Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[GrandCalifornian]

We booked our flight down for August 22nd, but the flights back up to New York on August 29th seem outrageously high, so we are waiting a bit on that. Southwest wasn't supposed to open up their schedule through August until next week, but it's already up and the nonstop flights that we would normally want are already sold out for the Wanna Get Away cheaper fares. Here is hoping the open more of those fares up or JetBlue's prices drop a bit. Our ADR window opens on 2/23 and I still have absolutely no idea about where we want to eat and when. I guess that's what I will be working on this weekend.

Can't wait for our first WL stay either....especially since I am positively freezing here in NYC today!

Congratulations. We had good luck with Jet Blue fares going down a bit after they were first available, so maybe they will drop some soon.

For ADRs there are so many wonderful choices. In the neighborhood of WL we really enjoy the dinner buffet at Trail's End at Fort Wilderness, although we have had good luck getting in there without an ADR. WCC in the WL lobby is fun, and we particularly enjoyed their breakfasts. Another favorite of ours is a breakfast at Crystal Palace in the MK before it opens. It is neat to head over there and see MK before most everyone else. Planning the meals is one of our favorite parts of a trip, so enjoy!

 

[JKSWonder]

Congratulations. We had good luck with Jet Blue fares going down a bit after they were first available, so maybe they will drop some soon.

For ADRs there are so many wonderful choices. In the neighborhood of WL we really enjoy the dinner buffet at Trail's End at Fort Wilderness, although we have had good luck getting in there without an ADR. WCC in the WL lobby is fun, and we particularly enjoyed their breakfasts. Another favorite of ours is a breakfast at Crystal Palace in the MK before it opens. It is neat to head over there and see MK before most everyone else. Planning the meals is one of our favorite parts of a trip, so enjoy!

Thanks. I'm definitely considering Trail's End for dinner for our first night. We are sticking by the resort when we arrive, no parks that day, so I thought a nice ride over to Fort Wilderness would be a good laid back thing to do that night. Plus, the menu there is right up my family's alley.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Thanks. I'm definitely considering Trail's End for dinner for our first night. We are sticking by the resort when we arrive, no parks that day, so I thought a nice ride over to Fort Wilderness would be a good laid back thing to do that night. Plus, the menu there is right up my family's alley.

That sounds like a great plan. You can explore the resort then hop on a boat over to FW and Trail's End. If the menu sounds good to you guys I think you'll definitely enjoy it. The ribs in particular are great. Then after dinner you can catch the boat back to WL or visit CR too if you want. We really enjoy riding the boats on Bay Lake.

 

[cadale]

Thinking of catching the Hoop-de-do show while there in October. Can anyone tell me how long it is and whether anyone has ever asked for a vegetarian meal?

 

[jlhill4444]

The HDDR usually last about 1.5 hours from start to finish. It is a must do for us, we love it. The vegetarian option is pretty good, we had a veggie lasagna one time and loved it, along with the salad, cornbread and strawberry dessert!

 

[Meaghanqt]

Exploring Fort Wilderness has always been on out to do list, never been to HDDR. Thanks for the info.

 

[cadale]

The HDDR usually last about 1.5 hours from start to finish. It is a must do for us, we love it. The vegetarian option is pretty good, we had a veggie lasagna one time and loved it, along with the salad, cornbread and strawberry dessert!

Thanks! Glad to know there is a veggie choice on the menu.

 

[StephandDick]

Does anyone have a recent price list for dry cleaning/laundry?

Thanks

 

[dizmom6]

Joining in---we are heading down for our longest trip ever 8/27-9/6 !!!!! We haven't stayed at WL for 4 years, we usually go to AKL but I really wanted to get back to the WL. Anxious to see the updated pool area.

We will be there mid September!!! Question...we usually stay at AKL and have switched to WL for the first time. You've done both. Which do you prefer?

 

[Trekkie]

We will be there mid September!!! Question...we usually stay at AKL and have switched to WL for the first time. You've done both. Which do you prefer?

I've done both.

I think the resorts are similar in many ways. (Apparently they were designed by the same architect.) A big huge cathedral lobby with two arms branching off of it.

Me, I think WL is more magical. I think the woods surrounding it make things really quiet.

I like the food better at WL. Mostly, I prefer "American" food. Found things at AKL to be more exotic than I wanted.

And I really like the boat transportation to MK. I find it almost hypnotic. I leave the park. I get in the boat. I sit down, for the first time in what seems like hours. And as the boat chugs slowly across the lake, (they aren't in any hurry), it's like a weight is being lifted from me.

I arrive at the resort, and it's like I'm 1,000 miles away from the park. (But I can get back there, in only 10 minutes).

Only place on property that's more quiet and restful than WL, is the campground. (IMO).

 

[pixarmom]

And I really like the boat transportation to MK. I find it almost hypnotic. I leave the park. I get in the boat. I sit down, for the first time in what seems like hours. And as the boat chugs slowly across the lake, (they aren't in any hurry), it's like a weight is being lifted from me.

We've stayed at WL and AKL two times each, and while I enjoy both and love the pools at AKL, I do prefer WL overall. We have another WL stay coming up next month. I entirely agree with this assessment of the boat!!!

