Back From Wilderness Lodge

[Dchef]

I just can't possibly say enough about the WIlderness Lodge--other than we have been forever spoiled and will find it hard to stay anywhere else.

We first arrived and after a long check in we went up to our room--unfortunetly it was on the 6th floor--SMOKING! So we called down to see about changing and it turns out they had one on the 4th floor with the same view--bellmen moved our bags up and down a few times, he was amazing. Our room was 4016 and over looked the holding pond (no big deal) ight out the balcony was the bay with Magic Kingdom in the distance--We had a great view of wishes. We loved where our room was because it was so quiet!!

The room was perfect enough--I know people say they are small, but to me it was a typical hotel room...very clean!!! Our mouse keeping service was on top their game and even left a few pets laying around to keep our little ones happy.

Roaring Forks was a blessing! We did have a sit down breakfast at Wispering Canyon once or twice, but generally speaking there was no time in the morning and we didn't need a huge breakfast anyway. We were able to get a hot meal there to quick! It was really nice being able to run in there anytime a day and know you could pretty much get what you needed in some form or another. For such a huge resort I expected to be swamped by people in and out of the elevator--truth is..people don't hang around there--they are at the part. This was our first trip and all the talk about the Disney service is on the mark. OMG, when we took a day trip to Sea World we couldn't wait to get back to Disney.

Not much swimming...it was a bit chilly while we were there so I'm afraid that even in the evening the hot top was so crowded we passed! Even though the pool is heated, it just didn't seem comfortable enough.

My husband who was a skiptic and one who only likes to be one with the earth perferring camping over any hotel--LOVED the Wilderness and said it was exactly the place he could see himself in...I knew if we stayed at the WL that it would appeal to him--to that outdoorsy side of him and I was right.
We loved it so much and all the CM's that we can't even imagine staying anywhere else. As we visted other resorts while we were there...we knew we had chosen correctly.

 

[bcvizsla]

Thanks for your post!! My DH and I are staying at the Wilderness Lodge in a couple of weeks. It is our first stay at a Disney Resort so we are really excited. From what I have read on this site, it looks like the WL is one of the best!!

 

[Pig Pen]

We also love the Lodge. I agree that it never feels overly crowded at all! We really enjoy people watching in the lobby.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Thanks for your post! We love WL, too. After one stay, we were addicted -- it's just a great feeling overal when you stay there. We love the atmosphere!

 

[WDWBetsy]

Thanks for posting. I can't wait until November!

 

[Muffy]

I'm so glad all the planning paid off and you enjoyed your stay! Welcome back!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hi Dchef! I remember you...we chatted on a previous thread (I cannot remember which one) and I was telling you how I want to go to culinary school...remember?

Anyway, I am so glad you enjoyed it. I agree...that hotel is always a "DH Pleaser." I could not see my DH enjoying the GF or Poly as much as he does the WL...it has that rustic, manly feel to it.

I think it is great you got moved to the 4th floor just because of the balcony situation. Didn't you prefer the slatted balcony to the solid balcony that is on all the rooms on the 6th floor? I would rather have a lesser view on the 3rd, 4th or 5th floor that a great view on the 6th cuz I hate those solid balconies! But DH and I really like hanging out on the balcony, so maybe it is just us.

I also agree...we went to Universal on one of our trips and while I cannot pinpoint it...there is just no "magic" there like there is at WDW! When we go to WDW, we do NOT leave property. Not for anything. There is just too much to do and see there. How was your dining experiences? Did you go to any nice restaurants? Did you try Artist's Point?

 

[pigby]

...we went to Universal on one of our trips and while I cannot pinpoint it...there is just no "magic" there like there is at WDW!

Did a split stay last year between US and WDW, with US first. Although we had the fabulous front of line, couldn't wait to get over to WDW. DH wanted another short stay at US this year but no decent rates so opted for WL instead! From posts like these, it seems we won't be disappointed.

 

[mickeyluv]

Dchef....Thanks for posting. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip!! We are staying at the WL for the first time in May and I was a little hesitant and second guessing my decision, but with posts like yours, I'm thinking again and again that I've made the right decision!! I can't wait till May!!! It feels like it will never get here!!! Welcome back!!

 

[SomePixiedust]

Yes, thanks for the post. It helps reaffirm my choice for my summer stay ....which can't get here fast enough

:thewave::thewave::thewave:

 

[minijeanie]

I have always loved WL...It was our kids first stay,,,,pool is fantastic for them and I think the cm's are the best to the little ones.

Whispering canyon is still one of my favorite places to eat

Now that kids are older the really enjoy staying on the Boardwalk side and going to HRH for a few days...

but I have fond memories of WL and always will

 

[Skroops]

I can't wait to stay there! I've stayed at the FWC, and we took the boat ride to the WL for dinner. I absolutely love the beauty of WL! I am so glad you had a great experience. I can't wait!

 

[Deborah_Mary]

What a great trip report! Glad you had such a great time at WL! Dh & I are considering staying there for our upcoming trip... but we haven't decided just yet.

Deb*

 

[Dchef]

WL lover I do rememeber--Things were so hectic while we were there I didn't have time to look for anyone at all!
We didn't want the 6th floor becuase of the Smoking--other than that it was fine. I guess you always need to request it or you could get it!! No problem becuause they were very accomadating to us.

One morning we walked all the gounds and looked around --went down to the Villa's and where sturdy branches is and the "hidden pool and hot tub" came along the back side of the beach....it was a great morning!! All I can say is that the Wilderness Lodge was "Peaceful" and I didn't expect that at all while I was there. The lobby area was the only place that was noisy, in fact at check in WC was making their dinner call and that took me back a bit...then I got used to it.

I just think for anyone on the fence--you can't go wrong, although everyone's experience will be different...Mine was simply fantastic!!

I miss my morning wake up call from Mickey!

D

 

[tubachick]

Thanks for your post and update on WL info.

We WL!!!

 

[Tabetha]

I'm totally sold on the WL after one night there on our last trip. I love everything about it.