3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[hstrickland]

The WL was the first resort we stayed at as a family. It will always have a special place in my heart

Ya know, it was Stephen and Bill's first resort, too. And I remember how much they loved it. Even though Bill is from Orlando and went to WDW tons, he never actually stayed at a resort until we had children. The CR was my first resort as a child, so I guess that's why it's so near and dear to my heart. And that's when the CR still had a movie theatre in it!!

The updates look great! THe bathroom is wonderful. We stayed in a room with a dormer balcony as well. It was actually an upgrade for us as we booked woods view and got courtyard. We could watch the Electric Light Parade each night and then see Wishes over the other side of the hotel- priceless with young kids who couldn't make it late in the parks!

Your room location sounds great!! We would have been hard pressed to watch the ELP from our room....would have gotten a crink in our necks from looking to the right

By the way....have a great time at HHI!!! We're actually headed over there today to do some fishing! Hope y'all have safe travels!

The first time we stayed at the WL we had a dormer balcony on the 6th floor (not club level). Although we faced the MK and could see the fireworks, I really didn't like the closed in feeling. The dormer balconies just about make club level a deal breaker for me.

I know what you mean! I'm such a balcony lover and use it quite often, especially in the mornings. HOWEVER...not the case on this trip

Wonderful photos of everything!

Welcome back!

CBR: interesting...I love the Caribbean and these photos didn't reach out and grab me either, it's odd. We have a connection to POR as our moderate and it seems like our 'short stay' home. I guess POR has that southern USA feel that I love, tropical but old and classy, just love it. I had the same vibe at Coronado Springs, it was super nice, but I prefer POR. That being said, I think I like CSR better if I'm comparing it to your pics of CBR. The nice thing is that each family likes a certain resort because of the way it makes them feel, and I know some people have a special place for CBR in their hearts and I totally get that feeling!

You know I love POR!!! And I've said this before, but Disney has done a phenomenal job of creating resorts that everyone will love. There's something for each type of person. Even in our family, dad and I really like CR...mom and Bill not so much.

Welcome to the trip Bill, I know Heather was excited for you to arrive! I hope you were careful driving Ferrari suburban over to WL!

And Bill says thanks....he's my #1 lurker on the TR Oh...and it was me driving the "Ferrari". Bill and dad were behind us.

WL - wow, I'm always amazed by the beauty of that resort. So many places look like that here in Michigan, so I guess it doesn't seem as 'Florida' to us (hence why our favorite deluxes are BC/YC and Poly)

Not sure you would fit anyway 5 Your family has definitely outgrown the Lodge!! Especially Josh

EPCOT - great first park visit. Hands down the picture of the boys holding hands MELTED my heart, that belongs in a frame next to your bed! I have a pic of Josie and Caleb walking through Storybook Circus last summer with their arms wrapped around each other, so precious! You were able to get a good amount done that first day and it looked leisurely as well.

La Hacienda - favorite saying of this TR so far....“slap ya mama good”! Translation….OUTSTANDING!!!! hahahaha, that is funny!

Looking forward to more witty phrases to go along with the pics in the next installment! Until then....adios! Off to the

Glad I could give you a little comic relief!

Y'all enjoy your weekend away with the in-laws

Heather can I just say I am stealing this one "Slap your mama good" I love that!!

Just make sure you use a southern drawl when you say it

Seriously we are so excited to stay at the WL for the first time in forever. Or ever.

You don't have long now!!!!! Your tickers lookin' good!!!!

 

[FancyNancy]

Thanks for all the pics of the CL rooms. I agree that the new bedding Disney has put in the rooms is MUCH nicer. I always would roll up those old bedspreads and put them on the floor.

 

[kastoney]

Catching up on all the Epcot and club level updates. Can't believe Epcot was so empty. What a coup for you all. La Hacienda looks great. It's on our maybe list for next trip, only because they don't take the tables in wonderland card and I know i will want to partake of lots of margaritas. Great spot for illuminations too.

