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

[Mousemommy1]

I sometimes get confused with all the abbreviations, but I am pretty sure that CRT = Cinderella's Royal Table...correct?

If that is correct, then don't take the bus, take the boat...way faster and a direct route. If it is at 8:30 I would be at the boat dock at 7:30. That is probably over kill, but you won't be late.

I actually found the bus to be light years faster than the boat. The bus is a 5 minute ride. It is direct as well. The boat took about 15.

 

[brutus]

I am getting very excited for my family's first Disney trip, March 2-7! My boys will be 8yrs, 6yrs, and almost 1 year when we arrive and I know they will love the Wilderness based on everything I have seen and read on this thread.

I have booked a standard view room to save a little money (my parents are joining us and they also booked a standard view room). The view is not very important to us since we have a relatively short trip and don't plan on spending much time in the room during the day, other than to have the baby rest.

However, I really would like it to be quiet. We are early risers (b/c of the baby), so a few delivery beeps at 6am wouldn't be the end of the world for us. I think I would be more bothered by nighttime noise.

My only fear is that we will get there and I will wish I had spent the extra money for a WV room (not b/c of a great view, but b/c it's nicer?? quieter??).

Is the "view" really mostly about the view? Or is it reflective of other things that make for a better room and experience all around?

And, if we decide to take our chances with the standard view, would there be an option to switch rooms if we don't like our room/location the week of March 2-7?

Thanks for any thoughts!

Everybody has an opinion

But I don't think there is any difference in quality of room or noise level between any of the types of rooms at WL. It is really about the view. The woods views are nice..I actually like them better then the courtyard view. But I don't think you will have any issue with noise.

Have Fun!

 

[PSULion]

I sometimes get confused with all the abbreviations, but I am pretty sure that CRT = Cinderella's Royal Table...correct?

If that is correct, then don't take the bus, take the boat...way faster and a direct route. If it is at 8:30 I would be at the boat dock at 7:30. That is probably over kill, but you won't be late.

Yep, breakfast in the castle.

I was under the impression boats only start running one hour before park opening. On the day in question Magic Kingdom opens at 9, so I didn't think we could do the boat.

Just wondering about the frequency of busses that early...

 

[brutus]

Yep, breakfast in the castle.

I was under the impression boats only start running one hour before park opening. On the day in question Magic Kingdom opens at 9, so I didn't think we could do the boat.

Just wondering about the frequency of busses that early...

Ohhh...You may be correct...not sure on the busses from WL to MK. My guess is because of the boat they stop at a handful of other places before you get to MK.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Yep, breakfast in the castle.

I was under the impression boats only start running one hour before park opening. On the day in question Magic Kingdom opens at 9, so I didn't think we could do the boat.

Just wondering about the frequency of busses that early...

The boat to MK starts 1/2 hour before the park opens. The buses start running at 6:30am. You'll have to take the bus and I would allow 1/2 hour for it, just in case. But the ride itself should only be 5 minutes.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I am getting very excited for my family's first Disney trip, March 2-7! My boys will be 8yrs, 6yrs, and almost 1 year when we arrive and I know they will love the Wilderness based on everything I have seen and read on this thread.

I have booked a standard view room to save a little money (my parents are joining us and they also booked a standard view room). The view is not very important to us since we have a relatively short trip and don't plan on spending much time in the room during the day, other than to have the baby rest.

However, I really would like it to be quiet. We are early risers (b/c of the baby), so a few delivery beeps at 6am wouldn't be the end of the world for us. I think I would be more bothered by nighttime noise.

My only fear is that we will get there and I will wish I had spent the extra money for a WV room (not b/c of a great view, but b/c it's nicer?? quieter??).

Is the "view" really mostly about the view? Or is it reflective of other things that make for a better room and experience all around?

And, if we decide to take our chances with the standard view, would there be an option to switch rooms if we don't like our room/location the week of March 2-7?

Thanks for any thoughts!

The "view" really just has to do with the view from the balcony end of the room. The dimensions of the rooms are all otherwise exactly the same.

As far as location goes, people do have different preferences. We love having a room that opens to the lobby (which is available for all three view options), but other people prefer a quieter location down one of the wings of the hotel. Overall though you can't go too wrong because WL is a relatively compact resort and is all under one roof.

Love all the info in this thread. So helpful! So on that note...

We have a breakfast ADR at CRT at 8:30. What time would you guys recommend getting to the bus stop? Are the busses as frequent that early? Or if we just miss one is it a long wait for the next one? This is our first early ADR experience.

I was thinking about 7:15 would be good....

