Big Cedar Lodge

[mm4mm]

Has anyone been to Big Cedar Lodge, and if so, how was it. We have no children, and are wondering if the activities are mostly child oriented, or what type of adult activities they have. Is it true all the rooms have Jacuzzi's? Thanks in Advance.

 

[raparker13]

We went a few years ago - mainly to fish. I enjoyed it; but it wasn't great. I think we were in Valley View Lodge and the room was no where near Disney standards, but decent. We didn't checkout the other lodges. Now, I admit that we did it on the cheap - and didn't book one of the more expensive rooms.

Overall, it is a pleasant place with nice views. The nearby Dogwood Canyon park (private, same owner as Big Cedar) offers fly fishing and hiking.

The dining was quite good, particularly Top of the Rock.

If I didn't fish, I'm not sure why I would go...

 

[DisnutDave]

Friends of ours just came back from Big Cedar and loved it. They had a honeymoon cabin. If you're thinking about using points, though, you may want to think again. They have a good special going on right now.

In this weekend's Tulsa paper they advertised a Sun-Thurs rate of $99 for a Deluxe King room with gas fireplace, Jacuzzi and private balcony in Falls Lodge. The Honeymoon Cabins are going for $139. The offer is good through 5/22. These rooms usually go from $279 and up. You may want to consider renting some points and paying cash at these rates. I just called the hotel tonight and they still have availability at these rates. Their phone # is 417-335-2777 ext. 5000. Hope this helps!

 

[dizneeluvr]

Big Cedar Lodge is awesome!! We've been several times now (on points each time) and it is a beautiful resort! Although there are activities that are fun for a family, I would actually say it would be as nice for just adults! Boating, fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, etc... And you are 10 minutes away from downtown Branson which has some great shows (even for us non-country music lovers)!!

I hope you go, it really is a treasure!

OKW Kirt should be jumping in here soon...he's another fan!

Laura

 

[OKWKirt]

I will second what Laura said - Big Cedar Lodge is awesome!! We love it so much we are a member of the Big Cedar Wilderness Club (timeshare with Bluegreen Vacation Club). Enough for the advertising. I can't speak for the lodges because I have only stayed in the cabins. We (myself, DW, DD, DS) stayed in a honeymoon cabin with loft and we took my inlaws down and stayed in a two bedroom cabin. Both times were on points and we loved both times (reason we bought in - see above). I would agree you need to check points versus a price you can get through the lodge. I would have to look back through my records but I believe when we stayed in the two bdrm the points were 47 per night and the rate through the lodge was $400 plus tax. I thought that was fair.

I have always thought the activities at Big Cedar was great for adults. Last year I had my DD and her friend (both 17), DS (14) (DW of course) and we rented a boat and pulled the kids around on an inertube and we also went horseback riding. Both of these along with hiking, fishing, etc may not be entertaining enough for small kids. They do have swiming pools, tennis, basketball, and a nine hole miniture golf that are fun. They have wagon rides with a campfire (last year we got rained out of going on this). Dogwood Canyon is great and also has horseback riding, tram ride, and other things besides fishing and hiking. Go to BigCedarLodge.com and check out everything available.

If you go to Big Cedar you must go to the Buzard Bar and listen to the singing cowboy. And like Laura said you are 10 miles away from the live entertainment capital of the world.

 

[mm4mm]

Thank you for all of your responses. I will defenitely look into Big Cedar Lodge. Sounds like fun.

 

[dizneeluvr]

one quick addition. I know that Kirt addressed the cabins. If you stay at the Falls Lodge, the "hotel" room is very much like what you would find at the Poly at WDW...large, roomy, well appointed.

~Laura

 

[VINN127]

so how is the fishing?
When is the best time to go for largemouths?

Vin

 

[OKWKirt]

I hope my first message didn't scare people away that have young kids because they do have a great program with activities for them and fun things to do. I was answering the original question if adults without kids would enjoy Big Cedar.

The cabins have stuffed animals everywhere, fireplace stocked with all the wood you would need, full kitchen, and they come in at night and bring their trademark cookies (can't remember what they are called). The resort is very relaxing. They have a lazy river at the Wilderness Club that I've been told they might let Lodge guests use, especially if you show interest in the club. I believe the presentation is low key like DVC.

Branson also has Silver Dolar City theme park which also owns a new night time theme park Celebration City (opens May 2003) with many rides, shows, nighttime fireworks, etc:

This new $40 million multi-themed park, offers you and your family nightly adventures, highlighting some of the most colorful and entertaining eras of 20th Century America.


My second love is DVC (first is the family) and third is Big Cedar. Boy, when I can talk Big Cedar on the DIS about my family ---- it don't get much better!

 

[dizneeluvr]

C'mon Kirt!

The cookies are called "peppakadors"!!!!

YUM!!!!!!


~Laura

 

[ErinC]

Vin,
DH and I fished in October, it was cold, rainy, and I was 4months pregnant (do I love DH or what???), the fish were very small. I remember the guy at the marina said that they had a tournament the week before, and the winning fish was like 2 lbs! So I would not recommend Oct.

If you do go to Big Cedar use the points or cash to either get a cabin, or stay in Falls Lodge. We stayed in Valley View for one night before we moved to Falls Lodge, and I was not impressed. The bathroom was a postage stamp, and all the rooms in Valley View are smoking optional, which may not bother you, but it drove me crazy. The Falls Lodge room was beautiful, and very spacious, much more comparable to a Disney room.

If you eat at Devils Pool restaurant, be sure to try the blueberry poppyseed dressing on your salad, I'm having to order it over the net now!!

 

[nickglover]

we looked into going this year, but to fly in anywhere close was cost-prohibitive from Tampa - something like $500 to $600 per ticket! we're going camping at Wekiva Springs State Park just north of Orlando, and also to WLV instead.

 

[ErinC]

Nick,
When we flew, we flew Delta(frequent flyer miles) into Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Then it was about a 2 1/2 hour drive. At least the colors were pretty on the trees that time of year.