Thanks for all the great club level pics and especially the cobbler ; ) 55 days and counting...

 

[Marsheliz]

First- I love the pic of the boys holding hands!! Maybe bc I have two boys that adore each other... Just this morning- Landen woke up first and was sad his brother wasn't up yet... He cried and said " I wake bubba up, pweeze".... Loce brotherly love!

Love the pics of the room and all. WL is definitely in the running for 2015.

Do you have any future trips planned yet?

 

[pas130]

This is Pop wanting to put his 2 cents worth in again . Most of you may not know but we live in southern Mexico most of the time and know what REAL Mexician Food is like. La Hacienda is one of our favorite restaurants at WDW. The food is as Autheentic as you can get outside of Mexico - IMO - humbly speaking. We will return as often as we can. Viva la Mexico

So glad to hear this! It is our only TS ADR for Dinner next month! The food looks fantastic~

Heather LOVE the OFC pics and WL room pics! A wee sad I changed, but very excited to have all that villa space. My favorite cobbler was the blueberry!!! Brandon LOVES ordering the adult portions, Maddie turns 10 this year, but I have a feeling she will want kids plates for awhile longer

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks for all the pics of the CL rooms. I agree that the new bedding Disney has put in the rooms is MUCH nicer. I always would roll up those old bedspreads and put them on the floor.

The bedding is so much better now!! Of course in 2008, I probably thought it was great Always fun to look back on old pictures and see all the changes.

Catching up on all the Epcot and club level updates. Can't believe Epcot was so empty. What a coup for you all. La Hacienda looks great. It's on our maybe list for next trip, only because they don't take the tables in wonderland card and I know i will want to partake of lots of margaritas. Great spot for illuminations too.

Thanks for all the great club level pics and especially the cobbler ; ) 55 days and counting...

Your trip is getting close!!! Excited, are you?!

I think at one point Hacienda wasn't on the DDP either, but is now... I think. Their margaritas looked fabulous...just didn't want to pay $15 for one Now, for a Lapu Lapu at the Poly...I'll pay!!!

First- I love the pic of the boys holding hands!! Maybe bc I have two boys that adore each other... Just this morning- Landen woke up first and was sad his brother wasn't up yet... He cried and said " I wake bubba up, pweeze".... Loce brotherly love!

Too sweet! Doesn't that just make you smile?! Mine don't always get along so well...just depends on the time and day

Love the pics of the room and all. WL is definitely in the running for 2015.

Do you have any future trips planned yet?

Yep!!! Check out my ticker 7 day Fantasy cruise next June!!! And maybe a few days at the BC/YC before. Bill's the most excited. He would rather do a Disney cruise than the parks.

So glad to hear this! It is our only TS ADR for Dinner next month! The food looks fantastic~

Heather LOVE the OFC pics and WL room pics! A wee sad I changed, but very excited to have all that villa space. My favorite cobbler was the blueberry!!! Brandon LOVES ordering the adult portions, Maddie turns 10 this year, but I have a feeling she will want kids plates for awhile longer

We NEVER got the blueberry! It was only the apple and the berry/peach.

Can you imagine when ALL your kids are on the "adult" prices I'm kinda dreading those days. And your villa stay makes much more sense for your family...lots of extra room for y'all

 

[hstrickland]

Day 6
Early Morning Lodge Pictures….Rise and Shine!!!
Part 1



As many of you know, early mornings at Walt Disney World are absolutely my favorite time! Seriously. I probably take more photos during the morning hours than any other time. The peacefulness and serenity on the lake and around the resorts is something I always look forward to.



So…here ya go! Hope you enjoy. Some are redundant, but bear with me. Just be glad I’m not posting all 61!!



Being awake so early, you basically have the entire resort at your fingertips. You might run into a few friendly cast members, or a crazy guest or two like me.







The Lodge did a great job of hiding the empty stream…it really wasn’t noticeable at all.







And no one checking-in at this hour…







The courtyard is quite beautiful in the mornings.















