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

[Dasha Hermosilla]

Can anyone comment if the refurb has started over at the Villas?

When we were there MLK my husband said he no tied that it looked like wood flooring was going into some of the villas (1st floor). He never noticed anything, but somehow this he noticed.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hi! Can we be added to the log? We're staying 4/5-4/12! First time @ WL (Woods View)!

I also have a few newbie questions:

What do you all do on the first day? We land @ 1:50. Trip is a surprise for kids and my DH hates to plan/schedule vacations so I'm on my own planning this trip! I currently reserved dinner at Kona--thought we'd relax, but I really want to go to a park.

Also, when do you do requests? During online check-in or over the phone? Are there rooms that are near an elevator that have MK or Contemporary views?

Thanks!

We always go into a park on arrival day unless we get to the resort later than dinner time. It is very easy to go to MK from the WL. It is a short boat ride, about 12 minutes, or a short bus ride. Depending on how late the park is open, you can have quite a few hours to enjoy the MK that night.

I make my room requests by calling up and asking the CM to add the request to our resort reservation. the online check in options are very limited. The rooms in the north wing that have a view of the Contemporary through the trees. Some rooms have a view of the castle and/or space mountain. There is an elevator in the north wing.

Hi everyone

My family will be staying at the WL for the first time this Sept. We were at the YC last Sept. and booked a bounce back to stay at the YC again. I love the YC--the short walk to Epcot, the pool, etc. While we were at the YC last year, I took dd to dinner at 1900 Park Fare while my husband and ds toured some hotels. They both really liked the WL resort and want to stay there. So, I changed our reservation from the YC to WL bunk beds, woods view to surprise them Is that a good choice or should I change it to courtyard view with bunk beds? I was thinking of requesting a room on the side that does not face the MK as it might be quieter--on the map it looks like the MK side gets noise from the restaurants. Any tips at all would be welcome as we have never stayed there before--thanks so much!!

The woods view rooms that are in the north wing and face MK don't get any noise from any of the restaurants. You can hear some boat whistles, but that's about it. I really like the woods view rooms.

 

[Mouse14]

Do the trees near the Lodge block your view at all?

they do block some of the view. i can see just alittle bit of the pool, and a good deal of bay lake. all in all not a bad view.

 

[pld5]

Has anyone who has been recently (or are there now) noticed if they have any stuffed wolf animals in the Mercantile currently?

We got one there last year for my son and he loves it so much he found a mother and a father wolf throughout this last year. Thought we might add to the surprise birthday (of both my son and Wolfie) by getting him a sibling.

It is a small plush by Ganz and I remember it was in the section of the Mercantile that had most of the Wilderness Lodge logo merchandise.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[WDWKOOK]

My sister and her family will soon be headed to WL after our rave reviews form the holidays they had to go as well. Thanks again Kook for the advice here n this thread...I know it made our trip even more magical.

You're welcome and it's great knowing that the thread was helpful in your trip planning. Let us know what your sister thinks of the Lodge.

Sorry guys but I decided to change our res back to the Contemporary. I am so indecisive and started second guessing my decision.

I once had your same problem…so I booked a CR/WL split

That's awesome!!! How were you able to get the 40% discount and the 20% discount? And last question... What is SoG? Thanks!

The 40% off is using the military room-only discount. It was better for us than the 35% off AP discount. SoG is Shades of Green. If you're eligible to book SoG and they are sold-out (they have a calendar on their website so you can check) then you can call them and book an "overflow rate" at almost any WDW Resort, except DVC. The rate is always 20% off rack rate. They used to not book CL rooms, but I was able to this time.

Kook - Can you add me for these dates

March 14-22
October 30 -November 8

So glad to be going home!

So great that you have two booked stays at WL

Hey everyone this is my first visit to this thread. We have stayed at port orleans the last 2 visits and decided to try this resort out. We are REALLY looking forward to it and have booked our trip starting on Nov 30th through Dec 6th.

