Experiment-627: A Caribbean Double with a Wilderness Chaser

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 9: The Shutout (Day 6 -Friday)

Part 2: Charting a New Course
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You could just pick a direction and start walking. The unknown explorers of the past have done just that and on more occasions then we’ll ever be aware of. That’s why they’re unknown. They randomly chose a destination (known or fabled), blithely set off on some undetermined course and waltzed confidently into terra incognito. Where they promptly vanished form the collective consciousness and ceased to have any impact on the rest of us.

Foolhardy blokes, them…

On the other hand, the “Great Explorers” of the past had something in common. They had a plan. They had a good idea where they were heading before setting out and made provisions for possible setbacks and deviations. Even before making a detour they’d always have a fixed spot to which they planned to return and kept track of where they had gone in relation to that point. Even the most reckless privateer wouldn’t purposely sail into the teeth of an oncoming storm without having a clear idea of where he was headed
(and a reason for doing so).

Of the many things in this world that I can be accused of (being dense as a post looms rather high on that list) lacking a plan isn’t one. Our time aboard the Disney Dream may have ended, but we still had a few days of blessed reprieve from the pain and sorrow that is my day-to-day job. We could head home now, but given our proximity to another spot on the map that piques the interest of every member of my family…
that would have been foolish.

As such… we charted a course toward the west. The great thing about this decision is that the trail from Port Canaveral toward The World has already been blazed and is well worn. You hop onto FL-528… pay a few bucks in tolls… make a gentle turn to port upon reaching I-4, and you almost there.

To those of us that roam these boards there is little more exhilarating then seeing this grand landmark grow in size as we approach the end of our initial journey…

Crossing through that gate just makes every thing a little brighter. It’s like lifting a blanket off of your spirit and allowing it to float away for a little while. Heck… even the otherwise dreary bastions of sameness that are billboards take on a whole new type of magic once you’re actually “On World”.

Yet that enticing bit of marketing illustrates quite succinctly one major aspect of our arrival that was going to be very different from all previous visits to this Nirvana… It was taunting us with images of something that we would not be seeing.

We made a few more course adjustments and came upon another of the storied gates that guard the path to another world…

And again were reminded of realms that we’d not be entering. We had the time to spend in the land of mouse… but not the extra funds needed to take full advantage of it. Due to a fortunate incentive that had been offered, we were able to justify staying on site four a couple of days before heading home. But there just was not enough money left over to add park tickets. This meant that the main reason that folks travel here would not be counted among out destinations this time around. But then again, that didn’t mean we could not explore new lands or discover new delights. No… it just meant that we’d be doing Disney rather differently. And beginning this new exploration at this innocuous looking intersection…

A nimble turn to starboard quickly set us onto a path that is very much unlike most other spots in “The World”…

And one that is utterly unlike anything existing in the rolling southeastern piedmont that I call home.

Welcome to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

That is the view that first greets the eye as you round the last curve. Next… the perspective as you’re walking back toward the building after stowing your vehicle for the duration.

Even the plantings and topiaries are designed to transport you to an entirely different part of the world…

Once you approach the main entrance… you’ve left the oppressive heat of the American Southeast, and set foot into a world of vast grandeur.

An voluminous space that transports you into one of the great National Park Service Lodges dotting the expansive canvases of forests and wilderness that make up the American Northwest.

It is absolutely breathtaking. The building is so massive and the stone and wood work so heavy and enveloping that you can hear and even feel a sudden onset of quiet.

Well, no sense in wasting time… let’s get checked in.

Like everything else that Disney does… this place is over the top when it comes to details. First case in point… see that hewn stone pillar over there that appears to be supporting the counter in that last image? Well this little fell’a was making himself quite at home right on top of it…

…just the first of many little details that we’d encounter.


I've stayed at WDW many times, but this was one of the most relaxed and pleasant check-in experiences that I’ve encountered here. The atmosphere was intoxicating, the lines were minimal and the CMs were as charming and helpful as we’ve come to expect (and more so). The “Head Ranger” walked up to us in line and started up a conversation. He told us a bit about the history of the building, it’s architect, some of what we could expect, and made sure to let Max know that it looked to him like: “You’ve got the look of a troublemaker so I’ll be keeping an eye on you” (he saw us several more times across the next several days and made sure to jokingly mention to Max that: “I still have an eye on you”). He made a point to talk to nearly everyone that came though the doors (especially those that were just arriving).


We got through the check-in process in no time at all and were free to take a quick look around before heading on to our room. Right off the main desk you’ll encounter the Mercantile. This is the main gift and sundries spot on the Wilderness map and home to the most famous representation of the Lodge’s mammalian mascot: Humphrey!

He’s the one on top of the geyser there, but at the Mercantile, you’ll find him on the bottom…
of a totem pole that is…

…holding down (or should I say up) a place of honor along with three other members of the Pantheon of Walt. Disney veterans and especially those that have lead charmed enough lives to make regular stops at the WL hold a special spot for this lovable if under appreciated character. It is said that making a quick stop by this particular totem to give ol’ Humphrey’s nose a tweak and a rub will bring a spot of good luck and ensure that your stay at the lodge will be pleasant and eventful. Honestly… I can’t see how any stay at Disney could be anything other then pleasant and eventful, but not wanting to be either a curmudgeon or one to blatantly tempt fate… I made certain that I gave the shinny proboscis of this particular member of the Ursus arctos horribilis species a good squeeze and polish. Actually, this happens so often that the maintenance folks have to repaint his honker on a fairly regular bases…

Another site that you’ll encounter in route to the main bank of elevators is the Spring Bridge.

