Hi, I was wondering if anyone has stayed at both the GF and WL. We have always stayed at the GF and enjoyed the location on the monorail, but if I want to get my Disney fix more often, I need to find another (cheaper) option. I was thinking WL, we can still access MK by boat or catch the monorail there. The theming at WL is not my fave, it is a little too familiar since we are in the northwoods of Wisconsin, but the bunkbed option for the kids and the price point are attractive. I guess I am looking for reassurance that WL would not be a dissappointment and the transportion is easy enough for the MK. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.

To be honest, WL is probably my fave resort. I really dont think you will be disappointed. Transportation options are very good, it has a nice pool, and lots to do at the resort itself. I can understand the theming may not be a strong point for you, but you never know.

Being that it is probably the cheapest deluxe resort does not necessarily hurt either.

we are staying at the WL this July. I didnt think you could catch the monorail there? I thought it was bus or boat to the MK?

we are staying at the WL this July. I didnt think you could catch the monorail there? I thought it was bus or boat to the MK?

You can't catch the monorail at the Wilderness Lodge. You can, however, take a bus from Wilderness to the MK and then catch the monorail at the MK. I think this is what the OP meant.

To be honest, WL is probably my fave resort. I really dont think you will be disappointed. Transportation options are very good, it has a nice pool, and lots to do at the resort itself. I can understand the theming may not be a strong point for you, but you never know.

Being that it is probably the cheapest deluxe resort does not necessarily hurt either.

How is it getting to the parks from WL? What was your longest wait for a boat to MK or buses to any given park or DTD. We have always stayed at POR but were thinking about upgrading to WL. We went to Whispering Canyons last trip and walked around the resort and liked it a lot but it seems like it would be much longer to get to MGM, Animal Kingdom, Epcot & DTD by bus than from any of the moderate resorts and the boat ride to MK seems like it would take awhile based on talking the boat from POR to DTD.

We never had problems with the transportation to/from the parks and WL. The bus and/or boat rides were just fine as we probably did not wait much more than 15 mins for a ride to the parks. (Which we find to be a typical wait regardless of park or resort hotel.)

If you would like, you can do your own travel time comparison using this transportation wizard. (http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.aspx)

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the site. I have used that before but could not remember what site it was on. Is it just boat to MK or do they also offer buses to MK also.

I've seen different results with buses to MK. First trip they had them, last one (2006) they didn't. But I would like to say it is a great resort! Transportation is very short by bus to Epcot or DS. I love the boat ride to MK.

Thanks for the information! I think we will give WL a try. Do you think it is quicker to take a bus to Epcot? Or boat to MK and then catch the monorail to Epcot?

I've seen different results with buses to MK. First trip they had them, last one (2006) they didn't.
Wasnt that when they were doing the renovation of the WL stop at the MK bus area? (I think it was...)
Do you think it is quicker to take a bus to Epcot? Or boat to MK and then catch the monorail to Epcot?
My vote for best bet is to do the bus to Epcot. Otherwise you are going by boat to MK. MK to TTC via Monorail or ferry, Transfer to Epcot monorail. (Obviously not the most direct way to go with wait times in between stops.)

I agree with Gusman. I've done both because it sounded more fun to take a boat and the monorail. It was more fun, but definately took longer! The one issue we had with the boat vs bus to MK, was that we had an early breakfast at MK Crystal Barn, and at that time the boat wouldn't get us there. We ended up taking the boat to the Contemporary and walking. However, the fault was with us as there was an early bus just for getting people to MK and we just didn't ask in time. Now I always ask for recommendations for transport off hours at the desk.

Good to know. I hadn't thought about the boats not running all the time. We will have to be sure to ask if we are needing transport at off peak times. One more thing, is Artist Point worth the money? I think we are not going to use the dining plan this year, it is just soooo darn much food it seems like a waste...But we have places we have to go (Crystal Palace, Kona Cafe) should we add Artist Point to the list? It has gotten good reviews lately...