Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[Patrick G.]

What time do I need to be at the bus stop/boat dock in the morning to be at each of the parks in time for rope drop?

 

[Wood Nymph]

What time do I need to be at the bus stop/boat dock in the morning to be at each of the parks in time for rope drop?

The boats start running a 1/2 hour before the park opens, so I would definitely take the bus to be there for rope drop. We got to the bus stop at 8:20am, had to wait for a bus until 8:40am, it had to load a ECV before heading to MK. And we got into MK about ten minutes before rope drop at 9am. It is just a five minute bus ride once the bus leaves the resort. We beat the resort boat by about five minutes.

 

[Sarahraegraham]

The boats start running a 1/2 hour before the park opens, so I would definitely take the bus to be there for rope drop. We got to the bus stop at 8:20am, had to wait for a bus until 8:40am, it had to load a ECV before heading to MK. And we got into MK about ten minutes before rope drop at 9am. It is just a five minute bus ride once the bus leaves the resort. We beat the resort boat by about five minutes.

I have a question on the opposite end of the day that maybe you could help me with. We have a 6:30pm reservation at Whispering Canyon. If we are done and at the bus stop by 8, do you know how long we'd likely wait for a bus back to MK? We'd like to see HEA that night. I've never stayed at WL, so I'm not familiar with the transportation quality

 

[Patrick G.]

The boats start running a 1/2 hour before the park opens, so I would definitely take the bus to be there for rope drop. We got to the bus stop at 8:20am, had to wait for a bus until 8:40am, it had to load a ECV before heading to MK. And we got into MK about ten minutes before rope drop at 9am. It is just a five minute bus ride once the bus leaves the resort. We beat the resort boat by about five minutes.

Thanks!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I have a question on the opposite end of the day that maybe you could help me with. We have a 6:30pm reservation at Whispering Canyon. If we are done and at the bus stop by 8, do you know how long we'd likely wait for a bus back to MK? We'd like to see HEA that night. I've never stayed at WL, so I'm not familiar with the transportation quality

We ate dinner at Whispering Canyon and then headed out to MK for fireworks on one of our trips. We were running a bit late and we were a little surprised when the MK bus went to FW to pick up the Hoop Dee Doo guests before heading to MK. I think the detour made the bus ride more like 15 minutes instead of five minutes. But if you are at the bus stop at 8pm for fireworks at 9pm then you should be fine.

 

[sleepydog25]

I am thinking of renting points for BRV for next May. I have loved walking through this resort but haven't been since before construction started. My real question is how many who stay here are from any NE area or mountain area? Do you like it as a vacation resort? I am from Colorado and think I would still like it. I really want to try all resorts and that is really why I want to stay here. I am also trying CSR during my trip so I know I will get my "vacation" vibe in there. Thanks!

Currently, I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwest Virginia, but before moving to these "puny" mountains, I lived in both Colorado and Alaska for about four years each. While I have read a few posts over the years that they don't like the Lodge because they actually come from the Northwest and/or mountainous areas, those reports are not frequent. I can tell you that my wife and I love the ambiance of the Lodge, love the thematic elements, love the sense of tranquility (despite the new construction), and love the sense of majesty you get soaking in the architecture and music. If you enjoyed the resort simply walking through it, I suspect you'll like it if you stayed there. You won't mistake it for an actual mountain resort, but you will feel transported to a respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks and the larger resorts. I say give it a try.

 

[canyoncam]

Currently, I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwest Virginia, but before moving to these "puny" mountains, I lived in both Colorado and Alaska for about four years each. While I have read a few posts over the years that they don't like the Lodge because they actually come from the Northwest and/or mountainous areas, those reports are not frequent. I can tell you that my wife and I love the ambiance of the Lodge, love the thematic elements, love the sense of tranquility (despite the new construction), and love the sense of majesty you get soaking in the architecture and music. If you enjoyed the resort simply walking through it, I suspect you'll like it if you stayed there. You won't mistake it for an actual mountain resort, but you will feel transported to a respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks and the larger resorts. I say give it a try.

Thanks Sleepydog. That's what I thought, as it definitely isn't real mountains. But I know of so many from the south who say they would never stay at Port Orleans. I'd never heard anyone from the mountains saying they'd never stay at Wilderness. It really did just give me an awe moment walking through it, one quite different than being in the mountains. Now I hope all works out for me to stay there.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Thank you so much for posting this! I just booked a CCV 1-bedroom for December and had NO CLUE where the rooms might be! I'm trying to figure out if I want to make any requests. My main request is always for a quiet room and typically ask for a high floor, though the views I've seen of first floor patios look quite nice. I've never stayed in this area of the Lodge (We stayed in a 2-bedroom in what is now BRV and in a standard CL room - loved both!). Based on this map, for a quiet room with a nice view, what would you recommend I request - 7th floor?