This wonderful little contemplative spot marks the hot spring that is the source of “Silver Creek”

The waters erupt from the spring and flow under the bridge and out of the lodge forming the headwaters of a creek that flows through the property.

I will be tellin’ y’all a bit more about this picturesque waterway in a while, but for now I think we’ll head on up onto the higher elevations of the lodge and hunt down the spot that will be our domicile for the next couple of days.




While we’re at it, we might as well keep an eye open and see if we can find anything else interesting along the way.

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[Wherem I Now]

Our time aboard the Disney Dream may have ended

Say it ain't so!

We could head home now, but given our proximity to another spot on the map that piques the interest of every member of my family…
that would have been foolish.

Oh, thankfully. I'd hate to see it end so soon over something foolish.

As such… we charted a course toward the west. The great thing about this decision is that the trail from Port Canaveral toward The World has already been blazed and is well worn. You hop onto FL-528… pay a few bucks in tolls… make a gentle turn to port upon reaching I-4, and you almost there.

One day, I hope they figure out how to do those tolls with only one stop. (Or get rid of it all together!)

To those of us that roam these boards there is little more exhilarating then seeing this grand landmark grow in size as we approach the end of our initial journey…

Excitement starting to return!!

Yet that enticing bit of marketing illustrates quite succinctly one major aspect of our arrival that was going to be very different from all previous visits to this Nirvana… It was taunting us with images of something that we would not be seeing.

What? What do ya mean? We're gonna get to ride Mission Space, right? Soarin?

We made a few more course adjustments and came upon another of the storied gates that guard the path to another world…

YES!

And again were reminded of realms that we’d not be entering.

NOOoooo!!

Welcome to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

Yes!! I love this place!

It is absolutely breathtaking. The building is so massive and the stone and wood work so heavy and enveloping that you can hear and even feel a sudden onset of quiet.

I have noticed this before without realizing. It is amazing how it just seems quieter in this big open space.

The “Head Ranger” walked up to us in line and started up a conversation. He told us a bit about the history of the building, it’s architect, some of what we could expect, and made sure to let Max know that it looked to him like: “You’ve got the look of a troublemaker so I’ll be keeping an eye on you” (he saw us several more times across the next several days and made sure to jokingly mention to Max that: “I still have an eye on you”). He made a point to talk to nearly everyone that came though the doors (especially those that were just arriving).

You sure he was talking to Max and not you??

We got through the check-in process in no time at all and were free to take a quick look around before heading on to our room. Right off the main desk you’ll encounter the Mercantile. This is the main gift and sundries spot on the Wilderness map and home to the most famous representation of the Lodge’s mammalian mascot: Humphrey!

Humphrey!! First you take a rag, put it in the bag <bump bump>...

It is said that making a quick stop by this particular totem to give ol’ Humphrey’s nose a tweak and a rub will bring a spot of good luck and ensure that your stay at the lodge will be pleasant and eventful. Honestly… I can’t see how any stay at Disney could be anything other then pleasant and eventful, but not wanting to be either a curmudgeon or one to blatantly tempt fate… I made certain that I gave the shinny proboscis of this particular member of the Ursus arctos horribilis species a good squeeze and polish. Actually, this happens so often that the maintenance folks have to repaint his honker on a fairly regular bases…

I don't know if there is a nose that gets touched more than that. Wait, I do have a 5 year old...

Another site that you’ll encounter in route to the main bank of elevators is the Spring Bridge.

Again, I have a 5 year old. Running back and forth on this bridge is one of the highlights when visiting the Wilderness Lodge. (She likes to run across it too.)

The waters erupt from the spring and flow under the bridge and out of the lodge forming the headwaters of a creek that flows through the property.

Seems like a good place to play a game of Pooh Sticks!


Sad to hear that you won't be getting to the parks, but one of our most fun trips to the world was a non-parks trip. Can't wait to read more!!

 

[afwdwfan]

I went back to multiquote, and instead of just copying pictures, I decided to give that up. That was a great update, I want to pick your memories of Wilderness Lodge apart, but in all honesty, seeing the pictures and reading your descriptions just gave me goosebumps. I absolutely love the resort and your write up of your arrival did it proper justice. I like the pictures you got of the arch at the entrance of WL property and the bridge. For some reason, we didn't manage to get any of them while we were there. We used the elevators there by that bridge and we always walked across it everytime we headed down to Roaring Forks or over to the boat launch. We could have easily gone around it, but it was just neat coming off the elevator and crossing that bridge above the spring in a hotel lobby.

Again, great description of the resort and I look forward to seeing what you do now that you're there.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Of the many things in this world that I can be accused of (being dense as a post looms rather high on that list)

Don't be too hard on yourself. I've known some mighty bright posts in my day.

Of course, they were all topped with lights, but that's besides the point.

And again were reminded of realms that we’d not be entering. We had the time to spend in the land of mouse… but not the extra funds needed to take full advantage of it.

Yeah, that whole "pay to play" thing can be real bummer. But I have a feeling that a savvy Disney veteran such as yourself will be able to make just about as much fun outside of the parks as you could inside...

It is absolutely breathtaking. The building is so massive and the stone and wood work so heavy and enveloping that you can hear and even feel a sudden onset of quiet.

Until you hear the whooping and hollering from Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Like everything else that Disney does… this place is over the top when it comes to details. First case in point… see that hewn stone pillar over there that appears to be supporting the counter in that last image? Well this little fell’a was making himself quite at home right on top of it…

The Beaver is a proud and noble animal.
(Not sure if we have any Canadians following along, so I thought I'd make sure someone at least said that)

and made sure to let Max know that it looked to him like: “You’ve got the look of a troublemaker so I’ll be keeping an eye on you” (he saw us several more times across the next several days and made sure to jokingly mention to Max that: “I still have an eye on you”). He made a point to talk to nearly everyone that came though the doors (especially those that were just arriving).

