BOULDER RIDGE

[SandyinMonterey]

Haven't been to WDW since 2014. We just moved from California to East Coast so we'll probably be able to go more often now. And since we can go more often, we will probably start staying in the deluxe studio instead of our usual one bedroom. Our home resort is Boulder Ridge (formerly Wilderness Lodge) and since we haven't been there is so long and especially since it went thru such a large renovation, is there anything we need to know? When booking a deluxe studio, are there any rooms I should stay away from? In regards to special requests: I certainly don't want to be looking at a parking lot. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!

 

[Pirate Granny]

No parking lot views at BRV, trees and partial bus view is about as bad as it gets. Oh yeah, first few floors on the dumpster side, but with the cabins moving in, perhaps they have moved the dumpster. We had a 4th floor above dumpster never bothered us and we are balcony people. Haven't been since 2016 and we were on the side that they were building the cabins, so not sure how the end result will be once they are completed. We LOVE the end two studios at the very end of the long hallway as they have two closets and we were three adults and two kids. Works well for us.

 

[sleepydog25]

Long time VWL owner here (who won't refer to its new name ). As Pirate Granny said, no parking lot views to worry with. . .kinda sorta. With the new Copper Creek Villas and Cabins opening in two days, they have put in a new parking lot that is now at the far end of the old VWL building, just past the aforementioned dumpster view. From the higher balconies, I'd guess floors 3 through 5, I think you'll be able to see the new parking lot, though likely through some trees. Beyond that, you won't have any issues. Now that the new cabins are in, the views of the lake from that side of the building are much better than they used to be. . .the downside is much of the wilderness aspect of the Wilderness Lodge has been chopped down. On that side, you'll also have views of the new pool, Geyser Point, and the cabins. The opposite side--bus side--offers views of trees and more trees and occasionally a bus through said trees if you're high enough. Very relaxing on that side.

As for the recent changes, Roaring Fork no longer offers the made-to-order Mickey waffles that were so good. Now, they come in a basket with bacon or sausage and don't have the toppings they used to offer. Plus, the batter has apparently changed since when I tried them a couple of weeks ago, they were cake-like and not tasty at all. On the other hand, Geyser Point is an excellent spot to grab food, and if you can snag a table under the roof, it's a superb locale to eat. We were there before the new stuff opened, so crowds weren't bad, but I'm afraid that once the entire south wing of the Lodge and the new cabins open on Monday that the area may get saturated during meal times. Didn't try the new pool (it's already open), but it doesn't have the bubbles of the old Hidden Springs pool; however, it does have cabanas. . .for rent, naturally. No slide, just a waterfall that you can't actually sit next to or use.

The new Wilderness Lodge certainly looks more like a deluxe resort now; however, the cost is a reduction in the serenity that made us fall in love with it.