Bunnies and mooses and groupies, Oh my!!! The Wilderness Lodge groupies thread. 4.0

[lisah0711]

Welcome back to all Groupies who were travelling! And thanks to all who are sharing their pics.

HL, thank you for the gorgeous picture of the castle. Sending love to you and your family. Get some rest!

Mush, That is so cool. Sid is also a big guitar hero nut. This year he wants DJ hero which is the same premise as Guitar hero but with turntables.

Time for thinking caps gang. If any recent returnees went shopping see if you can get these.

Unscramble the letters below to find a list of Magic Kingdom shops:

yrkentaeeadr
kimsreiscy
emmpiruo Emporium
tuncnobtouyy
oeaesftcmnnurvh
apecahu
rbacripth a
irscmetsrraystaedk

Good luck!

Figured out one of the stores on your list, eliza. Apparently, I need to do more shopping when I am at WDW next week because I can't figure out the rest!

Happy Birthday Mickey Morse!

Horselover, . Sounds like you had a good time although the circumstances were so sad. And it sounds like your family really missed you while you were gone.

5 days

4 days for me!

Thanks muushka for showing us the GH house -- DS was amazed!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You go girl on the cruise thing! Let me know if you need any tips on shopping for one, I about have a PhD in cruise shopping by now!

Oh I know who to call now! Just remember you offered!!!

horselover - welcome back and thanks for the beautiful pictures! I'm glad that you were able to enjoy some of the time at WDW even though it wasn't what you had originally prepared and hoped for.

OK, this is THE COOLEST garage Christmas lighting EVER! And it is Disney related! Created by an imagineer.

We are Guitar Hero fans and that is our favorite song to play (on easy of course).

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177295

Very cool Muushka! I think Disney needs to bring back that imagineer to update the lights at Epcot since nobody still there seems to be able to figure it out.

My nephew was kind enough to explain Guitar Hero to me when we were at the lodge a few weeks ago. I had heard of it but had no idea how it was played. It was especially nice since I had just put him to shame in air hockey. I think he might have still been in a state of shock. I warned him though - I really, really like air hockey! He said he would take my warnings more seriously in the future. lol

Time for thinking caps gang. If any recent returnees went shopping see if you can get these.

Unscramble the letters below to find a list of Magic Kingdom shops:

yrkentaeeadr Yankee Trader
kimsreiscy Sir Mickeys
emmpiruo Emporium
tuncnobtouyy
oeaesftcmnnurvh Merchant of Venus
apecahu
rbacripth a
irscmetsrraystaedk Mickeys Star Traders

Good luck!

I gave it a shot Eliza - no idea on the rest though.....

Welcome back Inkmahm and tea pot!

Happy Birthday Mickey Morse!

A couple more pictures from our trip where Disney does make the lights dance.

 

[horselover]

Kathy - love your Osborne lights pics! I didn't take any pics just a video. I figured a pic would never do them justice, but you proved me wrong!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Kathy - love your Osborne lights pics! I didn't take any pics just a video. I figured a pic would never do them justice, but you proved me wrong!

Thanks HL! A video of the lights dancing to the music would really showcase the display. We spent a lot of time walking around - I think the lights danced 6 or more times while we were there including well after the park closed. I kept waiting for them to kick us out but they were still going when we left!

 

[dsneygirl]

What time did you get this pic? We were there this past Sat and it was packed!

 

[DisneyNutzy]

Kathy - Fantastic pictures. Can't wait to see them.

4 days!!

 

[blossomz]

thy...fantastic photos!!

Had a little pixie dust today..made our ADR's for our June trip...aaah...so far away. But lest I complain too much..it will soon be here and quickly over!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

What time did you get this pic? We were there this past Sat and it was packed!

That was taken just a few minutes before 9pm on Friday, Nov 13th!

The park had closed at 8pm but they usually keep the Osborne light show going past closing. They hadn't even announced the last "dance" by the time we left. Our first year we went at the starting time of the lights. It's so crazy and packed then. Now we make it one of the last things to do and it's much calmer.

