Don’t tell MM! It’s NOT a bug’s life! A dolphin’s WHAT? The ER? Is that a body?

[saintstickets]

Great start!!! Fantastic pictures! I'm intrigued...

I'm in!

Dee

Hiya Dee! Thanks for the pics compliment and glad you made it over from the Beach and Yacht Club. I'm looking forward to staying at BCV for F&W 2013! Your thread has given me tons of info about the area. Hopefully I can shed a tidbit of info in this thread or at least tickle a funny bone or two!

 

[saintstickets]

By now it is 2:30pm and our room is still not ready. DS and DDiL head to their room to rest a spell. DW, DD and DDfi relax in the main lobby while I do a bit more reconnoitering around WL. When I return, I discover they had been bored and decided to take pics with my camera.

Now I would show you the pic of DW but I want to continue to live with her so discretion is the better part of valor in this situation. Besides, there are a couple of pics later on that I'M SURE will get me in hot water!

It is now 3:00pm and DW goes to the desk to ask about our room. Nope...not ready. She is now speaking to a manager and he tells her that if we would give them our cell phone number that they would call when the room is ready! Uh oh…mama bear is getting mad now but she bites her tongue and told the Manager CM that we HAD given our cell number on two separate occasions and asked the CM to repeat it to make sure it was correct. He checked and said it was not in the system.

She gave it to him for a 3rd time. I have now returned from my sightseeing tour and DW tells me what the Manager CR told her. Before I could make my way to the desk, my cell phone dings with a message that room #3519 is ready. It is 3:10pm – 10 minutes after the time that DW spoke to the Manager CM and well over 4 hours since we arrived. This is the 2nd time we experienced something that wasn’t the “Disney way”.

 

[saintstickets]

Okay, shake it off. We’re at a Disney resort. We’ve had a good meal for lunch. We all arrived safe and sound (I didn’t say sane!). We had requested the two rooms to be near the elevator, on the same floor and near each other. They did not disappoint. Here is a map of the rooms for the second floor but the last two digits are the same for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. Our two rooms are in red.

And here are some pics of our 2br villa and the view from our balcony which surprisingly isn’t just a woods view
Master bedroom

Second bedroom

Living area

Balcony view and 2nd bedroom view.

My picture taking can leave a lot to be desired especially taking pics of the room and food so I'm sorry the room pics do not show them as nice as they were. There is plenty of room in both bedrooms and the living area. Disney is in the process of refurbishing the rooms at WL so I would expect the ones at VWL are next. As you will see later, I might have a suggestion for them!

 

[saintstickets]

There are two pools at WL/VWL. The smaller one is the one previously pictured as seen from our balcony and nearer VWL. The larger pool is off the main lobby here below

Here are some more pictures of WL

WL at night

The geyser before and after (never could wait long enough for the after pic so I stole one from online - it erupts about every hour)

At night you can watch the Disney movie outdoors

And also watch the Electric Water Pageant from the beach

 

[saintstickets]

There are numerous activities at Wilderness Lodge. Here is our activity sheet for May

As you can see, Wilderness Lodge is a fantastic place to stay. There is plenty to do. The bus service is good with the possible exception of not enough buses to Downtown Disney but that is pretty much the same at most resorts. There is a very good mid-price TS restaurant in Whispering Canyon Café, an adequate CS restaurant in Roaring Forks and an excellent upscale restaurant in Artist Point. There will be more on Artist Point later in our trip. There is also a lounge for adult libations called Territory Lounge and an outside lounge near the main pool called Trout Pass Pool Bar. For the kiddies there is Cub’s Den (ages 3-12) with supervised children’s activities like arts/crafts, computer games, Disney movies and dinner. Other indoor amenities include a fitness center, arcade, a mercantile store and an hour long guided tour of WL. Outside there are boat & bike rentals to explore Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake and various wilderness trails. Ft. Wilderness Campground is a boat ride or trail walk away for horseback riding, Segway tours and Hoop Dee Doo Revue (HDDR).

Speaking of HDDR, we have reservations this night so stay tuned...

 

[natebenma]

I'm really enjoying your posts-

From a coffee addict, whose first question whenever I stay someplace new, is "What kind of coffee maker do they have", THANK YOU!!!

For someone who hasn't been involved in food porn before, excellent job so far. Everything looks yummy.

BTW- thanks for not including the real porn!

I'm so glad you have found the Y&BC FAQ helpful. I have never been to the Wilderness Lodge, but my DH and I would love to tour it someday

 

[ToddyLu]

Once again you have proven yourself to be a witty and funny WL kinda guy. Loving the report. I haven't forgotten the VWL CD I owe ya! Need to work on that a bit. Subbing tonight cuz I forgot to the other night!

 

[Leasha_Loves_Disney]

Hey there!!! You must slowly be gaining some Jedi mind powers of your own because for some reason I was just drawn to your report haha

I am absolutely in LOVE in your pictures of the contemporary before/during sunrise, how breath taking. There are so many resorts that I would love to stay at and that is definitely one of them.