Any tips for requests? Staying with our 4 year old and our soon to be 10 year old. We have never been there at Christmas we typically come over Halloween. I was thinking the upper floors are harder to come by, is it possible to request a higher up room prior to arrival?

We also typically get free dining or room discount during our time frame, does that ever happen here? If not we are fine, but I was just curious.

Thanks for any tips, we are VERY excited.

to the WL/VWL thread! Once you stay at WL, you may find it hard to ever go back to a Moderate.

Here is the link to HISTORICAL discounts to see what has been offered in the past during your dates. Typically, WL isn't excluded from any general public discounts, but with WL becoming more popular, it seems to have reduced the amount of its general public discounts. If any applicable discounts come out, you can apply them to your existing reservation.

Make sure you go over to the beach/marina where they have a playground and bike rentals. And, make some time to walk/ride or boat over to FW to see the ponies and horses and take a tour of the grounds. They have free afternoon activities at Cub's Den and the arcade might be fun for your kids. There is a HM scavenger hunt sheet you can pick-up from the concierge.

You can make room requests at any time by calling the WDTC and having your request added to your reservation.

That is great news about your April trip, KOOK! I am already looking forward to your trip report.

I won't be doing another TR - I'm taking a bit of a TR break. But, I will post here about our stay.

We'll be headed to The Villas the beginning of May!! First stayed at the Lodge for our Honeymoon and it's always been our favorite resort on property. This will be the first time taking our DD there and we hope she loves it as much as we do

Trying to keep a finger on the pulse of the refurb that we heard might/should be happening soon too.

I know your DD will love it as much as her parents. Keep us posted.

So we have a party of 7 going, and I was curious what the difference is between the villas and the resort in terms of comfort etc..

is it nicer? The same? we are booked for the resort now but debating on the villas.

Another difference is that you will have a washer/dryer in a one-bedroom (and larger) villa. Also, there are no bookable views at VWL or Club Level rooms.

We're here!!!!
Checked in at 9am,WL CL. What kind of day was it?? Well, if DH & I were to leave now, it would have been a marvelous day, with us being pixie dusted more than we ever expected.

We were met in front by a nice CM with an IPad who brought us up to floor 7. We were the only ones checking in at the time, so both Victoria and "Not My Real Name " Luis, helped us. Luis said that he usually works the lobby desk, so his real name tag is on his other uniform. Both of our requested rooms are inhabited, so they were going to put us near 7035,to pop us in there eventually,but I said I preferred 7127 (which I knew was currently being used by another Disboard family). So while Victoria took care of paying off our room, Not My Real Name Luis said he'd move us into 7127 on Tuesday, so he would also move our temporary room from the other side to this side,s o we would be closer when we were moved (we're now in #7111). First sprinkling of pixie dust. While being checked in, DH mentioned how we recently saw Saving Mr. Banks and now he MUST see Mary Poppins, which he never saw...more on that later.....our temporary room wasn't ready, so we grabbed a little breakfast in the CL lounge and walked the grounds-saw the health club, Carolwood Room, Springs Pool, beach, marina..sat for awhile by the brook in the lobby until the sound of the water was having a have to go to the bathroom effect on me. Found that little porch area with the rocking chairs just off the lobby. My new favorite spot. So peaceful. Birds, butterflies, just a nice area. Sealed the deal-officially in love with WL.

Temp room ready at noon. Nice room(7111 I referred to earlier). Waited for Robert to bring up our luggage. Very,very nice man. Had lunch at Roaring Forks, then decided to take the boat over to MK. Did Stitch and Monsters U. for the first time. Did Peoplemovers and Carousel O P for the first time since '64, when I did them at the Worlds Fair - a nostalgic thrill for me(DH is a retired HS principal, so he's been on them as a chaperone many times-me,as a Middle School counselor, our students went to Boston instead of WDW every year.....). I had a Mickey Bar, which made the vacation officially real & under way. Stopped at the Firehouse to pick up Sorcerer Cards, which I can't understand & don't have the grandkids here to explain it, tried hard to figure it out, but not really,so when my brains started leaking out my ears, it was time to head back to the boat. Walked right into the start of a parade!! Nice timing, go figure, who knew, not us...we're walking around MK clueless, but happy......