 

[lisah0711]

Thanks to all the Groupies for all the fun pictures! They really have helped the time to pass before we leave for WDW.

Happy Holidays to you all and I will leave the countdown duties to you DisneyNutzy -- I hope to run into you at VWL or the Merry Mixer on 12/24!

 

[DiznyDi]

Good Morning Groupies!

Well, the Dillons are back in Ohio. We thoroughly enjoyed our 12 days spent at the World. The holiday music, decorations and special events were amazing, as always. The crowds were much greater than expected or anticipated.

We did a split stay with 6 days each starting at VWL and ending at SSR.
While at the Lodge we enjoyed a sleigh ride at Ft. Wilderness, sought out a cute plaid Christmas hat, had IT difficulties with our key card and charges, canceled our Candlelight Processional due to rain, went to MVMCP, found the hot tub at the Villas not functioning and used the Lodge side instead, spent time in the rockers in front of the fireplace, had a GREAT Groupie meet and met lots of new folks, had the wonderful yogurt parfait for every breakfast (DD even took me back to the Lodge one morning during our SSR stay because I so enjoy this, only to find they discontinue it at 10:30 AM and we arrived at 10:45 AM ) had recurrent difficulties charging my new iPhone, enjoyed the boat ride, watched the geyser and most of all just took in every moment of the splendor of the Lodge dressed in its holiday finery. Boy I love this place!

While at SSR we shopped Downtown Disney, saw La Nouba, thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Fultons, had more phone difficulties, went to the DVC Annual Meeting, attended a special DVC presentation (sales) where they served some good eats, attended the Merry Mixer where the crowds were unreal, went to the Dessert Buffet in the MK, had great bus transportation and had an absolutely wonderful room - a 1 bedroom #8725 in the Grandstand section the building next to the pool.

It was so nice to meet new Groupies: teapot, Joy and her husband, twokats, Kathy and Kati and of course Ranger Stan's Sweetie! We were able to see horselover, Julie on 2 occasions and jimmytammy and family multiple times. We even met 3 Dis'ers due to the LGMH's on our lanyards!

Our meals were OK. The only one worth mentioning was Fultons - absolutely the best and certainly on our list to go back.
The most disappointing was Boma - no more prime rib and the noise level was beyond belief. One young child not more than 10 feet from us sat under the table on the floor screaming for at least 15 minutes while his parents talked with apparant friends at the table. Unbelievable.....

The weather could have been a little better for us. We experienced more rain than what was expected and colder temperatures than anticipated - but then that's Florida in December, you just never know what you'll get.

I've enjoyed reading through the thread. Sounds like you all had great fun at your virtual meet! The photos are fabulous! I'm not quite certain who's headed down - but to all traveling, safe travels either direction!

Di

Poor Dad's back to work

 

[DisneyNutzy]

Good Morning Groupies!

Well, the Dillons are back in Ohio. We thoroughly enjoyed our 12 days spent at the World. The holiday music, decorations and special events were amazing, as always. The crowds were much greater than expected or anticipated.

We did a split stay with 6 days each starting at VWL and ending at SSR.
While at the Lodge we enjoyed a sleigh ride at Ft. Wilderness, sought out a cute plaid Christmas hat, had IT difficulties with our key card and charges, canceled our Candlelight Processional due to rain, went to MVMCP, found the hot tub at the Villas not functioning and used the Lodge side instead, spent time in the rockers in front of the fireplace, had a GREAT Groupie meet and met lots of new folks, had the wonderful yogurt parfait for every breakfast (DD even took me back to the Lodge one morning during our SSR stay because I so enjoy this, only to find they discontinue it at 10:30 AM and we arrived at 10:45 AM ) had recurrent difficulties charging my new iPhone, enjoyed the boat ride, watched the geyser and most of all just took in every moment of the splendor of the Lodge dressed in its holiday finery. Boy I love this place!

While at SSR we shopped Downtown Disney, saw La Nouba, thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Fultons, had more phone difficulties, went to the DVC Annual Meeting, attended a special DVC presentation (sales) where they served some good eats, attended the Merry Mixer where the crowds were unreal, went to the Dessert Buffet in the MK, had great bus transportation and had an absolutely wonderful room - a 1 bedroom #8725 in the Grandstand section the building next to the pool.