I'm sorry online check in didn't work for you that's a real bummer. The resort at night is beautiful. I have only ever been in the lobby because we ate at WCC once a few trips back, the lobby is amazing and from what I understand there are little hidden nooks and crannies everywhere that I find myself imagining sitting all snuggled up in with a hot chocolate during the winter but then I think to myself... it's Florida it's not like it's going to get overly cold like I'm accustomed to haha. Maybe during my DCP I'll mosey over there and just enjoy the surroundings.

I'm loving this report and can't wait to read more!!! Especially the outside Disney stuff, my family can't imagine leaving Disney property while in Florida so I'm sure I'll experience it through you magical photos.

 

[saintstickets]

I'm really enjoying your posts-

Why thank you ma'am...I aims to please.

From a coffee addict, whose first question whenever I stay someplace new, is "What kind of coffee maker do they have", THANK YOU!!!

LOL I grew up with my mother not allowing anyone to speak to her until she had her morning coffee so even though I do not partake, I can understand the sentiment.

BTW- thanks for not including the real porn!

Oh, butt wait....This report is not over yet!! (notice that supposedly mispelled conjunction?)

Once again you have proven yourself to be a witty and funny WL kinda guy.

To tell you the truth Lu, I had to develop witty and funny. They were all out of good looking and talented when I came along!

Hey there!!! You must slowly be gaining some Jedi mind powers of your own because for some reason I was just drawn to your report haha

Luke...I mean Leasha...pay no attention to those other TR's. This TR is the only one you want. There's nothing to see there so move along.

I am absolutely in LOVE in your pictures of the contemporary before/during sunrise, how breath taking. There are so many resorts that I would love to stay at and that is definitely one of them.

Thanks for the pic compliment. Mostly it's the camera in my case but every once in a while it is the photographer. We are trying to stay at all the DVC resorts. Next up is Aulani in September and then BCV fall-2013 for F&W.

...the lobby is amazing and from what I understand there are little hidden nooks and crannies everywhere that I find myself imagining sitting all snuggled up in with a hot chocolate during the winter but then I think to myself... it's Florida it's not like it's going to get overly cold like I'm accustomed to haha. Maybe during my DCP I'll mosey over there and just enjoy the surroundings.

I thought the same thing the first time we were at WL and it was for lunch at WCC as well. The tree in the lobby at Christmas is HUGE!

I'm loving this report and can't wait to read more!!! Especially the outside Disney stuff, my family can't imagine leaving Disney property while in Florida so I'm sure I'll experience it through you magical photos.

Thanks for the compliment. This is our first trip to try the outside Disney stuff. I can imagine us doing some of it again but not before I get a large Disney fix first!

 

[TinksThree]

I am caught up! Work is so busy and I like to sink into TRs when I read them and not skim quickly through...better to enjoy them that way!

LOL...I just finished posting on your TR and included that pic along with another one before I came back to this thread! Does that mean our great minds are thinking alike?

Thanks for the comment about the pics. Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while (Don't try to understand my Northern friends...it's a Southern thing! )

As for seeing a nekked man in Nawlins, I suspect that being where you were, his "exposure" was probably planned and on purpose especially if you were in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras!

That was too funny us both referring to that picture! And then I saw it on another TR!

I love those Southern sayin's!!

Yes, more than enough of those sightings in the FQ! And once we made a "wrong" turn onto Bourbon with the kids.... I will say no more on that one in fear of losing parenting licenses!!

My picture taking can leave a lot to be desired especially taking pics of the room and food so I'm sorry the room pics do not show them as nice as they were. There is plenty of room in both bedrooms and the living area. Disney is in the process of refurbishing the rooms at WL so I would expect the ones at VWL are next. As you will see later, I might have a suggestion for them!

Funny, and I was just thinking you were getting some really amazing shots!! You sell yourself short!

Loved the sunrise pictures at BLT!! And I am really hopeful to get to WL prior to HDDR to do some exploring in just 24 DAYS!!!! I think WL would be a place DH would really like...I want to see if I am right or wrong!

 

[saintstickets]

Yes, more than enough of those sightings in the FQ! And once we made a "wrong" turn onto Bourbon with the kids.... I will say no more on that one in fear of losing parenting licenses!!

Been there, done that myself! It's always amazing to take someone to NOLA that has never been and go to the FQ. They are flabbergasted at what they see and if you are there during Mardi Gras...well...you need to be at least 21 just to walk down the street and look up on the balconies!

Funny, and I was just thinking you were getting some really amazing shots!! You sell yourself short!

Loved the sunrise pictures at BLT!! And I am really hopeful to get to WL prior to HDDR to do some exploring in just 24 DAYS!!!! I think WL would be a place DH would really like...I want to see if I am right or wrong!

Awww...thanks for the pic compliments. ONE day I'll learn what all this camera can do. I agree. Just based on reading your TR's, your DH would like WL. You can stop there and walk around and then take the boat ride to Ft. Wilderness to see HDDR. Here's more on that in my next post.

