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

[buzz1121]

Shmoogrrrl, Oh my gosh, my DS would absolutely love that WL lincoln log set. It is so cute! He has been interested in staying at the WL for quite a while so I know he will be thrilled soon.

WDWKOOK, thank you so much for the list of Christmas activities. I think I felt like the possibility of doing MNSSHP and MVMCP was a unique opportunity for us this year. DS is in the first grade and has a long weekend for fall break, though he will miss a day of school and he gets out early for Christmas break this year, though he will miss a four days then. I just want to take him for the holidays while he still believes in the magic. I fear the hourglass has been turned with him in school now. The pictures of the WL are incredible! I can't wait to see it decorated in person!

 

[WyldLynx]

Subbing to this group!!! major props on a great thread going here

Hello All,
I am staying at the WL next week for the fourth time and yet I still have questions. I was hoping someone could shed some light on the following:

1. How much should I be tipping the room cleaning service per day? I am thinking $5 or is this being cheap?

3. When you pull up to front of the hotel for check in what is the correct method of attack? Every time I do this I pull to the left side since the right it seems is always filled with cars and service trucks. And when I do this I always end up with one of the rangers running over complaining I can’t park there, where I usually respond by telling him to shut it and just bark orders at the poor guy and make him deal with the luggage which is not ideal. My goal here is for once I would like to start out on vacation on the right foot.

I am curious about these two questions myself. We are going next Sept (Just 365 days to go). This will be our second trip to the mouse and our first trip that we are staying onsite. Driving down again (but I like having my vehicle available) Staying at WL because it is the resort that most appeals to my family.

I am really curious to see what the best method of attack is for when we arrive at WL to check in. Which way are you supposed to pull up to the entrance? I'd rather know before I get there so there is no confusion on my part.

Thanks again WDWKook, you have done a mighty fine job here

 

[neodymm]

Anyone know how far the walk is from the Tri-Circle D Ranch to the WL, specifically Artist Point?

We will be staying at CR, so will ferry over to Ft. Wilderness to take DD to see the ranch. Then, would like to have dinner at AP. So, we are wondering how much time we should allot for visiting the horses and then walking over to dinner...or should we just ferry from FW to WL?

Also, are the carriage rides only at FW or are they also at WL? Was debating a surprise carriage ride for her after dinner, but that would be more difficult if they are only at FW.

For anyone that has done a carriage ride there, any feedback?

Thanks!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Shmoogrrrl, Oh my gosh, my DS would absolutely love that WL lincoln log set. It is so cute! He has been interested in staying at the WL for quite a while so I know he will be thrilled soon.

WDWKOOK, thank you so much for the list of Christmas activities. I think I felt like the possibility of doing MNSSHP and MVMCP was a unique opportunity for us this year. DS is in the first grade and has a long weekend for fall break, though he will miss a day of school and he gets out early for Christmas break this year, though he will miss a four days then. I just want to take him for the holidays while he still believes in the magic. I fear the hourglass has been turned with him in school now. The pictures of the WL are incredible! I can't wait to see it decorated in person!

Isn't that just the cutest Lincoln Log set?

I know what you mean about that hourglass (great analogy, BTW). You're doing the right thing, IMHO. Take lots of pictures and have a great time with your family, buzz1121.

Subbing to this group!!! major props on a great thread going here



I am curious about these two questions myself. We are going next Sept (Just 365 days to go). This will be our second trip to the mouse and our first trip that we are staying onsite. Driving down again (but I like having my vehicle available) Staying at WL because it is the resort that most appeals to my family.

I am really curious to see what the best method of attack is for when we arrive at WL to check in. Which way are you supposed to pull up to the entrance? I'd rather know before I get there so there is no confusion on my part.

Thanks again WDWKook, you have done a mighty fine job here

to our little thread, WyldLynx and thank you so much for your kind comments.

We always drive and this is our method of attack:

We pull-up to the far right and middle (though not blocking the pedestrian crosswalk that runs from the stairs on the left to the entrance on the right) of the port cochere.

The bellman unloads everything, DH parks the car, I tip the bellman and then if we're staying CL, the CL runner greets us and we wait for DH to return before being escorted up to CL. If you're not staying CL, you can start the check-in process while DH is parking the car or you can all park the car together and check-in together. Walking into the lobby is an amazing experience, so you all might what to do that at that same time.

Anyone know how far the walk is from the Tri-Circle D Ranch to the WL, specifically Artist Point?

We will be staying at CR, so will ferry over to Ft. Wilderness to take DD to see the ranch. Then, would like to have dinner at AP. So, we are wondering how much time we should allot for visiting the horses and then walking over to dinner...or should we just ferry from FW to WL?

Also, are the carriage rides only at FW or are they also at WL? Was debating a surprise carriage ride for her after dinner, but that would be more difficult if they are only at FW.

For anyone that has done a carriage ride there, any feedback?

Thanks!!