You should be totally fine at 7:15. We left our room at 7:15 for an 8:05 ADR and wound up getting on a bus just before 7:30, but were in front of MK before 7:35. Basically the buses may be fairly spread out (or very close, depending on luck) but it is such a quick trip that you should be fine with about an hour (or maybe even a little less) from leaving WL to your ADR. Enjoy!

ETA: The bus is a super fast 5 minute (or less) trip to MK once it arrives. We prefer the boat as well, but it does take longer in transit in our experience. I have watched the buses come in the morning from our balcony, and saw that they varied greatly. Sometimes they were only 5 minutes apart, other times they were as much as 20 minutes apart. That is the big variable in MK transportation, but once a bus does come it is a quick trip.

 

[PSULion]

The boat to MK starts 1/2 hour before the park opens. The buses start running at 6:30am. You'll have to do the bus and I would allow 1/2 hour for it, just in case. But the ride itself should only be 5 minutes.

You should be totally fine at 7:15. We left our room at 7:15 for an 8:05 ADR and wound up getting on a bus just before 7:30, but were in front of MK before 7:35. Basically the buses may be fairly spread out (or very close, depending on luck) but it is such a quick trip that you should be fine with about an hour (or maybe even a little less) from leaving WL to your ADR. Enjoy!

ETA: The bus is a super fast 5 minute (or less) trip to MK once it arrives. We prefer the boat as well, but it does take longer in transit in our experience. I have watched the buses come in the morning from our balcony, and saw that they varied greatly. Sometimes they were only 5 minutes apart, other times they were as much as 20 minutes apart. That is the big variable in MK transportation, but once a bus does come it is a quick trip.

Thanks!!!

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

We have stayed at WL many times and usually get two queens. This year kids are 14 and 16 and I am sure do not want to sleep together anymore. We have not had a bunk bed room since they were tiny. Questions: Can my almost 6ft son fit in one of these beds. How many bunk beds are in the hotel and does anyone know how many at each price level and where can you find out where they are located. Should I switch reservation to two queens? Advicehttp://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/confused24.gif

 

[WDWKOOK]

The three-day weekend has evolved into a four-day weekend here in NoVA, but no snow here - yet...

75 days here...can't come soon enough.

I need to sit down and more accurately try to pick out FP+ selections. I would love some advice from anyone there recently or now in how they changed touring plans with the new system.

We have been enough that we are not park open to close people any more. We usually hit parks at rope drop do all we want, use a few fast passes and get back to the hotel by 2:00 to enjoy the pool. We prefer dinner in resorts over crowded parks but will venture to Via Napoli any time.

I am an early riser so I am inclined to say we should still hit rope drop and not change our normal routine too much. But the idea of letting my hubby sleep in, relaxing in the am, getting some pool time and heading to the park for late afternoon FP+ times and dinner is appealing to me.

Daydreaming about WL and can't wait to be back. We thought our upgrade from moderates to a deluxe last year was a one time thing. But as a family we just could not imagine not heading back to the lodge after our great trip last year. Staying in a one bedroom at VWL. Now if I can just get through two crazy busy months at work...

Wood Nymph gave great advice. I wrote a little about our FP+ experience in MY TR.

Looking for some input on a room recommendation at WL.

DW and I are arriving in a mere 13 days. We were there last year and fell in love with the place. We have requested a King Room with Courtyard View. Is there any location at WL we should look to request at Check In?

Proximity to Roaring Forks is not a concern for us, just wondering what the best options are.

Do any of the Bear Face Rooms have King Beds?

Many Thanks.

I don't know where all the King beds are located, but each view has some. Requests need to be in your reservation at least a week prior to arrival so that the Room Assignor sees it when your reservation drops into the resort's system - about 5 days prior to check-in.

Did you book a Courtyard View? If so, I would request an Inner or WL Courtyard View so that you will have a view of Bay Lake, the geyser and pool area. You can also request a King, but there's no guarantee that you'll get one, unless you book a Honeymoon Suite. Good luck and I hope you have a great vacation.

Just booked our WL vacation.... We were going to go to another resort but just couldn't once it came down to it. I have always said when I walk in the lobby of the WL it just feels like "vacation"

We have two rooms this time... My sons g/f is coming along this trip.

It has been a few years since our last Disney vacation so looking forward to experiencing some new things.

Still trying to understand the fast pass+ system. When can you start to book the fp+?

We will be there on June 15th... So we have some time but the BOG restaurant is already gone... Any suggestions for getting in there?

Love the thread... It's great to be back!

