(CLOSED) Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE and VILLAS Information Thread

[Infamousmare]

We are planning a trip for June 2012. We love to try a deluxe & WL would be the best for our budget especially if we can get a pin code or a promotion comes out. We have one 11 yr DS. Tell me how great & fun WL will be in June 2012. Any activities that an 11 yr old boy will love? He is the very easy-going type & has been visiting WDW since he was 4.

So try to convince me that WL is soooo worth the money for June.

My family loved the WL in early September last year (still hot!). We'd do the parks in the morning before it got too hot, then the pool in the afternoon. The pool is pretty cool and if he enjoys swimming, he'll probably like it. There is also an arcade downstairs next to the gift shop - I'm an old fogey, but I had fun playing the basketball hoops with my just-as-elderly-sister. (Yes, mid-to-late 30s is elderly!)

Honestly, my kids are still pretty little (3 and 5 when we were there last year) so we didn't get in on all the activities available; however, we did enjoy the theme of the rooms, the fact that there is a quick service, table service and signature dining restaurant right in the building (no need to go outside!), a neat pool and a very nice gift shop. The rooms are a nice size and there is a small beach area there (we never went, though).

There are buses to Blizzard Beach if you want to cool off somewhere besides the resort pool but I can't speak to how crowded they are that time of year.

 

[annmarieda]

So to get to HS and EP, if you go to Grand Flo and get on the monorail, you take the monorail to where? TTC? Or to the buses at MK and take a direct bus to HS? Do you take the monorail into EP or the bus?

Yes, please... I would like to know this answer too. So if it is transferring at TTC that is still better than a direct bus from WL to either Epcot or DHS?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Will I be able to take the boat from MK after evening EMH? Or do I have to do the bus? I think I am confusing the boat hours with the monorail Sorry if this has been asked and I missed the answer. I have been very busy changing resorts My DME tags still say WL so it's all good

Thanks!

back and yes, you can still take the boats after EMH. Did you re-book the Honeymoon Suite?

@ WDWKOOK, thanks for bringing all the info on the Wilderness Lodge together. It helped me a lot in deciding where to stay.

Which is of course the WL in January. So thanks!

Same to anyone else who gave tips here, very helpfull.

You're very welcome RedfromNL. I think you will love WL and I hope you have a wonderful trip in January

I am staying at WL in November and have a few transportation questions. I didn't know if I should put this question on the tranportation board as it is specific to the WL.

1. What is the best way to get from WL to Poly (O'hana dinner) and back?

I know in general I should plan an hour between the hotel and a park, but it has to be less to MK and more to AK. Can anyone give me a ballpark estimate between WL and each park?

Thank you so much for your help.

I think the easiest way is to take the boat over to the CR and then the monorail right to the Poly. The monorail will first stop at the TTC and then go on to the Poly. I would do the same in reverse to get back to the WL.

Once you are on the bus to the MK, the ride is only about 5 minutes. It's about a 15 minute ride to/from AK.

Does anyone know where to get a copy of this menu (or the one for the week that you stay there)??

We will be there in December and I would LOVE to know the ingredients of what I am eating. I don't have food allergies, but I do have several sensitivities.

Do I email IPO or do I ask a CM when I arrive??

Thanks!

Unfortunately, there are no CL menus anymore. I asked the concierge at the CL desk if I could take a photo of a menu and all he had was a menu of dishes with the ingredients listed for those who need to know what is in the food. He opened up a binder and allowed me to take a picture, but I forgot to take a picture of the next page in his binder which had more dishes listed

When you arrive, just ask at the CL desk to see the menu ingredient list.

WE got back Friday from a great trip at the Wilderness Lodge. We were upgraded to Courtyard View from Standard View and we were chosen to be the Flag Family of the Day on October 6th. Pictures and details to come later once I get them organized. Any questions in the mean time please let me know.

Can't wait to see your photos. What a great upgrade from a Standard View! WL is wonderful about upgrades. Did you book a bounceback?

We are planning a trip for June 2012. We love to try a deluxe & WL would be the best for our budget especially if we can get a pin code or a promotion comes out. We have one 11 yr DS. Tell me how great & fun WL will be in June 2012. Any activities that an 11 yr old boy will love? He is the very easy-going type & has been visiting WDW since he was 4.

So try to convince me that WL is soooo worth the money for June.

I think the theming and atmosphere is what sets the WL apart from the other Deluxes. It's also convenient to FW, both by boat and walking, which offers even more recreational activities.

The staff at the WL are warm and friendly and WCC is always a lot of fun. It's also the least expensive Deluxe which makes it a great value for all it offers.

Yes, please... I would like to know this answer too. So if it is transferring at TTC that is still better than a direct bus from WL to either Epcot or DHS?

I would take the direct bus to Epcot and DHS.

 

[pas130]

back and yes, you can still take the boats after EMH. Did you re-book the Honeymoon Suite?

