Oh my goodness you are just like us!!! It's kind of scary! Interested in the same resorts, honeymooning in October, won't rent DVC points, staying at Fort Wilderness as a kid etc. Like I said. SCARY!! Okay. You are obviously nature people who love outside and trees and rustic feel. That's my guess by the resorts you are looking at. (Could be wrong on that.) We are too!! And these are all great choices.
We are taking our honeymoon in October as well like I said and we are staying at Copper Creek. (Wilderness Lodge is new for us and are nervous about staying in a new resort too!) We are staying there because it is a short boat ride to Fort Wilderness where we are getting married and having our reception (and also our rehearsal dinner. Yay, Hoop Dee Doo Revue!). We went straight through Disney for ours because we couldn't get past our reservations with renting points. I totally get it. It is a bit more expensive, it wasn't by much though. The nice thing is that you don't have to pay the majority of your vacation up front. (I think with some of the rentals it's all the moment it is booked.) We couldn't handle that and also, there is NO flexibility or cancellation on your reservation. It just wasn't for us. Anyhow, those are a couple of extra points to remember when you consider booking through Disney for a DVC if that is an option for you.
Okay. Before this trip every one we have stayed at Riverside. We ADORE it there!! We are not doing it this trip because we want a bit more space, a kitchen, and as crazy as it sounds I love being able to do laundry on vacation, lol. So, Riverside is like the Florida/Bayou version on FW and WL. It's stunning in our opinion. It is extremely quiet, very romantic, and the whole feel of it is very tranquil and beautiful. We have not found it to be spread out at all and here's why. We only stay in the Alligator Bayou portion of Riverside. It's right up our alley with it being a bit more rustic and less manicured, inside and out respectively. It is closest to the main building with the food court and bar (a giant tasty plus by the way!!) the beautiful mill, shops, etc. To boot there is a bus station around the corner, the closest one to the lobby and amenities. Well, around the corner for Disney. Maybe a 3-5 minute walk. There are TONS of shortcuts to be had there as well because of how they designed it. With that being said, if you get bored of taking the same trek to where you want to go you don't have to do that there. I can not say enough good things about it, really. If you want to know more I STRONGLY suggest this website:
http://www.portorleans.org This is everything you need to know about Port Orleans and is updated constantly.
Now. Fort Wilderness is VERY large and you are kind of stuck with where you eat and where you have your entertainment. They are not really in the same location and that's a bummer. You could certainly rent a golf cart for your trip if you wish so you wouldn't have to drive or walk everywhere, but it is an added expense. It has a very similar feel to PO-R. More so than WL in my opinion because WL is obviously deluxe. And like you said the internal bus system is a GIANT pain in the rear, especially when it's late and you are tired!
As far as your allergies go, having a kitchen is a wonderful option and certainly a cost-savings so FW would be great for that. Disney is one of the best places to eat if you have allergies, but counter service can have limited options. Another plug for Riverside is they do have a sit-down restaurant (easier with allergies) and the counter service is huge. CC obviously has a full kitchen or a studio kitchen depending on which room you are looking at. That's great as well, but definitely more expensive than the studio kitchen in the cabins at FW. CC is connected directly to WL so the extra dining options there are a big plus for you - imo.
My recommendation for best bang for your buck and a wonderful romantic location without it costing an arm and a leg? PO-R IF you can deal with it not being a suite feel. I would recommend this resort to pretty much anyone actually!! A splurge that is definitely more cost-wise, but with WAY more amenities and brand-new rooms with full kitchens and the option with basically limitless dining - WL. Somewhat budget friendly, considering the kitchen, but a pain for resort access - FW. If I was picking FOR you. I would stay away from FW for this trip at least. It's less... honeymoon-ey to me.
I know, this was super long!!! And I probably didn't help at all, but I just felt like I met my Disney twin! LOL