Welcome and congratulations on booking! You can book BoG for lunch using the BoG FP option. Dinner is very hard to secure, but lunch is also a great way to experience the restaurant. You can book FP+ around 60 days prior to arrival.

Yay we are booked for WL CL for 6/1-6/6! Our planning for this trip has been all over the place. Originally was looking at October as a mother-daughter trip. I convinced my sister to feel the Disney magic so ended up booking June so we can go with them. They are a family of 5 so we looked at booking the BC. Which while I am sure I would love I was sad to not stay at the WL. They ended up booking off-site so back to WL CL it is! I had a couple of questions.

1. CL Check-in: Am I supposed to tell someone we are CL. Our last WL CL stay was early Dec 2012. We walked off the ME and into an extremely busy lobby. We had done on-line checkin so we got in a long line for that. Some cast member asked us our names while we were in line which we provided. Came back with a folder with our room keys and pretty much just pushed us out of line and on our way. Didn't even really say how to find our room. We were in a Deluxe room so I knew it wasn't on the CL floor. Honestly if it wasn't for these threads I would have known nothing about the lounge! Took us a minute to even figure out how to get to the 7th floor with our keys. So that was a little bit of a disappointing start but luckily was just a very very minor hiccup in what was a very magical trip. Sorry this turned into my long rambling story. My question is should I skip on-line checkin and what should I really expect to happen.

2. Parking: We will be coming in on the ME. My sister and her family will have a rental car (they are staying off-site). Are they allowed to come and park at the hotel to have dinner with us/check out the resort. I know this is probably a no-no but can they park, eat and then we all go to the MK together. How do they know which cars belong to guests. Can I get a parking pass and let them use it since I won't have a car.

Thanks WDWKOOK for these WL threads. They have an awesome amount of information and are sooo helpful!!

Welcome! I'm glad you've found the thread helpful.

Curbside CL greetings can sometimes be hit or miss at all resorts. There are only a certain numbers of CL Runners, and if they are escorting guests upstairs, they may not be greeting other guests who are arriving downstairs. I also think that with so many ME guests arriving simultaneously, it's more of a challenge to connect with all the CL guests. We always drive, so I don't have any personal experience with ME, but I would imagine it's easier to get lost in the shuffle.

If you aren't greeted by someone curbside, then look for someone either outside or right inside the lobby who has an iPad or clipboard. They should be able to help you check-in on the 7th floor.

If your friends have an ADR, the guard will give them a temporary parking pass. I believe they're good for 3 hours, but they will have to get the pass themselves when they arrive at the gate.

We are staying in a woods view room during the month of March. Any suggestions of which room is the best? I saw an old pic of the 6th floor 6004 that you could barely see the fireworks. I imagine that the trees have grown a bit since then and the view is gone.

Thanks

If you want a partial Wishes view, you'll need to request a North Wing room on a high floor. The trees should still be pretty bare in March, so the view should be less obstructed.

Well, it's been a week since we got back from our 11 day Caribbean cruise and now I am in full on Disney planning mode!

We just added another day to our vacation so will will be there 04/25-05/06 so if we can have that updated on the log.

Just trying to think what else we can add to do since we are doing so much!

I'm just counting down the days until we can book our FP+ selections (37 days!)

Adding a day is great and I'll update the Log.

I'm shamelessly posting just to get another look at my ticker!

Booked a WV room with no requests. I'm excited to see where we end up!

Let us know where you end up.

The level of detail in this thread is amazing....thank you WDKOOK... great stuff.

Back many years ago... probably our 1st stay at WL they had a garnish on the bloody mary from the Territory Lounge that was AMAZING. It made the BM 10x better. It was some type of pickle that had a sweet/sour flavor.

Does anyone remember that... For some reason I think they didn't have it the last time we were there.

Thank you for the kind comments. DH ordered 2 or 3 Bloody Marys at TL last month and there was no garnish at all, and once or twice there wasn't even a lemon

I am getting very excited for my family's first Disney trip, March 2-7! My boys will be 8yrs, 6yrs, and almost 1 year when we arrive and I know they will love the Wilderness based on everything I have seen and read on this thread.

I have booked a standard view room to save a little money (my parents are joining us and they also booked a standard view room). The view is not very important to us since we have a relatively short trip and don't plan on spending much time in the room during the day, other than to have the baby rest.

However, I really would like it to be quiet. We are early risers (b/c of the baby), so a few delivery beeps at 6am wouldn't be the end of the world for us. I think I would be more bothered by nighttime noise.

My only fear is that we will get there and I will wish I had spent the extra money for a WV room (not b/c of a great view, but b/c it's nicer?? quieter??).

