Wind Waker is a GREAT game. You should play it! ^^
I HATED IT when it came out. I was a part of the fandom that left when the "kiddie" game was presented. Many of us wanted a more realistic look to the game, and wanted the games to continue to develop more adult themes at the time. In fact it's the reason I switched to a PS2, and didn't buy a Gamecube until Twilight Princess. After the 16 bit wars I thought I was making a big statement back then. I still supported Nintendo's handhelds but I wouldn't support their system until the end of it's life.
Since then of course I've played other Legend of Zelda games that are set in the cel shade style, and I enjoyed them enough. They aren't my favorite, but they are fun. Still one day I may get around to playing WW, I enjoyed Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks enough.
It may sound stupid now, but back in the day of the early internet it was a big deal in the Zelda fandom. People really were pissed off back then. In fact until Kishimoto pulled his crap I'd say it was one of the biggest divided in a fandom I had ever seen. Of course unlike Kishimoto's product, WW actual was a quality game, and most of us came back later on anyways even if we didn't play WW.