(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~2013~

[WDWKOOK]

mickeynut1:

Booked our first stay at VWL. 2/15-2/22/14. So excited! Going to miss the monorail at Poly.
Any advice on transportation ? Is there a bus to TTC or boat to Contemporary?

Congratulations on booking! I'll add your stay to our Lodgers' Log. I know your question was answered, but there is more transportation information on the first page and a link to it in Post #1.

There is a boat to the CR that travels between WL, FW and CR. It is a very short boat ride and a great way to get to the monorail. There is also a direct bus to MK which takes about 5 minutes or less. There aren't any resort buses that go to the TTC.

We stayed at the WL this past Feb and loved it.

Just adding in case someone wants to know that if you want to get to the TTC from WL, you can take the boat to CR and then monorail to the TTC (it's the first stop) or you can walk to the TTC from Poly.

Wow, thanks Kook. Feel free to adjust the times based on feedback and other's experiences. It was good to mention the direction of the Blue Flag boat, and how going via FW can add 10 min to the WL to CR trip. It looks great to me. We''ll get updated more exact bus times this September now that it's part of the main thread.

Thank you for answering questions in depth! I think you answered a question that is asked often, so if someone does check the first page, they'll have a good summary of travel times now. I think your times were pretty accurate - especially the 12 minute ride to MK

 

[Wood Nymph]

Just adding in case someone wants to know that if you want to get to the TTC from WL, you can take the boat to CR and then monorail to the TTC (it's the first stop) or you can walk to the TTC from Poly.

It is also a fun way to get to Epcot via the monorail instead of taking the bus.

 

[iggypeck]

Hello! I just booked a Jan 12 - 17 2014 WL vacation through David's DVC Rental. DH, DD4, and DS2, and I are all looking forward to our first stay at the lodge. Thanks to everyone for contributing to such an informative thread!

 

[mickeynut1]

mickeynut1:

Hi KOOK

Hello! I just booked a Jan 12 - 17 2014 WL vacation through David's DVC Rental. DH, DD4, and DS2, and I are all looking forward to our first stay at the lodge. Thanks to everyone for contributing to such an informative thread!

Congrats on your first WL stay......you are going to love the lodge .

 

[WDWKOOK]

It is also a fun way to get to Epcot via the monorail instead of taking the bus.

Agreed. I have a soft spot for the monorail, and it's nice to be able to so easily mix it up at WL - so many great travel options.

Hello! I just booked a Jan 12 - 17 2014 WL vacation through David's DVC Rental. DH, DD4, and DS2, and I are all looking forward to our first stay at the lodge. Thanks to everyone for contributing to such an informative thread!

to the WL/VWL thread and to the DIS, iggypeck!

Now you can start planning you VWL stay and ADRs. Did you book a one-bedroom? I'll add you to our Lodgers' Log

Hi KOOK

I know this will come as a big shock to all of you, but I just made a resort change...We're going to drive down in one day instead of two, (it's about 14 hours depending on drafting/headwinds). I was just able to add a night to the beginning. While we won't be arriving fresh and early on 8/1, we will be arriving in time for cobbler the night before! Save us some COBBLER!!!

 

[morrismhs]

Love the cobbler and a nice cappuccino! Yum

 

[mickeynut1]

I know this will come as a big shock to all of you, but I just made a resort change...We're going to drive down in one day instead of two, (it's about 14 hours depending on drafting/headwinds). I was just able to add a night to the beginning. While we won't be arriving fresh and early on 8/1, we will be arriving in time for cobbler the night before! Save us some COBBLER!!!

Not a shock at all . How exciting that you added a night and that you will be there in time for cobbler . I can't wait to visit the WL in December as I just made a dinner ADR for WCC for our last night .

 

[lulubel88]

Thanks WDWKOOK & mickeynut1 for the feedback. I figured as much so now it will be a matter of if I can get lucky enough to save a little money. Good thing I've already been brown bagging my lunch to work paying for my trip in April. But what's worse is I made it home in time to watch the Disney shows on Destination America which is making me wish my trip wasn't until Sept. 15th!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Love the cobbler and a nice cappuccino! Yum

Your vacation is coming up soon! Are you packed yet?

Not a shock at all . How exciting that you added a night and that you will be there in time for cobbler . I can't wait to visit the WL in December as I just made a dinner ADR for WCC for our last night .

