NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[kimmar067]

Would someone consider starting a thread for the "ins and outs" of the Wilderness Lodge? I am new to pertinent info (and don't have any pics to scan) re: this fabulous resort....anyone out there up to the task???
(If you want this to be the beginning, I will change the thread "name"):)

ADDENDUM:
Okay, guys, this is an OPEN INVITATION for any DIS'er who is particularly fond and knowledgeable of the WL. We need those posts - many of us are 1st timers to WL and only YOU can give us the DIRT!! So start posting....(all pics and links welcome, too:D )

:earsgirl: :earsboy:

(Note to those of you new to this thread: due to a "misunderstanding" between two CM's at WL, one of these DIS'ers had her user name deleted, causing all of her posts to be deleted also...just a simple explanation as for why some of the "Q's-and-A's" may seem a little strange when reading them!)

[josierac]

Floor plans (don't know how to put the actual floor plan here) http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/rooms/roomgroupingindex?id=WILDRoomGrping

Pictures www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/rescc/costcalc.asp?pageFunction=researcher&resId=WL&submit1=go%21We

From MKingdom-
stayed in 3159 and 3161...a long and winding path from the lobby at the end of a long day, but with a great balcony view of the pool, geyser, and electric water pageant.
http://www.amsbaugh.com/photos/jr_a...orld/Disney.htm

Room 7052 on the concierge level has a view of the Contemporary and Space Mountain (fireworks can be seen from this room)

From 999ghsts - Your standard rooms are floors 4, 5, and 6 in the first wing on the North...MK...side, these are all the rooms that directly look over the service area also the 4th floor rooms over the front desk are standard view rooms, they all look at roof peaks.
***Standard rooms DO NOT have King Beds, They are NOT
located on any floors lower than 4 and they are ALL non smoking****

Woods view rooms (also refered to as Lodgeview) are located above the Whispering Canyon (in the Lobby) floors 4, 5 and 6...these look out at trees, they above the front desk floors 5 and 6 also looking at trees, the first wing on the SOuth side floors 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6 facing the trees between the Lodge and the Villas and the rooms on the North wing facing MK floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 these rooms overlook the "otter pond" and face towards MK with some (only a handful) being able to see the Magic Kingdom

Courtyard rooms are the inner section of the building they can be in the lobby, down the North or South wing facing in towards the Wilderness Lodge Pool, they can be the end of the hallways facing out towards the Lake or they can be the South wing facing the Villas and the Quiet Pool Courtyard.

Concierge is the 7th floor (7th floor also contains the Vice and
Presidential suites and the HOneymoon suites) there is no "Designated view" for these rooms they are all priced the same but you can still request a particular view.

Deluxe rooms are what was once called the Junior suites they are at the end of the hallways and are also not view specific (they can be woods view or courtyard). These do have connecting rooms in woods or courtyard avalaible as well.

Side Notes...
*The resort is primarily NON smoking, the only rooms that are smoking are the rooms on the 5th floor South wing (Villas Wing).
*95% of the King bed rooms are Handicap accessible meaning they DO NOT have tubs (just a roll in shower).
*There is only 1 set of (woods view) rooms that have connecting
bunks(meaning BOTH rooms have a set of bunks and a queen bed)...The resort is set up to have a room with 1 queen and a set of bunk connect to a room with 2 queens...or connect to 1 king (there are some that are 2 queen connecting to 2 queen and or 2 queen connecting to 1 king....there is also one set of King connecting to King)
* The lobby of the resort is actually the second floor so if you have a first floor room on the Villas side you actually have to walk halfway down the 2nd floor hallway to the elevator and go "down" to your room.
The 1st floor on the MK side are acessed via a ramp that slopes down past the restaurants. In this same reference the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors on the MK side can not be accessed by the main lobby elevator you would need to go past all the restaurants and use the elevator by Roaring Forks.
* Dormer balconies are ALL of the 7th floor and some of the 6th. The 7th floor does not extend out as far therefore the last wing on both sides on the 6th floor has the dormer balconies. The 1st and 2nd (and some portions of the 3rd floor) in certain locations also have dormer balconies as they are blocked in by the Brick used to create the "look" of the resort. You can usually find this at the ends of the hallway (where it "T's" before the next hallway begins.

My favorite rooms are:
Standard view over the front desk (they do look at the roof but you don't have the beeping of the trucks at night)
Woods view MK side overlooking the otter pond
Courtyard I don't really have a favorite, but If I had to pick it would be the South wing inner courtyard 4th floor

[Sonya]

OK, we have 3 interested parties, and still no faqs! Please, someone?

[#1MMFan]

Okay, I'm interested too. I'd love to know *which* CM 999ghosts is (or at least what dept they work in!) Do people never say hi?

Let's get cracking on this FAQ thread!

John :bounce:

[MickFreak]

I, too, would be interested in a faq's thread. We are staying there in June and would love to know everything there is to know about the WL.

Sue

[sweetheart2576]

i am interested too.

[kimmar067]

...obviously we have more than a few DIS'ers out there who have inquiring minds when it comes to the WL....let's send out some EXTRA SPECIAL PIXIE DUST * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * to 999ghosts so that he/she(???) will oblige.

(REMEMBER: chant to yourself [it'll make the pixie dust more effective:D ] "We want a WL FAQ thread, we want a WL FAQ thread, we want a WL FAQ thread........" is it working yet???)

[Ranatra]

Excellent Idea!

[corvair]

HI, I would like to know alot about WL. Can any of you WL lovers help me choose the best location for a room? I Have courtyard veiw and I do not know anything about the location except it looks over the pool. I read on a post that that does not mean you will be near the pool. I thought that is what I payed extra for. Cann you help??? I want to be close to the pool and a nice veiw but not to high up and close to the hot tubs. I want alot huh? All you WL experts please help us learn more about this resort. thanks corvair

[kimmar067]

...corvair, we'll SOMEHOW get your post answered. After all, isn't that why we have this FABULOUS DISBOARD????

Be patient - I'm sure someone will pull thru......Let's get this "baby" off the ground!!:wave:

[Buzzsgramma]

corvair.. DH and I were in rm 1163 just this month...pool & snack bar just outside of rm......also we were very close to door leading outside...I thought it would be extemely noisey at night for sleeping but wasnt that bad....DS and fam. in next rm (connecting) with bunk beds...hope this helps. We have also been on the sixth floor (dormer rms) the view is gorgeous. We love the LODGE..

[Buzzsgramma]

I am no authority thats for sure but I LOVE the LODGE...I would sleep in the lobby if I could...just stayed there this month. I dont think the bunk beds can be moved..G-kids have slept in them the last few trips...ladder is built into the beds at the end...rails around the top .. I think the dormer rms. on the sixth floor have a great view and of course the balcony in enclosed around lower section..one problem with this was little kids want ing to stand on the chairs to see parade and part of the fireworks. Artist Point is lovely and the food superb..great atmosphere. We love Wispering Canyon..its great fun...ate at the snack bar this time it was ok... kids love the pool and the slide...i even went down...yikes.....

[kimmar067]

..thank you for such an honest post. Basically, what we are trying to start here is a perspective for the "feel" of this resort. Many of us will be visiting this beautiful location for the first time, and I want the readers to get that certain sense of anticipation that, after reading these posts, it will only build the excitement and make more DIS'ers happy about choosing the WL!!!:D

[corvair]

Thanks, buzzsgramma, cool name, when you stayed in 1163 what floor was that? Do you recommend bottom floor or up a liittle higher for the veiw? Was this a courtyard veiw? Thanks for the response. It seems like all of the other resorts all kinds of people respond about room location but for some reason can not get much help with WL. Thanks so much, any other WL info would be grestly appreciate....... corvair

[Buzzsgramma]

thanks corvair Yes it was a courtyard view.... great for convenience (no elevators to deal with), but for a thrilling view we loved the 6th floor looking out over the pool towards Artist Point. Have also stayed in a lobby rm. I believe now called woods view(someone feel free to correct me) we sat on the balcony and watched them build the villas...thats when we first looked into DVC. Enjoy your stay.

[MKingdom]

We stayed at WL last September and loved it! I'd call the atmosphere "the romantic west." There are lots of nooks and crannies with comfy chairs/sofas inviting you to stop and take a break from your day. Somehow the architecture and rocks make the temperature seem cooler inside. The fireplace in the lobby is beautiful and I believe the colors mimic the rock layers of the Grand Canyon. Theme music playing in the lobby throughout the day sounds like something from an epic movie (Last of the Mohicans?). The overall affect definitely has the Disney magic!

The next time we stay there, I'll ask for a room closer to the lobby. We stayed in 3159 and 3161...a long and winding path from the lobby at the end of a long day, but with a great balcony view of the pool, geyser, and electric water pageant.

[corvair]

MKINGDOM, Can you tell me more about the lay out of the rooms? You said you were in room 3159. I was going to request to be at the end of the U shape courtyardveiw. Someone told me that the steps were at the end so you could use them to get to the pool instead of going through the lobby. Is this kind of where your rooms were? I would rather be more convenient to the pool than the lobby. Your veiw sounds like just what I am looking for. Were you close to the boat dock? Was this on the third floor? Thanks for any info. corvair........................................... .......................... At looking at the map of WL were you close to the poolbar?

[kimmar067]

...when you exited the lobby to walk towards the pool area, were your rooms on the left or the right?
(OOOOHHHHH, this is getting SOOOOO exciting!!!:bounce: )

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I stayed at Wilderness Lodge a few years ago. We were in a Woods View room, #4082. It had 1 queen bed and bunkbeds. If I remember correctly, it had a solid balcony, I'm thinking it was sorta like a dormer balcony (4th floor). It is in the lobby area, behind the fireplace. It was a great room, however during the night you could hear the vaccum in the lobby. I did not notice any noise from Whispering Canyon, as it was below us. Our view was of woods.

We love the Artist Point restaurant, especially the Berry Cobbler!

Can't wait to stay at Wilderness Lodge again! Hopefully we'll be able to stay there for a weekend next year!

[kimmar067]

do you have any pics you csn share with us? (I don't know about anyone else, but I sure would LOVE to see 'em!!):cool:

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I think I have a few pictures of the grounds, but I'll have to scan them. Once I get them scanned (I'll have to look for them, too!), I'll be sure to post a link to them. :) Hopefully I can have them up by this weekend.

:)

[Sonya]

Thank you those of you who posted. Keep them coming!

Anybody ever had a Standard View that they liked? Got a room number?

What is the counter service like?

Is the pool very big? Is there a kiddie pool?

[MKingdom]

kimmar067, when we exited the main lobby to go to the pool our rooms were on the right.

corvair, our room was on the third floor. I know we didn't take the fastest route to the pool! (We had my mom in a wheelchair, so we had to take the elevator. We just took the first elevator we found. I think we would have been closer to the pool if we exited our room to the left instead of to the right.)

To get to the pool we went out of our room and made a right all the way to the end of the corridor. Then we took the elevator to lobby level. From there we kept to the right, walking around a corner and exiting through a glass door that led to the little bridge by Silver Creek Falls.

The layout of the room was very nice. On entering, there was an ice bucket with glasses on a narrow chest on the left, followed by the closet. To the right was the vanity area and bathroom. Keep walking in and the beds are on the right (head end to the wall), the armoire with TV is on the left, followed by floor lamp, table, and two armchairs.

The sliding glass doors have lace curtains (NICE!) in addition to heavy drapes. There is a small table and two chairs on the balcony. We've got some pictures of the room on our website; check out the pictures from 9-25-2001 at this link to see the room:

http://www.amsbaugh.com/photos/jr_alyssa/2001/DisneyWorld/Disney.htm

I always take room pictures!

[msdis]

To help the excitement going I will add that DH and I spent a most romantic, relaxing, rainy afternoon last Sept. on a sofa on an upper floor admiring the ambiance of the lodge. One of my best WDW memories.
To help accent what a wonderful resort WL and VWL are, I will tell you how I begged my DH (Mr. BWV) to stay there on our DVC points. He agreed and we stayed last Sept. After our first night he agreed that WL was the best;) I already knew that. He then agreed to add on there(yippee!!!!) not once but twice. WE will be there this time next week, with another stay planned in Dec. and probably one next spring.

