wilderness lodge transportation question

[mf1972]

we’re currently booked for POFQ this october, but i’ve been looking into upgrading to the WL. i’ve read mixed reviews on the bus transportation service, but looking to hear other opinions on it. is it as bad as i’m reading or actually not bad at all? thanks.

 

[Tuvalu]

As a longtime vet of both resorts I can say bus service is about equal. WL has the option of boating to MK, which is nice, and as a Deluxe resort you’d be eligible for the extra evening hours perk.

 

[jpinkc]

Yes the boat to MK is super nice. You can walk to Poly if you want. We have done it several times. Our kids were older, small kids not a great idea. The Bus transport in my opinion isnt any worse than the other Bus only resorts.

 

[note2001]

Port Orleans has multiple bus stops around the resort.
While the bus stops have coverings, the pathways back to the rooms are not. Rain, sun... you'll get it all.

Wilderness Lodge has one bus stop with a few benches and in over 18 years I have never seen that stop get crowded.
It also has a covered walkway back to the resort to keep you dry if it's raining (unless you have a cabin, in which case... wow, decent trade off.)
Wilderness Lodge has boats to the MK, filled by buses if the boats are not running such as in a storm.

I love both resorts, but WL is superior for transportation.

 

[Weather_Lady]

We've stayed both places, and experienced what I'd say was typical for a week anywhere on WDW property. We had great bus (and in the case of WL, boat too) service all week at each, with short waits 95% of the time, with just one random "issue" during each stay (e.g., waiting for 45-60 minutes for transportation). The "issues" were occasioned by buses breaking down or by some kind of main transportation office snafu, and those sorts of things crop up occasionally no matter where you stay.

WL has the overall transportation advantage given the boat to the MK (sadly, it no longer has a walking path to Fort Wilderness, which was nice) and the fact that it has just one bus stop, but I wouldn't consider those things to be a dealbreaker or dealmaker in choosing which resort to book.

 

[RememberWhen]

Yes the boat to MK is super nice. You can walk to Poly if you want. We have done it several times. Our kids were older, small kids not a great idea. The Bus transport in my opinion isnt any worse than the other Bus only resorts.

You can’t walk to the Poly from Wilderness Lodge. But I’m assuming you were thinking the Grand Floridian.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Beware in the winter... that early morning boat ride to rope drop Magic Kingdom before the sun comes up can be COLD.