BlueFairy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 1999
- Messages
- 2,462
Day 4 - Wednesday - Headed home. 
As is always the case, it takes us a few nights to get onto Disney time. Last night I felt like we were finally on vacation, only to have to look toward leaving this afternoon. The kids finally adjusted to staying up later and got a good night's sleep and slept in a little. The blackout curtains really are effective at the Lodge.
I had the room all packed, so I woke at 7 and enjoyed a last cup of coffee. Do yourself a favor and be sure to use bottled water. I accidentally used the tap on Monday and it was awful! Also, I like a rich cup and the Joffrey's, while decent in the room and at RF, just doesn't cut it. I wanted to try the pods but next time I'll bring my own. Also, bring plenty of sugar if you need it. And a corkscrew for beverages unless you want to cork that bottle of wine with a corkscrew purchased in the Mercantile (they did have them).
We quickly got dressed and zipped up the bags. Downstairs the airline checkin was fast and easy. My DME instructions came on Tues., then Wed. there was another copy with luggage tags and boarding passes hanging on our door (which I failed to open until after the Airline checkin desk had already reprinted everything). From there, we dropped a carryon bag with the valet and were off to breakfast at RF around 9. It was moving well, but sort of chaotic. They really should expand and organize this space. The waffle selection is good. I wish we'd known to ask to sub the sausage for the bacon. The kids like bacon but wouldn't eat it. I do also like that RF is small, so I was able to settle the kids with their food and go back for mine without much hassle. I had milk, coffee, and the egg/cheese/bacon croissant. Everthing was hot. Waffles looked yummy, but I needed the protein.
Here we left RF for more time in the lobby. I noticed a tour going on. For some reason I thought the ranger didn't do them on Wed, but perhaps I was mistaken. I think all of the upholstered furniture in the lobby is fairly new. Very comfy, updated, and in good repair. I know it is different than in 2010. We also loved the ground level porch overlooking the creek with rockers. Enjoyed a few minutes there with the quiet while DDs shopped the pin cart. All of those CMs were very friendly. Then out to the falls for one last view of the lake, the falls, and the geyser at 10am. That meant it's time for going to FW for DD9's Trail Ride. We waited maybe 15 min for a bus.
I had some questions about the bus transportation to FW, so here is a good time to clarify. The bus at Stop #1 picks up at WL and goes direct to the FW Settlement Depot (Trails End, Hoop De Doo, lakeside area). Then it's label changes to "Settlement Yellow" or "Outpost Yellow" and it goes out to the the Outpost at FW (FW checkin, Tri Circle D ranch and trail rides). The bus does not the change to say "Wilderness Lodge" but if you get on the "Yellow" bus at the Outpost it returns to the Settlement and continues to WL.
So . . . from the Settlement area, take the WL bus. From the Outpost take the Yellow bus to get back to WL. It is a quick ride. 3 min from WL to Settlement. Another 5 min to Outpost. The return trip - we lined up at 12:30 at the Outpost and were at the Lodge by 12:50.
Our Magical Express pickup was scheduled for 2:00. We arrived at the Lodge and there was more begging for those great Mickey short cartoons. I grabbed some snacks at the Mercantile, a WL branded shirt, and retrieved our bag from bell services (they were prompt and helpful). We met a CM from home! Then we had a wait. The DME bus arrived late at 2:10, and we had a stop at the Poly. Total time to MCO was almost an hour. Then we stopped at the food court. Be careful with this!!! From arrival at MCO we had 2 hours until departure. We got stuck in the security line for FOREVER and I felt crunched for time. In the end we had about 15 minutes before we boarded, but that's a bit close.
Final thoughts -
1) I have to say that the resort and transportation CMs were ALL courteous, went out of their way to be helpful, prompt, and generally great. Our theme park CM experience in that department was fine, just not as great as the resort.
2) The new upholstery and linens were great. The furniture (drawers in particular), sinks, pool chairs, and much of the pathway lighting (as well as perhaps the outdoor speakers) seem to be getting old. I hope some of this gets some attention soon. As all CMs seem to be on the ball, I'm sure that will happen as the time is right.
3) The landscaping is looking pristine. However, the presence of workers (contractors?) all over WDW out of "show" character really was noticeable this trip. I think WDW is slipping in that department. Or maybe I just have a more critical eye.
4) Transportation was hassle free. We didn't head to many parks. I did see people who seemed to wait too long. Or 2 buses arriving for the same destination. However, we didn't have a single issue.
5) For August, I would enjoy a south facing lobby woods view (For Frozen fireworks), or even a lobby standard view, but would avoid a woods view ending in 100 - 120 (even numbers) due to the scaffolding that started today.
6) Dining at the WL is really good. I didn't love out RF food, but it was serviceable with decent variety. TL, Trout Pass, and WCC were great.
7) The wifi network needs work. There is a public space network and a guest network. Our room had good signal for both. When one would get sluggish, I switched to the other. I think it times out quickly. I finally learned that it helps to completely log off and restart your session each time you need access. Leaving a browser open for longer than a few minutes resulted in lots of stalling out.
8) Mousekeeping (Brenda) was great. We had extra towels and toiletries every day. The room was clean each day by midafternoon.