Got back to our room and there was a lovely "bait basket" welcoming gift. Don't know who it is from though. I thought the chocolates on the bed with the welcoming letter was our check in gift, so we felt Pixie dusted AGAIN. But that's not all. Next to the basket was a DVD of Mary Poppins!!! Either Victoria or Not My Real Name Luis, was really listening when DH said he wanted to see the movie and they made it appear. Now THAT'S what we feel is really sweet and thoughtful!!!! Pixie dusted a third time.

Went to Raglan Road for dinner. Great! If you show up around 6:30,you'll get to see both the dancers and the musicians play (got to hang out in the lobby later with the male dancer, for a few minutes, very nice young man!). Loved table #82. It's a high top for 4,on the other side of the little wall, so you're close enough to see everything, but you're not right in the thick of things, just on the outskirts, as it were.

So, at 9:30pm,DH got some cobbler, a glass of cognac and watched the end of the Super Bowl. He is totally in the zone and I know I'll need help prying him from the room next Monday. Once he got that drink in his hand, he's settled in, that's it, he's here forever. As for me, some cobbler too, and, I have to say, some of the BEST chocolate milk I've ever had!!!! For me, that's heaven!!Oh, one more thing. We asked about being a Flag Family and Victoria managed somehow to squeeze us in the morning we checkout, next Monday. Perfect!! Pixie Dust #4 !!!!!

An absolutely magical day!!!!!!!
Tomorrow, we do Keys To The Kingdom Tour and Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise at night. Will report back on both.

Kook, I'm so glad I brought the goodies for the CM's!!!! They have been SO wonderful and it's only day 1. I'm going to hand it over Tuesday morning when we switch rooms and Randy is back. They really do deserve some recognition for the job they do.

Gotta get up early -tour starts at 8:30,so we'll be at the bus around 7:45, I'm guessing.

Just an amazing day!!!!!!!

What a wonderful first-day report!! It sounds like you might have to book a BB! I do hope you've been able to drag DH away from the lounge a bit - at least maybe to Territory Lounge. How was the MK tour and have you gotten settled into your "forever room?"

I'm sure I've read somewhere here about a step stool for my daughter to use in the bathroom. Was it here? Does anyone know how to go about requesting a step stool in the bathroom at VWL?

Just call Lodgekeeping and they will bring you one for DD.

Looking to book WL or AKL next June 2015. Have at only stayed at POP so far. What would I ask for for a wished view room?

We prefer the Courtyard View rooms that overlook the geyser and Bay Lake. But, if you've booked Woods View, a popular request is a high floor with a Wishes View. But, that might soon end up a new booking category if everyone keeps asking for it

So we are headed to WL CL in Oct 2014 and I read that many of you like room 7127... why is that?

I get all turned around when I look at the map of CL rooms... which rooms would we want for a view of the lake? what about for a view of MK? Thank you!

I'm probably to blame for starting this

7127 in the South Wing and 7035 in the North Wing are the only two CL rooms, other than the two suites, that face out toward the WL Courtyard, like a Bear Face room does.

In 2011, I requested a CL room without a connecting door that faced the courtyard, and that was the room we were assigned. We loved the room and have requested it ever since. But, I have to caution everyone that it might not be ideal for some. We love it because of the view and because it doesn't have a connecting door. It's also in a very quiet location since it's at the end of a hallway and gets little foot traffic. But, you can hear the rear elevator whirring up and down 24/7 because the wall backs to the elevator shaft. Also, one wall backs to a Lodgekeeping storage room so sometimes carts hit the wall which you can really feel if you're sitting up in bed. But, that occurs fairly infrequently and mostly during the day.