Is the "view" really mostly about the view? Or is it reflective of other things that make for a better room and experience all around?

And, if we decide to take our chances with the standard view, would there be an option to switch rooms if we don't like our room/location the week of March 2-7?

Thanks for any thoughts!

Welcome! A quiet room location is a must for us, so I completely understand your concern. In our experience, the connecting door in between rooms seems to be the biggest producer of noise in rooms at WDW and especially WL. We always request to not have a connecting room and if we aren't booked CL and therefore not already on the top floor, I always request the top floor, like at BWI. Not having a connecting door and not having anyone above you seems to help the most when it comes to noise. Room view makes no difference really. In fact, one of the quietest room locations at WL, besides the Woods View rooms, would be a Standard View room in the South Wing. These face toward the parking lot, bus stop and FW. There aren't any delivery trucks in this area and unlike the Courtyard, there isn't any pool noise or music.

The Standard rooms seem to book quickly so you shouldn't have a problem upgrading, but it all depends on occupancy levels. I really don't think you're "taking any chances" with the Standard View and you are saving some money

Love all the info in this thread. So helpful! So on that note...

We have a breakfast ADR at CRT at 8:30. What time would you guys recommend getting to the bus stop? Are the busses as frequent that early? Or if we just miss one is it a long wait for the next one? This is our first early ADR experience.

I was thinking about 7:15 would be good....

Just a reminder that there is a transportation schedule posted on the first page HERE. It lists apx. travel times (thank-you, GrandCalifornian) and operating times of boats and buses, including early ADR buses.

We have stayed at WL many times and usually get two queens. This year kids are 14 and 16 and I am sure do not want to sleep together anymore. We have not had a bunk bed room since they were tiny. Questions: Can my almost 6ft son fit in one of these beds. How many bunk beds are in the hotel and does anyone know how many at each price level and where can you find out where they are located. Should I switch reservation to two queens?

The bunks are scattered throughout the entire resort. They are by-request only for a Standard View and for a CL booking. The bunks are twin-sized and I would think teens would rather sleep in their own bunk than in the same bed, even if they're a bit shorter than a Queen

 

[PoohsFan1]

The three-day weekend has evolved into a four-day weekend here in NoVA, but no snow here - yet...

We live in a Suburb of Chicago and it said 0 degrees F in my car as I was taking the kids to school this morning. I thought for sure the kids would be out of school today because we got a ton of snow over the midnight hours, but luckily everything was good to go....they already have to make up 2 days due to the polar vortex that came sweeping through a couple of weeks ago. I can't wait for May to come when the flowers are blooming, the weather is warmer, and we are off to WDW and VWL

 

[bluecastle]

A non-WL question for y'all. I have 4 unused tickets that I have kept safe through the last 2 canceled August trips. I read somewhere that I should use them on my first day before changing to the MBs. But now the MBs are mailed ahead of time once I put my info into MDE right? My question is, will Disney expect me to pay the price difference? TIA for any help.
KOOK- it's coming down pretty hard now. I think we may have a snow day tomorrow as well, with the wind chill and drifting snow. More time for Disney planning! ( I suppose laundry and cleaning the house might be grudgingly done as well)

 

[Wood Nymph]

A non-WL question for y'all. I have 4 unused tickets that I have kept safe through the last 2 canceled August trips. I read somewhere that I should use them on my first day before changing to the MBs. But now the MBs are mailed ahead of time once I put my info into MDE right? My question is, will Disney expect me to pay the price difference? TIA for any help.
KOOK- it's coming down pretty hard now. I think we may have a snow day tomorrow as well, with the wind chill and drifting snow. More time for Disney planning! ( I suppose laundry and cleaning the house might be grudgingly done as well)

Will these four tickets be the only tickets that you need for your next trip? In that case, you shouldn't have to pay any additional money to use the tickets.

Here is what I suggest.
1. add the unused tickets to your MDE account. If you need help to do this, then just call tech support and they will get it done. Those tickets will sit in your MDE account until you decide to use them. The reason you should add them to your MDE account rather than let them sit in a drawer until you take them to Florida is so you can use them as a credit for your next ticket purchase. Plus you have the benefit of being able to reserve your fp+'s 60 days ahead of time if you have tickets listed in your MDE account. And you can add the tickets even if the MB's have shipped. The information sits in a data base somewhere, not on the MB itself.

