(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD ~2014~

[Wood Nymph]

Todays Photos

Thanks, Bret, for the great pictures. It looks like the fence is not going to enclose the pool. There is a big opening on the sidewalk where that workman is standing. And they are finally working on the roof of the Trout Pass Bar. The biggest surprise in these pictures is the scaffolding in front of the lobby windows. I hope that is just for some minor repairs.

Does the bus run directly to/from MK or does it make other stops? And is it typically crowded early in the morning (pre-park opening)?

The bus runs directly to/from MK. I've never seen a crowd on the bus, even at park close, but I've never tried it in the morning. People can take the boat and it is a popular option. The bus to MK doesn't make any other stops except in the very rare occasion that the monorail is down, then it will stop at CR. But that is almost never.

The boat is crowded for park opening, though, and sometimes people have to wait for a second boat.

Oh my goodness i just have to say when i heard hey were redoing the pool i had hopesthey would be adding a splash area like they have at the GF. Saying that DD loved it would be an understatement. Thanks for all the pic updates it looks like thats what its going to be. That and the tree and staying CL I am about to loose my mind with excitement. Dec 12 cant get here soon enough!!!!

Your kids will be the perfect age for the splash area. They will probably like the pool slide, too. I hope that the weather is warm enough in January for our grandchildren, age 5 & 7, to enjoy the pool and splash pad.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Overall we had no issues with using the buses. They run very frequently. Some of our early ADR we did cab it across just because it was easier. A great system which takes alot of the worry about getting around completely away.

Your spreadsheet is great! We didn't have any issues with the bus on our last trip. The trip back to the WL from the parks is non stop and usually pretty fast.

 

[kevdad]

Anyway, here are our timings.

Overall we had no issues with using the buses. They run very frequently. Some of our early ADR we did cab it across just because it was easier. A great system which takes alot of the worry about getting around completely away.

Your times to/from AK surprise me, was there anything unusual about those rides? Trying to determine if renting a car is a better option to save some time. My patience for longer bus rides is minimal, especially when heading TO the parks!

Edit: referring to your second trip to AK. Thanks

 

[kevdad]

Uh oh...what's up with the scaffolding?

I saw that too and am worried for our trip next week (actually, now later this week! ) Looks ominous!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Your times to/from AK surprise me, was there anything unusual about those rides? Trying to determine if renting a car is a better option to save some time. My patience for longer bus rides is minimal, especially when heading TO the parks!

I think that their AK time is average. When we took the bus to AK from WL it stopped at GF and then at Blizzard Beach before going to AK. It is a long ride since going to the GF adds some time. I have only gone to AK from WL once and it took more than a half hour.

 

[BlueFairy]

40 days out from our trip and I'm trying to nail down a few final details...would appreciate any help and/or advice from the experts! Does the boat that travels from the lodge to MK leave early enough to make rope-drop at the park? If there is morning EMH, does it leave early enough to make that rope-drop or would we be better off driving to the TTC and taking monorail over? TIA!!

We used the bus for MK rope drop this trip and had much better success than the boat. There were people waiting, but it wasn't a full bus. We got to the bus stop about 45 min before park opening, but that wasn't necessary.

The boat fills up quickly, and often during EMH it doesn't begin running until 30 min prior to park opening. That is not enough time for our family to get through bag security and the turnstiles before the Welcome Show begins, but it is enough time to be there for the actual "rope drop" IF you get on the first boat. If you arrive at the boat dock at 7:30 for an 8am opening, it's likely you will not be in the first boat due to so many ahead of you.

If you are dying to take the boat in the morning, take the CR boat which begins running earlier. Then it's almost 1/2 mile walk from CR via a nice walkway to MK. Of course, this takes longer, but you can get a much earlier start since the CR boat will be running easily by 7am.

Thanks



This will be our first time staying at the WLV so I wasn't quite sure where the TTC was in relation to the lodge. Does the bus run directly to/from MK or does it make other stops? And is it typically crowded early in the morning (pre-park opening)?

TTC is across a lake from MK and serves the ferry, monorail and parking lots. Bus stop at MK is right next to the park and you would be dropped there.

 

[tiggerunner]

I was looking at rooms for Oct 2015 and was surprised so many rooms are unavailable. Any ideas why? I called and they didn't seem to know why.
Thanks for any ideas.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Pics from 11-21-2014 for Time4disney

Great and timely photos for everyone with upcoming trips - thank you.

I hated the dormer balcony on the sixth floor, in spite of the fact that we could see fireworks from our balcony, because it made the room so dark. And when you sat on the balcony you were looking into the room instead of out of it.

I agree and that is the only downside to CL rooms - they all have solid balcony railings.

Lots of great pool updates, but let's get to the REALLY important subject at hand: Will Trout Pass be open again by the end of November? My household's staying at the campground, but we always head over to the lodge and hang out with Carrie at Trout Pass! It's our favorite drinking spot!