Hi! Can we be added to the log? We're staying 4/5-4/12! First time @ WL (Woods View)!

I also have a few newbie questions:

What do you all do on the first day? We land @ 1:50. Trip is a surprise for kids and my DH hates to plan/schedule vacations so I'm on my own planning this trip! I currently reserved dinner at Kona--thought we'd relax, but I really want to go to a park.

Also, when do you do requests? During online check-in or over the phone? Are there rooms that are near an elevator that have MK or Contemporary views?

Thanks!

to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread! I'd be happy to add your dates. Make all your requests by calling the WDTC and have them added to your reservation.

We like to arrive late morning by car, check-in, unpack if our room is ready (while DD and DH relax in the lounge), then we usually go to Epcot for an early afternoon ADR. In December we went to Akershus. We have also taken the boat over to the MK and eaten at CHH and BoG with a lunch FP. I think if you're going to eat at a resort right after arrival, why not eat at WL? You can explore the resort a bit then mosey on over to WCC for some fun. I wouldn't want your surprise to turn into a "Why aren't we staying here Mommy?" They have leis and say aloha."

What I did for this upcoming trip, was to schedule 3 Fastpass plus rides late in the afternoon/evening at MK on our arrival day. If our flights are delayed, I will get on MDE and cancel them, but at least I will have them if all goes as planned.

I didn't make any ADR on arrival day, in case of flight delays. With the new policy (credit card hold), delays won't give me 24 hours to cancel!!!

Just checked in, we are in room 4073. They call it one of the bear face rooms, awesome view of bay lake and pool.

We met up with park ranger Jack and told him that 3 years ago I proposed in the roof top, and that today is our anniversary, he was able to take us up on the roof for a few minutes. Had a nice talk with him about different rumors. Took some picture. Had a good magical time.

Now just drinking cocktails by the pool and EPCOT for dinner later.

Good start to our vaca so far!!

Yay for Ranger Jack taking you to the roof and yay for cocktails! Please do tell about those "rumors."

If you book a VWL one bedroom via DVC, you can have five persons in the one bedroom villa. BUT, they do not provide anything for the fifth person to sleep on, no cot, no rollaway. You have to bring your own bed, bedding, towels, etc for the fifth person. And you can't add one under the age of three if you have added one aged three or older (no five plus one under the age of three in the one bedroom villas that officially only sleep four).

But if you book through Disney Reservation Center, you are limited to four plus one under the age of three.

Also, there is no extra adult free when you book DVC villas. Like with Family Suites

It's always great having your DVC expertise - thank you!

Do the trees near the Lodge block your view at all?

The Deluxe Rooms at the end of the North Wing are pretty obstructed:

Hi everyone

My family will be staying at the WL for the first time this Sept. We were at the YC last Sept. and booked a bounce back to stay at the YC again. I love the YC--the short walk to Epcot, the pool, etc. While we were at the YC last year, I took dd to dinner at 1900 Park Fare while my husband and ds toured some hotels. They both really liked the WL resort and want to stay there. So, I changed our reservation from the YC to WL bunk beds, woods view to surprise them Is that a good choice or should I change it to courtyard view with bunk beds? I was thinking of requesting a room on the side that does not face the MK as it might be quieter--on the map it looks like the MK side gets noise from the restaurants. Any tips at all would be welcome as we have never stayed there before--thanks so much!!

to the thread!

The CV would actually be noisier because in the afternoon you can hear the pool party which uses a PA system. It can be noisy like SAB. The Woods View rooms that overlook the Otter Pond area are much quieter as well as the Woods View rooms in the South Wing, though I prefer the North Wing views since it's only trees and not VWL.

Add us too!!!! March 14-20 woods view. Have no idea what to request. Do all woods view rooms have balconies? Any room request suggestions? My son wants a lobby room but not sure what is good.

