The Wilderness Lodge FAQ (Part 6) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[2diamonds&a~gem]

Are there hammocks on the beach? I know I saw the playground there, are there also chairs or benches? I am sure we will spend a good bit of time there. Thanks~

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Are there hammocks on the beach? I know I saw the playground there, are there also chairs or benches? I am sure we will spend a good bit of time there.

While there are lounges and beach chairs for sunbathing, there aren't any hammocks. This area near the marina and playground offer the best viewing area for the Electric Water Pageant.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I had some fun with math this morning. I was looking at the room map and realized that 65% of the WL rooms are "Courtyard View" (451 rooms), 25% are "Woods View" (172 rooms), and 10% are "Standard View" (74 rooms).

I agree with them booking additional standard view rooms even more so because there are actually only 48 standard view rooms.

The map Ronald Duck made shows the standard view rooms on floors 2nd and up, this is part of the information that's incorrect on the map.

The standard view rooms in the North Wing are only on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor, there are no rooms on what would be the 2nd and 3rd floor, because of Artist Point and the kitchen. So 13 rooms on each of these three floors and the 9 over check-in.

Beckie

 

[branv]

I've read before that Roaring Fork in the morning can be mass chaos...so I was wondering (with the understanding that nothing is predictable and diff seasons mean diff crowds), what can I generally expect to be the busiest time of the morning? I would have assumed an hour before MK opening, but I've been proven wrong before (who knew everyone doesn't jump up at the crack of dawn to charge the mouse? )

And does room service have one of those breakfast express door tags like so many hotels?

Thanks!

 

[boardom]

Zowie, I can't believe this thread is 7 pages already!

I have a logistical/transportation question. We're relying solely on Disney transportation, and we'd like to do dinner at Narcoossee's for the fireworks. Is it possible to get home to the WL after? What's the best way to do it?

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Zowie, I can't believe this thread is 7 pages already!

I have a logistical/transportation question. We're relying solely on Disney transportation, and we'd like to do dinner at Narcoossee's for the fireworks. Is it possible to get home to the WL after? What's the best way to do it?

You can head over to the MK and catch the bus or boat to the WL from there or you can take a taxi, much faster but it is $$$.

 

[boardom]

You can head over to the MK and catch the bus or boat to the WL from there or you can take a taxi, much faster but it is $$$.

OK, so if we don't want to spring for a cab, the bus/monorail/boat from GF (and from MK to WL) would still be running at that hour? Wasn't sure, since the park would be closed, right?

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

OK, so if we don't want to spring for a cab, the bus/monorail/boat from GF (and from MK to WL) would still be running at that hour? Wasn't sure, since the park would be closed, right?

Even if the park were to close right after the fireworks ended the buses and boats back to the lodge would be running well after closing. It shouldn't be a problem unless your dinner runs late after the fireworks. The park may even be open after the fireworks you will have to look at the park schedule to determine that.

 

[orangekid13]

OK, so if we don't want to spring for a cab, the bus/monorail/boat from GF (and from MK to WL) would still be running at that hour? Wasn't sure, since the park would be closed, right?

They say that the boats stop running at a certain time, but if you ask anyone running the boats, they never leave anyone at a dock. I'm not sure if the busses and monorail are the same or not

 

[tardin1964]

I've read before that Roaring Fork in the morning can be mass chaos...so I was wondering (with the understanding that nothing is predictable and diff seasons mean diff crowds), what can I generally expect to be the busiest time of the morning? I would have assumed an hour before MK opening, but I've been proven wrong before (who knew everyone doesn't jump up at the crack of dawn to charge the mouse? )

And does room service have one of those breakfast express door tags like so many hotels?

Thanks!

I'm one that jumps out of bed at the crack of dawn while at WDW

Most days we are at RF by 7:15am or 7:20am when we were going to be at a 9:00am park opening. We never had a problem. By 7:45am or 8:00am when we were leaving RF the line somedays would be out the door already.

Not sure about the room service door...I don't remember....

