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

[hstrickland]

Good Morning all!

Guess it's time for me to brush up on my WL knowledge since we only have a month and a half until we arrive We're in Florida now on Spring Break (at the beach - not Disney) Went to Seaworld yesterday for our youngest son's birthday, and we almost rode over to WDW. Sooooo tempted, but DH quickly reminded me how disappointed the kids would be if we drove up.....then drove away DS7 would have had a meltdown for sure!

Back to reading...then to the beach we go!

Heather

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Also just adding to Paul's post that the ride back from DTD has always seemed worse than going, unlike from all the parks. Every time we seem to wait a very long time for a bus back and it always then stops at West Side for a driver switch which takes about 10 minutes. I think the last time we went was 2012 and last year I declared that I was skipping DTD. Now, with all the renovations going on, I have another excuse to skip it in 2014. I even tried to make it interesting once by trying to take the boat back to POFQ for some beignets with DD and then taking the bus back to MK to get to WL, but we had just missed the boat and they said it would be about 45 minutes until the next one so to the bus we went

Ugh, those West Side driver swaps... We had one of those last year when connecting through DTD on the way back from AKL. I think we blocked that out of our minds due to the trauma... It is nice that there are no extra stops, but you're right that it is smart to plan on a 10 min driver swap.
We have commuted back to WL via walking to SSR and busing from there to MK, but that was a long walk and longer bus ride. The boat to POR is nice too, but by the time you do that and bus to MK then boat to WL it is a trek.
We still love to visit DTD, we just plan on some extra time.

 

[BlueFairy]

Well, I would swear that I asked a question, but I guess I didn't hit send.

We are 1 adult and 2 small kids in a standard room for 3 nights. I looked at the photos of the groceries in the mercantile. The photos don't show pricing. Can someone give me an idea on prices of things like a bottle of wine, cereal, bananas, and 1/2 gallon of milk? A six pack of Diet Coke (or are those single cans?)

I'd love to have breakfast in the room so we can make park rope drop, and that's less hassle than RF. The kids can eat and watch Disney Jr while I shower and dress. I really don't think we need enough to merit a grocery delivery minimum, so resort pricing is the next best.

Thanks!

 

[pas130]

Well, I would swear that I asked a question, but I guess I didn't hit send.

We are 1 adult and 2 small kids in a standard room for 3 nights. I looked at the photos of the groceries in the mercantile. The photos don't show pricing. Can someone give me an idea on prices of things like a bottle of wine, cereal, bananas, and 1/2 gallon of milk? A six pack of Diet Coke (or are those single cans?)

I'd love to have breakfast in the room so we can make park rope drop, and that's less hassle than RF. The kids can eat and watch Disney Jr while I shower and dress. I really don't think we need enough to merit a grocery delivery minimum, so resort pricing is the next best.

Thanks!

I would drive you to Wal-martor Publix if we were there at the same time. Honestly, I've found prices at the resorts to be nuts. I think you could easily hit the minimum with those items, plus have a better selection to choose from. Plus grab some other things like granola bars, chips, raisins...quick snacks...IMHO

It's an "open house" time for the kids to come and do a craft with a CM. There's a sign out front near the walkway into the Lodge across from the arcade that advertises it. It starts around 2:00 and lasts about 1.5 - 2 hours. On Saturdays, they have a Magic Cookie Hour at Roaring Fork.

The Pas-lettes love that stuff

It's not a new rule, just an old one that's often broken

I guess it's at all the resorts except SAB. I will say when we went early August it wasn't super crowded, and I was always able to grab a chair in the shade

Good Morning all!

Guess it's time for me to brush up on my WL knowledge since we only have a month and a half until we arrive We're in Florida now on Spring Break (at the beach - not Disney) Went to Seaworld yesterday for our youngest son's birthday, and we almost rode over to WDW. Sooooo tempted, but DH quickly reminded me how disappointed the kids would be if we drove up.....then drove away DS7 would have had a meltdown for sure!

Back to reading...then to the beach we go!

Heather

Enjoy the beach! Jesse!!!

 

[BellsFam]

I'd love to have breakfast in the room so we can make park rope drop, and that's less hassle than RF. The kids can eat and watch Disney Jr while I shower and dress. I really don't think we need enough to merit a grocery delivery minimum, so resort pricing is the next best.

Thanks!

How are you getting to the hotel? DME or a car service?

We had a car service for DH (who arrived separately from us) but they brought him to the grocery store and he had 20 minutes to shop... he had a list on his phone from me so it worked out...