I know many of you WL fans have been quite interested in the construction at the pool. Needless to say, I captured a few photos.







When I first saw the tarps, my first thought was “good grief!” But in all honesty, after a day or two, I hardly noticed. Or, should I say…it didn’t bother me in the least. There were too many other positive aspects of the WL.











Making my towards the pool and lake…





























And I do believe the kiddie pool is in definite need of an upgrade …. The splash area will be a great addition to the WL!!









Continued to the next post….




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[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post...




Day 6
Early Morning Lodge Pictures…Rise and Shine!!!
Part 2




I walked straight towards the lake because I wanted to get several sunrise pics. But then the geyser area caught my eye…..but beach first.








Is this not stunning?! I always feel so blessed to have moments like these.






















Fire pit for roasting marshmallows…








And also the area for watching movies at night!













For whatever reason, this is as far as I went on the dock. Can’t remember why I stopped.







This stream was so calming. And it’s where I got tons of shots (most deleted because of redundancy ).












At one point I was basically laying on the boarded pathway trying to get some shots of the stream until I noticed an older lady staring at me. I politely smiled and said, “trying to get some stream shots”. Her reply….nothing. Just a slight smile and nod, and she turned and walked away. I feel quite sure she returned to her room to tell her hubby about the peculiar lady with the camera.













I realized it was time for me to return to the room and wake up the sleepy heads.








This is what I found. My two sweet angels …. (until they wake up)









Bill was up and actually went to the balcony with the camera.








Then he captured the geyser going off. I had just missed it!









So many people think that Disney is only parks and rides…but there really is more to the World than most realize. Taking time to explore the very scenic resorts during the early mornings is just one part of the “more”.




By the way....there will be more early morning shots






Up next….. a little Magic Kingdom Fun!!





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[INPartyof5]

Love all the early morning pictures of the wilderness lodge! You have inspired me on our next trip to the lodge to get up early and explore for myself.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Your pictures are gorgeous. This is why we love the lodge so much.

I have to laugh at all the stuff in the bed with the kids. There is hardly any room for Jesse.

Did Stephen stay in his grandparent's room?

 

[SusieBea]

Day 6
Early Morning Lodge Pictures….Rise and Shine!!!
Part 1



As many of you know, early mornings at Walt Disney World are absolutely my favorite time! Seriously. I probably take more photos during the morning hours than any other time. The peacefulness and serenity on the lake and around the resorts is something I always look forward to.


Being awake so early, you basically have the entire resort at your fingertips. You might run into a few friendly cast members, or a crazy guest or two like me.



____

I so agree w/ you. It's as if you have a little Disney to "yourself" for just a bit. Precious private time.


.​

 

[IheartDDuck]

I really wish that I was an early riser, because mornings at WDW are great! I just can't bring myself to do it without proper motivation.

That sunrise is gorgeous!

You are so right. There is so much more to Disney than just parks and rides. It's nice to take the time to appreciate that.

 

[disneyquilter]

I caught up on your last 4 installments and I will start by saying that I am soooooo happy that we are choosing WL. The rooms look awesome, OFC is going to be fabulous, and the hotel grounds are just ridiculous. Reason #1 I fell in love with WDW...every resort has a certain feel to it that creates such a magical environment during your stay. From the value resorts to the deluxe resorts, the details are amazing!

Alright, you have inspired me to wake up at zero dark thirty to catch some of the World's beauty. Those were spectacular, ESPECIALLY the first picture in Day 6, Part 2. Stunning. I normally only wake up early the first few days due to excitement, so I think I will definitely take those times to sneak out and snap a few before the brood wakes up.

Thanks for the updates, Heather. Your pictures are gorgeous (as usual) and I am looking forward to the next installment.

 

[kastoney]

What beautiful pictures of WL in the morning. You even managed to make the tarps look nice. Thanks for sharing for those of us non morning people who stand no chance of ever seeing it ; )

 

[hstrickland]

Love all the early morning pictures of the wilderness lodge! You have inspired me on our next trip to the lodge to get up early and explore for myself.