Yippee! I'll Log you. GrandCalifornian gave you some great advice.

Has anyone who has been recently (or are there now) noticed if they have any stuffed wolf animals in the Mercantile currently?

We got one there last year for my son and he loves it so much he found a mother and a father wolf throughout this last year. Thought we might add to the surprise birthday (of both my son and Wolfie) by getting him a sibling.

It is a small plush by Ganz and I remember it was in the section of the Mercantile that had most of the Wilderness Lodge logo merchandise.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

We can't recall a wolf in December or August. I do recall the stuffed bears, but not the wolf. Maybe someone who is there now will check

 

[pld5]

We can't recall a wolf in December or August. I do recall the stuffed bears, but not the wolf. Maybe someone who is there now will check

Thanks Kook, I was afraid of that. Had vague memories about there only being 3 or 4 when I bought Wolfie last year.

Our son tells everyone that Wolfie was born at Wilderness Lodge on his birthday.

Maybe Wolfie will get a cousin bear this year.

 

[MinnieF]

The 40% off is using the military room-only discount. It was better for us than the 35% off AP discount. SoG is Shades of Green. If you're eligible to book SoG and they are sold-out (they have a calendar on their website so you can check) then you can call them and book an "overflow rate" at almost any WDW Resort, except DVC. The rate is always 20% off rack rate. )

Awesome. Thanks for the info!

 

[Mouse14]

I am very unhappy with the new pool rules, way it's always been is that at 9 the life guards left, as long as you were quiet you could swim.

Now there are pool closed signs everywhere, even the 2 main hot tubs close at 9!!

The villa pool and hot tub is still open, but it's over crowded with kids and adults and not nearly as hot as the others.

Also the water parade is at 9:30 here, no one is around to even watch it. If the pool wasn't closed people would watch, now it's pointless....

I'm a rule breaker so naturally I'm sitting in the main hot tub drinking a nice cold beer within 50 ft of the wet deck lol .... Rant over

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks Kook, I was afraid of that. Had vague memories about there only being 3 or 4 when I bought Wolfie last year.

Our son tells everyone that Wolfie was born at Wilderness Lodge on his birthday.

Maybe Wolfie will get a cousin bear this year.

The Yellowstone Park Foundation has an animal adoption program and you get a stuffed black wolf, a wolf (tan/grey) or rainbow trout stuffed animal as part of the adoption. You get a certificate and the animal (and it might be tax deductible).

https://secure3.convio.net/ypf/site...8670F172A88261A4FA2AB79.app366a?store_id=1241

I've adopted a wolf, a bat and a bison for my son through a three or four year period

 

[Mouse14]

The Yellowstone Park Foundation has an animal adoption program and you get a stuffed black wolf, a wolf (tan/grey) or rainbow trout stuffed animal as part of the adoption. You get a certificate and the animal (and it might be tax deductible). https://secure3.convio.net/ypf/site/Ecommerce;jsessionid=E510392698670F172A88261A4FA2AB79.app366a?store_id=1241 I've adopted a wolf, a bat and a bison for my son through a three or four year period

We adopted a polar bear from the WWF... They sent us a small polar bear too

 

[Wood Nymph]

Room 5055 - courtyard view

Here are the room view pictures that I promised from our recent stay. We booked a courtyard view and my only request was an open balcony. We were given room number 5055 and it was ready for us when we checked in. The sun was sunny and this is what we saw when we walked in the door.

The room had a lovely view of the courtyard near the main lobby. You can see most of the bear face rooms in this view.

You couldn't really see Bay Lake very well unless you looked over the balcony and to your left. Here is a view with the geyser going off. The green roof below the room covers the walkway to the pool and Roaring Forks. The piece of building you see is Artist's Point Restaurant. Room 5055 is above the section of the resort where the Territory Lounge is located. The room seemed to be located midway between the two elevators. So if we wanted to take the bus, we would turn left to use the lobby elevators, walking past the open lobby on the way. That was a really nice way, since looking down on the lobby is really cool. I can see why people want a room that overlooks the lobby. Then if we wanted to go to the boats or to Roaring Forks, we turned right to go to that elevator. It was the noisiest of the three rooms we had, mostly from people talking as they walked by, and the pool party noise. You can hear the boat whistles, too.