 

[duffy]

They say that the boats stop running at a certain time, but if you ask anyone running the boats, they never leave anyone at a dock. I'm not sure if the busses and monorail are the same or not

We had moved from the Lodge to the Dolphin for the second half of our trip and were waiting for the boat to take us from the Studios to the Dolphin on Feb. 8th. The line was very long, and it was clear that many people would have to wait for several boats to fill before they got one.

So many people kept saying that the last boat left at 8:30, (I think) and that they would be left standing at the dock and not have any way back if the last boat was full!

I was fairly sure that Disney would not leave people standing there waiting to get to the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Clubs/Swan and Dolphin, but almost everyone else seemed to think that a lot of people would be left behind.

 

[dizneykid]

OK, so if we don't want to spring for a cab, the bus/monorail/boat from GF (and from MK to WL) would still be running at that hour? Wasn't sure, since the park would be closed, right?

I would check park schedules, busses usually run an hour before opening and an hour after. But, I know they will not leave anyone stranded.

We were at a private party at Animal Kingdom one night well after official closing of the park. We left about 10pm or so and there were a line of busses waiting. One of the drivers came up to us and asked what resort we were heading back to. We had taken our car, but I asked him why they were there so late and he said that they wait until Rainforest Cafe closes and then transport guests back to their resorts. Thought that was cool!

Regarding the cab ride, I don't think it is very expensive. If I remember, from Grand Floridian to WL it was approximately $11.00 with tip. But I guess expense is all relative.

When you check into the Lodge ask for a Transportation map. They usually give you one in your Welcome Packet but if you don't get one ask. Great information in there.

 

[boardom]

I would check park schedules, busses usually run an hour before opening and an hour after. But, I know they will not leave anyone stranded.

We were at a private party at Animal Kingdom one night well after official closing of the park. We left about 10pm or so and there were a line of busses waiting. One of the drivers came up to us and asked what resort we were heading back to. We had taken our car, but I asked him why they were there so late and he said that they wait until Rainforest Cafe closes and then transport guests back to their resorts. Thought that was cool!

Regarding the cab ride, I don't think it is very expensive. If I remember, from Grand Floridian to WL it was approximately $11.00 with tip. But I guess expense is all relative.

When you check into the Lodge ask for a Transportation map. They usually give you one in your Welcome Packet but if you don't get one ask. Great information in there.

OK, that's cool. $11 would definitely not break the bank if there's no other way to get back.

 

[markrhondab]

I have a question. I will be staying at WL for the first time in Sept. On the nights that MK has EMH do the boats run until the EMH end or will I have to take a bus back? I'm pretty new to the thread so I'm sorry if I may ask questions that have been asked before.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

So many people kept saying that the last boat left at 8:30, (I think) and that they would be left standing at the dock and not have any way back if the last boat was full!

I was fairly sure that Disney would not leave people standing there waiting to get to the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Clubs/Swan and Dolphin, but almost everyone else seemed to think that a lot of people would be left behind.

Duffy
The friendship boats are a little different they also run until an hour after the Studios's or EPCOT closes, but unlike the other parks if you are traveling back to the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Clubs/Swan and Dolphin you could walk back to your resort in 10-15 minutes.

If there are many guest waiting they will extend the pick-up times, if the crowds are all gone and no one was waiting when the last boat leaves I don't think they would continue to operate after the posted times.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I have a question. I will be staying at WL for the first time in Sept. On the nights that MK has EMH do the boats run until the EMH end or will I have to take a bus back? I'm pretty new to the thread so I'm sorry if I may ask questions that have been asked before.

Markrhondab
The RED FLAG BOAT between the Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge operates as long as the Park is open, even on late EMH nights, so does the direct bus. The only reasons the boats many stop running early would be due to the weather, not so much rain but high winds or the number one cause FOG.

Don't worry about being new and asking questions that's the one thing we all have in common...we were all new at one time. Oh! I guess that makes me OLD. that and so many birthdays.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I have a logistical/transportation question. We're relying solely on Disney transportation, and we'd like to do dinner at Narcoossee's for the fireworks. Is it possible to get home to the WL after? What's the best way to do it?

Boardom

The other post on this have been good and correct with the options available to you. The most important thing to remember is time and the schedules of the operating hours for the boats and Magic Kingdom.

