(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~11/13 - 6/14~

[mouselovenfamily]

Paper FastPasses done at Disney's Magic Kingdom

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Jan 14, 2014

Beginning today, January 14, paper FastPasses will not be available at the Magic Kingdom. All Magic Kingdom guests will now be able to utilize FastPass+; previously, it had only been available to Disney resort guests. Offsite guests will need to visit a MyMagic+ kiosk to make their selections when they arrive at the park. If they need to modify any of those selections, that will need to be done at the kiosks as well. Offsite guests will not receive MagicBands, but will use their tickets instead. Walt Disney World resort guests will continue to be able to make their FastPass+ selections in advance and will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or website to make and modify their selections.

In addition to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom has also switched to just FastPass+. Hollywood Studios and Epcot are expected to make the switch in the next couple of months.

So are the fastpass+ the only way we can get a fastpass now?

 

[cheesemouse]

I just returned yesterday and had no problem with the hair dryer in the room. I asked this same question before I left. I have thick curly hair and need a powerful dryer that dries quickly and was happy with the hair dryer.

Thank you!!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I'm looking at the resort transportation info. It says,

Buses for the Magic Kingdom and Magic Kingdom Resort Area will start running at 6:30am DAILY.

We have an 8:30 Keys to the Kingdom Tour on day the park opens at 9am. We need to be checked in at Chamber of Commerce by 8:15, which means turnstiles by 8:00-8:10.

What time do you think we should catch the bus over?

The bus ride itself is only about 5 minutes long, but if they have to load an ECV, it can take much longer. I would guess you want to be at the bus stop at least by 7:40, just in case.

Also, if we rent bikes, can we take them over to Ft Wilderness? Haven't been on the path between the two resorts before, and there's a lot to see and explore there.

Yes, you can take the bikes over to FW. We like to walk over there, but bikes would be fun, too

TIA....is the only elevator by the lobby or is there another by Roaring Forks? We have a woods view with bunk beads but I don't know whether to request a room or take my chances.

There is another elevator near Roaring Forks. It is very convenient for the north wing rooms.

So are the fastpass+ the only way we can get a fastpass now?

As of right now, all the traditional fast pass machines are covered up and everyone, resort guests and off site guests, can only use fp+ and are limited to 3 fp's per day at both AK and MK. The latest rumor is that Epcot and HS will switch to fp+ only on Jan 22nd, but so far that is just a rumor. But I do believe that the traditional paper fast passes will be gone from all parks soon.

 

[fauntleroy53]

Hey Kook!
Thanks so much for ALL the info.
I've reeled in my overthinking brain. I'm going to take a walk down the block to Kermits Key Lime Store and stock up on some Key West cookies, candies and other fun food to give to the CM's to share, rather than trying to hit each one up individually. Can't thank-you enough for the advice. You're a lifesaver!!

Loved your note about Key West. We're about 6 hours from Orlando, driving. DH & I leave the morning before check - in (this time, 2/1). We stop in Fort Lauderdale to take my Dad out for lunch (he's 92 and in living assisted). Then we take a leisurely drive about 3 more hours and stay overnight in a hotel on Vineland-Apopka Rd, near DTD. That way, we get to our resort early in the morning, rested and ready to put in a full day.
We make day trips to check on my Dad about 4 times a month,3 1/2 hours each way.We drive to NC to visit our kids/grandkids, 17 hours, so a 6 hour drive to Orlando doesn't seem so bad.
It looks like you live in Virginia. When our son worked at the Pentagon, we'd visit him in Arlington. Now THAT'S a drive to Orlando!!!!!!!

 

[yooperfan]

Do they still pick flag families? I also was wondering if you have a better chance of getting your room request for courtyard if you do early check in or if we arrive early on the day we check in. Thanks.

 

[Mouse14]

Do they still pick flag families? I also was wondering if you have a better chance of getting your room request for courtyard if you do early check in or if we arrive early on the day we check in. Thanks.

I'm almost positive they still do, 3 Years ago in proposed to my wife up there, and last year we want back for our anniversary and we did the flag family, hopefully we will be able to to it again in feb

 

[runner_princess]

Hi Everyone we just decided on staying at the Villas of WL for our May trip!! I am so excited this will be our first stay at VWL we are usually BLT people but every trip we always seem to stop by WL because we just love looking around so we are SUPER excited about staying. I do have a question though. Does anyone staying at the Villas usually put in a room request and if so what do you usually request? Thank you!!!

We request ground floor - love the walk out!

 

[dansdad]

So are the fastpass+ the only way we can get a fastpass now?

Yup. Animal Kingdom has been paper FP free for about a month now.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Were coming back!!!!!!! I just received a pin offer via email and went ahead and booked our next trip for 9/27-10/5. We originally were going 9/29-10/5 but the pin code was only valid through the 27th and DH wants to run tower or terror 10miler which is predicted to be on 10/4 so I couldn't shorten the dates. Now we get to spend more time in the world!! Let the countdown begin & and fingers crossed I get a new job soon!

ETA: I thought the pin was based on the arrival date but it is for actual "stay dates" so it wasn't really a savings for us. I kept the reservation for now but hoping for a discount so we can afford it.

 

[dansdad]

Do they still pick flag families? I also was wondering if you have a better chance of getting your room request for courtyard if you do early check in or if we arrive early on the day we check in. Thanks.

Rooms are assigned 2-3 days prior to arrival so when you check in doesn't really have any affect.