I had my suspicions about that boy...

It is said that making a quick stop by this particular totem to give ol’ Humphrey’s nose a tweak and a rub will bring a spot of good luck and ensure that your stay at the lodge will be pleasant and eventful.

And by the looks of that well-warn nose, a small bottle of hand sanitizer may bring just as much good luck when you're done rubbing his nose.


I love the Lodge. Only got to stay there once, and only for one night, but we've wandered around it a few other times. Awesome building.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You could just pick a direction and start walking.

Well, if you do that at Canaveral, you might end up on the wrong end of some powerful rifles.

We could head home now, but given our proximity to another spot on the map that piques the interest of every member of my family…
that would have been foolish.

Go back to work or go to Disney World? Yeah, that's a tough call.

To those of us that roam these boards there is little more exhilarating then seeing this grand landmark grow in size as we approach the end of our initial journey…

Amen.

Crossing through that gate just makes every thing a little brighter. It’s like lifting a blanket off of your spirit and allowing it to float away for a little while.

It was taunting us with images of something that we would not be seeing.

Awesome...wait, what?

And again were reminded of realms that we’d not be entering. We had the time to spend in the land of mouse… but not the extra funds needed to take full advantage of it. Due to a fortunate incentive that had been offered, we were able to justify staying on site four a couple of days before heading home. But there just was not enough money left over to add park tickets. This meant that the main reason that folks travel here would not be counted among out destinations this time around. But then again, that didn’t mean we could not explore new lands or discover new delights. No… it just meant that we’d be doing Disney rather differently.

I've been in that situation before. If only there were some amazing places at WDW to explore besides the parks...

Welcome to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!

My favorite place...

It is absolutely breathtaking. The building is so massive and the stone and wood work so heavy and enveloping that you can hear and even feel a sudden onset of quiet.

Agreed. Just a fantastic place to sit and rest.

The “Head Ranger” walked up to us in line and started up a conversation. He told us a bit about the history of the building, it’s architect, some of what we could expect, and made sure to let Max know that it looked to him like: “You’ve got the look of a troublemaker so I’ll be keeping an eye on you” (he saw us several more times across the next several days and made sure to jokingly mention to Max that: “I still have an eye on you”). He made a point to talk to nearly everyone that came though the doors (especially those that were just arriving).

Awesome. The Rangers there are terrific. That's one of those jobs I'd love to have when I retire.

The waters erupt from the spring and flow under the bridge and out of the lodge forming the headwaters of a creek that flows through the property.

I don't know what Imagineer came up with the idea for the hot spring flowing into the pool, but that's a brilliant bit of theming.

 

[Grooovertoo]

So I had a little down time this afternoon and vowed to get caught up on your TR.

Whatever you may say, this is a great TR and this should be a must read for any first time sailers. Your insights to every nook and cranny of sailing on the dream is the best.

It was fun going down memory lane and our cruise memories came rushing back to to the forefront, reminding me that I have a TR to do.

When are you cruising again? Don't make it to long until the next time. Just keep up the good work, and wait...there is a land portion to the rest of this TR too?! Oh giggity

I'm taking your nod and I started the thread for my next sailing in 2013, yup forever and a day. This way I can share in my excitement for the cruise and run the FE.

I also understand where you are coming from with your whispered word as a family member deals with it on a daily basis. As I've said before my friend, and you are my friend and fellow DisDad...keep on keeping on.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Say it ain't so!

I wanted to stay… the captain just wasn’t having it.

Oh, thankfully. I'd hate to see it end so soon over something foolish.

Me too, but sometimes foolish is unavoidable.
Not this time however!!

One day, I hope they figure out how to do those tolls with only one stop. (Or get rid of it all together!)

Getting “rid” would be preferable, but being an existing profit center, I don’t see it. Once installed… resistance is futile.

Excitement starting to return!!

Ahhhhhh…..

What? What do ya mean? We're gonna get to ride Mission Space, right? Soarin?

Ummmm…. Well… errrr….
Oh Lord, how do I put this….
Next time, yah that it… next time.

YES!

NOOoooo!!

I’m not that happy about it either, but…

Yes!! I love this place!

There! That helps make up for it.

I have noticed this before without realizing. It is amazing how it just seems quieter in this big open space.

We went here once many years a go to have lunch at the Whispering Canyon. As soon as we entered the building near the Roaring Forks after ridding the launch over there from the MK, the quiet enveloped me. I could sense a low rumble just beneath my audible hearing that I latter figured out was the blood rushing though the veins near my ears. That is an amazing amount of calmness. It was as if a pushed had just given me my first “free taste”… I’d have no choice now but to come back and stay longer.

You sure he was talking to Max and not you??

He was talking to the boy… but he was looking out of the corner of his eye at me while doing so.

I don't know if there is a nose that gets touched more than that. Wait, I do have a 5 year old...

Then there apparently is one then.
Many!

Again, I have a 5 year old. Running back and forth on this bridge is one of the highlights when visiting the Wilderness Lodge. (She likes to run across it too.)

I bet you… errrr…. she does.
Can you keep a secret? When no one was watching…
I ran back-n-forth across that bridge as well.
(sometimes when folks were watching too)

Seems like a good place to play a game of Pooh Sticks!

Agreed. I’ll bring some with me the next time we go down there. You meet me there and I’ll challenge you to a couple of rounds.

Sad to hear that you won't be getting to the parks, but one of our most fun trips to the world was a non-parks trip. Can't wait to read more!!