2. You will be able to use your MB's to enter the park. The old tickets probably don't have the RFID code in them to let you enter through the new turnstiles, anyway. Then, if you need to buy more days for those tickets, go to guest services and ask if you can bridge the tickets. They should be able to give you full credit for the current cost of the four day tickets, enabling you to add on the additional days at the lower rate. But you may want to call to check this out, just in case I'm wrong.

3. The MagicBands will ship whether or not you have tickets. The MagicBands are sent to anyone with a WDW resort reservation.

 

[WDWKOOK]

January 20, 2014|By Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

Walt Disney World's Wilderness Lodge has rejoined AAA's prestigious four-diamond list, one of only seven Florida properties to be added to the list this year.

(Thanks to tofubeast for article link found HERE)

 

[Mousemommy1]

January 20, 2014|By Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

Walt Disney World's Wilderness Lodge has rejoined AAA's prestigious four-diamond list, one of only seven Florida properties to be added to the list this year.

(Thanks to tofubeast for article link found HERE)

Well deserved indeed!

 

[bluecastle]

Will these four tickets be the only tickets that you need for your next trip? In that case, you shouldn't have to pay any additional money to use the tickets.

Here is what I suggest.
1. add the unused tickets to your MDE account. If you need help to do this, then just call tech support and they will get it done. Those tickets will sit in your MDE account until you decide to use them. The reason you should add them to your MDE account rather than let them sit in a drawer until you take them to Florida is so you can use them as a credit for your next ticket purchase. Plus you have the benefit of being able to reserve your fp+'s 60 days ahead of time if you have tickets listed in your MDE account. And you can add the tickets even if the MB's have shipped. The information sits in a data base somewhere, not on the MB itself.

2. You will be able to use your MB's to enter the park. The old tickets probably don't have the RFID code in them to let you enter through the new turnstiles, anyway. Then, if you need to buy more days for those tickets, go to guest services and ask if you can bridge the tickets. They should be able to give you full credit for the current cost of the four day tickets, enabling you to add on the additional days at the lower rate. But you may want to call to check this out, just in case I'm wrong.

3. The MagicBands will ship whether or not you have tickets. The MagicBands are sent to anyone with a WDW resort reservation.

Thanks! I won't have to do any bridging because these are 8 day park hoppers plus water park/DQ tix and we are only staying 8 days. How do you add tickets to MDE? Do you just type in numbers from the back? Do I have to assign each number to each person in our group online? How will I know which MB goes with each ticket? My FP date isn't until June, so I have plenty of time to figure this out! Thanks again for your help.

 

[brutus]

January 20, 2014|By Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel Walt Disney World's Wilderness Lodge has rejoined AAA's prestigious four-diamond list, one of only seven Florida properties to be added to the list this year. (Thanks to tofubeast for article link found HERE)

Wow... That's awesome. When/why did they lose the 4 diamond luster and how did they earn it back?

 

[JnKinVA]

The three-day weekend has evolved into a four-day weekend here in NoVA, but no snow here - yet...

Thanks for adding the day! We'll be flying first class this time down there and bringing extra luggage (one of the perks of FC is 2 bags free up to 70lbs each so we won't have to ship our goodies home like we usually do )
Just called to give them our flight info for DME and asked for extra tags.

We too are experiencing the snow day here Kook, we are out near Winchester, VA and it started at about 6:30am. I'd say we have close to 10in so far.

So cannot wait for April!

 

[bluecastle]

Another snow day tomorrow! More time to Disney dream and plan.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thanks! I won't have to do any bridging because these are 8 day park hoppers plus water park/DQ tix and we are only staying 8 days. How do you add tickets to MDE? Do you just type in numbers from the back? Do I have to assign each number to each person in our group online? How will I know which MB goes with each ticket? My FP date isn't until June, so I have plenty of time to figure this out! Thanks again for your help.

I haven't done it but I think you enter the numbers on the back of the ticket. I'm not sure if you will assign the tickets to people or not. I bought our tickets by calling up and talking to a CM. The tickets got assigned "magically". Each ticket has a serial number which appears along with a person's MagicBand in the section called "manage bands and cards" in your MDE account.

 

[BwoZoo22]

Thanks! I won't have to do any bridging because these are 8 day park hoppers plus water park/DQ tix and we are only staying 8 days. How do you add tickets to MDE? Do you just type in numbers from the back? Do I have to assign each number to each person in our group online? How will I know which MB goes with each ticket? My FP date isn't until June, so I have plenty of time to figure this out! Thanks again for your help.

I was able to add tickets by typing in the number on the back. As long as the tickets you have don't, or haven't, expired, you should be good. You will have to assign each ticket to a MB. Once that is done though, you should be set with just the MB. Keep the tickets just in case there is an issue, though...