Only problem is we ran out of points and will be in the lodge for part of our stay(like that's a bad thing) and have forgotten about "regular" rooms. Can anyone say if there will be a coffee maker in the room? We will have refillable mugs but that 1st cup BEFORE you get dressed is really important! Actually this will be our first stay in a deluxe non DVC room. We have always stayed in the moderates before DVC. Any other special features over the moderates? Thanks!


Sonya, The counter service food is good it is just kind of limited though. Prices were same as that of other counter service. If you have been to the AS, DL, or CBR you will be disappointed but when you compare it to the fact that BW and Y&BC really don't have any, WL counter service selection is great.;)

[plutospup]

DD4 loves ladybugs. Do they have a "Lady Bug Release" at WL. What other things can you do or see at WL?

[kimmar067]

...I just checked out your link to your pics of your vacation at WL. ** AWESOME **. How couldn't anyone NOT have a wonderful time at "The Most Magical Place on Earth"?
Question: there was one photo with the top of a white roof and the lake in the background - was this a view from your balcony? If not, where was this taken??? (Also: how lucky of you to get chosen as the Wilderness Flag Family - were you actually on the ROOF??):)

[Sonya]

MKingdom, your website is amazing! And I love what the maid did to your towels and animal. Thanks for sharing!

[Kristy-Mama Bear]

We will be staying at the Villas at WL 10-21 to 10-24 and can't wait. We purchased points from DVC member and she has requested pool view/top floor for us. For anyone who has stayed in the Villas, what do you think? This will be our first trip to Disney to see all the parks. We saw MK a few years ago but just for a day. Tell me more about the rooms if you can and anything else that will build on our excitement. We have been planning this for soooooo long.

[MKingdom]

kimmar067, we probably used the zoom feature on our digital camera, but that shot was taken from our balcony on the third floor!

We loved being the flag family! And yes, we were on the roof! We signed up for it when we checked in. We were careful not to say ANYTHING about it while we were standing in line. When we got to the front desk, the CM simply put our name in a book. To notify us that we were chosen, they slipped a letter under our door the night before the ceremony.

Our guide was wonderful and the view from the roof was AMAZING! We raised 5 flags. Being chosen meant a lot to us considering our trip was only 11 days after the World Trade Center tragedy.

You've got to sign up to be flag family!

[kimmar067]

...like the experience of a LIFETIME!!!! (almost better than meeting Mickey! lol) We will be having a family reunion (of sorts) in July/Aug and this would be soooo cooool!!! (Plus 3 birthdays in our fam around that time) What a surprise for our 3 DS's if we were picked:bounce: !! Do they do this "ceremony" every morning? (also, are the flags taken down in the PM too?)

[MKingdom]

Sonya, be sure to leave any stuffed animals that you purchase out in the open. (I don't think the staff is supposed to touch anything on the table in your room.) We left Tigger on our bed and that started the whole "towel animal" theme! It just got better every day!

[corvair]

Has anyone out there stayed at the very end of the courtyard closest to the boat dock? What is it like here? Are there steps at the very end of the building? Thanks for any info CORVAIR

[kimmar067]

...is that it would be very quiet and peaceful. If that is what you want, go for it...!!! (certainly convenient to get the ferry to CR or MK). Speaking of CR, I am told they have an awesome arcade; don't bother going into the one at WL (it's STINKY!!!:( )

[corvair]

kimmar, just trying to get a feel of how the resort is layed out. I tlooks to me on the map that it is right beside the pool also. I am looking for confience for my to girls to get from our room to the pool. I do not want to have to take elevator all the time. How is the roaring forks. It looks on the map that this would be easy to get to from the end of the courtyard. I have to get my coffee first thing in the morning. Do they have donuts and those kind of foods in the morning? How is the pool bar? thanks ....Corvairamy

[kimmar067]

...is your best bet for goodies in the AM (DON'T FORGET TO PURCHASE THE WILDERNESS REFILLABLE MUGS!! - a must!!!)
You can get your "cup'o'joe" and you are on your way.... (these can be filled there and brought up to Whispering Canyon for dinner-which I HIGHLY recommend - very kid-friendly)

[yensid1071]

When you enter the lobby of the WL, you really feel transported to the great Northwest. Our stay was a few years back and I got some good video of the place. I have a few pics too, but need to scan them (mostly lobby and exterior). When you enter, be sure to find the hidden Mickey on one of the two huge totem poles. They also have a game to find various hidden Mickey's all over the resort (there's one on the map outside Artist's Point). They used to give out pinback buttons if you successfully find them all. Ask for the sheet of hints at the main desk.

Our room was on the right side of the lodge on the first floor. I don't remember the room number, though. We faced the area now occupied by the Villas and were about six rooms from the end (I'm not sure what they call that view now). The morning after we checked in we saw a couple rabbits outside our window just munching on some grass and running around. You have a sliding glass door, so we opened it and watched/video taped it (no, they weren't animatronic either!). There's a door at the end of the hall that opens to the pool area. From there you can go to the boat dock (passing the pool and geyser on the way). You can also head back to the front of the resort to the lobby or Roaring Forks. The only bad part about a room located that far back is that the walk from the bus stop or lobby is very long.

Be sure to notice the spring in the lobby. It travels outside to a waterfall, then to the pool. It looks like it flows continuously, but it's really three separate sections. Our last night we just sat in the lobby and soaked in the atmosphere. The floor to ceiling fireplace is cool (well, not literally). They have a bunch of rocking chairs in front of it and a number of couches/chairs spread thru the entire lobby.

Like other posters have mentioned, leave your stuffed animals out during the day. We found our Tigger, Mickey, Pluto and others in various poses all the time as well as folded towel animals (we found Pluto sitting in the bathroom playing with the toilet paper). It was my birthday on our trip and the lady who did our room left me a card signed by Mickey and the gang and a Sebastian beanie on my b-day. Pretty cool!!!

It's my favorite resort and would love to stay there again!

[DVC-LEROY]

I need help from a room expert- I'm sending some family members to the Wilderness Lodge in the fall. They have a queen room (jr. suite). Where are they typically located? Any room number suggestions?

[cgdisney]

Love the WL ! I have stayed there in the past, but am trying the concierge level this time. Has anyone ever stayed there. Can't seem to find too much info about it. We are going in Aug. Thanks

[jaguar9748]

Kristy - When staying the WVL don't stay on the 5th floor. Request 3rd or 4th floor. The 5th floor first of all is a partial floor - it doesn't appear that its a full floor of rooms. Secondly, the atrium only goes to the 4th floor. Third, the balconies on the 5th floor are partial walls - like dormers. You have to stand up to look over the balcony. The balconies on the first 4 floors are standard balconies that you can see through from all angles. We have always stayed on the 4th floor (2 times pool view and 1 time woods view). I prefer the pool view, but the woods view was great too. You will LOVE the villas!!

[corvair]

999ghsts,,,,, Thanks so much more the reply. One more courtyard question. Is the southwing inner on the side of the pool bar or the other side? I would like to be near the end of the U. What does inner mean. I do not want up by the lobby but near the pool..... Thanks for the info. Corvair

[sweetheart2576]

Thanks for the info. I also have one more question. I have a standard room booked for aug 16-23. I was thinking about asking for a bunk bed room. Is there any over looking the front desk? I am thinking about calling and changing to a woods view but really dont want to spend the xtra money, but may change so i can get a better view. Are the ones facing the rooftops that bad? Either way i am glad to be going to disney and would be happy regardless of the room i get. I am just really confused over what I want to do.

[plutospup]

I heard there may be childrens crafts in the WL lobby? Has anyone heard anything about this?

[goofytoo]

We will be ther 18-25
How will we know it's you? will you be the only one with the lime green ribbon in your hair?
Can I fax my room request to you???
Thank you for all this great information!
you're the best!

1983 Disneyland
1987 Honeymoon DisneyInn
1992 offsite
2000 Port Orleans
2001 Wonder and HRH
2002 Wilderness Lodge 23 Days to Go!!!!!!!!
2003 Magic western
:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[kimmar067]

....for 999ghsts!!!! Thank you soooo much for responding; now we have a "resident expert" who can, hopefully, answer any questions the DIS'ers may have. All I know is, last night we booked the WL (7/30-8/4) and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
(Question: when you enter the lobby from the front doors, to the left is the "South" or the "North"?):confused:

(999ghsts: are you REALLY a CM????)

[travelgoddess]

Greetings,
I just booked us for a courtyard room 11/30-12/7. I can't wait
for my hubby to see the lodge and all of the resorts decorated
for the holidays. We are spending our first day just visiting most
of the resorts and video taping the lobbies and the xmas decorations to take back to my office. I am a travel agent, so I
have briefly seen once before the decorations when I was at
Disney for business. Can someone throw out a couple of good
room numbers for us. We are booked with at courtyard view,
Would like a king bed, near the pool area, with a decent view.
I don't ask for much, do I (lol).

Thanks, and I love this thread.

Mary in Michigan (travelgoddes)

[josierac]

Originally posted by plutospup
I heard there may be childrens crafts in the WL lobby? Has anyone heard anything about this?

Yes they have this. When you check into the WL they hand you a newsletter of what is going on during the week. This will give you all of the times of everything that is happening.

My kids made American Indian looking bracelets and necklaces last year.

[corvair]

Hello, I got the same question about courtyard veiw. I have been checking all sites and I did gather that l think lower courtyard is what they consider near the pool. I think. Now if we could figure out where is south and north. Which side has the better pool veiw? It looks to me from all the pictures I have looked at , the side near pool bar has a better veiw of pool. The other side looks like there is a strip of trees between rooms and pool. I have never been there so I do not know. Maybe some one who has stayed there knows these answers....... Thanks Corvair



I will be there June 23-27 can not wait

[josierac]

On our stay last year. We stayed in room 7052. This was a concierge level room but any room ending in that will have the same view. We stayed at the Concierge level the first weekend that they started it.

Room - had 2 queen beds and you could see the Contemporary and Space Mountain from the room. We had requested a room where we could see the fireworks. Of course since we went in January and the fireworks were at 7pm and we weren't in our room to see them. This room is on the side where the smokehouse is. In the morning when we opened the balcony doors we had the great smell of the bacon and other goodies being smoked. Of course if you don't like this smell, stay away from this room. I believe that is also the side that there are deliveries but since we were so high up the beeping of the trucks backing up didn't bother us.

Concierge - The staff was great. Jack came down to the lobby to meet us when we checked in and brought us up to our room, showed us all around, explained the concierge services and showed us the view and said we would be able to see the fireworks from our room. There was always someone to greet us when we came back or when we were leaving, they always asked if we needed help with anything or if we had any questions. They left messages every day on our phone telling us park hours, special events going on, times of the parades and fireworks.

Concierge food -
7-10am Continental breakfast had the standard, bagels, muffins, danish, croissants, cereal boxes, juices, fresh fruit, hot oatmeal, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.

11:30-3pm we weren't there for the snacks but were told that there are cookies, popcorn, fruit, preztels etc.

3pm-5pm - Afternoon tea. Assorted pastries and tea

5-7pm - wine, cheese and a dish from Artist point. Some of the offerings from Artist point were Duck breast over mixed salad greens, smoked salmon, crab cakes, etc. There was also chili one night

8-10pm - cordials and mini desserts

[josierac]

Here are some great pictures of the Wilderness Lodge. These pictures convinced me to stay there in Jan 2001 http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/rescc/costcalc.asp?pageFunction=researcher&resId=WL&submit1=go%21

[Wonderlandmom]

Courtyard can mean the rooms on the inside of the building OR the complete other side that face the villas! I would be upset if I booked courtyard and faced the villas(there is a pool there, so they can get away with this). So by saying inner courtyard you are asking for any room inside the "U"! The pool is located toward the top part of the "U". I would think these areas would be noisier. The top right outer portion of the U are courtyard, but VILLA side!
999ghsts has been a great help to all of us for quite awhile, but has remained a "ghost" to us! Was on vacation during our Dec. trip!

[kimmar067]

What a great link....if this one doesn't convince you to spend some time at WL, nothing will...!!!

[DizMare]

Thanks for the great details!