It was so nice to meet new Groupies: teapot, Joy and her husband, twokats, Kathy and Kati and of course Ranger Stan's Sweetie! We were able to see horselover, Julie on 2 occasions and jimmytammy and family multiple times. We even met 3 Dis'ers due to the LGMH's on our lanyards!

Our meals were OK. The only one worth mentioning was Fultons - absolutely the best and certainly on our list to go back.
The most disappointing was Boma - no more prime rib and the noise level was beyond belief. One young child not more than 10 feet from us sat under the table on the floor screaming for at least 15 minutes while his parents talked with apparant friends at the table. Unbelievable.....

The weather could have been a little better for us. We experienced more rain than what was expected and colder temperatures than anticipated - but then that's Florida in December, you just never know what you'll get.

I've enjoyed reading through the thread. Sounds like you all had great fun at your virtual meet! The photos are fabulous! I'm not quite certain who's headed down - but to all traveling, safe travels either direction!

Di

Poor Dad's back to work

Sounds like a fantastic trip. Thanks for keeping us updated. Would you recommend the sleigh ride at Ft. Wilderness? Did it tour the RV loops for the decorations?

Lisa - I will keep the countdown going and will post our plans on here.

3 Days

 

[MiaSRN62]

Glad you had a safe trip back Di and sorry we couldn't connect !

Traveling with teen daughter made for up late nights and sleeping in. On Sat (Dec 12), we stayed at the Dolphin. Some of her friends from FL Tech texted her and invited her to an "end-of-the-semester" party at the Buena Vista Palace. So she took the car and I hung in the room. We had been at Epcot earlier in the day.

Then we couldn't get into our room at SSR until 4:45 pm on Sun Dec 13 due to them having to shampoo the carpet. Had I not called and asked to speak to a manager, we would have waited even longer ! Keep in mind, we were up very late the night before due to her party with friends, and then we had MVMCP on Sunday. We had hoped to get a quick nap in before the party but that never happened due to the room not being ready until late.

So we did the party on Sunday (GREAT !---it was sold out---last night's was not)......got home and into bed around 2 am. So we slept in Monday because we were exhausted.

Anyway.....your trip sounded fantastic Di. I see your weather wasn't the best.....it's a shame...because from Sat until today it's been awesome so far. Highs of 78-83 during the day and lows of mid 60's at night. Perfect !!!

We come home tommorrow......it's gonna be hard going back to real life ---especially the cooking part !


Maria

 

[blossomz]

Welcome back everyone who was away. Your trips sound like they were great! I'm homesick!

 

[Dizny Dad]

AS DiznyDi said, we are back in Ohio, and I am back at work. I have briefed the thread and found so many wonderful experiences described. And as I read DiznyDi's last post, I realized why I am so tired. She did a great job of describing our Disney Fix for the end of 2009, but I need to expound on our Boma experience. Please forgive me for the following.

We have always felt Boma was a good experience, both food wise, and kid control wise (unlike Hollywood & Vine). But we walked away this time disappointed in both. The food choices have been reduced, IMHO, and the quality a little off. but it was the noise level and out of control kids that really turned me off. Bumped into twice as I returned with my selections, and watching young ones dig into bowls of stuff you know they wont eat, just to leave the serving spoons laying to the side full of their selection, is what really stays in my memory. But the young one (~2 yrs) sitting on the floor under the table screaming at full lung capacity for 15 minutes (not an exaggeration) while mom and dad talked with a couple that stood at their table to talk. Not once did mom or dad pay any attention to the little one or notice that all of the tables surrounding them were annoyed. And don't you just hate people that find you sitting at a dinner table somewhere while your food is sitting in front of you and want to talk about what they find important. Yes, we are all polite with the occasional walk-by visitors, but this situation was ridiculous.