Thanks for reading. Maybe photos coming soon! It's time for school to start.
As is always the case, it takes us a few nights to get onto Disney time. Last night I felt like we were finally on vacation, only to have to look toward leaving this afternoon. The kids finally adjusted to staying up later and got a good night's sleep and slept in a little. The blackout curtains really are effective at the Lodge.
I had the room all packed, so I woke at 7 and enjoyed a last cup of coffee. Do yourself a favor and be sure to use bottled water. I accidentally used the tap on Monday and it was awful! Also, I like a rich cup and the Joffrey's, while decent in the room and at RF, just doesn't cut it. I wanted to try the pods but next time I'll bring my own. Also, bring plenty of sugar if you need it. And a corkscrew for beverages unless you want to cork that bottle of wine with a corkscrew purchased in the Mercantile (they did have them).
We quickly got dressed and zipped up the bags. Downstairs the airline checkin was fast and easy. My DME instructions came on Tues., then Wed. there was another copy with luggage tags and boarding passes hanging on our door (which I failed to open until after the Airline checkin desk had already reprinted everything). From there, we dropped a carryon bag with the valet and were off to breakfast at RF around 9. It was moving well, but sort of chaotic. They really should expand and organize this space. The waffle selection is good. I wish we'd known to ask to sub the sausage for the bacon. The kids like bacon but wouldn't eat it. I do also like that RF is small, so I was able to settle the kids with their food and go back for mine without much hassle. I had milk, coffee, and the egg/cheese/bacon croissant. Everthing was hot. Waffles looked yummy, but I needed the protein.
Here we left RF for more time in the lobby. I noticed a tour going on. For some reason I thought the ranger didn't do them on Wed, but perhaps I was mistaken. I think all of the upholstered furniture in the lobby is fairly new. Very comfy, updated, and in good repair. I know it is different than in 2010. We also loved the ground level porch overlooking the creek with rockers. Enjoyed a few minutes there with the quiet while DDs shopped the pin cart. All of those CMs were very friendly. Then out to the falls for one last view of the lake, the falls, and the geyser at 10am. That meant it's time for going to FW for DD9's Trail Ride. We waited maybe 15 min for a bus.
I had some questions about the bus transportation to FW, so here is a good time to clarify. The bus at Stop #1 picks up at WL and goes direct to the FW Settlement Depot (Trails End, Hoop De Doo, lakeside area). Then it's label changes to "Settlement Yellow" or "Outpost Yellow" and it goes out to the the Outpost at FW (FW checkin, Tri Circle D ranch and trail rides). The bus does not the change to say "Wilderness Lodge" but if you get on the "Yellow" bus at the Outpost it returns to the Settlement and continues to WL.
So . . . from the Settlement area, take the WL bus. From the Outpost take the Yellow bus to get back to WL. It is a quick ride. 3 min from WL to Settlement. Another 5 min to Outpost. The return trip - we lined up at 12:30 at the Outpost and were at the Lodge by 12:50.
Our Magical Express pickup was scheduled for 2:00. We arrived at the Lodge and there was more begging for those great Mickey short cartoons. I grabbed some snacks at the Mercantile, a WL branded shirt, and retrieved our bag from bell services (they were prompt and helpful). We met a CM from home! Then we had a wait. The DME bus arrived late at 2:10, and we had a stop at the Poly. Total time to MCO was almost an hour. Then we stopped at the food court. Be careful with this!!! From arrival at MCO we had 2 hours until departure. We got stuck in the security line for FOREVER and I felt crunched for time. In the end we had about 15 minutes before we boarded, but that's a bit close.
Final thoughts -
1) I have to say that the resort and transportation CMs were ALL courteous, went out of their way to be helpful, prompt, and generally great. Our theme park CM experience in that department was fine, just not as great as the resort.
2) The new upholstery and linens were great. The furniture (drawers in particular), sinks, pool chairs, and much of the pathway lighting (as well as perhaps the outdoor speakers) seem to be getting old. I hope some of this gets some attention soon. As all CMs seem to be on the ball, I'm sure that will happen as the time is right.
3) The landscaping is looking pristine. However, the presence of workers (contractors?) all over WDW out of "show" character really was noticeable this trip. I think WDW is slipping in that department. Or maybe I just have a more critical eye.
4) Transportation was hassle free. We didn't head to many parks. I did see people who seemed to wait too long. Or 2 buses arriving for the same destination. However, we didn't have a single issue.
5) For August, I would enjoy a south facing lobby woods view (For Frozen fireworks), or even a lobby standard view, but would avoid a woods view ending in 100 - 120 (even numbers) due to the scaffolding that started today.
6) Dining at the WL is really good. I didn't love out RF food, but it was serviceable with decent variety. TL, Trout Pass, and WCC were great.
7) The wifi network needs work. There is a public space network and a guest network. Our room had good signal for both. When one would get sluggish, I switched to the other. I think it times out quickly. I finally learned that it helps to completely log off and restart your session each time you need access. Leaving a browser open for longer than a few minutes resulted in lots of stalling out.
8) Mousekeeping (Brenda) was great. We had extra towels and toiletries every day. The room was clean each day by midafternoon.
Thanks for reading. Maybe photos coming soon! It's time for school to start.
. Looking forward to your final update.
