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

[RedfromNL]

Question:

I read (somewhere, on some now lost site) that it is possible to book a massage at the Sturdy Branches healthclub. Is that still so? And if it IS true, is it possible to book a day ahead?

Thanks in advance for any info on this
It would be so nice to get a massage the day after we arrive, I'll be tired and totally jet-lagged and could use a little spoiling.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Question:

I read (somewhere, on some now lost site) that it is possible to book a massage at the Sturdy Branches healthclub. Is that still so? And if it IS true, is it possible to book a day ahead?

Thanks in advance for any info on this
It would be so nice to get a massage the day after we arrive, I'll be tired and totally jet-lagged and could use a little spoiling.

I think that is a great idea and yes, you can book in advance.

If you go to the first page, post #8, there is a hyperlink to the Niki Bryan Spas. Be sure to go to the site because they often have spa coupons. Here is the massage info. from the first page:

Massages and facials are provided at the Sturdy Branches by Niki Bryan Spas and are available by appointment from 8-8. Call (407) 938-4222.

Using the Niki Bryan hyperlink above, click-on "A Complimentary Gift to Relax." Frequently, there are massage treatment coupons for WL and/or other WDW resorts.

 

[nathanyell]

Hey everyone,

Was just thinking about how when we were kids my parents always took us to Disney this week. We'd leave on Thanksgiving and stay for the week after at FW. It is such a great memory of mine from childhood. I hope to give my little one great memories like that as well.

In the craziness of planning the perfect vacation and stressing over dining reservations and buses, don't forget that these things will not be what you and your family remember the most. It will be the unexpected, unplanned times that will bring a smile to your face.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brian

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hey everyone,

Was just thinking about how when we were kids my parents always took us to Disney this week. We'd leave on Thanksgiving and stay for the week after at FW. It is such a great memory of mine from childhood. I hope to give my little one great memories like that as well.

In the craziness of planning the perfect vacation and stressing over dining reservations and buses, don't forget that these things will not be what you and your family remember the most. It will be the unexpected, unplanned times that will bring a smile to your face.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brian

So true about the unexpected... like having been upgraded to both CL and the Presidential Suite all in one year. You're off to a great start with all those WDW memories for your DD. Take LOTS of pictures

 

[RedfromNL]

Thank you WDWKOOK for the info

That spa looks good to me! A nice aromatherapy massage is just what I need after a day travelling

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you WDWKOOK for the info

That spa looks good to me! A nice aromatherapy massage is just what I need after a day travelling

You're welcome, RedfromNL. Don't forget about the coupon, sometimes they have a big discount off of TWO spa services. (You might just need two after that long flight)

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

So sorry this has taken FOREVER!! Finally out for Thanksgiving and have some extra time to post pics from our deluxe room!!

Living room from front hallway

Bathroom/bedroom from front hallway

Sink and vanity area (I did take a picture of the toilet/shower, but I must not've posted it on my Facebook...)

Bedroom from the bathroom

Bedroom

Very spacious armoire

TV, mini balcony, French doors to living room

Mini balcony (off bedroom)...left this door ajar at night to hear the waterfall.

View from mini balcony

"Kitchenette" which was really just a sink and mini fridge

Table, chairs, internet port in living room

TV, coffee table in living room

Main balcony (off living room)

Balcony furniture

View from main balcony

We LOVED this room (even at rack rate ) and wouldn't hesitate to book it again. It was great for our family size (two gparents, me and two kiddos), and the view was wonderful!!

P.S. Here is our blog post from check-in day at WL: Wilderness Lodge!

 

[Sue M]

Great pics! Was trying to see the coffee maker Is it the new pod single cup coffee maker? What kind of coffee do they have? I hope not the dreaded Nescafe

 

[WDWKOOK]

Great pics! Was trying to see the coffee maker Is it the new pod single cup coffee maker? What kind of coffee do they have? I hope not the dreaded Nescafe

Photos and info. on the new coffee makers are on page 52 here.