The carriage rides are only at FW. Tri Circle is not that big - there is a stable with maybe 6-8 horses and an outdoor area with some animals and ponies that you can also ride. I'd say you should allot about 30 minutes, if you're not riding the ponies.

Then walk across the street and follow the path to the WL. It is paved, but there is also an unpaved trail. On the first page of this thread you can see my photos of the path that runs through the woods. About halfway down the paved path, to your right, you will see a road and if you cross that road, you can follow the woods path which runs behind the marina/bike rental/VWL. Or you can simply follow the paved path that will end near the WL bus stop which is near the side entrance to WL. Just walk in the side entrance (across from the VWL entrance) and go straight ahead until it ends and that will be Artist Point. I think walking would be faster than going down to the FW marina and waiting for the boat to WL.

I would say you should allot a minimum of one hour to check-out Tri Circle and then walk to WL. The walk itself is probably only about 20 minutes. There is also a map of the paths on the first page.

 

[WyldLynx]

Thanks once again WDWKOOK. You're the best

I feel like I'm OCDing but I can't help it, my whole family were bit hard by the Disney bug when we were down last time. I guess there are a lot worse things we could be addicted to

 

[pas130]

So I have been doing a lot of tweaking to my upcoming trip with DH. A LOT Changed back to WL, very innocently...simply checking availabilty on a Poly honeymoon suite, and one thing led to another. My DH was cracking up (You just can't leave the trip alone can you, you'll change again) He has always wanted to stay at the Poly, but he likes WL. We have never stayed there either. And we are guaranteed a king bed! We have no problem in a queen, but being just the 2 of us in a room for 5 will make me very lonely for our kids. And we have never had a honeymoon, so just the fact it is a "honeymoon room" is soooooo cool

Thanks for listening!

 

[WDWKOOK]

So I have been doing a lot of tweaking to my upcoming trip with DH. A LOT Changed back to WL, very innocently...simply checking availabilty on a Poly honeymoon suite, and one thing led to another. My DH was cracking up (You just can't leave the trip alone can you, you'll change again) He has always wanted to stay at the Poly, but he likes WL. We have never stayed there either. And we are guaranteed a king bed! We have no problem in a queen, but being just the 2 of us in a room for 5 will make me very lonely for our kids. And we have never had a honeymoon, so just the fact it is a "honeymoon room" is soooooo cool

Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to the WL thread! I only have one photo of the HS on the first page, but a poster recently said that they would take more and post them here soon. The HS is the same as a regular room, with the exception of the king bed you mentioned and the jacuzzi. So bring your bubbles!

You're going to love CL. Make sure it's in your reservation that it's your anniversary and it's the honeymoon you never had. You might also want to request a suite facing the MK, that way you'll be able to see a little bit of Wishes over the tree tops. You should also ask the concierge at check-in if there is any availability for a rooftop viewing of Wishes.

 

[Karabee]

Would we be the only adults at the campfire to roast a few marshmallows? I just think that sounds like a fun thing to do to relax in the evening!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Would we be the only adults at the campfire to roast a few marshmallows? I just think that sounds like a fun thing to do to relax in the evening!

Nope, you wouldn't. I think I enjoyed it much more than my DD (12) who I had to drag over.

Enjoy your trip (and your marshmallows) in less than two weeks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Sturdy Branches Health Club (Wilderness Lodge) closed through 9/16/11. Guests can use the health club at the Contemporary Resort (Olympiad).

 

[CooperPrincesses]

Would we be the only adults at the campfire to roast a few marshmallows? I just think that sounds like a fun thing to do to relax in the evening!

We did this last October with my girls when we stayed at Ft. Wilderness, and it was a blast. The highlight of course was meeting Chip and Dale. My only caution was that it was a bit insane. Everyone was sticky, the kids were a little nuts between the sugar and the characters and the parents were a little absent in controling what their kids were doing. At more then one point we were pelleted with pea gravel while the kids mom just watched.

Not sure if the campfire at the Lodge is a little more tame, but just be prepared for one crazy time.

Oh and there were lots and lots of adults enjoy the campfires without kids.

 

[WDWKOOK]

The WL marshmallow roast is very tame and low-key - no characters and it's free. You only roast one or two marshmallows (no smores) and so it only takes a couple of minutes and most children seemed to be supervised and there was a high CM to "roaster" ratio. When you're done roasting, there's really no reason to hang around. There is a campfire photo on the first page.

 

[pas130]

Welcome back to the WL thread! I only have one photo of the HS on the first page, but a poster recently said that they would take more and post them here soon. The HS is the same as a regular room, with the exception of the king bed you mentioned and the jacuzzi. So bring your bubbles!

You're going to love CL. Make sure it's in your reservation that it's your anniversary and it's the honeymoon you never had. You might also want to request a suite facing the MK, that way you'll be able to see a little bit of Wishes over the tree tops. You should also ask the concierge at check-in if there is any availability for a rooftop viewing of Wishes.