On the other hand, Fulton's was a delight. We had lunch at about 2PM with ADRs, but walk-ins were also being seated with minimum wait. The second floor atmosphere was light, airy, and quiet! Both the food selections and service was wonderful (don't mind paying 18% for someone that actually brings you something, unlike a buffet). The King Crab Claws were outstanding! DiznyDi & I both left feeling there was indeed hope for the eating experience during the "free dining" periods at Disney.

As it turns out, DiznyDi is letting me put Fulton's on our return list in place of Boma. I think I win!

 

[DiznyDi]

Sounds like a fantastic trip. Thanks for keeping us updated. Would you recommend the sleigh ride at Ft. Wilderness? Did it tour the RV loops for the decorations?

Lisa - I will keep the countdown going and will post our plans on here.

3 Days

If I'm counting correctly, this is your last sleep!

The sleigh ride did go through the RV loops. Some of these folks really take their holiday decorating seriously! Our driver pointed out who had won 1st place, 2nd place and so on. The ride has to be pre-arranged and pre-paid. There are some walk-up slots available but not same day, rather several days out. The cost is $60.00 for 30 minutes. The sleigh will comfortably hold 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children. Someone will be riding backwards though as the seats face each other. The red sleigh was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Ours was pulled by a grey Percheron named 'Dutch'. Just hearing the sleigh bells is enough to put even the biggest grump in a Christmas spirit. Would I do it again? Yes! Though I wouldn't make a point of doing it every (Christmas) trip. We had a beautiful evening that was just cool enough to require a fleece jacket and clear skies to fully take in all the ride had to offer. We even wore our Mickey ear Santa hats!

 

[eliza61]

We have always felt Boma was a good experience, both food wise, and kid control wise (unlike Hollywood & Vine). But we walked away this time disappointed in both. The food choices have been reduced, IMHO, and the quality a little off. but it was the noise level and out of control kids that really turned me off. Bumped into twice as I returned with my selections, and watching young ones dig into bowls of stuff you know they wont eat, just to leave the serving spoons laying to the side full of their selection, is what really stays in my memory. But the young one (~2 yrs) sitting on the floor under the table screaming at full lung capacity for 15 minutes (not an exaggeration) while mom and dad talked with a couple that stood at their table to talk. Not once did mom or dad pay any attention to the little one or notice that all of the tables surrounding them were annoyed. And don't you just hate people that find you sitting at a dinner table somewhere while your food is sitting in front of you and want to talk about what they find important. Yes, we are all polite with the occasional walk-by visitors, but this situation was ridiculous.

On the other hand, Fulton's was a delight. We had lunch at about 2PM with ADRs, but walk-ins were also being seated with minimum wait. The second floor atmosphere was light, airy, and quiet! Both the food selections and service was wonderful (don't mind paying 18% for someone that actually brings you something, unlike a buffet). The King Crab Claws were outstanding! DiznyDi & I both left feeling there was indeed hope for the eating experience during the "free dining" periods at Disney.

As it turns out, DiznyDi is letting me put Fulton's on our return list in place of Boma. I think I win!

Ouch!! I don't know what it is about disney but some times it does tend to inspire parents to take a vacation from common sense (to put it politely) I think it has some thing to do with not wanting our little princes and princesses to be unhappy while there. which is really weird because children really do alot better when they are not running amok.
(new moms, take my gentle criticism with a grain of salt, I am 50 and decidely "old school". I think I was 23 before my father would even let me be seen in polite society. )
Don't ever step foot in the new T-Rex restaurant, talk about LOUD!! I think the kids take the dinsoaur theme literally.

This year has been a really bad year for Disney Dining. It's just been a common complaint and hopefully a temporary problem. Generally we stick with Signature restaurants or we are off site.

Glad you guys had a great trip and are home safe and sound.

Ok who's up to bat next??

 

[Dizny Dad]

A big "thank you" to jimmytammy and family for the work put into Ranger Stan's groupie meet. It was fun seeing everyone in attendance. We all missed horselover and anniversary guy.

Sorry it took so long, but I am just now getting back into reality from the time spent in The World.

Thanks also goes out to Kristian for her work in keeping us all informed.

And a special Hello to Kati - so glad you and mom could make it!

I hope all are enjoying the "White Moose" gifts.

