We really enjoyed our week long stay at WL! I honestly could have stayed here and not even gone to the parks, it's so relaxing and really feels like you're out in the middle of nowhere. I was so surprised how close it really is to Contemporary and MK without feeling like it.
I would have probably booked a nature view but with the military discount- and the fact that I booked less than two months out- they only had courtyard view. We were on the second floor and I was worried about the pool noise but honestly it wasn't a bother at all. Our rooms faced right out to the pool and even in the middle of the day during all the activity and games you could only really hear it if the balcony door was open. We did hear the boat horns at night when we were trying to sleep but it still wasn't a major issue.
We got the bunk bed room and regular room connecting as requested so that was a plus since they can't ever guarantee that. DS2 and GF2 where both comfortable in the bunk beds, though DS2 who is 5'10 said he wished it was a little higher because he thought he was going to hit his head on the top bunk when he got up in the morning, which he never did. They liked that there were lights over each bunk and I liked the easy switch on light on each side of the queen bed. The shower was perfect for the four of us to share sine the tub edge is wide for all of our toiletries to go on and the vanity area had plenty of room as well, both counters and underneath. I found the blow dryer worked well and had a diffuser attachment included.
Our room was pretty far down the corridor so we found we could walk to the end and down one flight of stairs to the door right out to the boat dock. That was great when going to and from MK and Ft. Wilderness when we did Hoop Dee Doo. On the other hand, it was still just a quick walk down the hall to the elevator and down one floor and another quick walk to Roaring Forks where we could fill up our mugs or get breakfast, snacks, or a late night dinner. We did this several times since we seemed to be not as hungry during the hot days, but by the time we got back to the resort we'd want to eat. There were a lot of good options so everyone was happy. DH, DS1, and GF1 really like the grilled cheese, DS2 liked the burger best, GF2 loved the pulled pork sandwich, and my fav was the roast beef sandwich. The "kids" stayed at MK a little later than us one night and grabbed wings from Geyser Point to go which they enjoyed. It would have been nice to sit out and enjoy the water front atmosphere there if it were not so hot. Our first day's breakfast was at Whispering Canyon, and while it's not as wild and fun as I remember in years past, we still had a great time. Our CM was top notch and we really enjoyed him. Everyone got the traditional skillet but me- I got the lighter side one (that oatmeal is heavenly). I love that they've changed it to three different options now so everyone can get what they want. We all were thoroughly stuffed.
The lobby area is fantastic and I especially loved the comfy chairs where you could look out at the little bridge and "creek" as well as the rocking chairs in front of the fire place. Even in the heat of summer it still felt like we were at a cool mountain retreat. We had fun at the pool on our down day and never felt like it was over crowded. The CM's leading the games and stuff for the kids were doing a fantastic job while not being too loud or annoying. I love the waterfall and creek that runs into the pool.
All the staff we encountered- from Mousekeeping to front desk to merchandise- were terrific. We stopped at the pin trading board daily and had a nice chat with just about everyone working there. We also got to chat with those CM's in the Mercantile. I'm on a mission to stay at every regular Disney resort, but I will definitely rank WL high on my list of favorites. I aim to come back in the fall or winter one day- Christmas time would be my dream!
), I can confirm that the plan is to do away with the bunk beds during the refurbishment. That’s also the case at AKL, which is currently in the midst of their refurbishment.