Standard CL room. Requested King bed. So no guarantee...24 days to get through I was worried about the boat, since now the monorail shuts down after regular park closing. And we are definitely doing EMH. I MUST take a ride on the monorail though just for fun. Maybe from MK to Epcot I am waffling though...BLT is available.....................


update switched again....sorry kook

 

[troynkasey]

Yes, please... I would like to know this answer too. So if it is transferring at TTC that is still better than a direct bus from WL to either Epcot or DHS?

For me, direct route is almost always better. Less stops or less on and off the transportation and then possibly more waiting. With all our stays at WL, we've found there are some times (early morning) when the bus to MK is quicker compared to the boat because you may have to wait for a new boat if the crowd on the dock is pretty bad.

We have tried the boat to CR from WL early in the morning and then the monorail to TC and switch over to Epcot Monorail. It took a little longer, but not terribly bad, but we had ideal conditions (boat right as we hit the dock, monorail right as we got to it in CR, etc.)

 

[BLTLDZ]

Oh my goodness!
It's almost here...we check in this sunday!
I will take lots of pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Standard CL room. Requested King bed. So no guarantee...24 days to get through I was worried about the boat, since now the monorail shuts down after regular park closing. And we are definitely doing EMH. I MUST take a ride on the monorail though just for fun. Maybe from MK to Epcot I am waffling though...BLT is available.....................


update switched again....sorry kook

Don't you know by now that you don't ever need to apologize to me for switching? WDTC maybe, but not me. WL will be there another time

 

[ROSR]

Before I begin - I hope I'm asking this in the right place, if not, please tell me where I should ask! I have reservations at Whispering Canyon at 5:00 in December. We would like to do a sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness. What is the easiest/fastest way to get there? Also, what time do you suggest I make the sleigh ride reservation for? Thank you in advance.

-Rose

 

[Sue M]

I'm feeling the WL call, we've stayed at WL twice, and love it here. Currently I'm booked at POR for our Jan trip, it is our fav moderate. But now that the Jan AP rates have come out, thinking of switching. It's been awhile

 

[nklooz]

We may be switching from CR TPV to WL WV. We will have our DD12 and DD 22 mo w/us. I want to find out as much as possible about the boat from WL to MK, how often it runs, how long the ride is, etc. Also, how do you get from WL to CR, Poly, and GF? I hate to give up the monorail but we may have to switch our dates to a much more expensive time of yr. Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Oh my goodness!
It's almost here...we check in this sunday!
I will take lots of pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only 4 days! Now get to packin'!

Before I begin - I hope I'm asking this in the right place, if not, please tell me where I should ask! I have reservations at Whispering Canyon at 5:00 in December. We would like to do a sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness. What is the easiest/fastest way to get there? Also, what time do you suggest I make the sleigh ride reservation for? Thank you in advance.

-Rose

You're welcome to post questions here anytime, Rose. The easiest way to get there is to take the boat to FW which will dock very close to Pioneer Hall where the ride departs. I've never done the sleigh ride, so I can't suggest a time. But, I would want to do it while it's still light out.

Here is the carriage ride information from AllEars:

Carriage Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

A relaxing and intimate 25-minute carriage ride through Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Small carriage holds 2 adults and 1 small child. Larger carriage holds 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.

Reservations nightly (weather permitting)
First ride 6pm - Last ride departs 9:30pm
Pick up in front of Crockett's Tavern at Pioneer Hall

Price: 25-minute ride for $35 (tax included)
Tickets are sold by the carriage drivers
Cash and Disney Resort guest room charge accepted
Credit cards cannot be accepted

Reservations
Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling WDW-PLAY.

Guests wishing to check on same-day availability may also call WDW-PLAY for assistance.

Walk-up Guests are accepted at the departure location if the carriage is not in use or reserved by other guests for that time period.

Cast Members will not be present at the departure location.

Carriage rides may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
$35 fee for no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.
For Gift Certificate or Special Request please call location at 407-824-2734.
Guests will be allowed to bring their own drinks on board.






And, here is the sleigh ride info. which was not updated for '11:

New for the Christmas Holidays, this horse drawn "sleigh" ride is a fun way to celebrate the season at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Price: $60.00 per group
December 1, 2010 - December 30, 2010

Can accommodate 4 adults or 2 adults with 3 children ages 9 and under.

This 25 minute sleigh ride departs every 30 minutes from 5:30 - 9:30pm. Check in at the Blacksmith's shop near the Settlement area.

This excursion can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY

I'm feeling the WL call, we've stayed at WL twice, and love it here. Currently I'm booked at POR for our Jan trip, it is our fav moderate. But now that the Jan AP rates have come out, thinking of switching. It's been awhile

I hope it's Mickey waffling

I'm a resort changing enabler who loves WL so of course I would encourage you to switch to WL.

Not all the rooms will have queen beds at POR by January, so the fact that all the WL rooms have them is a plus in my book. Having more transportation options to the MK and FW is also an advantage. Not to mention there are more dining options and the monorail resorts are only a boat ride away.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We may be switching from CR TPV to WL WV. We will have our DD12 and DD 22 mo w/us. I want to find out as much as possible about the boat from WL to MK, how often it runs, how long the ride is, etc. Also, how do you get from WL to CR, Poly, and GF? I hate to give up the monorail but we may have to switch our dates to a much more expensive time of yr. Thanks!