 

[DisneyNutzy]

If I'm counting correctly, this is your last sleep!

The sleigh ride did go through the RV loops. Some of these folks really take their holiday decorating seriously! Our driver pointed out who had won 1st place, 2nd place and so on. The ride has to be pre-arranged and pre-paid. There are some walk-up slots available but not same day, rather several days out. The cost is $60.00 for 30 minutes. The sleigh will comfortably hold 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children. Someone will be riding backwards though as the seats face each other. The red sleigh was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Ours was pulled by a grey Percheron named 'Dutch'. Just hearing the sleigh bells is enough to put even the biggest grump in a Christmas spirit. Would I do it again? Yes! Though I wouldn't make a point of doing it every (Christmas) trip. We had a beautiful evening that was just cool enough to require a fleece jacket and clear skies to fully take in all the ride had to offer. We even wore our Mickey ear Santa hats!

DiznyDi -Thanks so much for the review. I have the sleigh ride booked for Dec 22. I know the kids will love it.

Ouch!! I don't know what it is about disney but some times it does tend to inspire parents to take a vacation from common sense (to put it politely) I think it has some thing to do with not wanting our little princes and princesses to be unhappy while there. which is really weird because children really do alot better when they are not running amok.
(new moms, take my gentle criticism with a grain of salt, I am 50 and decidely "old school". I think I was 23 before my father would even let me be seen in polite society. )
Don't ever step foot in the new T-Rex restaurant, talk about LOUD!! I think the kids take the dinsoaur theme literally.

This year has been a really bad year for Disney Dining. It's just been a common complaint and hopefully a temporary problem. Generally we stick with Signature restaurants or we are off site.

Glad you guys had a great trip and are home safe and sound.

Ok who's up to bat next??

Eliza- I think Lisa is up next and I am on Deck.

Couldn't agree with you more about parents just ignoring bad behavior by their kids at Disney they probably wouldn't tolerate at home. My son is disabled and doesn't understand at times that his behavior is not appropriate but that doesn't mean I just let him do whatever he wants at everyone else's expense. I think as parents all we expect others to do is make the attempt at correcting the behavior. We understand it may not go smooth and solve the situation right away but at least make an attempt.

2 days

 

[Inkmahm]

We changed a few of our plans around for 2010 and had a waitlist come through:

Revised (and new!) trips are:
January 26-Feb 2 BCV (actually have one night in there still waitlisted but we'll be at BWV for that one night only if the waitlist fails.)

March 18-20 AKV Kidani, March 21-24 BCV (waitlist came through!)

April 25-April 28 DCL cruise, BLT April 29-May 2.

October 21-October 26 BWV

Dec 4-6 AKV, Dec 7-10 VWL, Dec 11-18 DCL cruise

2011- August 16-23 DCL ALaska cruise

 

[bobbiwoz]

Just returned from a great VWL stay. We met the Disboard family who had the VWL tree #2 before us, and that was a pleasure.

We loved pretty much the entire experience. For the first few days of our trip the huge wreath over the porte-cochere was 1/2 burned out. Finally, on Tuesday, we decided that if it wasn't lit we would mention it. However, we got back from MVMCP and sure enough, the lights were on. It was all taken care of.

We had great meals at Cape May Buffet, (they now have snow crabs added to the buffet), Hollywood and Vine (I especially enjoy the New Zealand mussels) which we ate at for the Fantasmic package which worked out very well, and at France, I had the the best Filet of Beef...it was cooked to perfection for me, medium rare and tender...wow!

The lodge and villas were beautifully decked out for the holidays and the music at the resort just can't be beat as far as we are concerned. We visited and loved the decorations at AKV (Jambo), GF, BC, BWV/I, YC but as far as the Christmas/Holiday music, "ours" at WL is the best! The Villa tree at BCV is top notch too!

We're bringing guests next December for a long weekend. I had just about decided that we were going to stay at a Value 2 bedroom at Jambo, but after this stay, DH and I have decided that we're going to really treat them to a VWL stay next year. Sshhh, it's going to be a surprise...I've sent them Lodge post cards, announcing that to them.

Bobbi