We had fun… just not in the way that we usually do. Often during our stays, we’re on the run so much that we really don’t take advantage of… or explore the resorts at all. This time… it was the destination.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Bonus Feature 17:





In The Bag
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Bonus Feature Time!!!!!

Why? Because of this…

Humphrey!! First you take a rag, put it in the bag <bump bump>...

I haven’t seen that particular Disney short is forever!!!

Your “<bump bump>” reference just brought it all roaring back. It covered me in memories as thoroughly as a geyser stuffed full of litter will cover the entire park in paperwork once it erupts.


Bravo sir…



For that I had no choice but to go off and hunt down a copy of that toon for all y’all…

To have…


So here ya’ go. The sound and picture are off just a might, but you still get to see the show.













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[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I went back to multiquote, and instead of just copying pictures, I decided to give that up. That was a great update, I want to pick your memories of Wilderness Lodge apart, but in all honesty, seeing the pictures and reading your descriptions just gave me goosebumps. I absolutely love the resort and your write up of your arrival did it proper justice. I like the pictures you got of the arch at the entrance of WL property and the bridge. For some reason, we didn't manage to get any of them while we were there. We used the elevators there by that bridge and we always walked across it everytime we headed down to Roaring Forks or over to the boat launch. We could have easily gone around it, but it was just neat coming off the elevator and crossing that bridge above the spring in a hotel lobby.

Again, great description of the resort and I look forward to seeing what you do now that you're there.

Dude… are you feein’ OK?
I don’t think you’re quite getting the grasp of this whole nemesis thing.

You’re supposed to pound me mercilessly on every fumbled detail, grammatical error and blatantly missed setup line.

I’ll just chalk it up to the undeniable awesomeness of the Wilderness Lodge. Seeing it again has clouded your judgment a might (I’m certain it wasn’t my writing skills, so it must be the idea of the WL itself).

Don't be too hard on yourself. I've known some mighty bright posts in my day.

Of course, they were all topped with lights, but that's besides the point.

That’s more like it!

See Andy… that’s what you needed to be doing. Now snap out of it boy!

Yeah, that whole "pay to play" thing can be real bummer. But I have a feeling that a savvy Disney veteran such as yourself will be able to make just about as much fun outside of the parks as you could inside...

We took advantage of the time to make better use of our resort and the others around us. Pulse one or two other diversions.

Until you hear the whooping and hollering from Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Good point. Oddly… I never noticed it during our stay.
Not sure what was up with that.

The Beaver is a proud and noble animal.
(Not sure if we have any Canadians following along, so I thought I'd make sure someone at least said that)

Always the diplomat…

I had my suspicions about that boy...

And well you should.

And by the looks of that well-warn nose, a small bottle of hand sanitizer may bring just as much good luck when you're done rubbing his nose.

Possibly… given the potential hand traffic, I suspect it’s nearly as germ infested as the turnstiles at each park entrance, the railings long the various attraction queues or the seatbelts and hand-grabs on the more aggressive rides.

I love the Lodge. Only got to stay there once, and only for one night, but we've wandered around it a few other times. Awesome building.

Yes… yes it is.


There is a rule in TR responses that you have to use that PnF quote at least once when responding.

I’ve now fulfilled my quota. Any other appearances of the line in the next couple of posts will simply count as bonuses points.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Well, if you do that at Canaveral, you might end up on the wrong end of some powerful rifles.

Well now that explains what happened to those other fools.

Go back to work or go to Disney World? Yeah, that's a tough call.

You betchem’ Red Rider…

Amen.

Sings the choir angelic

Awesome...wait, what?

I know… it’s sad, but still better then the alternative.

I've been in that situation before. If only there were some amazing places at WDW to explore besides the parks...

Heck… the WL alone is worth our time.

My favorite place...

Now… mine as well
(but others do still have their charms)

Agreed. Just a fantastic place to sit and rest

.

Awesome. The Rangers there are terrific. That's one of those jobs I'd love to have when I retire.

Hummmmm… I wonder just how rigorous the requirements are for that spot. I suspect their pretty high.

I don't know what Imagineer came up with the idea for the hot spring flowing into the pool, but that's a brilliant bit of theming.

Yes… yes it is.

(Bonus points!!! But really, your just plain and simple correct. It was a brilliant idea)

So I had a little down time this afternoon and vowed to get caught up on your TR.

Whatever you may say, this is a great TR and this should be a must read for any first time sailers. Your insights to every nook and cranny of sailing on the dream is the best.

Mighty high praise sir…
Thank you.

It was fun going down memory lane and our cruise memories came rushing back to to the forefront, reminding me that I have a TR to do.

And I’m still reading along

When are you cruising again? Don't make it to long until the next time.

Possibly in the summer of 2013 for my son’s graduation… but if we do, it m-a-y out of necessity be on a different cruse line.

We’ll see.

I'm taking your nod and I started the thread for my next sailing in 2013, yup forever and a day. This way I can share in my excitement for the cruise and run the FE.

Very cool! I’ve run a couple of F/E’s in the past and had a lot of fun doing it. Among other things, it gets you talking to the other folks that will be traveling along with you.

As I've said before my friend, and you are my friend and fellow DisDad...keep on keeping on.

And believe me… I appreciate that as well.


Really.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 9: The Shutout (Day 6 -Friday)

Part 3: A Room With a View… Sort’a
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Win some… loose some.