Thanks for the tips my friend IPO has been great, and they are almost used to my changing I will email them before I leave about the room request

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Just booked the free dining promo for WL!! I have never stayed in the standard rooms. Can anyone say where the location of these rooms typically are?

 

[Caboosey]

In two weeks I will be checking into Wilderness Lodge!!! WOOHOO!

I had a question about the coffee there - how is the coffee that they give you to brew in the room? I know people have lots of complaints about WDW coffee in general. I'm also considering just bringing the Starbucks Iced Via packs and making my own iced coffee every morning...

 

[kpm76]

We are heading to the WL in a little more than 2 weeks! So excited We stayed there 4 nights on our honeymoon and LOVED it. We are traveling with our kids, 4 and 1, and I think it will be a great resort for them. A while ago, I DVR'd Samatha Brown's Great Hotels episode featuring the WL and we watch it all the time.....now I tell my 4 yr old that she's going to actually be able to stay there

What's the rooftop viewing of Wishes all about?? That sounds amazing!

 

[bowbat]

Hello WL lovers.

We're popping over to Orlando in a few weeks just for a night (going to the Lego store at DTD as a special treat for my Lego-crazy kid), and got a room at the WL. It's just for the one night, but we'd like to enjoy some of the resort offerings while we're there. What are some fun things we should do? We'll definitely do the marshmallow roast -- I know my kid would love that. And, weather permitting, we'll probably hit the pool. Anything else we should try to do?

Also, is there anywhere at the WL where we would be able to see Wishes? We'll be there on October 1, so I'm kinda thinking the display might be extra-special.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Karabee]

In two weeks I will be checking into Wilderness Lodge!!! WOOHOO!

I had a question about the coffee there - how is the coffee that they give you to brew in the room? I know people have lots of complaints about WDW coffee in general. I'm also considering just bringing the Starbucks Iced Via packs and making my own iced coffee every morning...

I just started a thread about this yesterday. If you click on my name and my posts you will find it. Looks like I will be bringing our own also. It's amazing that Disney doesnt seem to have great coffee of all things!

 

[bowbat]

In two weeks I will be checking into Wilderness Lodge!!! WOOHOO!

I had a question about the coffee there - how is the coffee that they give you to brew in the room? I know people have lots of complaints about WDW coffee in general. I'm also considering just bringing the Starbucks Iced Via packs and making my own iced coffee every morning...

Whoops, I meant to comment on the coffee thing, too. When we stayed at CR last year, I made a pot of coffee in the room. I ended up dumping it out. I have no idea if the coffee was good or not, but the WATER quality was so bad, I couldn't drink it. It reeked of chlorine. The tap water in Florida tends to be bad, at least in my area, so it wasn't unexpected, but my coffee maker at home has a water filter in it. Apparently the one in the room at CR did not.

IDK, maybe I'm extra-sensitive about that, but I mention it only to say that bringing your own coffee still might not solve the problem. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just booked the free dining promo for WL!! I have never stayed in the standard rooms. Can anyone say where the location of these rooms typically are?

They are facing towards the service area/smokehouse/parking lot. On the first page of this thread, under "STANDARD VIEWS," I have a photo of the outside of the std. rooms and some of their views. Keep in mind that at night you won't really notice the view below you, but you may be able to see some of Wishes above the trees if you're on a higher floor

We are heading to the WL in a little more than 2 weeks! So excited We stayed there 4 nights on our honeymoon and LOVED it. We are traveling with our kids, 4 and 1, and I think it will be a great resort for them. A while ago, I DVR'd Samatha Brown's Great Hotels episode featuring the WL and we watch it all the time.....now I tell my 4 yr old that she's going to actually be able to stay there

What's the rooftop viewing of Wishes all about?? That sounds amazing!

It's by request-only and is usually reserved for special occasions. Like Flag Family, you would ask at check-in if their availability. A CM escorts you up to the rooftop, above the 7th floor, from about 9:45-10:15, weather permitting. I have a small section on the rooftop Wishes viewing on the first page.

Hello WL lovers.

We're popping over to Orlando in a few weeks just for a night (going to the Lego store at DTD as a special treat for my Lego-crazy kid), and got a room at the WL. It's just for the one night, but we'd like to enjoy some of the resort offerings while we're there. What are some fun things we should do? We'll definitely do the marshmallow roast -- I know my kid would love that. And, weather permitting, we'll probably hit the pool. Anything else we should try to do?

Also, is there anywhere at the WL where we would be able to see Wishes? We'll be there on October 1, so I'm kinda thinking the display might be extra-special.

Thanks for your help!

You could...

Take a walk over to FW and look at the horses and other animals or take a pony ride or carriage ride.

Rent a boat at the marina.

Watch a movie on the beach at 9:00.

Go to the kid's club open house between 2-30-4 to make a free craft.


You can see Wishes from the beach area and dock. You can also see some of it from the higher floor room balconies which face toward the MK.











I hope everyone who is going soon or has just booked, has a wonderful vacation!