 

[saintstickets]

As I said in the previous post, we have reservations for HDDR this night so let’s make our way down to the dock and take the short boat ride over to Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground.

The newlyweds with DS being his usual goofball self (he must have got that from his mother!). That’s BLT in the background.

Wilderness Lodge as we pull away from the dock

We arrive in no time

 

[therussells08]

I love your WL/VWL pictures! It looks like a gorgeous resort. Stinks that you guys had trouble getting your room notification, though. That is quite un-Disney.

HAHA I think I know which pictures you are referring to. Be careful! You might unleash the mama bear again!

I'm looking forward to more dining reviews! Yum!

 

[saintstickets]

For those that have not experienced HDDR, it is in Pioneer Hall at Ft. Wilderness Resort and is advertised as a “foot stompin’, old fashioned, good time all-you-can-eat feast”. It’s a knee slapping, hand clapping, corny joke laden vaudeville dance revue combined with a meal served by sassy CM’s. There are 3 shows most evenings at 5:00, 7:15 & 9:30 however I have read that the show times are changing. Check your local listings. It is a Dinner Show credit on the DDP and TIW is honored for the late show. There are 3 seating categories. Here is a link to a floor plan showing the 3 seating categories. The seating in each category is determined by when you make your reservation. The earlier you make your reservations, the closer you are to the stage. Category 1 seating it the most expensive and is on the floor in front of the stage. In addition to excellent views of the show in this category, audience members are chosen for show participation from people sitting in this area. If you want to be in the show, get a table up close to the stage and grab the attention of the cast when the show begins. For slightly less cost, category 2 seating is a mix of good views and less price. Category 3 seating is in the balcony and some tables will miss parts of the show when the entertainers leave the stage for the floor. The food is simple but very good – bread with honey butter, tossed salad, buckets of BBQ spare ribs & fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, baked beans and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine and Sangria are also included in the price. The show lasts 2 hours and they mix the serving of food and show very well. About 30 minutes before the show begins, you check in outside Pioneer Hall using your reservation number. And this being Disney, they never miss an opportunity to take your picture for purchase. For a family that is very camera shy, we seem to get these pics at just about every chance. Here is ours

We had a few minutes to walk around Ft. Wilderness before the show. It is an RV campground that has a small store, golf carts for the RVers and a separate restaurant named Trail’s End. It is also where they have Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. Behind Pioneer Hall are the stables where you can go horseback riding. As you make your way around behind PH back towards the lake, you approach Clementine’s Beach. I don’t know what to think about the buzzards on the beach (could that be a name for a killer adult drink?)

 

[saintstickets]

They let you in PH shortly before the show begins. As previously mentioned, your table is assigned based on when you made your reservations so there is no need to be first in line to enter PH. You are shown to your table, the CM begins serving the meal and the show begins. Here are a few pics from the show
The cast

Curvaceous Claire de Lune

Dipsy Dolly Drew

Fabulous Flora Long

Jaunty Johnny Ringo

Jumping Jim Handy

Silly Six Bits Slocum

 

[saintstickets]

A few more pics during the show

Here comes the dessert

And finally, the audience participants

And that’s all folks. The show is well worth it to me. Yes, it’s corny. Yes, the jokes are older than I am. Yes, I knew the words to The Ballad of Davy Crockett (YIKES!) With all that, it was fun. It was entertaining. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. BTW, HDDR is set to close for refurbishment this fall. Tentative dates to close are October thru December so make your plans accordingly. Our show ended a few minutes after 9:00. It was a pleasant boat ride back to Wilderness Lodge.

Time to hit the sack after a long day. Tomorrow it’s off to SeaWorld.

 

[saintstickets]

I love your WL/VWL pictures! It looks like a gorgeous resort. Stinks that you guys had trouble getting your room notification, though. That is quite un-Disney.

HAHA I think I know which pictures you are referring to. Be careful! You might unleash the mama bear again!

I'm looking forward to more dining reviews! Yum!

Thank you ma'am and yes, it stunk having to wait for so long. That's never happened before to us but I refused to let it ruin my Disney mood!

Yes...you probably know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!
I bet your DH John knows too!!

 

[Leasha_Loves_Disney]

OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS !!! I love this update. HDDR is my absolute FAVORITE my family has been going there since I was a baby and I can't get enough of it. Clare De Lune is my absolute dream job. I am so glad that you liked the show!!!

 

[saintstickets]

OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS !!! I love this update. HDDR is my absolute FAVORITE my family has been going there since I was a baby and I can't get enough of it. Clare De Lune is my absolute dream job. I am so glad that you liked the show!!!

Glad you are enjoying the TR. Hope it is as much as I enjoy yours. Believe it or not it was our 1st time to see HDDR but it will not be the last. I could see you as Ms De Lune...you should try out when you get there!

 

[natebenma]

Great update! I have never seen the HDDR, so I appreciate your fantastic photos and descriptions of the show!