Have been back from my trip for two weeks now and thought I'd share my experiences.....This was my first time going solo and felt VERY safe at all times.
Arrived at MCO about 10:30 a.m. This was my fourth time using ME and had NEVER seen the line so long. Waited for about 45 minutes. Finally arrived at WL and computers were down. I was issued a temp card. My cousin and her husband were there to see me from the Tampa area so it was no big deal. We visited a while then ate lunch at WCC. Enjoyed it. Cousin's dh and I had the pulled Pork sandwich and cousin had turkey sandwich. All very good. After they left at 4:30 I was able to check in and get to my room. A little disappointed with the balcony. It was "bricked up" . If I was sitting down, all I could see was up. Standing though, I had a nice view of the pool and lake. The room was very clean and had wonderful mousekeeping all week. Buses were fine.....never a long wait. The Holiday decorations were put up the night I arrived. beautiful!! They really do an excellent job with the decorations there.
I was there Nov. 13 - 19. Parks were somewhat crowded, but most of the rides had short lines.
I was not on the dining plan, but had made three ADRs. CP for dinner - very disappointed there. food was just OK.
Mama Melrose for lunch - surprisingly good. I had the Chicken Parm and it came very hot and tasty.
Cape May for breakfast - VERY good! Enjoyed it!
I had a very good time and would do a solo trip again and most certainly stay at WL again!!!
Your solo trip sounds like it was great. Yes, the balconies can be bittersweet at WL. While all the rooms have them (except the ground floor which have patios) some are standing-only balconies, such as the 7th (CL) floor. Even the Presidential Suite, with its four balconies, are all standing-only balconies. Aesthetically, this makes the lodge very appealing, but in practice, makes the balcony less useful to most.
Thanks for your TR!
Thank you! I really had never even considered going during Spring Break, especially since the discounts were blacked-out during that timeframe. But, I figured that if we were happy there at Christmas last year, in spite of the crowds, we could probably have a good time at Spring Break, too. I just couldn't believe that there were no black-out dates during Spring Break. The CM must have thought I was a crazy person - I was so happy and surprised.
50 more days
Yay!
Hope there's not going to be another awful cold snap this January
Well, even if there is, it will still probably be warmer at WDW and frequently during the winter, the weather will be cold one day and warm the next. At least you won't have to worry about hurricanes and downpours
. Have a great trip!
Just curious if anyone has any details on the refurb. What floor will be first? How will the decor change? ........
When I spoke to Randy, the CL manager, in August, I didn't ask him what floor would be first. He did say that he had seen the model room and it was gorgeous and everything in it was new. I will be there in four months and will ask Randy for an update - if you can wait that long
Once you get there you won't be thinking as much about what you spent and instead you'll be loving every minute of it and wondering when you'll be coming back
Leaving in 5 hours for WL!!!!
I just want to be there right now!!!...but I still have to pack, so I guess the time will "fly".
That is so exciting! But, I can't believe you haven't packed yet - get to packin'!!!
Oh, if you get a chance to ask about whether the rehab is still scheduled to start in February and what floor will be first, that would be great
So jealous! Congrats on making it to DDay! (I call it Disney Day!
)
Have fun on your trip! Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere!
I can only hope that this time next year, I'll be only a few days away from a trip of my own to the WL for Christmas time. As you can see by my siggy, I'm kinda excited about it. Just a tad.
I hope you can, too. Try looking at dates prior to 12-25. The room-only rates are usually lower prior to 12-23 and prior to 12-25, discounts can usually be applied.
I still might need to bring/ship some it sounds...
I couldn't imagine anything better than to be fortunate enough to have a new room when we go next year. I love that place. 
That's when I became hooked. 
the evenings were about as cold as home! Wouldn't you know it, our last 2 or 3 days before leaving it warmed up 
So the single serving coffee maker prob isn't practical for us, as attractive as they are 
