everything. We were able to swim one day while we were there (the only day when it was warm enough to), and yes there was a duck in the pool, but it didn't bother us. I really don't like birds (strange phobia/fear of mine), so we ate inside most of the time. I think you'll love the WL! I would love to go back and stay there, but DH wants to try Poly next time (we have 3 small kids in strollers, so the monorail would be super for us). Have an awesome trip!!!

 

[goopysolelady]

How can you go wrong with this?

WL is a beautiful, peaceful retreat from the hustle/bustle of WDW. We love it there.

 

[MAYNARDS99]

These are our favorite rooms, they are woods view, but you can also glimpse the lake (and the Electrical Water Pagent)!

Yes, they are VERY FAR away from the lobby, but oh so quiet...

As far as being dark, turn on all the lights and open the curtains.

 

[The Princess]

We love,love the WL so much that we booked it again for our next trip in July. The lobby is breath taking!! We like to just "chill" in the lobby before we hit the parks or when we get back from a wild day at the the park~WL is the best kept secret.