Richard/tralfie

According to the original announcement, both the feature pool and Trout Pass are suppose to re-open at the same time. There is a temp. TP location over near the VWL pool area.

We have been here since 20th. Had a Crystal Palace ressie at 8:20 am today. I was mad when the opening changed from 9-8. Got to MK about 7:40 and asked a CM if i we could go in early for our ADR. She said no since everyone would be let in shortly. We watched the line of people waiting to be let in for ADRS. Once the were let in, about 7:50, we went to that CM who let us in no question. We got our pictures on a mainly empty main street. Checked into CP and was told we would be seated before 8:20. Goit in at 8:10 and was done by 8:40. Rode a few rides before crowds. It worked out very well. MK is packed!! (small world had a 65 minute wait at 3!)

Noticed the CMs are down right rude. Yelling at people. Speaking to each other or using their phones. Noticed a CM who drives the trolley walking with his hat on backwards carrying a water bottle and swinging a towel. My kids have even said how mean the CMS are!

The CMs at Lodge have been great though. I asked about tree and was told they couldn't tell me when it was going up but did say it would be during my trip and I'd have time to enjoy it. I'm thinking tonight. Didn't like decorations st Poky, Contemporary, Yacht/Beach Club or BWI. Very disappointing.

Pool- wood walls are down. Loits of work left to do. Can't imagine it will be finished on time. The weather is crummy So h
it hasn't been an issue for us. The fence surrounding pool is fine. Black metal 4ft tall with landscaping surrounding. Its pretty

We are back in room resting . We can here the construction. Lots of truck sounds and heavy equipment sound but its not terrible.

If you have questions I'll try to answer them.

Thank you for your update. Wonder what's happening with the park CMs?

Todays Photos

More great photos! I'll post a link to your photos in POST 2's pool update section.

I just came back from the lobby and none of the furniture is moved so I'm guessing we have to wait one more night in order to watch the Disney elves work their magic. My plans tomorrow night is to find a nice cozy spot in the lobby and watch the transformation! I will try to post pictures during the process. Let's hope it's tomorrow! I'll be here until Wednesday but I hope I'll see it sooner than later. I've been patiently waiting. Will keep you posted.....

Looks like 11/23 is the date. Looking forward to reading your decorating details. Don't forget the hot chocolate

I posted this in my trip report (link below), but thought it may be useful here also as its mainly timings from and to the Wilderness Lodge

Something that was really hard for us to comprehend before we went to WDW was the size and traveling between parks and resorts. Our only previous experience was staying at Grand Californian at Disneyland and walking been CA, DL and DTD. We heard about the comparable sizes and the distance between them. The Disney Transport system, the walk from different part of the resorts to the bus stop. how often the buses came, how long took to travel between the parks, it was all a bit overwhelming. I kept a bit of a travel time record thinking it may help someone in the future who was in the same position I was. hopefully it gives some idea of how long it took us to get , mainly from wilderness Lodge, to other parks. You will note that there is no mention of Magic Kingdom. This is because we always caught the boat to MK. Such a great trip across the lake, picturesque and serene in my opinion.

Anyway, here are our timings.

Overall we had no issues with using the buses. They run very frequently. Some of our early ADR we did cab it across just because it was easier. A great system which takes alot of the worry about getting around completely away.

Very nice! Can I post your chart to the TRANSPORTATION chapter of the thread?

 

[BandMom1]

I posted this in my trip report (link below), but thought it may be useful here also as its mainly timings from and to the Wilderness Lodge

Thanks - this is great!

The bus runs directly to/from MK. I've never seen a crowd on the bus, even at park close, but I've never tried it in the morning. People can take the boat and it is a popular option. The bus to MK doesn't make any other stops except in the very rare occasion that the monorail is down, then it will stop at CR. But that is almost never.

The boat is crowded for park opening, though, and sometimes people have to wait for a second boat.

Very helpful, thank you!

Your times to/from AK surprise me, was there anything unusual about those rides? Trying to determine if renting a car is a better option to save some time. My patience for longer bus rides is minimal, especially when heading TO the parks!

Edit: referring to your second trip to AK. Thanks

We were there 2 years ago and rented a car and will be doing so again for our upcoming trip in January. We were in and out of parks/parking lots very quickly - nice to not have to wait for transportation or make multiple stops getting to where you're going! Very convenient for park hopping, getting to ADR's, etc.

We used the bus for MK rope drop this trip and had much better success than the boat. There were people waiting, but it wasn't a full bus. We got to the bus stop about 45 min before park opening, but that wasn't necessary.

The boat fills up quickly, and often during EMH it doesn't begin running until 30 min prior to park opening. That is not enough time for our family to get through bag security and the turnstiles before the Welcome Show begins, but it is enough time to be there for the actual "rope drop" IF you get on the first boat. If you arrive at the boat dock at 7:30 for an 8am opening, it's likely you will not be in the first boat due to so many ahead of you.