 

[TLMcMarks]

Yesterday I posted about how I was unable to make a switch to WL. But today I come bearing with good news! Looks like more rooms opened up for the spring discount and I was able to book our 2 week trip at WL! The family and I are so excited to go back and stay at WL!

Fantastic news!

 

[wifey]

Quick questions, are there any wait staff in the Territory Lounge to take drinks or food orders or is it necessary to take your requests to the bar yourself?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Quick questions, are there any wait staff in the Territory Lounge to take drinks or food orders or is it necessary to take your requests to the bar yourself?

There are wait staff to take your orders, just like any table service restaurant.

 

[wifey]

Thank you Wood Nymph for the quick reply

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thank you Wood Nymph for the quick reply

We spent a lot of time in the Territory Lounge last month.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Does anyone have a recent price list for dry cleaning/laundry?

Thanks

Here is what the costs were at CR/BLT in October 2012 when we went:


Dry Cleaning

Suits 11.50
3 PC Suits 12.00
Coats 8.00
Pants 6.50
Jackets 7.50
Overcoats 12.50
Shirts 6.25
Sweaters 7.50
Ties 3.50
Blouses 6.25
Dresses 11.60
Gowns/Jumpsuits 20.00+
Skirts 6.50

Laundry

Shirts 5.50 (you can request heavy starch, folded, light starch, hangers, no starch)
Pants 6.50
Socks 2.00
Undershorts/panties 2.00
T-shirts 4.50
Sweatsuit 7.50
Pajamas 6.00
Undershirts & Bras 2.00
Handkerchiefs 2.00
Blouses 5.50
Slips 4.50
Nightgowns 6.00
Tennis shorts 5.00
Knit shirt 5.00

Plus an environmental surcharge

Liability limited to 10 times the dry cleaning charge.

Not responsible for buttons, ornaments and zippers.

Items received by 8:30AM will be ready by 6:30PM


Silks, linens and pleats 50% surcharge; lined +1.00; minimum charge $5.00; shirts folded on request +10% surcharge; press only 75% of dry cleaning charge.

 

[HappyCoder]

FYI Just noticed that Standard rooms are sold out for the second week of November 2015. Luckily we booked over a month ago.

 

[bluecastle]

It's the policy of WL to get guests into their rooms as fast as possible, so I assume it's the same for VWL guests. How early that is depends on when the room you've been assigned is ready for you. If you've made any requests, this may narrow the room options. If you indicated in Online Check-In that having your room ready upon arrival is more important than your requests, then the Room Assignor will take this into consideration. If your room isn't available upon arrival, you have the option of asking to see if there is any room in your booking category that is available now. However, for some reason, DVC rooms usually take a lot longer to get into than non-DVC. I don't know if this is because the villas are larger and take longer to clean?

Yet more last minute questions! You would think I hadn't had this booked for a year already...

I know official check in is at 4:00. What time is the earliest you can usually get into a room after you check in? We should be there by noon. We are staying in VWL, rather than the lodge, if that makes a difference.

How long does check in take? I know I read somewhere that it can take a long time. Is that still the case?

How long does check out take, if you're going to be dropping off luggage for ME, then also stowing luggage with the front desk until you depart?

Our check in this summer for a 2BR villa took at least 20 minutes, but there was a lot to do. We were a party of 5 adults and we were all assigning different credit cards to our MBs. I was also paying our bill with a combination of credit card, Dis Reward points, cash, and Dis Gift cards!
Then we had to wait for our room. We walked around taking pictures, had a snack at RFks, and then hung out in the lobby until we were texted. When I asked at the desk why it was taking so long, she told me that the 2BRs take 5-6 hours to get ready. I am not surprised. They have so much to clean- 2 bathrooms, 2 BRs, a living room, and the kitchen. They completely empty and clean the refrigerator and clean and put away the dishes. Ours was spotless and worth the wait!!

 

[StephandDick]

Here is what the costs were at CR/BLT in October 2012 when we went:


Dry Cleaning

Suits 11.50
3 PC Suits 12.00
Coats 8.00
Pants 6.50
Jackets 7.50
Overcoats 12.50
Shirts 6.25
Sweaters 7.50
Ties 3.50
Blouses 6.25
Dresses 11.60
Gowns/Jumpsuits 20.00+
Skirts 6.50

Laundry

Shirts 5.50 (you can request heavy starch, folded, light starch, hangers, no starch)
Pants 6.50
Socks 2.00
Undershorts/panties 2.00
T-shirts 4.50
Sweatsuit 7.50
Pajamas 6.00
Undershirts & Bras 2.00
Handkerchiefs 2.00
Blouses 5.50
Slips 4.50
Nightgowns 6.00
Tennis shorts 5.00
Knit shirt 5.00

Plus an environmental surcharge

Liability limited to 10 times the dry cleaning charge.

Not responsible for buttons, ornaments and zippers.

Items received by 8:30AM will be ready by 6:30PM


Silks, linens and pleats 50% surcharge; lined +1.00; minimum charge $5.00; shirts folded on request +10% surcharge; press only 75% of dry cleaning charge.

Thanks!