Here is the view looking straight ahead from the balcony. You could see into a lot of rooms from here.

And I always like to post a view from the bed. We had a view of the Yellowstone Suite, which is the room on the top floor on the left. The dormer rooms on the top floor are the club level rooms. They have an enclosed balcony.

We got two fun towel animals in addition to the traditional towel Mickey. I thought that the swan and elephant were very cute. I saw our lodgekeeper in the hall and thanked her. Our room was spotless, as was the rest of the resort.

We loved having an open balcony, especially when the sun was shining. It was cold during our trip, never getting warmer than about 69, so the sun felt really good. Although I really liked the view of the upper inner courtyard, we prefer the woods view rooms. It wasn't so much a privacy issue as much as just preferring to see the woods and nature.

 

[fauntleroy53]

Day2(yesterday) at WL...
I'm posting here and not in the official TR area because I'm not intending on getting too technical. Just a basic overview.
DH & I did the Keys To The Kingdom Tour. Started 8:30am,ended at 1pm. Had Katie as a guide and she was terrific. Some parts of the tour will be different for each group,as you might see different things at different times of the year, in the back stage areas. Got a lot of info/insight concerning Walts' vision and how WDW progressed. Went on three rides and received background info about them,also interesting. Got a half hour break for lunch at Columbia House-you picked out an entrée and a drink before the tour starts and the food is waiting for you when you get there -very efficient!
You get a feel for the layout/design of WDW and it turns out to be quite different from the back than it is from the front. All in all,it's a lot of time spent on your feet,but it does seem to fly by. Can't say enough good things about our guide,Katie. Knew tons of info about Walt & WDW-good luck trying to stump her!!!
Tour ended at 1pm,so DH & I headed over Thunder Mountain RR,where we had a FP for 1:20 for DH (I don't do thrill rides). While he rode,I found a conveniently located ice cream cart nearby and had me a Mickey Bar!!
Then we hopped the RR over to Fantasyland,where I scanned my MB for our 2:20 FP for Peter Pan,when I hear DH yelling behind me. His MB is gone!! He lost it on the roller coaster & didn't notice it until just then. The CM's let him in anyway to join me on the ride,which we were grateful for - (I was going on Peter Pan no matter what!!!). We then headed over to City Hall to get a replacement. All they had was hot pink(DH had lime green), so DH ended up with a pink band. I bought him a pirate sword cover for it before leaving MK.
The Pirates/Pals Fireworks Cruise was great. DH & I were the only adults there without any children,but in Disney,that doesn't matter,we're just bigger kids....
You check in upstairs at the Contemporary. You each get a kerchief to wear so those in charge know you're part of the group. At 6:45,two very funny pirates announce the start of your evening & you enter a room,where just breathing the air will give you a sugar high. It's a kids dream-treasure chest filled with cotton candy,another chest filled with gold coins(chocolate inside),chocolate cake,red velvet cake,little bags of pretzels,Smart popcorn,apples,oranges,a small freezer case with Mickey Bars,Mickey Ice Cream sandwiches,frozen fruit bars,coffee,ice tea,lemonade,apple juice.....after a few minutes,Captain Hook himself and Mr. Smee enter the room and everyone gets the chance to have pics taken-a photographer is there so the whole family can get in the picture.
Then you go in one of two groups to the marina. Your row is assigned at check in, so there's no haggling over seats. We had an EXCEPTIONAL CM pirate with us-wish I had remembered his name(he also does a few characters in the parks). He has an amazing singing voice!!. He kept us all engaged with songs,told funny pirate jokes and gave each child either a little sword or flag and posed with every child for pics. Seeing the fireworks from the water is something everyone must do once-it's breathtaking. We got back to the marina,I think, by 9. It was another good day. Made even better by ending back at WL. What a peaceful place to come back to. By the way, came across a few CM's during the day, upon hearing where we were staying, whispered how that was their favorite resort-they whispered because they were working at other resorts..........
Tomorrow the Behind The Seeds Tour and later in the week-Wild Afrika Trek Tour. Have to go over to the lounge now & grab a few cookies and some chocolate milk. Lovin' CL!!!!!!!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