I, too, would like to know if bunkbed rooms are available in the std view over the lobby. (Don't want to request the impossible!) Thanks!

[yensid1071]

kimmar067,
I had to think about this for a minute, but the north side of the U is on your left as you face the front of the building. Our room was on the south side of the first floor facing the woods about six rooms from the end. I liked it b/c I didn't have to take stairs or an elevator (I had a bad back at the time), but it was still a long walk all the way thru the building. If I recall correctly, the outdoor bar is on the south side as well. The path to boat dock to get to MK or CR is on the left/north side. It leads past the geyser (there's supposed to be hidden Mickey around the geyser, but we couldn't find it).

When you enter the lobby of the WL, be sure to notice the support columns around the room. They look like large logs bound together in a group, but not all of them reach the ceiling. Those that don't have various animals carved into the top of them. The chandliers (sp) all have buffalo cutouts on them (maybe other animals too-I can't remember). They look pretty sharp!

Okay, now I have a question. They used to sell those stone coasters at WL in the Merchantile Exchange (the kind that soak up water) and they had the WL logo on them. Does anyone know if they still sell them? I had a set but they no longer hold water. I may call/email WDW Mail Order, but wanted to find out before contacting them. Thanks!

[corvair]

Yensid1071,,,, Thanks for your help. You helped me to understand the courtyard better. I definatly want inner courtyard. If you were courtyard end of the U, how come you looked at the woods instead of pool? Did the pool end before your room? Where you were at is just about were I want to be. I do not know if I want ground floor or up so we have a veiw. Are there stairs at the end of the U? It sounds to me that you were near the pool bar. Thanks for info. When I booked I just said courtyard thinking I would be right near the pool. So thanks again for the info. Corvair.... Sorry I can not help you with your Question......

[DVC-LEROY]

When we were there the children's activities were in the afternoon (I can't remember if it was 1 or 3 pm) outside on the deck behind the bar/towel area. We kept showing up late so we never took part - just watched. They posted the information in the lobby near guest services.

[plutospup]

Thanx for the info on the childrens activities. Does anyone know if they still do a "Lady Bug" release?

[yensid1071]

Corvair,
Glad I could help! Actually, we had woods view (now lodge view, I think), but the door at the end of the hall opened out to the courtyard. There is a staircase by the entrance/exit as well. It's been a long time and I need to pull out my WL info, but we were at the end of the pool. The entrance at that end is just past the pool and close to the pool bar. I hope this helps clarify where our room was located!

At that exit, there is a trail which leads back around the woods/lodge view rooms and up to the front of the resort. It takes you to the Villas (it branches to go to the pool or the front entry), bus stop and an entrance near the Merchantile Exchange. If you walk any of the trails, be sure to look for the bear paw prints in the cement. And listen for the "crickets", too. At night the outdoor (and some indoor) lights flicker as if they are candles. It's a neat effect that adds to the atmosphere!

[Simba's Mom]

I'd really like to know about all lodge activities, tours, like that-Architecture tour, lady bug release, taste of the lodge (they used to have something like this), Hidden mickey tour, etc.? We really want to soak up the "ambiance" of the lodge as much as possible.

[kimmar067]

...used to have a tour of the grounds, which featured the smokehouse, and you got to sample some of the smoked meats, including venison (as offered in Artist Point). Do they still do this? Also, they used to have a "nature" segment for the kids at 8PM, where they talk about some woodland animals and let the children pet them, too.

(QUESTION: if no room type is requested [ other than std], will they automatically delegate a room w/2 queen beds or a king bed?)

[sweetheart2576]

i would also love to know about the children activities and if they still have the nature segment. My kids would love that

[lsep]

We arrive at WL a week from today for our 10th anniversary!!! We can't wait! We got a great rate on a standard room and after reading this thread I think I might want a lobby room. Do I just call and ask them to add this preference request to our ressie or do I request it at check-in? I normally never request anything special and always have a great time just because I'm at Disney!

Thanks for all the great info on this thread, I hope to add to it after my trip.

Laurie

[Sonya]

OK, great info! But I have more questions.

What is a lobby room? Does this mean you don't have to go into another building or wing, you're in the main building? Wouldn't that be noisy?

We were requesting a standard room with a king bed. Would it be better to get a room with 2 queens and make sure it overlooked a roof rather than the service area? Should I stay away from the 5th floor? All we want is a little peace and quiet and a nice balcony, but I don't want to look down onto the garbage truck.

(We were wanting the king bed b/c you usually get a fridge with that room, but if it only has a shower and no bath I don't think I want it.)

THanks!

[lsep]

One more quick question.

Do the WL rooms have a pack and play in the room like AKL does or do you have to request them?

I just don't want to forget to do everything I need to before I arrive.

Thanks again.

Laurie

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Our room was 4082, and it was in the lobby area. (right behind the fireplace)

999: do they junior suites have refrigerators? If I would reserve one, would it be possible to get concierge access at check-in? (for an additional fee) Can a concierge level guest get a complimentary refrigerator in their rooms? And, one more question! Are there any larger rooms (standard, woods, courtyard) or any rooms with side windows in the resort?

Thanks! :)

[jonsmom57]

Hi

I am staying at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time in 11 days - YIPEE!! Anyway, a friend, who I met on these message boards recommended this site: http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/resort.asp
I was able to view 78 absolutely beautiful photos of the Wilderness Lodge. Gorgeous. I have never seen any photos, so these were great. It takes quite awhile to download them and often times I had to keep hitting the "go" button to keep downloading, but well worth it.

Log on, sit tight and enjoy!

Jonmom57:D

[corvair]

Kimmar. It looks like you got WL post up and running.. Thanks everyone for all of the great info. I have never been to WL so this info has helped a great deal.... Corvairamy

[stormi65]

We just love the Wilderness Lodge!!!! Last fall, our family had the pleasure of meeting 999ghsts. She helped make our stay extra magical. We stayed in the villas, and it was
so peaceful and idyllic after busy days in the parks. Every CM we encountered during our stay was absolutely fantastic. Now if we could buy into DVC..... because we Love the Lodge!!!:)

[PeterPam]

I will be at WL in 22 days!!! I reserved a standard room. I have read 999s posts about where the standard rooms are located. What is wrong with the rooms above the service area? Is the beeping from the delivery trucks really that loud? Does it go on all night long? Would the rooms on the 5th or 6th floor be quieter? I am asking because I am a VERY light sleeper. I am considering upgrading to a Woods view. Any info. & opinions would be appreciated..Thanks!

[wld]

Wow!!
I'm glad you didn't give up to get this thread going. We are staying June 22-29 for our 24th anniversary. From the minute I heard about this lodge being built I wanted to stay there, but never thought we could afford it. Even toured it one Christmas. Anyway with good deals and tax income refund we'll be there. Hubby would rather stay at CS, but when the CM was on the phone helping me with reservations he was yelling WL in the phone while he could hear my Hubby and I discussing it. It was toooo funny.
Anyway hope 999ghsts or someone else can help me. Are there any Woodsview room where the sun shines in the room, morning or afternoon?
Hope to meet 999ghsts in person so can thank them for the time and advice.
Thanks
Kelly

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

IMHO-We went with woodsview as I am a light sleeper. The fear of the noise in the standard rooms got to me!:eek: And the fear of pool noise in the courtyard rooms made the woodsview room the ideal choice. And we took a wing room instead of lobby. You can hear noise from the lobby to a certain degree in those we felt, as we sat in rockers outside these rooms and took it all in. Our woodsview room was SO quiet, never a problem:D ! Sitting on the balcony at night was so nice;) !

[josierac]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
Our room was 4082, and it was in the lobby area. (right behind the fireplace)

999: do they junior suites have refrigerators? If I would reserve one, would it be possible to get concierge access at check-in? (for an additional fee) Can a concierge level guest get a complimentary refrigerator in their rooms? And, one more question! Are there any larger rooms (standard, woods, courtyard) or any rooms with side windows in the resort?

Thanks! :)

Cali - the Jr suites Or deluxe rooms as they are called have small refrigerators with an ice maker. Did you see the setup on the disney site? Here is the floor plan http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/rooms/roomindex?id=WILDRoomLayout2Room

Yes - you can get concierge service with the junior suites. It is about $30-40 dollars more per night. I got this price from the front desk at the WL.

[josierac]

I have moved some of the information from this thread to the first page so that it's together.

[MKingdom]

BibbidiBobbidiBoo, if afterhours "guest" noise is an issue, don't ever hesitate to call the front desk. Once at DL (now PO) we had some folks loudly partying outside our room in the wee hours of the morning. I finally called the front desk. The said I should have called right away and they took care of it!

[SnowWhiteIsDreaming]

Jaguar 9748 stated "Third, the balconies on the 5th floor are partial walls - like dormers. You have to stand up to look over the balcony. The balconies on the first 4 floors are standard balconies that you can see through from all angles. "

I requested a room on the fifth floor because I had heard that only 6th and 7th floor rooms had the enclosed balconies. Is it true that the 5th floor balconies are enclosed also? I prefer to have an open balcony to see out while I am sitting.

Thanks!

[jlambrig]

Not all 5th floor rooms have enclosed balconies. Some third floor rooms do have enclosed balconies. We were in 372 with an enclosed balcony. Part of it is determined by the direction you face.

[corvair]

How is the transportation at WL. I hear good and bad reveiws? Anybody stayed there recently and could comment? I have read somewhere that there is not a buss for TL that you would have to go to transportation center and then on another bus. ..............We will have a car. How is the parking lot there? Is it a long walk to the rooms????? Thanks,,,,, Corvair

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I meant noise from the beeping trucks outside some standard rooms, and the normal lobby noise that drifts upward in lobby rooms! I guess I should have been more clear! :) We have NEVER had guest noise that bothered us at Disney:) !

[lsep]

Does anyone know what time the boat that runs from WL to MK starts in the a.m.? We have PS at Crystal Palace at 8:20 and wanted to know if the boat was an option or if we had to drive. All these last minute things are driving me crazy.

Thanks for you help.

Laurie

[kimmar067]

We were thinking of making ressies for O'Hana's for breakfast (or 1900 Park Fare) and would like to know the same thing....

[Wonderlandmom]

The resort boat starts at 7:30. We had a 8:05 ps at CP. We had planned to take this boat to CR and walk over(easy enough!), but our captain asked where we were going and offered to take us to MK!:D We got there in plenty of time, even after stopping at CR. I guess you could take boat to CR and monorail to Ohana's. This was in Dec. and the MK boat did not start until 8 I believe.?? Check the times when you get there!:)

[JRoglitz]

Just wondering what floor the courtyard view/lobby rooms start on? The ones directly ahead of you when you walk into the lobby.

Also, I started out in a Delux room last year with 5 adults and a two year old and then switched after one night to two connecting rooms above the reservation desk with a view of the roof tops. These worked out MUCH better. So if you have any questions about either I will try to help out.

Another great thing about the WL is the closeness to Fort Wilderness. It is great for young children with the movie campfire, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, and playground. It is only a boat ride away.

Going back in October and can't wait.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I just uploaded some WL pictures to my Yahoo Photos account. I have 9 pictures. :)

Cali-D's WL Pictures (http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/floridianroyalpalm/lst?.dir=/WDW+Resort+Pictures/Wilderness+Lodge&.view=t)

[jaguar9748]

Snow White - the 5th floor balconies I was talking about are at the Villas; not the main lodge. :D

[corvair]

Cali-D......Your pictures are great..... The pool picture at the bottom, in the back, is the the trout pool bar to the right? thanks......Corvair

[kimmar067]

Thank you for sharing such lovely pics:) ; this resort is MAGNIFICENT!!!!

Besides going to the parks, where else do the buses go (from WL)? Do any buses go directly to BW (we would like to go to ESPN one evening)?

[corvair]

MKINGDOM,,,,, Your pictures are great. Question about under added photos, the third picture of pool. Is that looking off you balcony??? This is a great veiw??? That must of been innercourtyard south wing, and you said third floor???? That room location is just what i am looking for. Can you help? I can not with till I have alot of time and look at all of your great pictures. They are fabulous..... Thanks ...... Corvair

[lucki4]

Those are great pictures, thanks for sharing.
I am almost positive this is where we will stay. But, we have to have bunkbed room and a woods view.