I know that the hotels near DTD are close to a CVS or Rite Aide and a gas station... can you bus to DTD and walk?

 

[BlueFairy]

I would drive you to Wal-martor Publix if we were there at the same time. Honestly, I've found prices at the resorts to be nuts. I think you could easily hit the minimum with those items, plus have a better selection to choose from. Plus grab some other things like granola bars, chips, raisins...quick snacks...IMHO

How are you getting to the hotel? DME or a car service?

We had a car service for DH (who arrived separately from us) but they brought him to the grocery store and he had 20 minutes to shop... he had a list on his phone from me so it worked out...

I know that the hotels near DTD are close to a CVS or Rite Aide and a gas station... can you bus to DTD and walk?

I guess background is always useful . . . I'm traveling as a single parent & looking to keep the hassle factor as low as possible. We will be using DME to get to WL. In the past we've done a grocery stop or Garden Grocer, but truly for 3 nights we won't be eating much in the room (maybe 1 or 2 breakfasts). My kids have reached a point where the park snacks are way more interesting than the usual items from the grocery store. For a long trip they have to tolerate a mix, but for just a short one it's not such a big deal. I will take another look at delivery and see what the minimums are.

As for DTD, that's would be a money saver, but DTD is such a time sucker for us (see above bus comments) that I'm not high on that idea.

I really would be curious to see a few prices. I know it's a big mark-up, but it's more about scheduling vs RF than looking to save money vs quick service.

ETA: For comparison - Garden Grocer is a $40 minimum with $14 delivery fee. Before tip, that's a 35% markup at the minimum order, assuming the pricing is that of a regular grocery store.

Wegoshop is $19 fee up to $50 bill plus $2 fuel surcharge, $24 from $50 to $100 bill, plus 10% tip to leave with bell services. That's around a 38% markup before tip.

Thanks so much!

 

[Lynne G]

BlueFairy,
since you are only going for a short time, and flying, using ME, why don't you just pack some easy breakfast items in your luggage, and than just buy milk or other beverages at the hotel? If the hotel has a coffee maker, you can just heat water, and bring instant oatmeal with you. Granola bars, yogurt bars, raisins, small boxes of cereal. Whatever easy food your family likes. I always pack some food for us in in my check in bag. We also pack some cookies and other snacks that we put in our carry on.

Have a great vacation. We won't be at the lodge until the end of the summer.

 

[pas130]

BlueFairy,
since you are only going for a short time, and flying, using ME, why don't you just pack some easy breakfast items in your luggage, and than just buy milk or other beverages at the hotel? If the hotel has a coffee maker, you can just heat water, and bring instant oatmeal with you. Granola bars, yogurt bars, raisins, small boxes of cereal. Whatever easy food your family likes. I always pack some food for us in in my check in bag. We also pack some cookies and other snacks that we put in our carry on.

Have a great vacation. We won't be at the lodge until the end of the summer.

Great idea! I know the milk price is high, but not insane (we've had to purchase at the resort before). What is really marked up is soda and alcohol IMO. RF has the prepackaged bowls of cereal as well.

 

[bookgirl]

Great idea! I know the milk price is high, but not insane (we've had to purchase at the resort before). What is really marked up is soda and alcohol IMO. RF has the prepackaged bowls of cereal as well.

Milk is not crazy. A little less than $3 for half a gallon.

 

[Viking_53]

It's an "open house" time for the kids to come and do a craft with a CM. There's a sign out front near the walkway into the Lodge across from the arcade that advertises it. It starts around 2:00 and lasts about 1.5 - 2 hours. On Saturdays, they have a Magic Cookie Hour at Roaring Fork.

Hi!

We are less than a month away from our trip.

We are due to land in Orlando around 1:30PM on Saturday 5/17. I'm hoping we can be at the lodge by 3PM. Would we be able to get to the Cub's Den or Roaring Forks for the festivities if we get there by 3PM. I know my DD (age 6) would love to try these things out if we get a chance. We aren't doing a park until Sunday.

 

[JnKinVA]

3 more days, 3 more days, 3 more days. This is my mantra today.
Too much going on with my life right now...and a new german shepherd puppy that is turning my hands and legs into a pin cushion lol

I just cannot wait to hear the words "welcome home" on Friday.

 

[pas130]

Milk is not crazy. A little less than $3 for half a gallon.