I knew you'd understand. I love your WCC ADR on your last night - end on a high note

Thanks WDWKOOK & mickeynut1 for the feedback. I figured as much so now it will be a matter of if I can get lucky enough to save a little money. Good thing I've already been brown bagging my lunch to work paying for my trip in April. But what's worse is I made it home in time to watch the Disney shows on Destination America which is making me wish my trip wasn't until Sept. 15th!!!

You're welcome and September will be here in no time and you'll have cooler weather and lower crowds

 

[MickeyEars]

Hi!

I'm going to book our first ever stay at the Lodge when Disney begins accepting 2014 dates on Wednesday and I'm sooooo excited!!! Before I do I wanted to ask about the balconies so I can add requests to our reservation.

We're going to book "Courtyard View" and I want to request an upper floor with an open balcony. What upper floor can I request to be sure we don't get a solid wall balcony.

Thanks!!

Carla

 

[dansdad]

Hi!

I'm going to book our first ever stay at the Lodge when Disney begins accepting 2014 dates on Wednesday and I'm sooooo excited!!! Before I do I wanted to ask about the balconies so I can add requests to our reservation.

We're going to book "Courtyard View" and I want to request an upper floor with an open balcony. What upper floor can I request to be sure we don't get a solid wall balcony.

Thanks!!

Carla

Word your request open balcony first then higher floor. It's best to list the more important request first.

 

[MickeyEars]

Word your request open balcony first then higher floor. It's best to list the more important request first.

Thank you for the reply!! I'm trying to read all I can about the Lodge and I'm having a great time doing it thus far.

Carla

 

[lulubel88]

Anyone know if the Thumper pillows are or will be for sale? After looking over the refub pics some more, I think I'm in need of one.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks WDWKOOK & mickeynut1 for the feedback. I figured as much so now it will be a matter of if I can get lucky enough to save a little money. Good thing I've already been brown bagging my lunch to work paying for my trip in April. But what's worse is I made it home in time to watch the Disney shows on Destination America which is making me wish my trip wasn't until Sept. 15th!!!

You're welcome . Those Disney shows can do you in ....I love watching them, but it makes me want to be at Disney right then and there.

I knew you'd understand. I love your WCC ADR on your last night - end on a high note

I sure do . We haven't been to WCC for quite a few years but always loved it the times we did go. I needed one more ADR and my DS18 suggested WCC, so I got online and grabbed it. It will be nice to spend some time at the WL before going home .

Hi!

I'm going to book our first ever stay at the Lodge when Disney begins accepting 2014 dates on Wednesday and I'm sooooo excited!!! Before I do I wanted to ask about the balconies so I can add requests to our reservation.

We're going to book "Courtyard View" and I want to request an upper floor with an open balcony. What upper floor can I request to be sure we don't get a solid wall balcony.

Thanks!!

Carla

You are going to love the WL . I agree with the pp to put the most important request first.

 

[iggypeck]

Thanks for the welcome, mickeynut and kook!

I booked a studio. Not only will this be my first WL visit, but it will be my family's first time at a deluxe resort. I'm looking forward to the larger room, dining choices, walking around the beautiful resort grounds, and, of course, the close proximity to Magic Kingdom. It's all so exciting, and something I never thought I'd be able to experience. I'm so glad I found out about DVC rentals.

As for ADRs, I'm anxiously awaiting my 180-day mark! As someone who has never dined at a signature restaurant, would Artist Point be a good experience? What do WL-lovers think? Disney Food Blog seems to enjoy the atmosphere and food.

Thanks again!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the welcome, mickeynut and kook!

I booked a studio. Not only will this be my first WL visit, but it will be my family's first time at a deluxe resort. I'm looking forward to the larger room, dining choices, walking around the beautiful resort grounds, and, of course, the close proximity to Magic Kingdom. It's all so exciting, and something I never thought I'd be able to experience. I'm so glad I found out about DVC rentals.

As for ADRs, I'm anxiously awaiting my 180-day mark! As someone who has never dined at a signature restaurant, would Artist Point be a good experience? What do WL-lovers think? Disney Food Blog seems to enjoy the atmosphere and food.

Thanks again!

We tried Artist Point for the first time in December 2010 and we loved it. The filet and salmon were amazing and the atmosphere is beautiful. We can't wait to go back .

 

[lovingeire]

Thanks for the welcome, mickeynut and kook!