[Lynnmarie]

Originally, I wanted a room with a view so that I was able to see the fireworks but since the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are only scheduled once the week I am there that is out. Now after reading all of your replies (which are great) I am seeking a room that has an open balcony; that is not facing the villas; that is convenient to get to the pool etc.; that has a nice view. I don't want too much. (ha ha)

I am staying in a courtyard room so if anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciated them.

Only 10 more days to go!!!!:D :D :D

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by corvair
Cali-D......Your pictures are great..... The pool picture at the bottom, in the back, is the the trout pool bar to the right? thanks......Corvair

Yes, that is the pool bar to the right. I think that is also where you got pool towels (they might have changed it since I've stayed there).

Originally posted by corvair
Besides going to the parks, where else do the buses go (from WL)? Do any buses go directly to BW (we would like to go to ESPN one evening)?

I know it goes to the TTC and the major theme parks (shares buses with other MK resorts - I think the GF and Poly). I've heard that bus service is pretty bad. The only resort transportation I've used is the boat to the MK - it is a nice ride. We always rent a car, which got us from WL to anywhere we wanted to go quickly.

[corvair]

Thanks for the reply. Thanks for info on busses. We will also have a car so I think we will plan on using it. How are the parking lots at WL? Are they far away from the resort? So you found that the car was faster????? Corvair

[yensid1071]

The busses from WL to other areas of the WDW property are okay, but not great. They have regular busses to and from the theme parks and water parks, but to really get anywhere else, you have to take a bus to the TTC, then transfer to another bus. During peak times I think they run busses to Downtown Disney. Depending where you want to go, it may be faster in the car.

The WL parking lot is a bit of a hike from the front entrance. If you're standing and facing the front of the lodge (the covered drive thru area), the main lot is back behind you and down a bit of a hill. There is a line of trees to block the view of the lot from the main entry. There is also a winding walkway and stairs thru the trees to get to the lot. I think they valet park, but I'm not sure of rates or if it's free (other than the tip, of course). And there are bear paw prints in the walkway, just like the other paths around the resort. Funny, I didn't know the bear population in central Florida was so big. I guess they were foraging for food while construction was going on.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

In my opinion, the WL self parking lot has one of the best parking lot locations of the resorts (second to the Polynesian). The self parking lot was always a very easy walk (unlike at the Floridian, where you have to walk past the valet lot, and across the street). Lately we've been valet parking all the time (except on a quick trip over to WL to get a shot glass - the lot is so close it doesn't even make any difference).

[kimmar067]

...we are talking about self-parking and parking lots, how do you check-in when driving to WDW? Do you unload your car at the front door? Or, is it easier to leave the "stuff" in the car and go to your room yourself? (we did that when we drove to DxL last year; left our luggage in the car and just drove to our room and brought our stuff into the room ourselves [actually, that was NOT a good idea because our room was on the 2nd floor -no elevator- on the side of the building opposite the parking lot!!] so we didn't have to wait for a bellman -or bell"person"-!!!) Which brings me to another subject -- we are checking out of CBR the morning we will be checking IN to WL. Should we just have guest services pick up our belongings and have THEM transfer our things to WL? Has anyone ever done this....????

[wld]

We transfered from CSR to CBR and guest services moved our luggage and us. Normally they only do luggage but the CM the night before had said they would move us too, and they did. Very efficient, no problems at all.

[kimmar067]

....mean they moved you, too? They picked you up, threw you over their shoulder, and carried you to the other resort (LOL) ???
But, seriously, how did they "move" you from CSR to CBR??

[Mom2Em]

Is turn down service available to all guests or just concierge?

[kimmar067]

...so wld can answer my previous post.....!

[kimmar067]

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/rooms/roomgroupingindex?id=WILDRoomGrping

Pictures www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/rescc/costcalc.asp?pageFunction=researcher&resId=WL&submit1=go%21We

From MKingdom-
stayed in 3159 and 3161...a long and winding path from the lobby at the end of a long day, but with a great balcony view of the pool, geyser, and electric water pageant.
http://www.amsbaugh.com/photos/jr_a...orld/Disney.htm

Room 7052 on the concierge level has a view of the Contemporary and Space Mountain (fireworks can be seen from this room)

From 999ghsts - Your standard rooms are floors 4, 5, and 6 in the first wing on the North...MK...side, these are all the rooms that directly look over the service area also the 4th floor rooms over the front desk are standard view rooms, they all look at roof peaks.
***Standard rooms DO NOT have King Beds, They are NOT
located on any floors lower than 4 and they are ALL non smoking****

Woods view rooms (also refered to as Lodgeview) are located above the Whispering Canyon (in the Lobby) floors 4, 5 and 6...these look out at trees, they above the front desk floors 5 and 6 also looking at trees, the first wing on the SOuth side floors 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6 facing the trees between the Lodge and the Villas and the rooms on the North wing facing MK floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 these rooms overlook the "otter pond" and face towards MK with some (only a handful) being able to see the Magic Kingdom

Courtyard rooms are the inner section of the building they can be in the lobby, down the North or South wing facing in towards the Wilderness Lodge Pool, they can be the end of the hallways facing out towards the Lake or they can be the South wing facing the Villas and the Quiet Pool Courtyard.

Concierge is the 7th floor (7th floor also contains the Vice and
Presidential suites and the HOneymoon suites) there is no "Designated view" for these rooms they are all priced the same but you can still request a particular view.

Deluxe rooms are what was once called the Junior suites they are at the end of the hallways and are also not view specific (they can be woods view or courtyard). These do have connecting rooms in woods or courtyard avalaible as well.

Side Notes...
*The resort is primarily NON smoking, the only rooms that are smoking are the rooms on the 5th floor South wing (Villas Wing).
*95% of the King bed rooms are Handicap accessible meaning they DO NOT have tubs (just a roll in shower).
*There is only 1 set of (woods view) rooms that have connecting
bunks(meaning BOTH rooms have a set of bunks and a queen bed)...The resort is set up to have a room with 1 queen and a set of bunk connect to a room with 2 queens...or connect to 1 king (there are some that are 2 queen connecting to 2 queen and or 2 queen connecting to 1 king....there is also one set of King connecting to King)
* The lobby of the resort is actually the second floor so if you have a first floor room on the Villas side you actually have to walk halfway down the 2nd floor hallway to the elevator and go "down" to your room.
The 1st floor on the MK side are acessed via a ramp that slopes down past the restaurants. In this same reference the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors on the MK side can not be accessed by the main lobby elevator you would need to go past all the restaurants and use the elevator by Roaring Forks.
* Dormer balconies are ALL of the 7th floor and some of the 6th. The 7th floor does not extend out as far therefore the last wing on both sides on the 6th floor has the dormer balconies. The 1st and 2nd (and some portions of the 3rd floor) in certain locations also have dormer balconies as they are blocked in by the Brick used to create the "look" of the resort. You can usually find this at the ends of the hallway (where it "T's" before the next hallway begins.

My favorite rooms are:
Standard view over the front desk (they do look at the roof but you don't have the beeping of the trucks at night)
Woods view MK side overlooking the otter pond
Courtyard I don't really have a favorite, but If I had to pick it would be the South wing inner courtyard 4th floor [/B]
Just moving this here so you don't have to look all over the place for it!:rolleyes:

[MickFreak]

We are going May 31 and have a woods view. Can anyone recommend a good room number? We are so looking forward to going and staying here!

Sue:jester:

[Mom2Em]

Thanks 999ghsts! You always know the right things to say :)! I thought it would be something neat to do the night after we go to MVMCP!

[wld]

kimmar067

Sorry been at work the last couple of days.
yep thats what happened, threw us over their shoulders and jogged on down to CBR. Hows that for service!!!! And what a sight it would have been.

To explain a bit better. We arrived at CSR at about midnight. I explained to the CM on duty that we needed our luggage moved to CBR the next day.(meeting family there) She said no problem and that they would pick us up in a van and take us too. From the boards I had understood that they take only luggage, so I mentioned this to her. She went in the back somewhere and then came and told us that they would be happy to take us and our luggage.

I'll never forget that night, we chose to walk to our room with our luggage (tired of sitting) and the air was so warm, the resort so beautiful....I digress

The next morning we called bell services to come and get our luggage as we wanted to get checked in to CBR and hit the parks. Just joking I mentioned to the bell services guy(technical term) that he was supposed to take us too. He said they didn't usually and I told him I know but the CM last night said he would. I also told him it was no big deal and we would just take the buses. He asks to use our phone and before I know it he is hanging up and said he arranged for a van for us and our luggage at the front of the resort and proceeded to start loading us up. He is also laughing and saying that he loves it when someone at the front desk screws up so he can give them a hard time. In his words "We are just like brothers and sisters that way" He took us up front, loaded us up in the van and we're off to CBR with two rather confused CMs. "We don't normally do this you know" But they were all good sports about it, we had made absolutely no fuss because I knew the CM on midnights had told me wrong. Guess it was just that Disney magic at work and we sure appreciated it with tips all around!!!

I'd still like to know if anyone has any idea if the sun shines in any of the rooms morning or afternoon!!!!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'll add the resort floorplans to the FAQ:

LODGE Standard, Woods, & Courtyard View Rooms
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/deluxeresorts/wildernesslodge/rooms/rswildrmlay1zomimg.gif

LODGE Deluxe Rooms (formally Junior Suites)
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/deluxeresorts/wildernesslodge/rooms/rswildrmlay2zomimg.gif

VILLAS Studio
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/homeawayfromhome/villasatdisneyswilderness/rooms/rswildrmlay1zomimg.gif

VILLAS One-Bedroom
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/homeawayfromhome/villasatdisneyswilderness/rooms/rswildrmlay2zomimg.gif

VILLAS Two-Bedroom
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/homeawayfromhome/villasatdisneyswilderness/rooms/rswildrmlay3zomimg.gif

[kimmar067]

...GREAT STORY!!!!

Since we will be driving to WDW from NJ, we are probably just going to repack the van and drive from CBR to WL by ourselves...
we too are meeting the rest of our family there!!

[kimmar067]

...thanks for supplying the layouts....How many people does the 2-BR villa hold??

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The Two Bedroom Villa can hold 8 maxiumum, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They are VERY nice, too! :) I was able to see the one that the DVC has open to the public there - it made me really want to try them!

[kimmar067]

;)

[Chance's Mom]

I am so glad to see the Wilderness Lodge FAQs!!!! I have been to Disney several times, and have always wanted to stay here. I am taking my DS (age 5) down for a short trip in August, and have finally talked him out of staying at ASMo. He absolutely loves the Toy Story Buildings. Don't get me wrong, ASMo is a great bargain, but I really want to stay at WL. Because of these boards and Mousesavers, I was able to book 4 nights, standard view, for $573.00 total using the codes and Disney Club. I have learned so much from this thread (thanks 999ghosts-great info!) I have a question about getting to the FW Campfire and movie (my DS is obsessed with Chip and Dale). Is there a boat that goes directly from WL to FW? Thanks!

[corvair]

Hello, can anybody tell me if you can see the water parade from both south wing inner courtyard and the northwing? I was thinking of requesting south innercourtyard but a friend of mine said you could only see the parade from the north wing? Does any body have preference to one side or the other and why............ thanks Corvair

[JRoglitz]

Yes there is a boat that goes directly from the WL to FW. We did this last May and my DD loved it. They have a petting zoo with pony rides and a nice playground. This October we are going to try it again and go to the campfire movie and maybe the hayride.

[MKingdom]

Hi, Corvair! Yes, the third picture of the pool is looking off of our balcony. We had two adjacent rooms on the third floor...3161 and 3159. Keep in mind that we did zoom in for some photos with our digital camera, but this photo was taken from our balcony.

We really enjoyed the view from our rooms. And when you have a view of the pool, you can also enjoy an extra "show"...in the evening, wild ducks land in the pool and swim around for awhile. It's so cute!

[Mom2Em]

Okay, moving this thread back to first page...

Also, is it "legal" to bring my cups (soda) from last visit? Or should we buy new ones?