We also had our first Dis meet when we ran into Shelly - Momof2Disneyboys, and her family outside of Roaring Forks. They were very nice and it was fun to meet another Dis-er. The weather was chilly most of the time we were there, but it didn't stop them from going swimming.

We saw some of the topiaries covered up to protect against the freezing night. Here is the Mickey topiary that is outside the villas building.

We walked over to Fort Wilderness for breakfast, twice, and we found the ponies covered in blankets on that chilly morning.

The fireplaces at the WL were all lit and were most welcome. This one is located in a lounge that is above the front door of the WL.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The Yellowstone Park Foundation has an animal adoption program and you get a stuffed black wolf, a wolf (tan/grey) or rainbow trout stuffed animal as part of the adoption. You get a certificate and the animal (and it might be tax deductible). https://secure3.convio.net/ypf/site/Ecommerce;jsessionid=E510392698670F172A88261A4FA2AB79.app366a?store_id=1241 I've adopted a wolf, a bat and a bison for my son through a three or four year period

Thanks for this link! I'm going to adopt the grey wolf for Valentines Day!

 

[Wood Nymph]

It was another good day. Made even better by ending back at WL. What a peaceful place to come back to. By the way, came across a few CM's during the day, upon hearing where we were staying, whispered how that was their favorite resort-they whispered because they were working at other resorts..........
Tomorrow the Behind The Seeds Tour and later in the week-Wild Afrika Trek Tour. Have to go over to the lounge now & grab a few cookies and some chocolate milk. Lovin' CL!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the update on your trip. That's funny about the pink MagicBand. I would have thought they would only have grey ones at guest relations.

I just wanted to add that we have had a lot of CM's say that the WL is their favorite resort. Any of the CM's that we run into at the WL seem to like working there.

 

[jacquelinemc]

