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

[GrandCalifornian]

Is there a bad woods view room? And I'm still very nervous that we would get the handicapped room since we are only two ppl. This girl needs her tub an separate area to do her makeup lol

I would argue that there isn't a bad room on property. Some have features that are less desirable to some (like handicapped accessibility) so you can make requests to optimize your experience.
One thing to ease you mind is that a majority of Handicapped rooms are courtyard view, so that helps your chances being woods view.

 

[Cobern]

they had the one last week that was an insulated cup and lid LIKE a Tervis, it had the totem pole on it and came with the straw. Most like the Starbucks mugs you can buy

Thank you!

 

[disney meema]

The room request options that you can select when doing online check in includes choices for a certain floor. But they do not include options for a certain balcony view. So you would have to call resort reservations and have it added to your reservation that way.

Thanks so much, appreciate the info : )

 

[CSchonfeld]

So excited! Just got my reservations for our trip all set! I'm looking forward to the bunk bed room 11/13-20. And my TA hooked us up with great dinner ressies almost every night at 6:30 including 'Ohana and Yachtsman We even have a princess day booked that starts w a 8:30 appt at MK BBB and 11:45 lunch at CRT- hopefully I'll be able to snag an A&E fast pass for that day. It's starting to feel real, even if it is 6 months away.

 

[hollygolitely93]

I could use reassurance and advice.

I had booked Woodsview in November with double queens. I was happy And hoping for a chance at a castle view.

Then free dining came around.

I called to add free dining and no available woodsview rooms. Only thing available was courtyard bunks.

I didn't want bunks originally as my little girl sleeps with us so the queen would allow DH to sleep with son and me to sleep with the girl. But DH and I will squeeze in with girl and son will sleep on his choice of bunk.

I read the courtyard view descriptions on the first page but still feel overwhelmed. Do all courtyards see the Electrical Parade? Any courtyards see the castle? Any courtyards see the lagoon full on and little pool? What would I need to say to request any of this (knowing requests are just that...requests!)

Also any advantages/disadvantages to consider with the bunks. DH was wondering if he might fit in a bunk...he is 6'2" so wondering if shorter than the queen?

We are debating whether to go over to GF as I can get a standard for just $400 more than my WL arrangement.

 

[BlueFairy]

And, it's our little secret

Thank you!!!! I still haven't got FP+ all figured out. At least I know one of those will be waiting on me when we return to the Lodge. Cheers!

I could use reassurance and advice.

I had booked Woodsview in November with double queens. I was happy And hoping for a chance at a castle view.

Then free dining came around.

I called to add free dining and no available woodsview rooms. Only thing available was courtyard bunks.

I didn't want bunks originally as my little girl sleeps with us so the queen would allow DH to sleep with son and me to sleep with the girl. But DH and I will squeeze in with girl and son will sleep on his choice of bunk.

I read the courtyard view descriptions on the first page but still feel overwhelmed. Do all courtyards see the Electrical Parade? Any courtyards see the castle? Any courtyards see the lagoon full on and little pool? What would I need to say to request any of this (knowing requests are just that...requests!)

Also any advantages/disadvantages to consider with the bunks. DH was wondering if he might fit in a bunk...he is 6'2" so wondering if shorter than the queen?

We are debating whether to go over to GF as I can get a standard for just $400 more than my WL arrangement.

So, WL is not on 7 Seas Lagoon. It is on Bay Lake which is connected to Seven Seas Lagoon by a water bridge. So, there are no courtyards that will see the castle since they face Bay Lake away from the MK. There may be *some* unique rooms on the north side (woods or standard) which have a partial view of the castle through trees, but I've not heard of any.

There surely are *some* courtyard views which see Bay Lake "full on", along with the main feature pool and EWP, but it is a small proportion. I would guess your best bet to get all 3 of those would be to ask for a "bear face" higher level room in the main lobby area, where you would have the upper courtyard landscaping closest to you, then the main pool, with the geyser and lake (and thus a direct view of EWP) in the distance.

However, most courtyard views will have a view of lovely landscaping, one of the pools (thus, possibly the Villas quiet pool) as well as a view of the lake, though at an angle. Most courtyard rooms are in the north and south wings running perpendicular to the lakeshore, so the lake will be to the right or left of your balcony. The EWP will be at an angle, but you will certainly hear it and may see some portion. I would guess you may see a large portion if you are close to the ends of the wings furthest from the lobby. Better views are at the beach. Finally if you are in a high-floor inner-courtyard view on the south wing you may be able to see the very highest fireworks in Wishes obstructed by the roof of the north wing.