 

[WDWKOOK]

A very HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING!! Don't forget to count your blessings (and the time you have left until your next trip to WDW)​

Thank you so much for posting those elusive Deluxe Room photos, PolyndianPrincessJes. With your permission and if I can fit them in, I would love to post some of them to the first page!

Now you see why we canceled the Poly half of our split and extended the WL after only one night. The CL staff and lounge are fantastic and your room looks like it was very comfortable and you had gorgeous views AND a regular balcony

 

[Sue M]

Photos and info. on the new coffee makers are on page 52 here.

Thanks, but it doesn't show the type of coffee, unless they have switched to the Cusinart pods?

We had that type coffee maker when we stayed 1 night at the DTD Doubletree for our first night. The coffee pods looked huge, not what you'd expect for 1 cup. Possibly the poster thought it was the old 4 cup packet.

As you may guess, I love my coffee But if it's still Nescafe, i can suck it up!

 

[MMrules]

If I have a Crystal Palace reservation for 8:50 am should I take the bus or the boat???What time does the boat start running in the am????

 

[Momtomouselover]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get from MCO to the WL via towncar, taxi and/or ME?

Thanks for any estimates!!

 

[MMrules]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get from MCO to the WL via towncar, taxi and/or ME?

Thanks for any estimates!!

Magical Express usually has a few factors. It depends on how long it takes to get on the bus, then from the bus there are a few stops for dropping off (I think it was Pop and CR on my trip there). From start to finish on ME it was less than 1 hour from MCO. I don't know taxi or towncar.

 

[Sue M]

If I have a Crystal Palace reservation for 8:50 am should I take the bus or the boat???What time does the boat start running in the am????

I believe the MK boats start running 30 min before park opening. So if MK opens at 9:00 the boat will start at 8:30. I think they run a bus earlier for breakfast ADRs. The front desk can help you when you arrive.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Great pics! Was trying to see the coffee maker Is it the new pod single cup coffee maker? What kind of coffee do they have? I hope not the dreaded Nescafe

So sorry! I'm not a caffeine drinker, so I didn't even notice.

Thank you so much for posting those elusive Deluxe Room photos, PolyndianPrincessJes. With your permission and if I can fit them in, I would love to post some of them to the first page!

Now you see why we canceled the Poly half of our split and extended the WL after only one night. The CL staff and lounge are fantastic and your room looks like it was very comfortable and you had gorgeous views AND a regular balcony

Of course!! I can see why you love the WL, but we kept our Poly reservation. Love that castle view and island flair.

 

[MMrules]

I believe the MK boats start running 30 min before park opening. So if MK opens at 9:00 the boat will start at 8:30. I think they run a bus earlier for breakfast ADRs. The front desk can help you when you arrive.

Thank you!
This past summer we stayed at BCV and had a reservation at HS which I thought we could take the boat, but it wasn't running yet and the early morning ADR bus stopped running too. So we had to hike it over to HS, which would have been fine if it wasn't 90 degrees at 8:00 in the am....however, DH was not too happy with me . So this time I need to make sure I know the best way to arrive

 

[WDWKOOK]

If I have a Crystal Palace reservation for 8:50 am should I take the bus or the boat???What time does the boat start running in the am????

You will need to take the first WL bus of the day to the MK. It starts operating about one hour prior to park opening. The boats don't start operating until around 0830.

 

[Sue M]

Thank you!
This past summer we stayed at BCV and had a reservation at HS which I thought we could take the boat, but it wasn't running yet and the early morning ADR bus stopped running too. So we had to hike it over to HS, which would have been fine if it wasn't 90 degrees at 8:00 in the am....however, DH was not too happy with me . So this time I need to make sure I know the best way to arrive

I can see why DH wouldn't be happy We've done that walk in Jan, quite pleasant but not in Aug

 

[MMrules]

I can see why DH wouldn't be happy We've done that walk in Jan, quite pleasant but not in Aug

He would agree with you...it was a long walk that am...with NO talking to me ! I didn't mind it, but do quite well in the heat. Looks like we will be getting on that first bus to the MK

Thank you!!!