[hmp2z]

We are getting married at WDW on August 5th, and will be staying in the WL honeymoon room from August 7-11. I know that 2 of the honeymoon rooms face the MK, and 2 have a woods view. Since we will be at WDW starting August 2nd, we won't be at home to fax a request to the WL for one of the MK view rooms. Do you know if they take room assignment requests by phone, and if so, if we should just call the resort, or if there's another number to call for room control? If they don't take requests by phone, do you have any suggestions as to how we could fax a request to room control from within WDW? We would love to get a beautiful view for our honeymoon, since we are splurging on the honeymoon room.
Second thing I was wondering about - does anyone happen to know if the honeymoon room floorplan is the same as that of a standard room, just with a jacuzzi tub and king bed instead?
Thank you for any help!
Heather P

[CaliforniaDreaming]

999: do the resort's prefer faxes or phone calls? I have a very detailed request (not for WL, but for the GF) and I was planning to fax them 5 days prior, and then give them a follow-up call 3 days prior. Would this be too much?

Thanks. ;)

[4firsttimes]

We are going to WDW for the first time in June. We are a family of 6 staying in a Deluxe room at WL. Are there any deluxes with particularly good views that we could request?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

4firsttimes, there are some deluxe rooms in the inner courtyard with pool views. I think that they have the best locations, as they are pretty close to the lobby. Other deluxe rooms are at the end of the wings, with views of the lake. :)

[kimmar067]

...my guess is that, if the refillable mugs are still the forest green and beige ones, who would be able to tell if you just purchased them or not? (are those the ones you have???) I say bring 'em along, just in case, and if you can use them, do so.....what about if you brought along 6-packs of soda or bottled water, etc? You could get the ice for free, anyway, and pour the can of soda (or whatever else you might like to drink) directly into the ice-filled mug. We did this when we brought along our DxL mugs to CSR to the Pepper Market to eat dinner there one evening....

[corndog]

When we bought our mugs there last week the woman at the register said that they are good whenever we come back and stay at the lodge, not just for that specific trip.

[Mom2Em]

I am glad to hear that! We have 2 of them and my mother has one. I would hate to do anything "illegal" though.

[corvair]

999ghts, Thanks for all of your great info. I would like to put a request in for south wing inner courtyard. I have 2 girls who will be at the pool all day. I would like to keep my eye on them if I could from our balcony. Would you consider that lower inner courtyard? I want to be as close to the pool as possible. Or would I just say at the end of south wing near the steps. I do not want them to have to run up and down the elevators all day. We will be hanging at the resort most of the afternooon and my girls run in and out of the room all day. Thanks for such great info. I have never been to WL, I am really getting excited. thanks...... Corvair

[maryp]

We are leaving Fri for VWL!! Last visit was Nov 2001, stayed in a 2 bdrm, LOVED it!! We were also told our refillable mugs were "forever" when we purchased them. We have also stayed in the Lodge, all you need to do is walk into the lobby and you are hooked! It really is a beautiful resort, and very relaxing. This time it will just be me and dh ( no grand kids this trip!)
We have never had a problem with Disney transportation, always use it and Tiffany from the airport! Everyone enjoy!!!

[lucki4]

I booked us a room at WL yesterday for the end of July :bounce:
So excited. I requested bunkbed room with woods view, hopefully I will get it. I read how some of you can request certain room numbers and am confused about that. I booked through 'Dreams Unlimited' Do I ask them, or ask WL directly? How do I know what is best?