In general I would request a high floor to get away from ground floor noise around the pools. The balcony issue that @Wood Nymph pointed out is a valid concern, because the rooms on the top floor in any section of the resort have enclosed balconies that feel more secure but block the view from below about 4ft high. Keep in mind that the rooms in the East section of the sixth floor also have this issue. We have had one of these rooms and enjoyed it, but many prefer the open balconies.
CCV does not distinguish between the views on the North or South side, since both overlook pool courtyards. I would agree that the South side would be quieter, but the North side (facing the main pool) would have a better view because of the chance at seeing some fireworks over the other wing and the views of Bay Lake. My preferred room location would be a courtyard view room that opens to the lobby on the 4th or 5th floor, since these have balconies that face Bay Lake and overlook the spring and face the main pool, but actually are some distance from it, so pool noise is diminished. These rooms do have potential noise from WCC in the lobby though, so they aren't the absolute quietest location.
Overall, you can't go too wrong and we were impressed with the rooms on the CCV side. Have a great trip!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Thank you.. also I noticed some have walk in showers, how many I wonder of these they are?

I don't have numbers on how many studios have walk in showers vs tubs, but I have noticed that they are bookable separately, and there seems to be more availability for the shower ones than the tubs, as the tubs seem to sell out first.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks Sleepydog. That's what I thought, as it definitely isn't real mountains. But I know of so many from the south who say they would never stay at Port Orleans. I'd never heard anyone from the mountains saying they'd never stay at Wilderness. It really did just give me an awe moment walking through it, one quite different than being in the mountains. Now I hope all works out for me to stay there.

It's that moment of awe, walking into the lobby for the first time, that stays with me to this day. In fact, my wife and I look forward to that venerable moment every single time we go to the Lodge whether we're staying or not. Conservatively, I'm guessing I've filmed it 20 times in the last 8-9 years. And here's some that it works out for you. . .

 

[Sarahraegraham]

We ate dinner at Whispering Canyon and then headed out to MK for fireworks on one of our trips. We were running a bit late and we were a little surprised when the MK bus went to FW to pick up the Hoop Dee Doo guests before heading to MK. I think the detour made the bus ride more like 15 minutes instead of five minutes. But if you are at the bus stop at 8pm for fireworks at 9pm then you should be fine.

Thanks!

 

[Heathbarios]

With the disappearance of the Electrical Parade in MK, we hope to see the lake version during our November trip. Seems it passes by WL around 9:35. How long does it last? Any recommendations on when we should get down to the dock or Geyser Point to get a good view?

Now that flights and Fast Passes are booked, I am started to get really excited for our 11/2-11/8 trip! My parents have never been to WL - I am very excited to show it to them.

 

[sleepydog25]

With the disappearance of the Electrical Parade in MK, we hope to see the lake version during our November trip. Seems it passes by WL around 9:35. How long does it last? Any recommendations on when we should get down to the dock or Geyser Point to get a good view?

Now that flights and Fast Passes are booked, I am started to get really excited for our 11/2-11/8 trip! My parents have never been to WL - I am very excited to show it to them.

10 minutes or so. Geyser Point will have excellent views of it. You can go just a few minutes before the show as there is plenty of viewing room there. Many people can see it from their balconies on the lake side, as well.

 

[Heathbarios]

Thanks! Looking forward to watching it in my jammies!

 

[luckystar2]

Just got back from WL and had a wonderful time. Our first stay there and I really loved it. We had room 4062 which had somewhat of a view of fireworks. Would have been better higher up and further down but still was fun to see them from the balcony. Just had some trees in the way some (see picture for view)

We were so busy that we really didn't check everything out. I will say I was impressed with transportation. The boat to MK and back was fantastic. It was such a breeze to get there and so quick to walk to dock after a long day at MK. We hardly had to wait for a boat. I was worried about the busses but we always seemed to show up right as our bus was pulling up or shortly before. We never waited long for busses. We had some crowded ones coming from parks, but getting there was nice. We had the bus to Epcot completely to ourselves one day.

 

[Starwind]

I personally wouldn't request the 7th floor because those rooms would have the dormer balcony and you can only see out of them when you are standing. I would think that a view of the new villas pool would be a nice view and quieter than a courtyard view room.

Do the dormer balconies have a "roof" over the top of the balcony (i.e. to provide shade) or is it open to the sky ?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Do the dormer balconies have a "roof" over the top of the balcony (i.e. to provide shade) or is it open to the sky ?

Roof - see top floor rooms in the pic below for an example. Hope that helps!

 

[danikoski]

With the disappearance of the Electrical Parade in MK, we hope to see the lake version during our November trip. Seems it passes by WL around 9:35. How long does it last? Any recommendations on when we should get down to the dock or Geyser Point to get a good view?

Now that flights and Fast Passes are booked, I am started to get really excited for our 11/2-11/8 trip! My parents have never been to WL - I am very excited to show it to them.

Also, we noticed some nights it goes by twice, once heading to Ft. W, then coming back. And, there is music that announces its arrival. My husband loved the ELWP. He would hear the announcement music and run down to the dock like a little kid. I enjoy watching it with an adult beverage in hand. He just thoroughly enjoyed it

 

[Lsdolphin]

Checked in Friday, was upgraded to Courtyard view. Room ready at 10am. Didn't expect to love the theming here as much as I do. I have stayed at every deluxe except YC now and WL is hands down top 3. Any questions while we are here?

By any chance is the Hidden Springs pool a "salt water" pool like the Oasis pool at the Poly?

 

[MissMaryQC]

Super excited to be here, Irma can just blow away!! Our view from our Courtyard room is excellent!!