I booked a studio. Not only will this be my first WL visit, but it will be my family's first time at a deluxe resort. I'm looking forward to the larger room, dining choices, walking around the beautiful resort grounds, and, of course, the close proximity to Magic Kingdom. It's all so exciting, and something I never thought I'd be able to experience. I'm so glad I found out about DVC rentals.

As for ADRs, I'm anxiously awaiting my 180-day mark! As someone who has never dined at a signature restaurant, would Artist Point be a good experience? What do WL-lovers think? Disney Food Blog seems to enjoy the atmosphere and food.

Thanks again!

A friend of mine recommended it to me for a date night at Disney. Our trip is a little shorter this time around so we passed on Disney date night. I'm a little sad because I wanted to try it and we're on the DxDP, but I just can't find a good day for it.

 

[klacey1]

As far as transportation, I see it takes about 15 minutes by bus to reach Epcot. How long does it take to take the boat to CR, monorail to TTC, and monorail to Epcot? I know that's terrible inefficient, but my boyfriend just loves the monorail!

Does the bus to MK start running before the boat? Am thinking we'd like to take the bus to EMH, and the boat in the afternoons returning to the resort.

What's the best standard view room that does not edge the lobby? My boyfriend is afraid of some heights in some ways-- so he wouldn't like being on the 6th floor and looking down into the lobby, but he'd be fine being in his room on the 7th floor looking out at some trees. (Make sense?!)

 

[GrandCalifornian]

As far as transportation, I see it takes about 15 minutes by bus to reach Epcot. How long does it take to take the boat to CR, monorail to TTC, and monorail to Epcot? I know that's terrible inefficient, but my boyfriend just loves the monorail!

Does the bus to MK start running before the boat? Am thinking we'd like to take the bus to EMH, and the boat in the afternoons returning to the resort.

What's the best standard view room that does not edge the lobby? My boyfriend is afraid of some heights in some ways-- so he wouldn't like being on the 6th floor and looking down into the lobby, but he'd be fine being in his room on the 7th floor looking out at some trees. (Make sense?!)

For us the trip to Epcot via boat and monorail took about 35 minutes, but the risk is that with 1 boat and 2 monorails to wait on your times could vary significantly. I have seen others state that it took 45 min to an hour. Either way, it is a fun trip.

There are special early buses to parks for morning ADRs, and they would be the earliest form of transportation. I'm not sure about how the start times for the regular park buses compare to the MK boat, but I would think they'd be pretty similar. For morning EMH I would bet that both the boat and bus would be running, but the Bus is more of a sure bet.

I understand your boyfriend's heights issue. Looking into the lobby isn't that bad, but does bother some. If you did wind up with a non-lobby Standard view room, they are in the North Wing on the North side, which might have a bit of a view of Wishes and the MK from the higher floors. I would just request whatever room location you think you'd prefer, and not worry too much about if there are Standard View rooms there. They will do their best to accommodate you and it is fairly common to end up with a room upgrade.

Happy planning and enjoy your trip!

 

[klacey1]

For us the trip to Epcot via boat and monorail took about 35 minutes, but the risk is that with 1 boat and 2 monorails to wait on your times could vary significantly. I have seen others state that it took 45 min to an hour. Either way, it is a fun trip.

There are special early buses to parks for morning ADRs, and they would be the earliest form of transportation. I'm not sure about how the start times for the regular park buses compare to the MK boat, but I would think they'd be pretty similar. For morning EMH I would bet that both the boat and bus would be running, but the Bus is more of a sure bet.

I understand your boyfriend's heights issue. Looking into the lobby isn't that bad, but does bother some. If you did wind up with a non-lobby Standard view room, they are in the North Wing on the North side, which might have a bit of a view of Wishes and the MK from the higher floors. I would just request whatever room location you think you'd prefer, and not worry too much about if there are Standard View rooms there. They will do their best to accommodate you and it is fairly common to end up with a room upgrade.

Happy planning and enjoy your trip!

So it seems like the monorail/boat plan is definitely for when we are not pressed for time. Got it!

Thanks for the MK bus/boat comparison. I think we're going to stick with our plan of the bus for the a.m. and boat in the afernoon/evenings. Does the WL share buses with any other resorts for the MK?

Okay! Thanks for the room info-- I think I need to study some room maps!

I really appreciate your help!!