I must've worded my post wrong. I meant to say its high but not insanely high. Especially where Disney is concerned. But soda and alcohol are expensive. Apologies

3 more days, 3 more days, 3 more days. This is my mantra today.
Too much going on with my life right now...and a new german shepherd puppy that is turning my hands and legs into a pin cushion lol

I just cannot wait to hear the words "welcome home" on Friday.

Woohoo!!! Very exciting!

 

[BlueFairy]

BlueFairy,
since you are only going for a short time, and flying, using ME, why don't you just pack some easy breakfast items in your luggage, and than just buy milk or other beverages at the hotel? If the hotel has a coffee maker, you can just heat water, and bring instant oatmeal with you. Granola bars, yogurt bars, raisins, small boxes of cereal. Whatever easy food your family likes. I always pack some food for us in in my check in bag. We also pack some cookies and other snacks that we put in our carry on.

Have a great vacation. We won't be at the lodge until the end of the summer.

Great idea! I know the milk price is high, but not insane (we've had to purchase at the resort before). What is really marked up is soda and alcohol IMO. RF has the prepackaged bowls of cereal as well.

Milk is not crazy. A little less than $3 for half a gallon.

Perhaps I can find room in the suitcase for some cereals. I don't think $3 is a deal breaker on milk by any means.

 

[bookgirl]

Perhaps I can find room in the suitcase for some cereals. I don't think $3 is a deal breaker on milk by any means.

I did DME last trip, took crackers, Kind bars, trail mix, some apples, Via singles, and a few other snacks. Bought milk at the resort and it was fine. I was a value so no coffee maker but I like ice coffee so I made my VIa at night then cooled it in the fridge for the morning. Got filtered water from the food court (brought a two refillable bottles). I got napkins and plastic wear from the food court along with some splenda. I've been told that they will also give you plates and bowls if you ask but I didn't need any so don't know about that.

Packed it in some Tupperware to avoid smushing and then came home with treats in the space where breakfast/snacks had been.

It worked out great. Bet you could buy cereal and pack it down in a container then bring rice crispy treats home in same container.

 

[OttawaDisGirl]

Hi there,

Does anyone know if the 1 BR villas have an accessible shower? Which rooms might they be? I'm hopeful that there is both a tub for me and a roll in shower for my DS. Does anyone have any pictures? Are they dedicated 1BR's or lock offs? Which way do they face? We have a noise-sensitive kid. Of course, we'll make any adjustments as we need to but it'd sure be nice to know before we go!

Any info appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[gratefulfred]

Hi
I rented a studio from an owner for this September and have a few questions.
1. I know there is no trash or towel service till the 4th day but do they leave you some trash bags so you can take it out yourself?
2. What is in the kitchenette, is there a toaster, are they any utensils or dish shop or is it just the mini fridge, sink, and microwave?
3. Could I bring my electric griddle and cook breakfast in a studio since we have a kitchenette or is that not expected?
Thank You for any responses

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hi I rented a studio from an owner for this September and have a few questions. 1. I know there is no trash or towel service till the 4th day but do they leave you some trash bags so you can take it out yourself? 2. What is in the kitchenette, is there a toaster, are they any utensils or dish shop or is it just the mini fridge, sink, and microwave? 3. Could I bring my electric griddle and cook breakfast in a studio since we have a kitchenette or is that not expected? Thank You for any responses

Plastic wear in the studio but there are some real coffee mugs and glasses. Paper plates and bowls. Yes on the griddle. Yes on toaster and dish soap. They also provide a small sponge and dish towel. Extra trash bags are in the trash cans themselves underneath the one being used.

 

[DisMom829]

Can someone describe the Club Level benefits? I've read the info on the resort site. Just wanted a personal view & opinion. Can't decide if we want to upgrade or not. It's just the hubs & I this trip. My apologies if this has been asked before.

 

[BellsFam]

So this is my silly question of the day... on the cruise lines you are pretty forbidden from using the "over the door" organizers for fear of damaging the door...

Does that apply to the resorts as well?

Can you decorate your hotel room door? I read that the cruise line was a metal door, are the resorts the same? Can you use magnets on your door?

 

[ttkc]

I'm sorry if this is a frequent question, but I've looked through the thread as thoroughly as I could and didn't find the answer to this. We're staying at the VWL in February (no, I am not Type A. Why do you ask?). We would probably like to order pizza to the villa one night. Do any of the local pizza places deliver to either VWL or at least to the lobby of WL? Thanks!