There’s a line that has been mercilessly flogged as if it were a horse, that if not yet dead were indeed nigh on to the point at which it is in dire mortal danger of expiring. Yet phrases like that are so inordinately abused not necessarily because humans are linguistically lazy (although there is an indisputable modicum of truth to that assertion), but rather because it so cleanly applies to innumerable moments in our lives. In truth, I rather prefer in these situations to apply a slightly different phrase which is more gray then monochromatic (and is a quote from one of the very few “chick-flicks” that guys can enjoy as opposed to endure)…


“Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose, sometiiiiimes… it rains”

(and yah, you need to drag out that word there to instill the proper dramatic effect)


Either choice works here, but the ultimate truth is that as pleasant as this next part of the story is… and it is… there is a slight sting in the tail. Not that anyone here need fret nor morn for us… it was just a very minor disappointment.



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The Assent



When we last left our wayward travelers (that’d be us by the way)… we were just about to head on up to our new dwelling for the next couple of days. As I was saying earlier, one of the wonderful points of staying at any Disney location if their impeccable attention to detail. And… in this arena, the Wilderness Lodge ranks among the best at accomplishing this appointed task. I mean just steep onto the elevator and you find little hidden Easter eggs like these…

We were going to be staying on the fifth floor in the northern wing of the lodge looking in the general direction of the MK (obviously we could see it from here, but this helps to give you your bearings). Here’s quick look at the vestibule where you leave the elevators on the fifth, and a closer look at the details in the carpeting…

We live for finding Hidden-Mickey’s wherever they exist, its just part of the fun of being “on world” in the first place.

Of course once you walk out into the main hallway everything opens back up and you are treated to a different view of the massive lobby space below.

Here a little closer view of one of the monolithic chandlers that dominates the lobby showing the obvious inspiration taken from the traditions of the plains Indians.

Another detail we encounter just traversing this same walkway was a museum quality display case discussing fossils found in the Grand Canyon area.

It also explains how the Great Fireplace below was designed to illustrate the striations of geological history that have been laid bear by the ceaseless excavations of the Colorado River as it continues to carve out that natural wonder.

Before we round the corner over here, how about one more quick look back into the lobby to pick out just a couple of details carved into the sistered pillars that support the roof above.

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I’m going just a might overboard with images of the mundane details.
Well… actually, they’re not mundane, but still…

I’m focusing heavily on the subtleties of the resort because simply being here is basically going to be our main entertainment for the remainder of the trip. Since we’re not heading to any of the theme or water parks, it will be the images of this resort and several other locations across “The World” that will stand to illustrate what we encountered. I’ve even gone so far as to combine multiple images into a single “photo” so that I can get around the “25 image per post” restriction imposed by the boards (I’m a baaaaad boooooyyyy).

My secondary intention here is to display one of Disney’s premier accommodations for those that are considering a possible stay in the future. As for those that have been here before… just maybe y’all can relive a small moment or have a pleasant memory rekindled within the images that reside here. Basically… I’m apologizing for the lack of excitement that will be apparent in the installments that are to close out my current TR. There will still be adventure, just no thrills. Hopefully the pictures will help make up for what’s lacking. They’ll certainly offer you an escape from my constant and often pointless dronings.



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“Welcome Home”



OK, enough of that noise… lets go find our room. First a quick right up the middle section of the northern wing…

… and just about at the end of this hall we encounter this quiet corner of the world.

Room 5048 will be our refuge. Before I unlock the door, note the details there in the wallpaper…

…and a simple shot of the number plaque
(that last one is a tradition of ours to always get a shot of the room number at each place we stay while at WDW).

Once inside you first encounter this little alcove…

It’s a handy spot just inside the door to drop you glasses, lanyards, cards and such. The room’s refrigerator is also stored in the lower potion of this cabinet.

Then there is the spacious dressing area that also leads to the tub room…

As you can see in the mirror there, the closet is just across from this spot. Right beside the closet is another unassuming but handy amenity common to nearly all Disney resort rooms…

They’re not all that amazing but these coat hooks are among my favorite details. Not because they are generally useful (which they are), but rather because looking at one of them will pretty much give away which resort you’re at with little or no other explanation.


OK, so much form the preliminaries… here’s the main room space…

The dresser with the telle built into it…

The writing table beyond (where I’ll spend some of my time in the evenings organizing the pictures from the day and writing up my memory queues and TR notes)…

A closer look at the light over the writing desk (the Imaginers generally earn their keep… I just love the details).

Here is a better look at the headboards for the two queen beds.

I doubt that the scenes on those two relief plaques are hand carved, but the original from which they’re cast certainly was. Either way, the effect is calming and pleasing to the eye. There is also a different animal carved as a finial atop each of the bedposts. Here’s a closer look at the one on the nearside of the room…

I liked that one best… so you get to see it here. Well enough of the inside of the room. What about the outside? We’ve been transported into a “national park” in the “great northwest”, so lets take a look at what nature has to offer.




What do you see out there son?

Well… if you hold a hand up to the left side of your face like a blinder and just look over hear toward the corner of the next wing…

you get this right pretty view…

Stone work… architecture inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright…
a lovely pond…
not too bad for a standard view room (another way that we were able to justify staying here in the first place).


But as with all “Standard View” rooms at WDW… there is generally either a parking lot or say… the side of a building or other such intrusion that will obstruct the otherwise picturesque scenery. The truth of the matter was that if you weren’t just focusing on that pond over there in the corner… our fabulous view of the woods was dominated by some necessary, but not particularly aesthetic bits of mechanical and engineering hardware…

***sigh***



Well… it could be worse. At least someone had the forethought to toss an ratty old sock out there on the metal roofing so as to add artistic interest and draw the eye away from the less appealing maintenance vehicles, power substation and diesel generator shed.


