Back from 1st Ever WDW Trip/WL!!!

[ptrbryant]

I'm a bit late posting this as we actually got back last Monday from our first ever trip to WDW. Can't wait to go back!!!
First of all, let me explain that my DH and I aren't Disney fanatics, but with a 6 yo DS, we figured we may as well make the pilgrimmage to WDW. Thinking the whole "staying on site" idea was Disney hype to get more $$$, I booked only 2 nts. at the WL and the following 3 at the new Residence Inn on Palm Parkway.
We checked into the WL at 3:00 on May 1st, in the midst of a big heatwave (every day was 96 degrees+). Within ONE HOUR, I called down to the fornt desk and arranged to add the additional three nights to our stay there and cancelled the off-site reservations.
Staying on site has real perks that are NOT just hype! Forget EE or e-nights, the CM service was unmatched anywhere; the beauty and peacefulness of the WL was incredible and the pools were great at night after hot, busy days at the parks.
We used the boat to get to MK--no problems at all. Never tried the busses, but drive to MGM/EPCOT. We saw/did about 25% of what we'd thought we'd accomplish and are now planning a Feb. 2003 trip...WL again!!! I don't see how anyone could find a fault with the place!
The only thing we'll do differently is to have 1-2 days to just unwind at the WL and stay away from the parks. WL really is like a vacation destination on its own accord!
Everything about the trip (mmm, except for lunch at the Electric Umbrella!) exceeded our expectations and I'm only worried that WDW fanaticism may be in our familys' future! :-D
A big thanks for everyone on the boards who helped with our planning!!!!
Karla B.

 

[4merlurkerchris]

Welcome back!! Glad you had a great time!
Chris

 

[caskar]

Wow, it sounds like your family had a great time. We are staying at the WL this summer for the first time thanks to the rates being lower this summer. Hopefully, we will relax a few days there and enjoy its beauty.

 

[corvair]

ptrbryant, thanks for the report. Where was your room located? What did you think of the pool? thanks, Corvair

 

[cottontail]

Really glad you enjoyed your first time onsite. It truly is magical.

Deb.

 

[lucki4]

We are also staying there (WL) for the first time this year. Can you give more specifics on what you fund so wonderful?

 

[Tess]

on your newfound fanaticism (or should we just call it what it is--an addiction)?

A word of warning--DO NOT try concierge. . .you will be lost forever!

 

[Bstanley]

Uh oh - another poor soul has been Pixie-lated! Welcome!

Repeat after me -

Hi, my name is [insert your name], and I'm a Disney-holic...

I'm reminded of a question that I was asked when I was helping someone plan their first (they thought their only) trip - "How many days will it take to SEE EVERYTHING?"... LOL

See you there next February!

 

[gottgotowdw]

And to think some of my friends can't understand why I am in love with the place!!??
I totally agree with you Bruce...The place just lights me up!! I can't help it!! We are returning next month after our longest break ever!! With a move and all else that is put on your plate of life its about time we are able to get back there!! I have been dreaming of it for months!!
Laura

 

[s&k'smom]

You've become one of us! We are headed to WL in October and can't wait. Our 5th stay. Check out Deb Willis' site www.wdwig.com for all you going for the first time, it has pics of all the resorts. But I warn you reding these sites is highly addictive!

 

[luvmy2sams]

ptrbryant--Welcome to the club! I wasn't riddled with Disneyitis until DH booked our first family trip in fall 2000. I couldn't figure out what he was getting so excited about (he'd been twice as a teen), as I thought the money would be better spent on new furnishings for our new home. I'm even heard on the video camera as we're entering the Magic Kingdom on our first day..."welcome to WDW. Home of mass merchandising!" Six days and a giant suitcase full of souvenirs later, I was officially smitten.

I'm always excited to hear another rave review about Wilderness Lodge. That's my birthday present this year, and I absolutely can not wait!

 

[ptrbryant]

Now, the trick is learning patience to wait until Feb. and wait for good codes!!!

Hi, Corvair!
We stayed in room 2001 and had one of the stone, enclosed balconies. Actually, we liked it since we could sit outside on quiet mornings and listen to the birds and sound of the water of Bay Lake without having others admire our pajamas! :-D We could see bits of the Electric Water Parade through the trees and, if you stood on your toes, you could see the dock where we;d leave for MK (never any problem with the boat; never tried the busses as we drove to Epcot and MGM).

The main pool was great, never empty but it wasn't too crowded, either. We usually hit the pools late, about 8:30 - 9:00 p.m.--after long, hot days in the parks--and looked forward to that rounding out our day. The children's pool was good, but, of course, it only takes one child who likes to splash others to make it seem suddenly small!

Lucki4, It's hard to explain exactly what was so great about the WL. The lobby, as everyone else has said, is breathtaking----towering ceiling, yet with a warm, cozy feeling from all the wood and natural elements. The room size compared to a standard hotel, but the colors and theming made it very welcoming and warm. There's alot of stone and wood everywhere and a small creek running through a part of the lobby, which I feel made it seem like a calm, relaxing environment---esp. in contrast to the business and brightness of the parks. Seemed like other guests were a bit more low-key, too---I don't know, but I imagine the All-Star resorts having LOTS of excited kids running all over the place. There's nothing wrong with that--hey, it's WDW!--but my husband and I are the types that need some element of restfulness to our vacations and felt we got it at WL.

Any other questions???
Karla B., the recently convereted

 

[B3LM]

Glad to hear you had a great trip! WL is one of my favorite resorts.

Beth

 

[Aunt K]

Did you ever eat breakfast at Roaring Forks? If so, how was it. It's really the only meal we eat at the hotel, and I'm curious about crowd, food selection, and tastiness of the food.

 

[ptrbryant]

No, we didn't eat at Roaring Forks. A few times, coming back from the pool, I saw people leaving with plates/trays from RF and, while I don't know how it tasted, it looked very much like school lunch food. I did stop in one evening to pick up a couple of bagels and they were about $2.50 per bagel! I know WDW food prices are high, but that seemed just silly for a plain bagel. We did pick up a box of Entemann's doughnuts in the gift shop, for breakfast treats, and it was a regular $3.99 for the box of 9.
Karla B.

 

[halfway there]

So are you planning to give us your reviews over on the restaurants forum?? Would love to hear where you ate and what you thought of some of the eateries as a first timer and all!!

I understand if you're having a hard time finding your way out of the resorts forum. I spent over a week here before I finally ventured off into uncharted territory!

 

[ContempoSMT]

Wilderness Lodge is such a cool resort.. it is one of my 3 favorite hotels in Disney World and i may be staying there in June.

 

[Boots]

We have stayed at WL three times. We think about staying somewhere else but we are afraid we won't find another place we enjoy as much. Glad to see someone else knows what I mean about the WL. Glad you had a wonderful vacation.

 

[ptrbryant]

I know what you mean about being afraid to try someplace else on site! I was wondering about something closer to Epcot/MGM, but....nah! WL!!!!
Karla B.

 

[lucki4]

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to our trip there