On the first page of the thread, under "transportation," I have some info. about the two WL boats. The Blue Flag boat will take you to the CR. From the CR, you can then either walk to the MK or take the monorail to the Poly (first stop after the TTC) and the GF (second stop after the TTC). You can even get off at the TTC (first stop after the CR) and walk to the Poly.

The Red Flag boat also departs about every 15-25 minutes to the MK. It's about a 10 minute ride. You can also take the bus to the MK, which at non-EMH times when we have taken it, is usually faster.

 

[Sue M]

I did it, this morning I switched to WL Last WL stay was 2009, and was missing it. So yay! WL in Jan 2012 here we come!!

I booked standard view and requested north side. Hope for some pixie dust and a free upgrade, but I'm happy with standard view. I was glad to see they added that to the AP discount. At first they didn't offer the Standard view for AP rate.

 

[ESN]

We are staying at WL Nov 8-13

We have used the WDW bus system in the past with mixed experiences

Wondering if any one can tell me how it was driving to parks/Downtown Disney in your own car

If you are a resort guest, do you have to pay to park at each place - or is it free?

Is the hassle factor of parking less than that of waiting around for a bus and its various stops?

We plan to take bus or boat to MK - given the location of the parking for MK -- but we are thinking about driving our own car to AK/Epcot etc

Thanks for any advice

 

[janabananas]

I did it, this morning I switched to WL Last WL stay was 2009, and was missing it. So yay! WL in Jan 2012 here we come!!

I booked standard view and requested north side. Hope for some pixie dust and a free upgrade, but I'm happy with standard view. I was glad to see they added that to the AP discount. At first they didn't offer the Standard view for AP rate.

Really, they changed it?! I need to go check if anything available for my dates. Thanks!


EDIT: No luck for my dates, oh well.

 

[WDWLODGE]

We are staying at WL Nov 8-13

We have used the WDW bus system in the past with mixed experiences

Wondering if any one can tell me how it was driving to parks/Downtown Disney in your own car

If you are a resort guest, do you have to pay to park at each place - or is it free?

Is the hassle factor of parking less than that of waiting around for a bus and its various stops?

We plan to take bus or boat to MK - given the location of the parking for MK -- but we are thinking about driving our own car to AK/Epcot etc

Thanks for any advice

We always like to have our vehicle available. Depending on our touring plans for the day we often drive to all parks(Except the Magic Kingdom) and Downtown Disney. Parking is free at the parks for resort guest and free at DD for everyone. The Animal Kingdom tends to open their parking lot a little later than the other parks, but still not an issue. I would say that most times it is a little quicker to drive than take the bus. Now I will say this we always like to be at the rope drop so when we park we are always near the front of the parking lots and have a short walk to the entrance. If you arrive later in the day you will be further back, but they do have trams that will take you to the parks entrance, but then you are losing your time advantage over the buses. Also parking at Downtown Disney can be a pain sometimes, the parking lots are always pretty full.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Almost time ..... DW here I come!!! And yes I'm almost packed and just waiting to go. Redeye from CA next Tuesday night and checking in Wednesday morning!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I did it, this morning I switched to WL Last WL stay was 2009, and was missing it. So yay! WL in Jan 2012 here we come!!

I booked standard view and requested north side. Hope for some pixie dust and a free upgrade, but I'm happy with standard view. I was glad to see they added that to the AP discount. At first they didn't offer the Standard view for AP rate.

Congratulations, Sue! I'm glad that the Standard Room opened-up for you. January will be here before you know it!

We are staying at WL Nov 8-13

We have used the WDW bus system in the past with mixed experiences

Wondering if any one can tell me how it was driving to parks/Downtown Disney in your own car

If you are a resort guest, do you have to pay to park at each place - or is it free?

Is the hassle factor of parking less than that of waiting around for a bus and its various stops?

We plan to take bus or boat to MK - given the location of the parking for MK -- but we are thinking about driving our own car to AK/Epcot etc

Thanks for any advice

WDWLODGE already replied and their experience is similar to ours. I would not drive to DD. In fact, when I asked Mike, a CL concierge for directions to DD so that I could go to Ghiradellis to buy some treats for the staff, he told me not to drive because the parking is so limited and far away. If you're not doing AM/PM EMH then I would recommend taking the bus everywhere. Even to MK it is often faster than the boat.

Though we used to drive to AK, we've found that the bus stops at the parks are very convenient and you don't have to hop on a tram after arriving.

Almost time ..... DW here I come!!! And yes I'm almost packed and just waiting to go. Redeye from CA next Tuesday night and checking in Wednesday morning!!!

Will you be reporting back to us from WDW? I hope you have a great time!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Yes, I will be checking in while I'm there. Taking my computer as I hate posting from my phone. First stop will be one night at POP ......

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

WDWKOOK-

We're back, and I have some pictures for you! Do you want me to email them to you so they can be "framed" like your other pics or just post them?