Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[DeeBee3]

I’m getting nervous about my Starbucks addiction... Coffee brewed in the room just won’t cut it, and as much as I’d like to bring my Nespresso machine, I just don’t think there’s room in our luggage

In order for me to be coherent enough to book G+ rides at 7am and deal with the four kids needing my attention around the same time, I need to have some caffeine (prepared by someone else) coursing through my veins by 6:30-6:45 at the latest. Are there really no options for that on-site? It appears that Roaring Fork opens the earliest, but not until 7am… that won’t work

Anywhere I can walk/get to easily that opens before then, preferably by 6-6:30? I will have a rental car so don’t mind driving as long as it’s easy in/out.

Could you just drink what's in the room until you get to MK or wherever on property and get the Starbucks there? I would not be able to go through the whole process of dressing and actually driving off property to get coffee. It seems like it would waste precious energy.

 

[jillinastoria]

This is what I had come up with as my plan… glad to know it was an easy drive! Looks like around 15 mins? Well worth it for my quad blonde venti latte w/ 2 pumps sugar free vanilla It boggles my mind that nowhere else opens before 7… the DTD SBs open at 9am?!?! I’ve lived an entire life by then! Thank you for letting me know it’s possible!

I honestly think it might be the reason we rent a car every time. I usually wake up at 5:30 and need a very specific drink (tea-based, long story) to get my day going!

 

[MeredithM1524]

Could you just drink what's in the room until you get to MK or wherever on property and get the Starbucks there? I would not be able to go through the whole process of dressing and actually driving off property to get coffee. It seems like it would waste precious energy.

I could… that would be the reasonable thing to do Considering I drive to my local SB every morning at 5-5:30am (albeit only 7-8 mins away instead of 15), I’m kind of used to it and sadly addicted to that jolt of caffeine (my family would attest to the fact that I am NOT a happy camper without it!), which I savor while I get everyone ready for the day. Also my SB people are used to seeing me roll up in pjs and wild hair so I’m not too fussed about the whole getting dressed part but you are absolutely right that’s what I should do! Thank you!

 

[MeredithM1524]

It’s not far at all, just go straight though the intersection at the WL exit. You’ll pass the TTC & the Poly, the road basically ends, take a left and stay to the right, you’ll see the gas station. Now I’ve never bought coffee there, but years ago when I was a CM, we would get pizza and it was good. I believe they brew fresh coffee, it’s not Starbucks, but it’s caffeine! Ask at the front desk for recommendations, too.

Awesome, thank you! Will be sure to ask the front desk as well. Great advice!

 

[DeeBee3]

I could… that would be the reasonable thing to do Considering I drive to my local SB every morning at 5-5:30am (albeit only 7-8 mins away instead of 15), I’m kind of used to it and sadly addicted to that jolt of caffeine (my family would attest to the fact that I am NOT a happy camper without it!), which I savor while I get everyone ready for the day. Also my SB people are used to seeing me roll up in pjs and wild hair so I’m not too fussed about the whole getting dressed part but you are absolutely right that’s what I should do! Thank you!

Oh well if you already get up that early, then it doesn't matter! I have to stay in bed for as long as possible when my kids wake up so early!

 

[BridgetR3]

I could… that would be the reasonable thing to do Considering I drive to my local SB every morning at 5-5:30am (albeit only 7-8 mins away instead of 15), I’m kind of used to it and sadly addicted to that jolt of caffeine (my family would attest to the fact that I am NOT a happy camper without it!), which I savor while I get everyone ready for the day. Also my SB people are used to seeing me roll up in pjs and wild hair so I’m not too fussed about the whole getting dressed part but you are absolutely right that’s what I should do! Thank you!

Just a side note - if you are driving, your car will be a bit of a walking distance from your room so you may want to also take that into consideration.

 

[MeredithM1524]

Just a side note - if you are driving, your car will be a bit of a walking distance from your room so you may want to also take that into consideration.

I was wondering this myself. Definitely going to have to weigh the pros/cons to this! Thank you!