Glad you popped in on the TR! Even if you get up just one of the mornings you're there, it will be worth it. I usually throw my hair in a pony tail, put on my baseball cap and head out....no one is awake, so doesn't matter what you look like

Your pictures are gorgeous. This is why we love the lodge so much.

I have to laugh at all the stuff in the bed with the kids. There is hardly any room for Jesse.

Did Stephen stay in his grandparent's room?

Seriously?!! How can kids sleep like that??? Wish I could. Stephen is usually the one that stays with my parents. He's 5 years older than Faith and 6 years older than Jesse, so it kind of gives him time away from the little ones.

I so agree w/ you. It's as if you have a little Disney to "yourself" for just a bit. Precious private time.

Exactly! As you know, Disney can get so crowded and it's always hustle and bustle in the parks. Mornings are so very opposite of this. Just a nice getaway from all of the confusion.

I really wish that I was an early riser, because mornings at WDW are great! I just can't bring myself to do it without proper motivation.

That sunrise is gorgeous!

You are so right. There is so much more to Disney than just parks and rides. It's nice to take the time to appreciate that.

That sounds like my brother-n-law. He always tells me that vacations are for relaxing....not getting up at the crack of dawn. Of course, on a daily basis at home, I'm up with the chickens

I caught up on your last 4 installments and I will start by saying that I am soooooo happy that we are choosing WL. The rooms look awesome, OFC is going to be fabulous, and the hotel grounds are just ridiculous. Reason #1 I fell in love with WDW...every resort has a certain feel to it that creates such a magical environment during your stay. From the value resorts to the deluxe resorts, the details are amazing!

Absolutely!!! I totally agree. They're all so different....something for everyone. We really haven't stayed in a resort that we hate.

Alright, you have inspired me to wake up at zero dark thirty to catch some of the World's beauty. Those were spectacular, ESPECIALLY the first picture in Day 6, Part 2. Stunning. I normally only wake up early the first few days due to excitement, so I think I will definitely take those times to sneak out and snap a few before the brood wakes up.

Thanks for the updates, Heather. Your pictures are gorgeous (as usual) and I am looking forward to the next installment.

"Dark thirty" ... Yep! That's when you'll have to rise and shine! I was telling INPartyof5 that I usually throw my hair in a pony tail and put on my baseball cap and head out the door. Forgot to mention the cup of coffee I picked that up at CL...they have it out by 6:30am It's easy to get good pictures when the resort itself is so photogenic. Can a resort actually be "photogenic"??

What beautiful pictures of WL in the morning. You even managed to make the tarps look nice. Thanks for sharing for those of us non morning people who stand no chance of ever seeing it ; )

Well, there ya have it. Now you can say you've seen the WL at sunrise

 

[FancyNancy]

I love your early morning photo's of WL. One of my favorite things about your TR's is that you go on the early morning photo shoots and capture the resort while it's nice and quiet!

 

[Pinkocto]

Gorgeous pics of the resort! The balcony in your room is quite odd though. Definitely can't enjoy the view sitting down...

I have no clue what they're doing with the pool, are they making it bigger?

Shame on that weird lady! I hope she didn't bother you.

 

[Sue M]

Yay thanks for the link! Just getting started reading! Can't believe how much the kids grew! Stephen seems to have shot up! Love the old pic of you with sister & mom. Faith looks so much like you!

 

[cdurham1]

I am pretty new to disboard and am really looking forward to reading your trip report. We are staying at Cabins at FW, too, in mid September. We have 2 adults and 3 children, so I am looking forward to learning from you!

In your opinion, the 2200 Loop is the best spot? Any particular reason(s)?

Also, what time of year did you go?

 

[Sue M]

Up to campfire & Trails End! Last Aug we tried Trails End dinner, first time. We enjoyed it! I want to try the breakfast!
Your mom looks great! Would love to hear how she got MaHopie name! I'm sure there's a story there