In October they have so much going on at the Magic Kingdom with the additional nights of MNSSHP, EMH and regular late nights you should be just fine riding the monorail around to the Park then boarding either the boat or bus back to the Wilderness Lodge.

The Blue Flag Boats operate until 11:30pm so a ride on the monorail to the Contemporary Resort then walk out back to the marina and catch a resort boat back over the the Lodge is another possibility.

And yet another option from page 1...

*Note: The Direct Bus runs between Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom until after the Magic Kingdom closes then reverts back to the old route to TTC so depending on when your trip is and when the MK closes this could be another option to travel from the Monorail Resorts to or from Wilderness Lodge after normal park hours. You would just ride the monorail from the Grand Floridian to the TTC then catch the bus back to the Lodge.

It's best to verify all the information with the Bus Drivers and Boat Captains during you stay as things can and do change.

Beckie

 

[boardom]

Boardom

The other post on this have been good and correct with the options available to you. The most important thing to remember is time and the schedules of the operating hours for the boats and Magic Kingdom.

In October they have so much going on at the Magic Kingdom with the additional nights of MNSSHP, EMH and regular late nights you should be just fine riding the monorail around to the Park then boarding either the boat or bus back to the Wilderness Lodge.

The Blue Flag Boats operate until 11:30pm so a ride on the monorail to the Contemporary Resort then walk out back to the marina and catch a resort boat back over the the Lodge is another possibility.

And yet another option from page 1...

*Note: The Direct Bus runs between Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom until after the Magic Kingdom closes then reverts back to the old route to TTC so depending on when your trip is and when the MK closes this could be another option to travel from the Monorail Resorts to or from Wilderness Lodge after normal park hours. You would just ride the monorail from the Grand Floridian to the TTC then catch the bus back to the Lodge.

It's best to verify all the information with the Bus Drivers and Boat Captains during you stay as things can and do change.

Beckie

Thanks Beckie for your very thorough reply! No fear making plans to dine at GF then, I'll definitely have it on my list.

 

[justintime]

I thought I read somewhere that the bunk beds at WL are on the smaller side. How big are they? Are they the same size as the bunk beds at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Last year we stayed at AKL in a bunk bed room. My son absolutely loved it. My son slept in the top bunk, my huband slept in the bottom bunk and my daughter (2 at the time) slept with me in the queen. My DH didn't have any problems in that bunk. This year we are staying at WL, and DS 5 is all excited thinking we will be staying in the bunk beds again. My DD 3 would sleep with me in the queen again. So if these beds are the same size as AKL we would be fine, but I thought I read some comments somewhere that if you are over 5'5" that you would be cramped. My DH is 5'7". Anyone know how these beds are sized?

 

[yearbook50]

I'm currently at the lodge now for part of my honeymoon.

On friday, 2/8/08 the Blue Flag boat was NOT running at all. They waited for over an hour for the boat. My in-laws missed breakfast at the Polynesian for us on our wedding day because of this (yes, we know they could have taken the red flag in hind sight, but they were Disney newbies so the stuck with the original explaination we gave them to get to the Poly) (We were at the Poly - 2/5 to 2/9)

Our arrival day here at the Lodge on the 2/9 was horrible.
We were given a room (1138) with a bed you could tell was old & worn as it was curved in the middle, the bathroom door was broken and their was mold on the roll in shower.

We called for our luggage...told it would be 5 minutes...50 minutes later I went to the desk and they told me they lost it...
and then they found it

When we got the luggage, we discovered our top layer of our wedding cake was RUINED - like it was dropped. I have pictures to prove it and I was livid.

Shaun went to the lobby to get a manager because I was crying over everything over the first day of our honeymoon.

They couldn't move us then.

We left (and were late) to our dinner reservations & then the P&P party. We went back to the front desk to get someone and get a room change. They couldn't do it then but they offered to do it the next day.

We got moved to 5073. Its much better, although somehow the bell hops were able to ruin the top layer of the wedding cake more.

I used to love the WL alot, it was one of my favorite hotels; however, I think Shaun & I will be sticking to the Poly or Yacht Club from now on.