I'm sorry I can't help you on the length of a bunk. However, depending on the age of your daughter you have the option of the pack n play. Or, perhaps she will be excited about the idea of sharing bunks with brother and this can be a learning experience to sleep on her own? Surely she will be so tired that it will all turn out alright?

And reassurance . . . unless you have your heart set on a castle view, I can't imagine any courtyard view being a disappointment. Everything at the Lodge is beautiful.

Did you price a WL Villas Studio? I believe they are 2 queens and a murphy bed, which would give you more sleeping options. The views are more wooded, though you can get a quiet pool view, and rooms are in a building separate from the main building.

 

[hdh23]

We are staying at WL in November and it's our first time at WDW with our kids DD9 and DS6. I am struggling with figuring out our ADRs. It's tough enough figuring out where we want to go each day, let alone where and what we will feel like eating. I've decided I think making sure we eat a good breakfast each day is a good start. We have a CP ADR for our MK day. While staying at the WL where else did you find not too frustrating to get to for breakfast? Kona sounds good, but would it be a boat to MK then to poly? Cape May sounded fun, then I looked at where it was located. Sorry for the long post. Just can't seem to figure out this food/transportation thing.

 

[Disneychick75]

We usually have breakfast in whichever park we choose for a particular day. You can also grab breakfast at the WL counter service restaurant, Roaring Forks.

 

[jlaneme]

We stayed at club level in WL and breakfast was great but Roaring forks will likely be a great option . We have also shipped breakfast bars and snacks ahead of us in years past and enjoyed coffee on our room in opted for a bigger lunch in the parks.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We've eaten breakfast at Roaring Forks and Whispering Canyon Cafe in the lodge and they both serve a good breakfast. Our favorite thing to do is to walk over to Trail's End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness for their buffet breakfast. It is about a 20 minute walk and a nice way to start the day. Then we take the internal bus to the bus stop to catch a park bus to HS, AK, or Epcot. The bus to HS from FW takes about 8 - 10 minutes. You can also take boat to FW from WL, but it is faster to walk unless you are lucky enough to catch a boat right away.

You could also take the boat to the Contemporary for Chef Mickey's. The Wave at the CR has a good breakfast buffet, too. Or get on the monorail to go to the Polynesian or GF.

Our favorite park breakfast is Tusker House at AK.

 

[BlueFairy]

We are staying at WL in November and it's our first time at WDW with our kids DD9 and DS6. I am struggling with figuring out our ADRs. It's tough enough figuring out where we want to go each day, let alone where and what we will feel like eating. I've decided I think making sure we eat a good breakfast each day is a good start. We have a CP ADR for our MK day. While staying at the WL where else did you find not too frustrating to get to for breakfast? Kona sounds good, but would it be a boat to MK then to poly? Cape May sounded fun, then I looked at where it was located. Sorry for the long post. Just can't seem to figure out this food/transportation thing.

As PP said, boat to CR (direct in the mornings) and go to Contempo Cafe or CMs or take the monorail to Poly if you want Kona. Those would work on an Epcot day if you allow time for a loop and to then change monorails.
We like RF and WCC. Totally different experiences.
If we eat cereal bars in the room and hit rope drop, we do Starring Rolls at DHS, or Sunshine Seasons at Epcot.

 

[mslhb]

We are staying at WL in November and it's our first time at WDW with our kids DD9 and DS6. I am struggling with figuring out our ADRs. It's tough enough figuring out where we want to go each day, let alone where and what we will feel like eating. I've decided I think making sure we eat a good breakfast each day is a good start. We have a CP ADR for our MK day. While staying at the WL where else did you find not too frustrating to get to for breakfast? Kona sounds good, but would it be a boat to MK then to poly? Cape May sounded fun, then I looked at where it was located. Sorry for the long post. Just can't seem to figure out this food/transportation thing.

I agree with the pp's about the WCC being a great breakfast. You could also take the boat to the Contemporay and eat at the Wave or their QS Contempo Cafe which is really good. You could then either walk to the MK or hop the monorail to EPCOT. I also really like 1900 Park Fare breakfast. It is at the Grand Floridian and for us it was the best character interaction of any of the character meals we have done. To get there typically the AK and DHS busses from the WL stop there first. Just confirm with the driver before you get on.