[kimmar067]

~~~ N E W S F L A S H ~~~

Spoke to a CM today about some last-minute requests re: WL and she announced to me that WL was voted "BEST FAMILY RESORT IN USA" BY Conde` Nast (GF was #2!!!) Woohoo!!!!!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks, 999! :) When I call, do I ask for the "room controller"? Hopefully I'll be able to get all my requests (and, they'll be able to put a little note on there NOT to reassign the room! ;))

Also, I cannot wait to try the WL again!!! Looks like late 2003 or early 2004, hopefully concierge level. :) Are there any connecting rooms up on the 7th floor? And, would I be able to get a complimentary refrigerator up there?

Thanks, 999! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

[kimmar067]

..999 for posting that VERY IMPORTANT info. I'm sure it will help out alot of DIS'ers.:D

[DVCinderella]

Originally posted by jaguar9748
When staying the WVL don't stay on the 5th floor. Request 3rd or 4th floor. The 5th floor first of all is a partial floor - it doesn't appear that its a full floor of rooms. Secondly, the atrium only goes to the 4th floor. Third, the balconies on the 5th floor are partial walls - like dormers. You have to stand up to look over the balcony. The balconies on the first 4 floors are standard balconies that you can see through from all angles.

I've read that the VWL 5th floor rooms have vaulted ceilings (which I would love), but I do not want the partially enclosed balconies. Are there rooms on the 4th floor with vaulted ceilings, and open balconies (particularly facing the quiet pool)?

[corvair]

I am going in JUne. I did not put a request in except we have courtyard veiw. I would like the inner court yard but down near the pool. Does any one know if there is a name for that area? I know that it is south or north wing but not sure what to request to be near the pool. I would prefer to be near the end where the steps are. Is this called lower innercourtyard??? Thanks,,,,Corvair

[WDWrules]

My son and I just returned from 9 nights at WL concierge (April 19-28). What a wonderful place! We'd never stayed at WL before or even seen it except from a distance. I really think that WL is the best-kept secret at DW! I also can't figure out why the rates there (except for concierge!) are so much less than at other deluxes -- is it just because of the lack of monorail? It was just delightful. WL is such an incredible combination of atmosphere, comfort, beauty and Disney magic. We truly felt at home there and didn't want to leave! It's hard to describe how much we enjoyed everything about the WL. I'd like to write a trip report once I finish my post-trip catching up!

We've stayed several times at the Polynesian; a couple of times at the Contemporary; and once each at the Boardwalk Villas, the Swan and Caribbean Beach. I think that the WL is our new favorite! I am so tempted now to buy a resale for the WL Villas! (Have to finish paying off these concierge bills first!)

:rolleyes:

[TigH]

Just adding a link to some other pictures:

<a href="http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/wilderness.htm">Wilderness Lodge Photos</a>

[woody5]

I know there has been much discussion over where each of the types of rooms are located. I have two standard rooms booked in August. This trip is to celebrate my mother finishing chemotherapy. She is battling a particularly agressive type of breast cancer. Since there will be six of us I need two rooms. It is quite a bit more to get a room other than standard view. Will those 4th floor standard rooms be quiet enough for my mother to be able to rest during the day and especially at night? The other standard view rooms you mentioned had trucks beeping at night. My mom will definitely need to be able to rest at night. Any input you might have would be great. Also, should I try and mention our circumstances to the conceirge and hope for an upgrade? I want this to be such a special trip for my mom. Any input would be appreciated.

[rojoe]

Hi I'm new to these boards and am overwhelmed at the amount of good info. Also very confused. Heading to WL on 6/28 to 7/3. Booked trough a Travel Agent and at the time of booking she put in our reuest for courtyard view, upper floor with a view of the Lake. Do I also need to fax this request??? Does the T/A have to or can I. I was hoping the request at the booking was enough. Whomever the agent was speaking with was trying very hard to be clear on our request and was willing to put it in at that time. Please clarify. Thanks

[rojoe]

999 ghsts-Wow! Thanks for clearing that up for me. I just thought of something else. Since we have never been there and are not quite sure if you can see any fireworks from any location at WL we asked (while T/A was on the phone with a CM) if it was possible to have a room that might allow us to view them if possible. I recall the T/A telling us that the person she spoke with was going to try for upper floor on the end. Does this make sense? Are Courtyard views also on the end? And how bad are the enclosed balconies? I'm assuming we will prabably have one if we are on an upper floor.

I'm not trying to be a pest but I just can't wait to get there. This is our first time in a deluxe and we have had this planned for over a year. We even have had to change plans once and delay our trip until June. (I can't believe I can finally say, "We're going NEXT month!")

Thanks,

Rojoe

[corndog]

We had a standard view room on the 6th floor last week and a completely unobstructed, dare I say "perfect", view of the fireworks @ MK.

[woody5]

Did you hear any truck noise at night. It has been said on this board that the standard rooms on floors 5 & 6 face the service area and that you can hear the trucks beeping at night. The view is not as important to me as making sure the room is quiet at night.

[corndog]

We never heard any of the famed beeping trucks. We did hear some other people moving furniture around the balcony one night(at least that's what it sounded like). I don't know if we didn't hear it because we got in so late and out so early or if it was because we were so worn out from the day that we slept great. Either way, our room should not have been considered a standard "view", with views of the castle, main street station, space mountain and the contemporary.

[WDWrules]

Corndog, we were there last week too and it sounds as though we had the same view (except my son and I were on the 7th floor). I loved being so close to the Magic Kingdom, I felt like I was there even when we were in our room! And the fireworks! Even though I think there were only two fireworks displays for the general public while we were there, they had them virtually every night as part of grad nights -- often at 12:30 a.m.! I would be sleeping, hear the booms, and run out to the balcony to watch. It was great!

I also liked that, in addition to the Contemporary, we could see both the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian from our balcony. Not to mention that, in the evenings, you could glimpse the Electric Light Pageant through the trees at night! All in all, a very magical location.:)

[rojoe]

You guys really lucked out with your standard views. I'm still wondering what "on the end" refers to though. We are paying for a courtyard. 999ghsts where are you??

[skiwee1]

Corndog, Did you have an open balcony or an enclosed one on the 6th floor? Thanks!

[kimmar067]

...wow, all these room locations sound GREAT!! I have a question, too. My main concern is that we get 4 adjoining rooms (or, as close as possible....I would like at least 2 rooms adjoining, because my 2 DS's 15 and 13) will be in room by themselves). We will be staying at CBR for the first part of our vacation (7/26-7/31) Should I call to confirm our location at the WL while we are at CBR??? I don't want to "mess up" what may be in the computer already....thanks again,
kimmar

PS - great pics, TigH!!!! thank you for posting.....:D

[corndog]

open

[corvair]

If you are to fax 4 days out how should I fax because we will be resort hopping? We will be at POFQ form June 18-22 then on Sunday we will be switching to WL. I will be ok to fax PO-FQ but how can I do WL because I will already be there??? Should I go ahead and put a fax in before I leave that would be 6 or 5 days out, or should I call from down there?? What would be the best way to do this??? Or would there be a fax somewhere down there I could use??? 999ghts.... any advise???? Is that lower inner courtyard by the pool???? Thanks for all your great help??? Corvair

[kimmar067]

...thankyou:D for clearing that up for me. We had "connecting" rooms when we stayed at CSR (w/the door between the rooms). We left the door open at all times so that our sons would feel secure, yet they still had a bit of privacy.....since we won't be at WL until July, do you suggest I call NOW to change it?

[rojoe]

Thanks 999ghsts! But is "on the end" or "view of the lake" still considered "courtyard". After all, that is what I paid for so I'll still get a room in that category before anything else right?? I'm just wondering if I made a mistake in upgrading the room. I hope not, oh well, live and learn I guess. Any input??? I'm sure it isn't a big deal, just getting too wrapped up in all the planning. (I need a vacation!!!) Thanks for everything. Rojoe

[lucki4]

Has anyone ever stayed in the bunk bed rooms at WL? We requested that with a woods view. I didn't know what kind of view to request. Just curious on the size and if requested, should I be hopeful we will get them?

[kimmar067]

...one more question. Do the std rooms with bunk beds have connecting rooms?? ( I could use either a queen & bunks connecting to 2 queens or a queen w/bunks connecting to another queen w/bunks....)

Also: what kind of water activities (not including the pool) are available at WL?

[JRoglitz]

We had connecting rooms over the reservations desk (I think they were standard since the view was of the rooftops) and they were two queens connecting to a queen and bunks.

[kimmar067]

Could you tell me what floor they were on???

[DC Mouse]

I just wanted to add a tidbit.

Mrs. DC Mouse and I stayed there in November of 2000. (Geez, has it been that long?)

We asked for a woods view with a King Bed and scored the jackpot- Room 7064!

As an earlier poster said, not all rooms have a MK view. 7064 not only has a dead on view, the view is situated perfectly between two trees so that the castle is completely unobstructed.

The cool thing was seeing them test new firework shows late at night.

The king bed rooms are handicapped rooms so there's no tub, but we liked the roll-in shower just fine.

Remember, 7064, Wilderness Lodge

[the Legend]

Bumpidity! Bump! Bump! Bump! :bounc:

[wld]

Work a couple of days, spend a couple of days picking up your daughter from her first year at college and boy, has this thread grown.

Hope third time is the charm for this question. Does anyone know if there is a room where the sun shines in the room at some point during the day??

Thanks

[JRoglitz]

kimmar067--I believe it was the 5th floor. I can't remember the room number but we moved from room 5000 (Delux/Jr. Suite) and it was on the same floor. The view really wasn't that bad and the close location to the elevators was nice.

[kimmar067]

Thank you!!!;)

The Legend:
your siggie looks like the photos were taken at 1900 Park Fare - were they, and how was the character breakfast???

[kimmar067]

bumping for a reply....

[corndog]

I'm not THE Legend but I am A legend and we did the 1900 Park Fare character breakfast last fall. The food was very good. We always like when they make the omelettes for you. The only characters that were there were Alice and the Mad Hatter. We thought there were so supposed to be others but we never saw them. It wasn't very crowded though, so they spent a lot time with us. Would we do it again? Don't know. We try not to do meals more than once except for the BC Clam Bake, that's our favorite - no characters though.

[rojoe]

I've been waiting for 999 ghsts but...Has anyone ever had a courtyard view, on the end?? What's it like? Has anyone ever been disappointed with their room or does the fact that you are in WDW override any room disappointments. I still have plenty of time to change my request. Thanks, Rojoe

[dskramer]

Just got back from WL - we had a standard room on the 4th floor (above the check-in desk) and the sun shone into our room around mid-morning, not early morning fortunately. Although our only real "view" was rooftops and the sky, we could see the WL Villas and some trees too.

[kimmar067]

...I have two questions for you:

If you stayed at WL again and were given the same std room as your last stay, would you request a different location, or would you be happy with that room?

Was there a coffee-maker in your room? If not, did you request one??

[JRoglitz]

We must have stayed just above you on the 5th floor. I would say if you don't care too much about the view I would say this is a great location. It is really close to the elevators and you could go to the large public balcony only a few steps away to watch the electric water parade each night or have coffee in the morning. I would request this location for a standard room again.:D

[kimmar067]

...if all rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, or do I have to put in a request for one? (DH simply CANNOT function in the A.M. w/o his java....)

[kimmar067]

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/resort.asp
I was able to view 78 absolutely beautiful photos of the Wilderness Lodge. Gorgeous. I have never seen any photos, so these were great. It takes quite awhile to download them and often times I had to keep hitting the "go" button to keep downloading, but well worth it.

Jonmom57:D [/B]
Bumping this in case anyone wants to view fabulous photos of WL...

[kimmar067]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
I'll add the resort floorplans to the FAQ:

LODGE Standard, Woods, & Courtyard View Rooms
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/deluxeresorts/wildernesslodge/rooms/rswildrmlay1zomimg.gif

LODGE Deluxe Rooms (formally Junior Suites)
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/deluxeresorts/wildernesslodge/rooms/rswildrmlay2zomimg.gif

VILLAS Studio
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/homeawayfromhome/villasatdisneyswilderness/rooms/rswildrmlay1zomimg.gif

VILLAS One-Bedroom
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/homeawayfromhome/villasatdisneyswilderness/rooms/rswildrmlay2zomimg.gif

VILLAS Two-Bedroom
http://i.disb.go.com/pscdisney/wdwr/images/resorts/homeawayfromhome/villasatdisneyswilderness/rooms/rswildrmlay3zomimg.gif

[JRoglitz]

We had a coffee maker in our Delux room but not in the standard room. I'm not sure about requesting one. We always went down to the Roaring Forks and filled up our mugs each morning.

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

You can request a coffee maker. They may charge for any coffee packets you use but you can bring your own. :)

[dskramer]

I would probably choose the 5th floor over the 4th floor if you could - the only thing I didn't like about our room was the noise from the lobby in the late afternoon (when my DS was "trying" to take a nap). But it was quiet enough at night. I liked being close to the elevator and having the rocking chairs right outside our room to people watch in the lobby.

I asked Lodgekeeping for a coffeemaker and they brought it right away. They brought coffee packets (five) and then brought me more packets when I ran out. There was no charge for the packets. With free coffee in my room, I didn't even bother with the refillable mug, but I don't drink soda.

Also, our maid created a canoe for my son's action figures, which he just loved. Later in our stay she also made a duck and two bunnies to hold our toothbrushes. I think she may have been off duty one or two days as there were no animals but then we got another one before we left.

[JRoglitz]

How much did it cost to have the coffee maker in your room?

We've stayed at WL twice and never gotten towel animals. Guess it depends on your housekeeper.

[the Legend]

... for the late reply Kimmar067.

When the photos are there (site hosting them is down for maintenace weekend), they are of the Crystal Palace Lunch at MK feat. Pooh and Friends.

I was hoping to rotate them with the ones taken at the Liberty Taven or Breakfastosaurus but must wait for this site to get back on-line!

PS. There is ALOT of good info this thread, has anyone thought of consildating it into one MASTER FAQ!

[MICKEEP]

Does anyone know a link to a site containing WL floor plans. Not room plans but complete building plans showing room numbers.

[MICKEEP]

To 999ghsts

Hey, Thank You for your interest. We stayed at the WL about 2 years ago and had a room on one of the upper floors. Not the top floor but second from the top. The room faced the magic kingdom and the Contemporary and we were able to watch the fireworks coming from the MK. The only bad part about the room was that it was directly opposite the smoke house with the loading docks below.

We are looking for a room, on the top floor, with the same view, further down the corridor away from the lobby. Possibly just beyond the elevators that lead down to the snack bar.

Any ideas

Thanks

[corvair]

999ghts,,,,

Hi, maybe you can also help me.. I have a courtyard veiw and would like to be near the main pool. Would this be considered lower courtyard?? Is there steps at the end of the hall at the U?? I would prefer that so my kids would not have to use the elevators.... Thanks for any help, we are leaving in 5 weeks...