 

[SnickerzKC]

Hey everyone. Newbie to the forum. Found this site when I was trying to decide what resort to stay at when I go to Disney at the end of March for a girls trip with my mom. In the past I've stayed at the Poly and Caribbean but we decided to do something different this time and went with the Wilderness Lodge. The information on the first page was really helpful when it came to making a decision and I look forward to staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[BwoZoo22]

Hey everyone. Newbie to the forum. Found this site when I was trying to decide what resort to stay at when I go to Disney at the end of March for a girls trip with my mom. In the past I've stayed at the Poly and Caribbean but we decided to do something different this time and went with the Wilderness Lodge. The information on the first page was really helpful when it came to making a decision and I look forward to staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

Congrats! You will love it. Took my mom with us one year too. You all will have so much fun!

 

[BwoZoo22]

Hey everyone. Newbie to the forum. Found this site when I was trying to decide what resort to stay at when I go to Disney at the end of March for a girls trip with my mom. In the past I've stayed at the Poly and Caribbean but we decided to do something different this time and went with the Wilderness Lodge. The information on the first page was really helpful when it came to making a decision and I look forward to staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

Congrats! Sounds like a fun trip. Took my mom one year too. Stayed at the WL and enjoyed the Food and Wine Festival. We had a blast! You guys will love it!

 

[BwoZoo22]

Congrats! Sounds like a fun trip. Took my mom one year too. Stayed at the WL and enjoyed the Food and Wine Festival. We had a blast! You guys will love it!

Love those iPad hiccups....

 

[GetGlowing]

@woodnymph - thanks for answering my transportation questions!

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Rec'd a email with pin code for 35% off including WL CL!

Two kids going to college....

What to do, what to do....

 

[Wood Nymph]

Rec'd a email with pin code for 35% off including WL CL!

Two kids going to college....

What to do, what to do....

How about finding some cheap airfare and flying down for a nice, quick trip? That is what we are doing.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I plan to test out this new fp+ only system at MK when we are there next week. I will report back here what I find.

Kook - thanks for the trip report. The WL looks beautiful all decorated for Christmas. It was great that you got a free upgrade to CL. You deserve it for all the hard work you do.

Thank you for your thoughtful post.

Hey Kook!
Thanks so much for ALL the info.
I've reeled in my overthinking brain. I'm going to take a walk down the block to Kermits Key Lime Store and stock up on some Key West cookies, candies and other fun food to give to the CM's to share, rather than trying to hit each one up individually. Can't thank-you enough for the advice. You're a lifesaver!!

Loved your note about Key West. We're about 6 hours from Orlando, driving. DH & I leave the morning before check - in (this time, 2/1). We stop in Fort Lauderdale to take my Dad out for lunch (he's 92 and in living assisted). Then we take a leisurely drive about 3 more hours and stay overnight in a hotel on Vineland-Apopka Rd, near DTD. That way, we get to our resort early in the morning, rested and ready to put in a full day.
We make day trips to check on my Dad about 4 times a month,3 1/2 hours each way.We drive to NC to visit our kids/grandkids, 17 hours, so a 6 hour drive to Orlando doesn't seem so bad.
It looks like you live in Virginia. When our son worked at the Pentagon, we'd visit him in Arlington. Now THAT'S a drive to Orlando!!!!!!!

We can fully relate to your DS's former commute

The Key West treats sound perfect! Can you squeeze a cute little Key Deer in the car? We did the KW - SoFL trip probably twice a month for a few years. It's a beautiful drive at first, but then the "bridge phenomenon" makes for an extra long-feeling trip to the mainland. I often wished I could skip over to the old 7-Mile bridge to avoid all the tourists who drive sooooo slowly.

Do they still pick flag families?

Just ask at check-in.

I'm almost positive they still do, 3 Years ago in proposed to my wife up there, and last year we want back for our anniversary and we did the flag family, hopefully we will be able to to it again in feb

How sweet!

Were coming back!!!!!!! I just received a pin offer via email and went ahead and booked our next trip for 9/27-10/5. We originally were going 9/29-10/5 but the pin code was only valid through the 27th and DH wants to run tower or terror 10miler which is predicted to be on 10/4 so I couldn't shorten the dates. Now we get to spend more time in the world!! Let the countdown begin & and fingers crossed I get a new job soon!

ETA: I thought the pin was based on the arrival date but it is for actual "stay dates" so it wasn't really a savings for us. I kept the reservation for now but hoping for a discount so we can afford it.

Darn. Well, I hope a better discount and new job come along FAST.

Hey everyone. Newbie to the forum. Found this site when I was trying to decide what resort to stay at when I go to Disney at the end of March for a girls trip with my mom. In the past I've stayed at the Poly and Caribbean but we decided to do something different this time and went with the Wilderness Lodge. The information on the first page was really helpful when it came to making a decision and I look forward to staying at the Wilderness Lodge.

to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread, SnickerzKC! I'm glad you've found the first page helpful and let us know if you have any questions. Happy planning!

Rec'd a email with pin code for 35% off including WL CL!

Two kids going to college....

What to do, what to do....

BOOKITBOOKITBOOKIT! Do it for the children!!

How about finding some cheap airfare and flying down for a nice, quick trip? That is what we are doing.

 

[ocalla]

Rec'd a email with pin code for 35% off including WL CL!

Two kids going to college....

What to do, what to do....

Do it.....Do it.....Do it.....

 

[mslhb]

Getting ready to book my deluxe room for this June at WL. I'm hoping to get a bear face view. Does that mean I should request the inner courtyard view? I saw the photos posted by elaw and that's exactly the view I would love to have.

We stayed in one of these on a previous trip. We requested "Halfway down the south wing and high floor". It was an awesome location with a great view!