***sigh***



Actually there is one detail here that salvages this rather under-whelming visual feast…

It’s that small building across the way there. That, my friends, is the smoke house used to prepare meats for use in the restaurants on site. What all the rest of this “stuff” lacked in the way of visual interest, the light smell of smoke wafting through the air made up for in an olfactory sense.


As stings in the tail go… this was a relatively minor disappointment to an otherwise thrilling first impression of the mighty WL. We just wont be spending a whole lot of time sitting out here taking in the majestic scenery. Well… not during the day that is. Like all diamonds in the rough, this rather scruffy and ill-mannered creature would ultimately find a way to redeem itself (and in a rather unexpected way).




But, that’s a story for latter on.

​

 

[afwdwfan]

As I was saying earlier, one of the wonderful points of staying at any Disney location if their impeccable attention to detail. And… in this arena, the Wilderness Lodge ranks among the best at accomplishing this appointed task. I mean just steep onto the elevator and you find little hidden Easter eggs like these…

I loved how they had wildlife sculpted into everything. The details were incredible, and I for one really liked the handrails in the elevators.

Of course once you walk out into the main hallway everything opens back up and you are treated to a different view of the massive lobby space below.

I think I spent more time leaning against a post on the 4th floor looking down on the lobby than I actually spent sitting in a chair down in the lobby.

I’ve even gone so far as to combine multiple images into a single “photo” so that I can get around the “25 image per post” restriction imposed by the boards (I’m a baaaaad boooooyyyy).

Might just have to bring this to the attention of the mods... you know the whole nemesis thing.

The room’s refrigerator is also stored in the lower potion of this cabinet.

And that is a handy place to leave your bottled water, milk and rum.

Here is a better look at the headboards for the two queen beds.

The headboards were incredible. I spent a few minutes everyday, just enjoying them and taking in the details of the carving.

It’s that small building across the way there. That, my friends, is the smoke house used to prepare meats for use in the restaurants on site. What all the rest of this “stuff” lacked in the way of visual interest, the light smell of smoke wafting through the air made up for in an olfactory sense.

That's a win.

As stings in the tail go… this was a relatively minor disappointment to an otherwise thrilling first impression of the mighty WL.

Well, we paid for woods view and I was disappointed with my view of the DVC Villas. I'd have to think that aside from having a room to the inside courtyard/pool area, there probably aren't many spectacular views to have.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

As for those that have been here before… just maybe y’all can relive a small moment or have a pleasant memory rekindled within the images that reside here.

And we appreciate it!

The truth of the matter was that if you weren’t just focusing on that pond over there in the corner… our fabulous view of the woods was dominated by some necessary, but not particularly aesthetic bits of mechanical and engineering hardware…

During our one night stay there in the DVC villas we had a view of the garbage collection area. You win some, you los...wait, you already said that, didn't you.

It’s that small building across the way there. That, my friends, is the smoke house used to prepare meats for use in the restaurants on site. What all the rest of this “stuff” lacked in the way of visual interest, the light smell of smoke wafting through the air made up for in an olfactory sense.

Mmmm...smoked meat. Nothing like waking up in the middle of the night already hungry from smelling that.


Odd that the windows actually opened, especially up on the 5th floor. I woud think the lawyers and insurance people would highly insist that they don't open and present a falling hazard, especially with all the little ones around Disney...

 

[Wherem I Now]

Bonus Feature 17:





In The Bag
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Wow! I can't wait to tell everyone how I inspired a GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes bonus feature! I should score some major points at home!



I'll be back to comment on your newest installment!

 

[KatMark]

Great updates, my friend.

You got some beautiful, detailed pictures of the WL that I have never seen in other pictures. Sorry about the view (I've read about a lot of people getting that view); nice of someone to leave a sock there for you.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Needed to catch up with this TR...

As I was saying earlier, one of the wonderful points of staying at any Disney location if their impeccable attention to detail. And… in this arena, the Wilderness Lodge ranks among the best at accomplishing this appointed task. I mean just steep onto the elevator and you find little hidden Easter eggs like these…

It's the details that truly make Disney, Disney.

We live for finding Hidden-Mickey’s wherever they exist, its just part of the fun of being “on world” in the first place.

Of course once you walk out into the main hallway everything opens back up and you are treated to a different view of the massive lobby space below.

Love the view from up there.

Another detail we encounter just traversing this same walkway was a museum quality display case discussing fossils found in the Grand Canyon area.

There's a hard-to-find Hidden Mickey in the fireplace too.

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I’m going just a might overboard with images of the mundane details.
Well… actually, they’re not mundane, but still…

Is it possible to go overboard?

As for those that have been here before… just maybe y’all can relive a small moment or have a pleasant memory rekindled within the images that reside here.

Works for me.

But as with all “Standard View” rooms at WDW… there is generally either a parking lot or say… the side of a building or other such intrusion that will obstruct the otherwise picturesque scenery. The truth of the matter was that if you weren’t just focusing on that pond over there in the corner… our fabulous view of the woods was dominated by some necessary, but not particularly aesthetic bits of mechanical and engineering hardware…

Well, they say you get what you pay for, right? My guess is they assume most people aren't spending too much time in the room anyway.

Well… it could be worse. At least someone had the forethought to toss an ratty old sock out there on the metal roofing so as to add artistic interest and draw the eye away from the less appealing maintenance vehicles, power substation and diesel generator shed.

Like we said, it's the details that really put you in that Disney mindset.

That, my friends, is the smoke house used to prepare meats for use in the restaurants on site. What all the rest of this “stuff” lacked in the way of visual interest, the light smell of smoke wafting through the air made up for in an olfactory sense.