thanks Corvair

[corvair]

999ghts,,,,, Thanks for the info... I can not wait to stay at WL.......

Corvair

[kimmar067]

...I would like to stay in a location that would be on the "north" side of the "U" (we have std rooms), a few floors up, but near the elevators/stairs and fairly close to the pool. What room #'s would you suggest? (I read your post where X034 to X008 is a nice location,but those are "woods view". What #'s are std view?)

PS-I'm SOOOOO excited about booking the Illuminations Dessert Party...I can't wait!!!!!

[Michelle E]

My family and I are going to stay at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time June 1. We stayed at the Dolphin last year and loved it. My husband wanted to stay somewhere different. Will we like the Wilderness as well as the Dolphin? :D

[MICKEEP]

999ghts

Thanks so much for your insightful answer to my question. The info will certainly come in handy.

[zoe dog]

Hi - Does anyone know approximately what time the flag family occurs on a summer morning? If we are lucky enough to be chosen as a flag family during our stay at the end of June, does it happen early enough so that we can get to MK for opening?

[kimmar067]

...that when 999ghsts off work, she will be more than happy to answer all our questions.
MichelleE - I have stayed at the Dolphin. It is surely a wonderful resort and the location can't be beat (except, maybe if you have a room in Cindy's castle - lol!!!) You really cannot compare WL with Dolphin - they are 2 totally differnt "creatures"~:D You will LOVE the ambiance, the coziness, and the excellent service that we all have come to expect from WDW resorts. Although it is not a "monorail" resort, it is still in a wonderful location. Anyway, you will be staying at the "happiest place on earth", and that can't be bad....:rolleyes: !!!

Countdown to WDW:

2 months - 18 days - 16 hours - 13 minutes...Yippee!!!!

[skiwee1]

I'm checking into WL on Tuesday and will fax a request in the next day or so. I am hoping you can advice me on a good room. I have a woodsview reserved. Could you give me a good room number recommendation that has the following requests in it? I would like non-smoking, highest floor available but with an open balcony, and opening up to the lobby. We really want to be able to open our room door and be overlooking the beautiful lobby! Is this too much to ask? Would I just word it like I did here or some other way? I'm so excited to be finally getting here after having to postpone my trip. Thanks for all your help 999ghsts!!!:D

[Michelle E]

Thanks so much for the info. I appreciate it very much. Only about 3 1/2 weeks left.:D

[domiii]

999ghts,

Can we send a fax request to be the flag family or would it be in our best interest to request upon check in? We are a family of 4 generations and it would be a chance of a lifetime!

Also, how does one meet you?

Tinker Bell Fan

[corvair]

999ghts,,,, One more question from me and then I am all set, thanks to your great info.....We are going to be resort hopping over to WL 5 days into our trip. You said you should fax about 4 days out.. I will already be at PO-FQ then.. Should I just fax from home? That will 6 days out, or should I call from down there???? I have only been to WDW one time and we stayed at PO-FQ, I am really excited about WL, I have never seen the resort, only in pictures. Thanks for all the great help.... Thanks,,Corvair

[skiwee1]

Thanks so much 999ghsts for taking the time to answer my questions! Can't wait to get there now!:D

[kimmar067]

...Hope you and your family have a TERRIFIC time while at WL. Don't forget to say "hi" to 999ghsts for us. Make sure you post all your wonderful adventures when you return....Safe trip :sunny:

999ghsts: are any of the rooms above Whispering Canyon (or that side-general area) considered std rooms?

[4firsttimes]

Some posted earlier that concierge was available for deluxe rooms at WL. My travel agent says there are no deluxe concierge rooms. Does anyone know for sure? Can you purchase access to concierge level at check in?

[kimmar067]

...we need your expert advice!!!:rolleyes:

[kimmar067]

bumping again!!:rolleyes:

[aring75]

DH and I are going o the WL in September for his birthday (just the two of us -- how romantic!!!) but I'm trying to think of ways to make this trip a little extra special. We walked through the WL when we stayed at CBR and fell in love with it!

Does anyone know of any special little extras? Maybe something that not everyone does while at the resort.

I guess my questions are ...

What do you do at the WL (or anyplace Disney) when you want to just enjoy a quiet, "romantic" moment? What other things do you know of that would be good for two adults traveling without the kids?

I want to make this trip memorable for the time we spent together. Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated!!

:earsgirl: :earsboy:

[corvair]

999ghts,,,, Thanks for all of your great help... I can not wait till I am at this great resort.. Corvair

[kimmar067]

...sounds like the perfect makings for a 2nd honeymoon!!!;)
how about:
1) candlelight dinner at Artist's Point?
2) a soak in the hot-tub/whirpool/jacuzzi(?) [located near the pool] when the sun is just setting?
3) signing up for the family flag ceremony?

I'm sure 999 ghsts came give you more suggestions....:sunny:

[corndog]

aring75,

I'll take a shot at this. How about dinner at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. If you don't know, it's the one that sits on the Lagoon. You can get a window table and both of you can sit on the same side of the table and look out across the lagoon at Cinderella's castle while you eat dinner. Then when the crowds start to gather there for the fireworks you can stroll out to the beach between the GF and the Poly and watch the fireworks on the beach by the Wedding Pavilion. More than likely, there will be nobody around. Just a thought! Good luck.

[aring75]

Those sound like great ideas.

Is the whirlpool spa by the pool secluded at all? Privacy would be a good thing.

The candlelight dinner sounds very nice. I just checked the menu at Artist's Point and I'm impressed. I think I'll make PS ressies now!

I'm getting so excited already!!!! Will I make it to September??

[aring75]

... and it sounds very romantic. Are there places to sit and watch MK's fireworks by the Wedding Pavilion? The closest I've ever been is riding the monorail from MK to PR - didn't actually walk over to see.

[corndog]

Guilty. That's what we did when we got engaged. We just sat on the beach (right in the sand) and didn't see a soul. I can't remember if there are benches up on the walkway between the GF and the Poly or not.

[johndavid]

999 ghosts ...

Thanks for all the great advice on room locations. Can you recommend a Deluxe Room location that would have a view of the MK fireworks.

Thanks!

[4firsttimes]

Thanks for the clarification on the concierge and deluxe rooms. We have a deluxe room booked for a week in June. We have four kids and so that type room is ideal for us. I would have liked to upgrade to concierge, but it looks like that would mean 2 connecting rooms instead.

[sthrngman]

Can anyone tell me about the children's program they have at night? What kind of activities are there? do they feed them? How late are they open?

[kimmar067]

did u get my pm?:)

[kimmar067]

Youare the third person that has said this. I only have about 6 or 7 msgs saved. Guess I will have to go on the technical board and find out what is happening....:(

I wrote a new thread on the Technical Board to find out (hopefully) why no one can send me a pm.....:( Just keep trying!

[wld]

999ghosts

I know you have said that the woods view rooms on the 5th floor MK side. I'm wondering what woods view rooms would face their windows to the east?

Thanks for all the great info.

[kimmar067]

...I got advise from Tech. Bd on how to eliminate old pm's. Could you try sending me a pm to see if it works? THANKS!!!:)

[PeterPam]

Hi,
We are only 7 days away from our arrival at the WL. We are sooo excited! We have a standard room booked. I am going to fax the room assigner 4 days before we arrive to request a bunkbed room. I'm a little confused about which side of the resort to request...the standard rooms over the lobby above the registration desk or the standard rooms on the otherside above the service area. We are not that concerned about the view as much as the noise. My question is this...is the "beeping" from the service area really that noisy? Does it go on all night long? Would it be less noisy on one of the upper floors? Thanks! :Pinkbounc

[kimmar067]

999ghsts-
just letting you know that I received your pm and sent one back to you....

PeterPam-
Are you doing the * * * HAPPY DANCE * * * right about now. I'm sending some extra special pixie dust ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ your way so that you and yours have a safe, wonderful, and healthy trip to the MOST MAGICAL PLACE OF ALL!!!!:wave:

Countdown to WDW:

2 months - 15 days - 14 hours - 32 minutes...Yippee!!!

[#1MMFan]

Although we always wish we got everything we wanted, for someone who is lucky enough to have visited WDW for 8 two week vacations, (and with the hope of going back sooner rather than later) my family takes the view that we'll just let the holiday play out rather than try to arrange every last detail. First time at WL we were allocated 4034 which was brilliant and had a nice view of MK fireworks. We booked a woods view room the following time and were allocated a room on the sixth floor facing the Villas. At first I was disappointed because I recognised we were on the wrong side from the MK, but I never mentioned it to anyone. As it turned out the room was really cosy and I loved the way the ceiling sloped down like a true lodge room!

999, do people ever say hi to you from these boards, or do you never reveal your identity? Maybe you don't work in an area with a lot of guest contact?

J o h n :bounce:

[kimmar067]

999ghsts-
Thank you for putting a "delicate" situation into such a tactful post! You are so right. My experience with WDW has always been that the CM's always try to bend over backwards to accomodate their guests. You go girl:D !!!

#1MMFan-
Glad to see that when life gave you "lemons" you made lemonade....Isn't it funny how a seemingly "bad" situation turns out for the best????I'm so happy that you and yours thoroughly enjoyed your room; it sounds lovely, with the slanted ceiling!!:)

To all my fellow DIS'ers:
Let's keep in sight of things here - this board is to give us helpful hints on how to make the most of our precious time (with our loved ones!) visiting WDW, the MOST WONDERFUL PLACE ON EARTH!! They are merely suggestions and sound advise - not carte blanche to the keys to the kingdom....besides, part of the BEST memories of a vacation are the unexpected things that happen to us:earsgirl:

[wld]

First of all thanks 999 for the info on woods view rooms.

It's too bad that someone would use reading the boards as an excuse to try for an upgrade or be otherwise demanding.

Our first trip we knew nothing of the boards and were in South Trinadad (I think) at CBR what a hike!!!

Since then we have always nicely requested and got our requests. No upgrades, but then if we wanted it we should have paid for it.

The one other time we didn't request because we were only there 1 night at CSR, we got a Casitas ground floor and come to think of it, it was a water view!!!

In my fax I always mention while room location will not make or break my trip, it would just be nice. We're at WDW and I know plenty of people who can't even afford the trip, much less go 5 times.

I hope we haven't seemed too demanding in our quest to find the "cool" rooms, we appreciate your insight, and thanks for reminding us that there is far too little politeness and understanding in the world sometimes.

I'm feeling a little preachy today (early AM, little sleep) so I'll just stop.

Hope everyone enjoys their day!!!

Thanks 999

[rojoe]

I agree with you #1MMFan. The last trip we knew nothing about Disney. Just went to a T/A and booked a package. Ended up at the CB with a view of the parking lot. We didn't care at all. We didn't even have an itinerary (which could be dangerous, a little planning is useful). Now I know we could have done much better price wise and resort wise but the point is that no matter what you pay or where you stay I think the atmosphere at WDW will always provide great memories. ONLY 46 MORE DAYS!!!!!! I can't stand it!!!

One more thing. Just want to say THANKS to everyone on these boards and especially 999ghsts for all the help in planning. Now all I have to do is wait....UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kimmar067]

Hi, fellow NJ'er!! Are you PACKED yet?? Yes, the waiting is definitely KILLER!!!! It seems like that 46th day just will never get here:crazy: but be patient - it will....here's wishing you and your family the BEST vacation ever!!!
Just promise you will post here when you return!!!:D

[the Legend]

999 - Just read you mail about the room assignor and the 'abuse' he/she suffered because a little information in the wrong hands was, indeed, a dangerous thing.

Everyday I read about people with better deals, cheaper rates etc than we have and it just goes to show had inconsiderate or stupid people can be.

I think this FAQ should be consolidated and people should start readdressing thier questions back to the resort board because noone should suffer abuse because of remarks on this thread.

However, when I visit in September, I will require the following: Noone is allowed in the Pool while My brother and I swim
I will require an MK view and if one cannot be provided then all trees, buildings and floors should be removed until it is so.
WDW transport must not only arrive when I want to travel but they must also know where I want to go. Plus I must be let off first with no stops between WL and whereever I am going.
I like EPCOT. So I need you to reverse the flow of water UP Silver Creek Falls and back INTO the Lodge
Please arrange to have the Geyser blow whenever I wave my arm like Obi-wan does when doing the Jedi mind trick in star wars.
I would like everyone to speak Klingon during our stay. That way I can justify the $40 my brother spent on that most 'useful' of Star Trek software
Arrange it so ALL the Characters from Cindys Royal table ring me at 7AM 120 days before our arrival and arrange a breakfast PS with my brother and I.
You dont juggle, sing the national anthem and walk tightropes? LEARN!But ... for real ... Please pass our apologises to the Room assignor and say I look forward to sending him/her our requests in September! ;)

[rojoe]

Kimmar067 - Thanks for the good wishes!! No, not packed yet but I must admit I am staritng to think about it. (Do the boys have enough shorts? Bathing suits??) Things like that. Just made kennel ressies for the dog and going bathing suit shopping today.

Can't wait to see WL - Will definitely post when I get back. Rojoe

[kimmar067]

No, not that!!! Pull my teeth, give me labor pains, take my first-born...anything but shopping for a BATHING SUIT:eek:!!!!!!

[wld]

Speak Klingon? No even better, they should all look like Warf!!!
And I think the Magic Kingdom should close down to everyone but my husband and I on our anniversary June 24th--sorry everyone else!!

Can't wait to stay anywhere in the WL in about 41 days. But who is counting????

[CaliforniaDreaming]

999: So sorry that someone made such "demands" to the room controller. I hate to say this, but I am not surprised. There are some DIS'ers that just expect something free, and are very jealous of others who get more than they do. :rolleyes: I've been "seeing" more and more of it lately. I, personally, reserve the room type that I want, so I don't have to expect an upgrade (though it would be nice!). I always research what exactly is in my room category, and make my requests accordingly. I've always gotten accommodated with something I like (if it isn't exactly what I wanted). I know some people want a lagoon view for the price of garden. I've even seen people say "I want a free upgrade to a suite" from a garden view room (Jan 1, at the GF! They were being checked in next to us - they ended up with a garden/monorail view in Sago Cay) - I was friendly, made my somewhat specific room requests for a room in my reserved category, and they were more than happy to accommodate! I love Disney, no matter what room they give me!

[Chance's Mom]

To 999Ghosts:

Your information has been so helpful! I just wanted to let you know that we really appreciate all of the "insider" info you have provided.
As far as room requests go, each time I have visited, CMs have gone out of their way to meet our requests. A CM at ASMo definitely worked some magic in Jan when she found us a room in Toy Story when the resort was operating at full capacity! It was a really nice thing to do. She saw the request on her screen when we were checking in and tried really hard! We were very thankful! It's what makes disney such a magical place to visit!
Hope everyone remembers to be polite!:)

[kimmar067]

Well said!!

[MaryJ]

Just a quick question for you. We will be checking in at VWL on July 2. Our confirmation from DVC lists us in a dedicated 2BR. Our requests are: #1 (and most important) Non-Smoking and #2 Vacation Home on top floor. Are there any dedicated NS 2BRs on the top floor? Make no mistake, we will be happy wherever we are placed! Last time we were on the second floor and looked out on the Mickey topiary by the walkway and we loved it!