Day2(yesterday) at WL... I'm posting here and not in the official TR area because I'm not intending on getting too technical. Just a basic overview. DH & I did the Keys To The Kingdom Tour. Started 8:30am,ended at 1pm. Had Katie as a guide and she was terrific. Some parts of the tour will be different for each group,as you might see different things at different times of the year, in the back stage areas. Got a lot of info/insight concerning Walts' vision and how WDW progressed. Went on three rides and received background info about them,also interesting. Got a half hour break for lunch at Columbia House-you picked out an entrée and a drink before the tour starts and the food is waiting for you when you get there -very efficient! You get a feel for the layout/design of WDW and it turns out to be quite different from the back than it is from the front. All in all,it's a lot of time spent on your feet,but it does seem to fly by. Can't say enough good things about our guide,Katie. Knew tons of info about Walt & WDW-good luck trying to stump her!!! Tour ended at 1pm,so DH & I headed over Thunder Mountain RR,where we had a FP for 1:20 for DH (I don't do thrill rides). While he rode,I found a conveniently located ice cream cart nearby and had me a Mickey Bar!! Then we hopped the RR over to Fantasyland,where I scanned my MB for our 2:20 FP for Peter Pan,when I hear DH yelling behind me. His MB is gone!! He lost it on the roller coaster & didn't notice it until just then. The CM's let him in anyway to join me on the ride,which we were grateful for - (I was going on Peter Pan no matter what!!!). We then headed over to City Hall to get a replacement. All they had was hot pink(DH had lime green), so DH ended up with a pink band. I bought him a pirate sword cover for it before leaving MK. The Pirates/Pals Fireworks Cruise was great. DH & I were the only adults there without any children,but in Disney,that doesn't matter,we're just bigger kids.... You check in upstairs at the Contemporary. You each get a kerchief to wear so those in charge know you're part of the group. At 6:45,two very funny pirates announce the start of your evening & you enter a room,where just breathing the air will give you a sugar high. It's a kids dream-treasure chest filled with cotton candy,another chest filled with gold coins(chocolate inside),chocolate cake,red velvet cake,little bags of pretzels,Smart popcorn,apples,oranges,a small freezer case with Mickey Bars,Mickey Ice Cream sandwiches,frozen fruit bars,coffee,ice tea,lemonade,apple juice.....after a few minutes,Captain Hook himself and Mr. Smee enter the room and everyone gets the chance to have pics taken-a photographer is there so the whole family can get in the picture. Then you go in one of two groups to the marina. Your row is assigned at check in, so there's no haggling over seats. We had an EXCEPTIONAL CM pirate with us-wish I had remembered his name(he also does a few characters in the parks). He has an amazing singing voice!!. He kept us all engaged with songs,told funny pirate jokes and gave each child either a little sword or flag and posed with every child for pics. Seeing the fireworks from the water is something everyone must do once-it's breathtaking. We got back to the marina,I think, by 9. It was another good day. Made even better by ending back at WL. What a peaceful place to come back to. By the way, came across a few CM's during the day, upon hearing where we were staying, whispered how that was their favorite resort-they whispered because they were working at other resorts.......... Tomorrow the Behind The Seeds Tour and later in the week-Wild Afrika Trek Tour. Have to go over to the lounge now & grab a few cookies and some chocolate milk. Lovin' CL!!!!!!!!

Was Peter Pan waiting for you when you docked? We have this cruise booked for July!

 

[Mouse14]

We also had our first Dis meet when we ran into Shelly - Momof2Disneyboys, and her family outside of Roaring Forks. They were very nice and it was fun to meet another Dis-er. The weather was chilly most of the time we were there, but it didn't stop them from going swimming. We saw some of the topiaries covered up to protect against the freezing night. Here is the Mickey topiary that is outside the villas building. We walked over to Fort Wilderness for breakfast, twice, and we found the ponies covered in blankets on that chilly morning. The fireplaces at the WL were all lit and were most welcome. This one is located in a lounge that is above the front door of the WL.

If anyone else wants to meet up, I tend to go to the hot tubs around 9-930 for a little while...

 

[Three cats]

I am very unhappy with the new pool rules, way it's always been is that at 9 the life guards left, as long as you were quiet you could swim.

Now there are pool closed signs everywhere, even the 2 main hot tubs close at 9!!

The villa pool and hot tub is still open, but it's over crowded with kids and adults and not nearly as hot as the others.

Also the water parade is at 9:30 here, no one is around to even watch it. If the pool wasn't closed people would watch, now it's pointless....

I'm a rule breaker so naturally I'm sitting in the main hot tub drinking a nice cold beer within 50 ft of the wet deck lol .... Rant over

9 o'clock?!? Wow, that is so early!! Did anyone give you a hard time about being in there after 9?

 

[Mouse14]

9 o'clock?!? Wow, that is so early!! Did anyone give you a hard time about being in there after 9?

One lady, not sure what her job was, came and told us that it was closed but didn't want to ruin our night, just told us that if her boss came out and saw that we would then have to leave, but noone came to kick us out, stayed in there until about 11. Last night no one came out to say anything at all, hopefully tonight is a good one too

 

[Three cats]

One lady, not sure what her job was, came and told us that it was closed but didn't want to ruin our night, just told us that if her boss came out and saw that we would then have to leave, but noone came to kick us out, stayed in there until about 11. Last night no one came out to say anything at all, hopefully tonight is a good one too

Well, that is good to hear.