There you go. Way to take life's lemons and make some nice smoked ribs out of 'em.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Just found this TR yesterday and I've read it up to this point and can't wait to see the rest.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I’ve gotten behind on replies back to my followers. That’s right rude of me as a host. Sorry for the delay, but I do have an update that will get tossed out just as soon as I pay y’all the proper respect due.

So let’s get busy.

I think I spent more time leaning against a post on the 4th floor looking down on the lobby than I actually spent sitting in a chair down in the lobby.

I spent some quality time just looking out over those rails myself. I hope to do it again sometime in the near.

Might just have to bring this to the attention of the mods... you know the whole nemesis thing.

Naaaa… You’ll steal the idea instead.
That seems a better use of the knowledge to me.

And that is a handy place to leave your bottled water, milk and rum.

The headboards were incredible. I spent a few minutes everyday, just enjoying them and taking in the details of the carving.

They were hard to ignore. They rather dominate the room, but in a good way.

Well, we paid for woods view and I was disappointed with my view of the DVC Villas. I'd have to think that aside from having a room to the inside courtyard/pool area, there probably aren't many spectacular views to have.

If you want a great view from you balcony, you’ve got’s to be payin’ for it.
But actually… views are overrated. All I had to do was walk out side.
Bingo!!!! Instant view.

And we appreciate it!

And you’re very welcome.

During our one night stay there in the DVC villas we had a view of the garbage collection area. You win some, you los...wait, you already said that, didn't you.

I did, but the point can use restating on a regular bases (least we forget that it is so).

Mmmm...smoked meat. Nothing like waking up in the middle of the night already hungry from smelling that.

It certainly overpowered any attempt that the ratty sock made at ruining my evenings.

Wow! I can't wait to tell everyone how I inspired a GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes bonus feature! I should score some major points at home!

Don’t know that even admitting that you’re reading along will score points with sane individuals, but I really appreciated the opportunity to go off topic.

Thanks for that!

Great updates, my friend.

You got some beautiful, detailed pictures of the WL that I have never seen in other pictures.

Thanks much… I really appreciate hearing that.

Sorry about the view (I've read about a lot of people getting that view); nice of someone to leave a sock there for you.

Could have been worse. So long as I’m on property…
I’m pretty much happy

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

It's the details that truly make Disney, Disney.

You are correct sir.

There's a hard-to-find Hidden Mickey in the fireplace too.

Yes… yes there is (but that’s for a latter update)

Is it possible to go overboard?

Ummmmm…
Truthfully… probably, but I don’t care.

Well, they say you get what you pay for, right? My guess is they assume most people aren't spending too much time in the room anyway.

Generally true. Like I said a bit ago…
it wasn’t all that bad, but it was part of the story.
And the story is why we get into everything that we get in to.

Like we said, it's the details that really put you in that Disney mindset.

There you go. Way to take life's lemons and make some nice smoked ribs out of 'em.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Just found this TR yesterday and I've read it up to this point and can't wait to see the rest.

I very glad to have you along.
If you’ve read this far… you might be just about as loopy as I am.

Either that, or you just a true Disney fan.


(It’s probably better to admit to the second on there… the first one will get folks talkin’ about you.)

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 9: The Shutout (Day 6 -Friday)

Part 4: The Lay of the Land
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Cartographers can change history. The folks that draw the maps have a major impact on how things will be divided, where allegiances will fall, and just who will be “Us” and just who will be “Them”. Heck, the continent I live on is known as “America” because the dude that drew up the first official European maps of the place decided to name the entire thing after one particular explorer (and he didn’t go with “Columbia”).

But this also illustrates that even these guys were captive to the real time observations of the explorers and surveyors that actually saw it and were measuring everything out and cataloging the details. Those folks have near as much say in who gets called what and why. I’m certain that you’ve heard of a couple of prominent surveyors by the names of Mason and Dixon. And I’m just as sure that you know exactly on which side of their infamous “line” the spot that you consider home is located. Five of our first six presidents were members of this particular profession. Washington spent so much of his youth figuring out the lay of the Virginia countryside, that he was able to identify some of the finer pieces of real estate and ensure that he was also able to acquire some of them for himself latter on in life. No fool he.

So why am I bothering y’all with this little dissertation? Well, generally because I like bothering ya’ with unnecessary things, but also because it’s just a way to lead into what I’m going to be on about in this installment. Basically, I’m going to be playing the part of surveyor and guide, but being relatively new to the club I’ll start off with something a might smaller then the Delaware and Pennsylvania boarders. Something like… say…

the grounds of the Wilderness Lodge.

If you up for the trip…
then lets first start off with a little bit of lunch, what say?



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Casting Bread Upon the Waters


There are three restaurants within the confines of the main building of the Wilderness Lodge: Artist’s Point (the high end establishment), Whispering Canyon (the rowdy middle child), and Roaring Fork (the general watering hole for the locals). I’ve not yet been to “Artist’s”, but it reviews rather well. We did lunch in the Canyon a good while back, and found it to be pretty good, but we were there at an odd time, so the festivities were rather subdued compared to what is more comely experienced. This time around we’d be spending more time on the water (so to speak) and partaking of the local quick service dinning hall.

