Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[bluecastle]

We (my parents, husband and two young daughters) have been fortunate enough to spend the last few fall trips at the lodge. We love it there and it is our favorite resort. I personally have stayed here, AKL and The Contemporary on all vacations as a child. We are going to be able to go to Disney again this fall should free dining be offered, but my parents are not coming and they helped us cover the difference between moderate and deluxe last year.

So we have to stay moderate. PO seems out for free dining, if that is an option, I think we will choose there. Has anyone who loves the lodge stayed at CBR or CSR? Our girls will be 6 and 4. Which one do you think best suits us! We are not late night park stayers, we go at opening and stay until they are done and then go back to the hotel to relax. We like to eat breakfast in the room or grab waffles. We have a stroller still and I am weird about clean. Goodness, I am going to miss the lodge! Thank you in advance for any advice!

We have never stayed at the CSR, but I have read that it has a lot of convention guests.
We stayed at CBR when my DD was 10 and we really enjoyed it. We were in the Barbados section, right next to Martinique, which meant it wasn't too long a walk to the main building/pool. We liked the smaller pools and mini- sand beaches that were near each section. There are hammocks for you to relax in while the kiddies play in the sand. There used to be an island, Parrot Cay I think it was called, that had birds and was a nice place to walk around, but I am not sure it's there anymore. (maybe the island is there, but not the birds) Hopefully, someone can give you more current info. I think I recall reading that the rooms there are slightly larger than the other moderates- it was the first "affordable" hotel that Disney offered and that may be why the rooms are a little larger than CSR or POR. I am sure you can find lots of current info on the DIS and also read the resort reviews on allearsnet.com

 

[hill6]

We (my parents, husband and two young daughters) have been fortunate enough to spend the last few fall trips at the lodge. We love it there and it is our favorite resort. I personally have stayed here, AKL and The Contemporary on all vacations as a child. We are going to be able to go to Disney again this fall should free dining be offered, but my parents are not coming and they helped us cover the difference between moderate and deluxe last year.

So we have to stay moderate. PO seems out for free dining, if that is an option, I think we will choose there. Has anyone who loves the lodge stayed at CBR or CSR? Our girls will be 6 and 4. Which one do you think best suits us! We are not late night park stayers, we go at opening and stay until they are done and then go back to the hotel to relax. We like to eat breakfast in the room or grab waffles. We have a stroller still and I am weird about clean. Goodness, I am going to miss the lodge! Thank you in advance for any advice!

I have yet to stay at the lodge but I have stayed at CBR and CSR. CBR the rooms are extremely small and the one we had was damp and had a bit of a mold smell.

We stayed at CSR two years ago and loved it. The resort is spread out but we had paid for a premium room and were close to the main building. The bus service was fast and the internal bus ran constantly. The pool was great. Would stay at CSR again without blinking an eye

 

[cakebaker]

WDWKOOK- Would love to be included on the arrival list!

6/13-6/20..... 10 years since our last stay at the Lodge! It's about time!

 

[Ceryssa]

We (my parents, husband and two young daughters) have been fortunate enough to spend the last few fall trips at the lodge. We love it there and it is our favorite resort. I personally have stayed here, AKL and The Contemporary on all vacations as a child. We are going to be able to go to Disney again this fall should free dining be offered, but my parents are not coming and they helped us cover the difference between moderate and deluxe last year.

So we have to stay moderate. PO seems out for free dining, if that is an option, I think we will choose there. Has anyone who loves the lodge stayed at CBR or CSR? Our girls will be 6 and 4. Which one do you think best suits us! We are not late night park stayers, we go at opening and stay until they are done and then go back to the hotel to relax. We like to eat breakfast in the room or grab waffles. We have a stroller still and I am weird about clean. Goodness, I am going to miss the lodge! Thank you in advance for any advice!

Haven't stayed at WL yet but was at CSR in November. It's quiet and pretty. Very spread out, but I don't think that's unusual among the moderates, and the layout isn't confusing. We didn't find the pool overall to be very impressive but the slide is a lot of fun. With your kids' ages they might like the CBR theme and pool better, but I think either would be fine

 

[Lacoccinelle]

Thanks! I have been reading up a lot. The problem I have discovered are that people seem pretty split! I am worried about the mildew smell that people complain about. I think the kids might like CBR better with the beaches, but I think CSR might be nicer because there are not so many other kids there with conferences. I just wanted to see what lodge lovers prefer as that is always our first choice.

 

[pixarmom]

Thanks! I have been reading up a lot. The problem I have discovered are that people seem pretty split! I am worried about the mildew smell that people complain about. I think the kids might like CBR better with the beaches, but I think CSR might be nicer because there are not so many other kids there with conferences. I just wanted to see what lodge lovers prefer as that is always our first choice.

We're WL fans, and I'd go with CBR. At one point, before discounts appeared for Easter Weekend, we thought we'd be staying in a mod for that part of our trip. We've stayed at all the mods except for the cabins, and we chose CBR/requested Martinique. (Although when the discounts appeared for Easter Weekend we switched to Poly.)

I really do prefer a non-convention hotel like CBR as it has a more vacation feel to it. I'm not sure which is more spread out, but the tropical theme at CBR is fun and festive. The new pool looks great for kids, love the hammocks on the beach and the new room decor looks like a significant improvement. Pre-refurb, I would have selected CSR, but now that they are updating the CBR rooms, that would be our choice.

 

[Ceryssa]

Thanks! I have been reading up a lot. The problem I have discovered are that people seem pretty split! I am worried about the mildew smell that people complain about. I think the kids might like CBR better with the beaches, but I think CSR might be nicer because there are not so many other kids there with conferences. I just wanted to see what lodge lovers prefer as that is always our first choice.

Haha yes that does seem to be the case no matter which way you go! If it helps, the Cabanas area at CSR also has beaches and hammocks (coastal Mexico theme). We saw a lot of families while we were there though, so I wouldn't count on it being less kid-filled.

I'm really excited to compare the Lodge to the other two we've stayed at so far The people who visit and don't like it seem to be few and far between, which is a good sign!

 

[Lacoccinelle]

Haha yes that does seem to be the case no matter which way you go! If it helps, the Cabanas area at CSR also has beaches and hammocks (coastal Mexico theme). We saw a lot of families while we were there though, so I wouldn't count on it being less kid-filled.

I'm really excited to compare the Lodge to the other two we've stayed at so far The people who visit and don't like it seem to be few and far between, which is a good sign!

Thanks, I am a teacher and have been very lucky to get leave while my kids are little. This will be my last year off and we love going in the fall! We thought about going at another time, but I am sure that it will be fine. