I don't recall anything special about that section of trail. It's wooded, relatively viewless, pleasant enough. Gentle duff (compared to most of what we do) is what I remember most. After you junction with the main Ten Lakes trail you'll really start to go up. I don't have a good memory for trail details unless they are particularly pretty or particularly difficult. The connector is not something I remember well.
I have been to the overlook over the Ten Lakes basin more times than I can count, from the main trailhead and from the east. But I haven't camped in that basin much. Others will hopefully give you more advice. The drop into Ten Lakes basin is steep, and then you have to find a camp. From previous posts, it sounds like taking the time to explore past the first big one is worth it if you want peace.
Honestly, with a Tom Harrison paper map (or electronic equivalent) and the signs, you shouldn't get lost on that section from WW to the main Ten Lakes trail. It's the only one in the area that cuts across like that. I don't have a picture of the signs at the trailhead handy, but I wouldn't be surprised if at least one mentions Ten Lakes. I always think of the "Lukens Lake Trail" as the one from the road to the lake. The trail from WW to Ten Lakes trail, I think of as a convenient connector.
As for time... it all depends on you and your groups' abilities. Generally, I'd factor 2 miles an hour including breaks, maybe add more for lunch? It gets pretty at Half Moon Meadow and the climb up from there is steep. If this is your first Yosemite hike, play the time conservatively so you don't have to rush. And you'll be getting close to 10k' elevation. That can affect your speed, too... and pack weight, and weather, so many variables... So that is a hard question for anyone to answer for you.
I *know* others have been to Ten Lakes more frequently, I'm sure they can help out more, but wanted to say hi!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/06/2014 09:36PM by JustKeepWalking.