This is where you’ll find the to-go items, sweets, snacks, quick breakfast offerings, sandwiches and such. It is also the location for the all important coffee, tea, and soda fountains. Once we’d finally gotten settled into the room, the clock (and my tummy) was telling me in no uncertain terms that it was just about time for a little grub (and well past time for some more caffeine). This being the case, we headed down to the Roaring Fork to see what we could see. The first catch of the day for us were a few of these keepers…

You can easily fill up an entire forum with the opinions folks have about the refillable mugs at WDW (and some folks have gone and done it too). But for us it’s a bit more straight forward. We collect the things. Now if you’ve been reading along, you know that we brought a set of older Disney mugs along with us to facilitate use of the drink station onboard the Dream. Were those designs still in use around The World… we “might” have considered using them here (with heavy emphasis on the might), but since a new design had arrived we were up for acquiring a new set anyway. Honestly, we drink enough liquids in a couple of days to break even on them anyway, and we’d be spending more time then usual on site, so what the heck.

OK, back to the grub situation. Here’s a look at the basic offerings…

During lunch, it’s mostly sandwiches, which was fine by me as I ended up with something very similar to this one…

But you could also get some fairly large salads and soup was available as well (oh, and of course there kid friendly tidbits to choose from if need be)…

Once we’d each decided on a nosh of choice, we paid the tab and headed for the wilderness. There is a nice dining area right beside the Fork, but we decided to sit outside and start taking in some heavy doses of pretty.

This is how it looked from where I was sitting just outside the Lodge right near where the Roaring Fork is located.

Same seat… other direction.

Like all outdoor dining at resort properties, nothing goes to waste. If you were to drop something (or fail to protect something) nature would be correcting the error very quickly.

The birds are quite fearless, but then again… that makes them easier to watch as well. This being the case, a little bit of charity in the form of a few bits of bread here and there, generally seems to be in order.



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A River Runs Through It



One of the most important visual features of the Wilderness Lodge is Silver Creek. As you’ve seen from earlier in this story, the creek begins inside the Lodge in what appears to be a natural spring and then flows out of doors and across the property until it finally mingles with the waters of Bay Lake.

Well that is the appearance, but as with all things Disney, appearances can be deceptive (and that deception it meant to entertain rather then bamboozle). There are actually three water systems here that give the appearance of being one. The first system is the water that erupts from the spring and starts the decent down toward the lake. I’ll show you what I on about in a minute but first let’s head down the property a little bit to this spot right here…

Honestly, that picture was just an excuse to take another look at this impressive building (…can you believe that we’re staying here…), but what I’m really heading toward is the waterfall that resides just a few steps to the right of this spot…

And here’s a more detailed look with a bit more of that fabulous lodge acting as a grand frame for these calming waters.

This is actually the end of the first water system. Silver creek flows under the stone bridge that I’m standing on and then the Imagineers perform a bit of their magic. Under the bridge and hidden from prying eyes, the water from above is collected and pumped back up to the spring. At the same time water from the pool below has been pumped to this point and it then released from under the bridge and sent back down the hill and directly into the pool.

The change in color is a bit obvious but easily missed if one is not paying attention. The reasoning is simple and sound as well. I would be rather hard to maintain the necessary P/H levels and meet the health requirements if the entire creek complex had to be considered a part of the pool, so by limiting the amount of water that needs to be kept at a high level of “cleanliness” they are much more able to offer a spectacular water feature for their guests.

Now while I was standing on this bridge I noticed this little rock formation…

Many of you will argue with my assertion, but… I say I found me a Hidden Mickey in Silver Creek (and being as I am admittedly delusional, your cries of “foul” and “no way” will be falling on deaf ears, so accept my assessment and move on.

Now as for the pool itself, I spent a good bit of time in these regenerative waters, but for some whacked reason, didn’t take a lot of pictures of it. Don’t know why… just didn’t. But this is where the “interwebs” are here to help. The good folks at a fan site known as “Mouse Chat” have posted a pretty nice little video of the area (and even go into a few of the spots that I’ll be discussing more a bit latter on). If you’re interested… go on and give it a click.





If you ain’t in the mood, no problem… so long as the folks that shot the vid wish to share it, you can always go back and catch it latter on.

Anyway… once the creek has merged with the pool there is an outlet down near the outdoor bar at the lower end of the pond here that gives the appearance that the water then heads off down to Bay Lake.

This is actually the third part of our seamless river illusion. Again, and for the same reasons, there is a hidden transition point where the pool water is collected and sent back up the hill and lake water of drawn and sent on down. Regardless of the visual trickery and engineering gymnastics required to pull it off… the effect is both dazzling and convincing. I for one find that just the sound of running water calms my spirit, but walking around this resort with all its combined visual, auditory and even olfactory diversions is both intoxicating and addictive.




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Ursa Major



Since we're down here at the bottom of the hill, let’s take one more good look bake up the way.

Here is a good time and place to illustrate one of those poorly kept secrets that exist within the confines of “The World”.

It’s about “The Bear”.

There are a number of visual sites and fun mental games that get played throughout WDW that the casual observe may well miss. Those of us that are bitten by the bug however, tend to seek these little prizes out. As a lot of the folks that would even bother to read my musings are likely to fit in the Disney Obsessed category… what I’m about to relate may be no more then an exercise of preaching to the choir. But… given the outside chance that someone new to WDW or that just simply missed this detail might actually read this mess… I’m going to go on ahead and annoy you with it anyway (like you ever doubted that I’d do so).

First here’s a more centered look at the bulk of the Wilderness Lodge situated above us.

The story goes that the bear (Humphrey in particular) is the mascot of the WL for a number of reasons. One of them being that the entire build was designed to look like a bear. The main structure, if looked at in the right frame of mind, should remind you of a great bear with his arms outstretched and reaching for you.

Can y’all see it? How about you folks over there in the back of the theater? No?

OK, well how about now

Still no?



Hummm…


Then how about now?

Truth is it’s even more apparent when you look at it from a good spot inside the lodge. Like this one…

Don’t know about y’all… but I sure see the face of one rather riled up critter roaring back at me there.

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