Also, we may be arriving between 5 and 6 in the evening. Do we need to notify the desk as a potential late arrival or is that close enough to the 4 p.m check-in time?

Thanks for all you do! Wish there was a way I could thank you when we arrive!

[lovingthemouse]

yes i did, and have enjoyed reading many of the posts too. We have never stayed at the WL but there may be a chance next Feb. :D

[skiwee1]

Thanks for all of your help 999ghsts! I just faxed in my request worded, hopefully, as you put it. :) We are arriving on May 14th so I hope I didn't fax too early or too late. I already reserved a wood view so I requested non-smoking, upper floor, lobby room, over Whispering Canyon. Of course, since I've never been there before I have no idea what I'm asking for! LOL! :D I trust you do though. I do know that these are only requests. As long as they don't put me in the kitchen then I will be happy! I have to say that is really is neat to actually "talk" to a real CM from WDW. My husband thinks I'm absolutely nutty about all of this but I can't help it! While I was faxing the request I was rattling on and on to my husband about how I had gotten this room info from a person that really works at the WL and blah, blah, blah...... He just looks at me and shakes his head like I've lost it or something. LOL! Thanks again for taking the time and helping us all out. I really appreciate it! :earsgirl:
Terry

[johndavid]

999 ghosts ...

Thank you so much for all of the great info. Since it doesn't sound like we are going to be able to see the fireworks :( , could you recommend a Deluxe room that would allow us to view the Electric Water Parade? I have already requested the 6th floor and we would like to be as far away from the lobby as possible (the quieter the better - just in case we can manage to talk our son into napping).

[kimmar067]

...after spending a lovely day with both my Mom and mother-in-law, which reminds me:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS, STEPMOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS (aren't they all??), GODMOTHERS, AND FAIRY GODMOTHERS!!!!!!!:) :) :) :) :)(I wanted to include 999ghsts because she is truly MY fairy godmother....!!;) )

[Lisa in Pa]

We just got back from WL and had a great time. It was our second stay at the Lodge. We really liked this hotel because it had a smaller feeling to it. More personal. The theming is very nice, although the rooms are a bit tight. I like being able to get right to your room and not have to walk a mile. We love the boat transportation to MK and Contem. The marina is right there for bike and boat rentals. Whispering Canyon is our choice for bfast. Love the skillet sampler! Artist Pointe was very tasty. Used Cub's Den once before and thought that was great. For the money you really can't beat this hotel for convinence, value, atmosphere, and location. The pool tends to get smaller in the afternoon and the pool bar closes way too early for my taste. I really can't say a bad thing about the Lodge.
This was our 5th trip, 2 Lodge, 3 Dixie and we think this blows away Dixie. If you have kids who love MK and don't want to spend and arm and a leg and GF, choose this one, you won't be sorry.

[kimmar067]

Did you get to view the Water Pageant? What time did it pass the WL? (seems like a silly question, but does it pass every night or just once a week or so?)

[corvair]

Lisa, what time did the pool bar close? What do you mean the pool got smaller? Because it was full? How was the buses? We will have a car should we plan on using it? Thanks,,corvair

[corvair]

999ghts,,, Do I need to request queen beds or is that the kind of room you get if you do not request any kind of beds? This is what we need and not sureif I need to request that..thanks,,,corvair

[LoveMickey]

999ghsts

We just returned from the Lodge and I still love it. It's our favorite resort. I just love the atmosphere, the lobby the pools, the beach, just can't get any better.

I did have a little disspointment though and wonder if you know more about this.

The bus and boat transportation is being shared with FW. In my 4 previous stays at the Lodge the transportion for busses was shared with Poly and GF. These past routes seemed more direct. I felt that sharing with FW was kind of out of the way.

I was told that this was just a trial. Do you know if it is just a trial, or do these trials usually lead to permanent changes?

Thanks - I do Love the Lodge

[corndog]

Having just experienced this a couple of weeks ago at the Lodge, our thought was that the WL should be a hub for the 2. There could be constant busing between FW and WL and all buses departing the properties would leave from the WL and go directly to their destinations and return directly to the Lodge where people could connect back to FW.

[kimmar067]

sounds like a good idea to me!!

BTW - (maybe 999 can answer, too) how long do you think it would take to get to AKL for dinner at Boma? Also, should we take bus to DTD and get a connecting bus to AKL or take the ferry to MK and get a bus to AKL there?

[kimmar067]

...for a reply!!:D

[ragamuffin]

In the morning it stops are FW, WL and then MK (it is set up this way so that there is no stop between the lodge and MK in the morning it is a direct route to the park) about mid afternoon it changes to WL, FW, MK ...

We just got back from the WL. What you said makes a lot of sense, but it seemed to me that the drivers weren't necessarily aware of this, because often in the morning we would go from WL then to FW then on to the MK, which would take 20-25 minutes for the boat ride. Then sometimes in the afternoon we would pass right by our dock to go the FW before we went to the WL.

Then sometimes when returning from the MK, we would stop as FW to unload passengers, only when the guy opened the gate, nobody would get off because they were all going to WL. Why couldn't the driver at least ask first if there is anyone going to FW, and if not, then go to WL first - that would give others more room to get on. The only thing I can think of is that if the boat fills up too quickly at WL, then they won't be able to get anyone on at FW - which if this is the case, then they should re-think their boat strategy...

We assumed that was always the way it had been done as it was our first time there.

[corndog]

kimmar,

Your guess would be as good as mine in determing the best way to get to AKL. I would probably just take the first bus that came along whose destination had a connection to AKL.

[corvair]

Does anybody know how long the pool is open ? We are going in June and would like to come back from the parks at night and have a swim.

999ghts,,, What do they consider lower inner courtyard? thanks,,,corvair

[corndog]

The posted hours say it closes at midnight I believe (maybe 11 pm). However, they told us at the front desk that as long as you're not making too much noise you can swim all night. The CM said if you're noisy during the posted hours they'll ask you to be quiet. If you're noisy after the posted hours they'll just ask you to leave.

[Cora's Mom]

I understand that I can request a coffee maker and that there is no charge, but isn't there a charge for the coffee? Also, what size is the coffee maker? If I bring coffee, wondered if I should bring enough for a 4 or 8 cup. Thanks for any help.

[aring75]

Has anyone here eaten at Artist' Point at the WL?

DH and I will be visiting in September and I was wondering if I should make PS ressies?

The question is this: what is the food like really?

I love to try new things and experiment a little when it comes to eating out, but DH insists that if it's not good old "American" food, he doesn't want it. He won't eat anything if he can't tell what the ingredients are when he looks at it!! LOL Can we get something to please us both? I'd really like to try because I've heard AP is really great, but I don't want either of us to be disappointed.

What do you think?

:confused:

[PeterPam]

In 17 hrs. I will be at the WL for 10 funfilled days! I will post my review of the Hotel and the bus/boat transportation when I return! These 17 hrs. are going too slow! :bounce:

[kimmar067]

Peter Pam-
I know how you feel!!! It always seems that, the closer you get, the WORSE it gets!!!! Have fun and remember to post your experiences when you return. Happy trails.....!!:)

aring75-
My sister has eaten here and she LOVES it!! It is a little pricey, but the food is fabulous!! Be warned, though. The menu consists of alot of "game" (pheasant, venison, duck, etc.) The salmon, however, is to DIE FOR!!!! Check with the DIS Home page and go to "restaurants" and search for the menu for Artist Point....:D

[jimmy]

WL/DIS Vacation starts May 28-June 1. A couple of questions - 1) Have a Woodlands view booked...any room suggestions? I have two girls ages 7 & 5. Is one with a view of the castle or the nightly parades available? 2) Who do I call/fax to request a specific room and how early can I do it? 3) I assume checkin is not until 3...any suggestions as to what we can do until then? Can we use the pool, etc? 4) Have a couple of character breakfasts booked....has DIS done away with early entrance? 5) Any suggestions as to touring plans for the 7 & 5 year olds? 6) I understand that June 1 is Gay Day at WDW. Do you have any experience/advice for us? Thanks in advance for all the feedback! WL sounds great....our first time at WDW....I think we picked a winner!?!?!! Also, what about any specific room request and/or how we can accomplish this?

[jwfla422]

Aring75
We ate at the Artist's Point 2 weeks ago and it was awesome. The food there is so good. I had the salmon which i think is out of this world and dh had the pork tenderloin which was also great.

Many menu items are pretty normal (filet, top sirlon, shrimp, etc), preparation is upscale and the service is excellent as well. I highly recommend AP. Check out their menu at http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menu_ap.htm

This will be on our list next trip when we stay at WL for sure!

jimmy I can answer some of your questions:
I don't think you'll be able to see the parade from any of the resorts, but you may be able to see the water pageant parade from some rooms, not sure about the north facing wood views though. You may also be able to see the castle, CR or Space Mountain from some of these rooms.

If your room is not ready until 3 you can store your luggage at the hotel. You should be able to use the pool or even go to one of the parks for a few hours.

There is currently no EE (early entrance) at any of the parks unfortunately but if you have a breakfast PS for any of the park restaurants before the park actually opens you can check in with the CM at the entrance and you will be able to go in before everyone else (nice perk:), of course the attractions/etc don't open until the park opening.

We were there during Gay Days last year. Only word of advice is to avoid MK on gayday because it will probably be filled to capacity. It's usually that Saturday. We did this (as we prefer to avoid this park at EXTREMELY busy times including Saturdays and Mondays) last year and went to EPCOT that day instead and had no problems with crowds. A CM on our boat said MK was full at 11am!

Hope some of that helps. A WL expert will have to advise you on room locations and faxing.

[ClareH]

Does anyone know anything about the WL tours? I'm going to be at GF/YC this Christmas/New Year (would loved to have stayed at WL but as parents are paying have had to go with their choices!! lol), I read somewhere (and now can't find it) that WL offers tours. Any info (times, what's involved, etc., etc.) would be really appreciated.

[soluc]

Hoping you can help...a couple of questions.
Is it better to call or fax in room requests?
Is it possible to request a courtyard view room where we can see the lake for the EWP and the MK(fireworks maybe?)
We would like as high as possible ( i think) but not an enclosed balcony. Is this possible? ( I realize they are only requests and might not be met)
If these rooms exist,how far a walk is it from the lobby (carrying a 45lb sleeping 2 1/2 yr old) :)

I thank you for your help and am really enjoying all the info here

[corvair]

999ghts, thanks for the reply. I am looking to be further away from the looby towards the pool. thanks,,,corvair

[soluc]

Thanks so much for the your reply!

[aring75]

999ghsts (I'm a HM fan too!),

DH and I will be visiting 9/2 - 9/7.

When I send a faxed room request (not until a week or so before) what should I ask for?

We don't care so much for the view; we've found that we don't really spend that much time in the room anyway. Therefore, we booked a woods view room. However, the noise level concerns me, and we have to be in a non-smoking room - preferably a non-smoking floor (I'm asthmatic :( ).

Should I request a certain room or area, or is the wording I used here enough to relay my preferences?

I am so appreciative of all of the help I've received on this post. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get this far! I just know this is going to be a wonderful trip!

:earsgirl: :earsboy:

[corvair]

999ghts, thank you for all of your help. I think I have a good feel for the resort now. We will be going in June, and can not wait. I am going to request, main pool veiw, near the trout pool bar, inner courtyard, third or forth floor. Is this too much? thanks corvair

[Disneyolic]

All this info on the rooms is great. 999ghsts is so helpful. I hope this thread is still here next year...or maybe I better start writing all this info down and storing it for my family trip.

999ghsts - I hope this is not a repeat question but - the standard rooms on the 4th floor over the desk area, do any of them have bunk beds? I think a nonsmoking standard will do just fine for us. I just really do not want to be near the service area. Some have said the bright lights all night have bothered them even with the drapes closed. Would that just be on some of the lower floors? Thanks.

[kimmar067]

...to post to give 999ghsts a BIG hand (clap-clap-clap-clap-clap) cuz' she really has helped this board tremendously with all of the wonderful "insider" tips she has so generously supplied us!!!:D

Countdown to WDW:

2 months - 5 days - 12 hours - Yippee!!

[corvair]

I am giving 999ghts a big hand also. She has been very helpful to my many confussing questions. She has always taken the time to answer the posts. I will be there in 28 days. I am getting very excited everyday. thanks again 999ghts, I will not be bothering you any more, you have helped answer all of my questions..... Kimmar, thanks for starting this great thread......Corvair

[plutospup]

In only 4 more days we'll be at the WL!!!! It can't come soon enough. In an effort to limit our packing DW plans on doing laundry midway through the week. Are there laundry facilities at WL, and if so where? Thanx for your help! Also, are there sand toys at the beach that you can buy/rent.

[josierac]

Originally posted by aring75
Has anyone here eaten at Artist' Point at the WL?

DH and I will be visiting in September and I was wondering if I should make PS ressies?

The question is this: what is the food like really?

I love to try new things and experiment a little when it comes to eating out, but DH insists that if it's not good old "American" food, he doesn't want it. He won't eat anything if he can't tell what the ingredients are when he looks at it!! LOL Can we get something to please us both? I'd really like to try because I've heard AP is really great, but I don't want either of us to be disappointed.

What do you think?

:confused:

I can't answer about the food but here are some pictures of it and the menu Artist point food pictures and menu (http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/dd.asp?step=4)

[SnowWhiteIsDreaming]

Plutospup,

We just got back from the WL and we had to do a couple loads of laundry. The are a few laundry rooms. The one I used was one the first floor across from the elevators near the Roaring Forks. It was completely empty and very convenient. They sold individual laundry detergent from a vending machine in the laundry room. But if you want to do a few loads, then you may want to buy the double pack of detergent from the Merchantile store.

[aring75]

for that great information! I can't wait to show DH that they don't have just a bunch of "rabbit-food" as he calls it! :p

Is it just me or did that dessert menu look really fantastic . . .

[lucki4]

Originally posted by kimmar067
...to post to give 999ghsts a BIG hand (clap-clap-clap-clap-clap) cuz' she really has helped this board tremendously with all of the wonderful "insider" tips she has so generously supplied us!!!:D


I agree wholeheartedly!! :bounce: Although I haven't asked questions, I have learned a lot. We requested bunk beds, non-smoking, woodsview. We went through Dreams Unlimited, so we can't fax in requests, just tell out TA. However, I have learned alot from this thread and 999ghsts. I am relieved and thrilled that we chose WL for our stay this July. Only hear great things about it!

[kimmar067]

How long will you be staying at WL? We will be going to WDW 7/26 but we are staying at CBR first (till 7/31). Maybe we will run into each other at the pool....!!!:D

corvair-
Be sure to post your review of WL when you get back, along with all the great PS's you made.....(I still think you shouldn't waste your time at PH when there are SO many great places to eat, but that is only M.H.O. - have fun!!)

[lucki4]

Kimmar - we are going July 23 and returning home on the 29th. Guess we will just miss you :)