If you are dying to take the boat in the morning, take the CR boat which begins running earlier. Then it's almost 1/2 mile walk from CR via a nice walkway to MK. Of course, this takes longer, but you can get a much earlier start since the CR boat will be running easily by 7am.


TTC is across a lake from MK and serves the ferry, monorail and parking lots. Bus stop at MK is right next to the park and you would be dropped there.

Thank you so much for the detailed information! We have a split stay for our upcoming trip (POR, WLV, & SSR) but for our stay at the WLV it seems to make sense to use the bus and/or boat instead of the rental car for our MK days.

Again, thanks to everyone who responded - your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

40 days out from our trip and I'm trying to nail down a few final details...would appreciate any help and/or advice from the experts! Does the boat that travels from the lodge to MK leave early enough to make rope-drop at the park? If there is morning EMH, does it leave early enough to make that rope-drop or would we be better off driving to the TTC and taking monorail over? TIA!!

I do not like the boat for park opening. We did that on our first trip, and it was a very frustrating experience. We missed RD twice due to boat-related issues. The bus is definitely the way to go to get to the MK, IMHO. The boat is nice for going back to the resort, but when you just want to get to the park, the bus is superior...not crowded, arrive frequently, and you're dropped closer to the MK entrance than the boat dock.

I posted this in my trip report (link below), but thought it may be useful here also as its mainly timings from and to the Wilderness Lodge

Interesting data. What strikes me is the difference in travel times to AK. You were there quickly one day and the other the trip was so slow. What were the dates of these trips? Do you remember what caused it to be so slow the second day? It just seems crazy to me that the trip took 20ish minutes one day, but over double the time the other.

 

[bluecastle]

Thanks to all for photos, tree and pool updates, and transportation info! The anticipation of the tree going up has been riveting! ( I am not kidding) Looking forward to seeing the tree and the lodge in all its Christmas glory the next time I catch up. Love this place!!

 

[denisekayt]

Your times to/from AK surprise me, was there anything unusual about those rides? Trying to determine if renting a car is a better option to save some time. My patience for longer bus rides is minimal, especially when heading TO the parks!

Edit: referring to your second trip to AK. Thanks

After seeing those times, it only further confirmed for me why we always rent a car. Most of them weren't bad times at all...for a bus system, but we could beat all of them by having our own car and not have the stress of wondering how long before the next bus comes, what other stops we'll have to make before heading to our park of choice, etc.

 

[patty57]

The lobby stake-out is tonight, right? One can bring the marshmallows, one bring the chocolate, and one bring the graham crackers. The three of you can have a s'mores party while you wait.

Does anyone there now know what the scaffolding is all about?

 

[ClarabelleCow]

The lobby stake-out is tonight, right? One can bring the marshmallows, one bring the chocolate, and one bring the graham crackers. The three of you can have a s'mores party while you wait. Does anyone there now know what the scaffolding is all about?

Ha that works!! We should be back around 11 so will be down on the prowl!!!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Good luck with the Christmas stake out! I can't wait to see the pictures

 

[BandMom1]

The lobby stake-out is tonight, right? One can bring the marshmallows, one bring the chocolate, and one bring the graham crackers. The three of you can have a s'mores party while you wait.

Does anyone there now know what the scaffolding is all about?

Ha! The "lobby stake-out"...that is hysterical! Wish I was there to join in the fun!

Do they decorate the outside of the lodge for the holidays? Could that be what the scaffolding is for?

 

[disneyquilter]

They are the same size as a twin bed and your daughters should be fine. I would ask my daughters if they preferred to share a queen bed or have their own bunk bed.

Thanks Wood Nymph! They would each rather have their own space, so the twin bunks will work out well. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[bluecastle]

I can't seem to get here using the app on my iPad. I am using safari instead. Not as easy, but I get to see everyone's countdowns.
Anyone else ever have this happen?
To be more specific: it lets me log in, but when I try to go to subscribed threads, it says Error -permission denied!

 

[jenngaldiz]

I can't seem to get here using the app on my iPad. I am using safari instead. Not as easy, but I get to see everyone's countdowns.
Anyone else ever have this happen?
To be more specific: it lets me log in, but when I try to go to subscribed threads, it says Error -permission denied!

Yes same thing here!! Very weird thought i was the only one.

 

[jenngaldiz]

Your kids will be the perfect age for the splash area. They will probably like the pool slide, too. I hope that the weather is warm enough in January for our grandchildren, age 5 & 7, to enjoy the pool and splash pad. [/QUOTE]

I know! Your grand kids will will the splash area. When we were playing at theone at the grand floridian it was the first week of February and although it wasnt cold it also wasnt hot by any means and i sure wasnt going into the water but that didpnt stop her. Hope both our trips are just warm enough so the kids can play till their little hearts content.