 

[Danielle1971]

We've eaten breakfast at Roaring Forks and Whispering Canyon Cafe in the lodge and they both serve a good breakfast. Our favorite thing to do is to walk over to Trail's End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness for their buffet breakfast. It is about a 20 minute walk and a nice way to start the day. Then we take the internal bus to the bus stop to catch a park bus to HS, AK, or Epcot. The bus to HS from FW takes about 8 - 10 minutes. You can also take boat to FW from WL, but it is faster to walk unless you are lucky enough to catch a boat right away. You could also take the boat to the Contemporary for Chef Mickey's. The Wave at the CR has a good breakfast buffet, too. Or get on the monorail to go to the Polynesian or GF. Our favorite park breakfast is Tusker House at AK.

I really enjoy Tusker House too! We have it booked for our upcoming trip! Another good one is Boma @ AKL! We booked this one also!

 

[Danielle1971]

Since this is my first time staying @ WL, do all the rooms have a good view! We are in the Woods View room & requested top floor near elevator! Will this be close to Roaring Forks & buses or boat? I'm just grateful that I had the chance to go Deluxe!

 

[Koh1977]

We've eaten breakfast at Roaring Forks and Whispering Canyon Cafe in the lodge and they both serve a good breakfast. Our favorite thing to do is to walk over to Trail's End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness for their buffet breakfast. It is about a 20 minute walk and a nice way to start the day. Then we take the internal bus to the bus stop to catch a park bus to HS, AK, or Epcot. The bus to HS from FW takes about 8 - 10 minutes. You can also take boat to FW from WL, but it is faster to walk unless you are lucky enough to catch a boat right away. You could also take the boat to the Contemporary for Chef Mickey's. The Wave at the CR has a good breakfast buffet, too. Or get on the monorail to go to the Polynesian or GF. Our favorite park breakfast is Tusker House at AK.

I really liked the Wave at CR for breakfast. Went for the first time last year and it was a great break from all the loud, chaotic character breakfasts.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[hstrickland]

17 DAYS UNTIL WE ARRIVE AT WDW!!!!!

My bananas are dancing!!!! ​

Has anyone utilized the new FP+ kiosk in the parks?? My FPs are all scheduled, but now with 4th and 5th passes being added, I may have to revamp things This could take a while...


Hope everyone has a happy Sunday!

 

[mslhb]

One of our MK days we will be going with my sister and her kids. We will have a rental car but that day they will not. We are staying at the WL and they are staying at a close by off-site Marriot. I will need to pick them up and drop them off so my question is, what is easier.

1. Picking them up, parking at the WL and then taking the boat/bus over. We will be staying till after wishes so would need to return to the WL and get our car to drop them back off.

2. Picking them up, parking at the TTC and taking the ferry/monorail over. Again would be staying till after wishes and will need to drop them off at their hotel at the end of the night.

Which would be easier or are they about the same.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Since this is my first time staying @ WL, do all the rooms have a good view! We are in the Woods View room & requested top floor near elevator! Will this be close to Roaring Forks & buses or boat? I'm just grateful that I had the chance to go Deluxe!

Most of the woods view rooms that are near an elevator are in the north wing, closest to Roaring Forks and the boats. But there are some woods view rooms that are close to the lobby elevator. Those would be closer to the buses. It is a very compact resort, so nothing is very far away.

 

[firstvisit14]

We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge from July 20-27. Thank you all for the incredible information you have shared here!

 

[Wood Nymph]

One of our MK days we will be going with my sister and her kids. We will have a rental car but that day they will not. We are staying at the WL and they are staying at a close by off-site Marriot. I will need to pick them up and drop them off so my question is, what is easier.

1. Picking them up, parking at the WL and then taking the boat/bus over. We will be staying till after wishes so would need to return to the WL and get our car to drop them back off.

2. Picking them up, parking at the TTC and taking the ferry/monorail over. Again would be staying till after wishes and will need to drop them off at their hotel at the end of the night.

Which would be easier or are they about the same.

If the choice was between the TTC parking lot and the WL parking lot, then it is WL - hands down. It is very easy to catch a boat to WL after Wishes. Having an easy way to get back from MK after Wishes is one of our favorite things about staying at the WL. The lines to get back to the TTC after Wishes, whether it is ferry or monorail lines, are very long.

And the boat or bus to MK from WL is easy, too. So my vote would be to park at WL.