 

[Starwind]

Gasparilla Island Grill at Grand Floridian is currently listed as opening at 6 am; they used to be open 24/7 pre-pandemic.

Captain Cooks at Polynesian is currently listed as opening at 7 am; they also used to be 24/7 pre-pandemic.

 

[MeredithM1524]

Gasparilla Island Grill at Grand Floridian is currently listed as opening at 6 am; they used to be open 24/7 pre-pandemic.

Captain Cooks at Polynesian is currently listed as opening at 7 am; they also used to be 24/7 pre-pandemic.

I was looking at these as well; will they let me drive my car from WL and park there to run in for coffee? I’d gladly do that but I read they’re being strict about needing a dining reservation or being a resort guest to be able to park. I was hoping to find someone who would understand my need for early morning coffee and that I’d be in and out within 10 minutes, but not sure how much I’m (or that parking lot guard would be!) willing to gamble on that before said coffee

 

[KimMcGowan]

The Poly is right on the way to the gas station. You can try and the worst that happens is you are turned away.

 

[DCJ]

When we there last July, the had K cup coffee maker in the room that was actually quite good.

 

[OKW Lover]

This is a pretty basic question but this thread is so long that I can't find a simple answer. What is the difference between Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge, and Copper Creek?

For background, its been many, many years since we've done a DVC stay there. Back then it was only VWL. I've got some DVC points that I have to use by September 30 and have been considering a short say at several resorts. I like to try out the newer DVC units there so looking for a bit better explanation as to the different names.

 

[btweety04]

This is a pretty basic question but this thread is so long that I can't find a simple answer. What is the difference between Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge, and Copper Creek?

For background, its been many, many years since we've done a DVC stay there. Back then it was only VWL. I've got some DVC points that I have to use by September 30 and have been considering a short say at several resorts. I like to try out the newer DVC units there so looking for a bit better explanation as to the different names.

There are two different Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek. Boulder Ridge rooms are older and are soon to be up for refurbishment I believe. Copper Creek was refurbed a few years back and are very nice. I think BR may have a little bigger rooms but I'm not totally sure on that. If you are looking for newer DVC units, then CC is the way to go. We just got home from a stay there in a studio villa.

 

[CarolynFH]

This is a pretty basic question but this thread is so long that I can't find a simple answer. What is the difference between Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge, and Copper Creek?

For background, its been many, many years since we've done a DVC stay there. Back then it was only VWL. I've got some DVC points that I have to use by September 30 and have been considering a short say at several resorts. I like to try out the newer DVC units there so looking for a bit better explanation as to the different names.

VWL is the original name for what’s now Boulder Ridge. As above, CCV is much newer but consists of renovated WL hotel rooms, so while newer and lovely the CCV villas are smaller than the BRV villas.

 

[FabFamofFour]

Is anyone at WL this week that can post the May activity calendar?
Thanks!

 

[mrsap]

Boulder Ridge Refurbishment Still Planned; No Timeline Offered

Each issue of the quarterly magazine features a one-page program update from current leadership. This is Diercksen's first address since replacing form DVC head Terri Schultz back in September 2021. Within a recap of recent villa refreshes, Diercksen had this to say:

"And at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, completely re-imagined Boulder Ridge Villas are in the works, updating everything from furniture and flooring to appliances."

 

[JBelle19]

I hope they start the refurb after July. I would hate for WL to be a construction zone during our first deluxe stay...I've waited years for this! But if it is, oh well, we will enjoy it anyway.

 

[CarolynFH]

I hope they start the refurb after July. I would hate for WL to be a construction zone during our first deluxe stay...I've waited years for this! But if it is, oh well, we will enjoy it anyway.

BRV is a completely separate building from WL. The sorely-needed BRV refurbishments shouldn't affect the WL building at all.

 

[Tntfras]

Any recent WL club stay goers out there? Was wondering how the offerings and stays have been?

 

[mrsap]

Any recent WL club stay goers out there? Was wondering how the offerings and stays have been?

You can check out the Club Level Thread. There are some recent pictures of the offerings there. Enjoy!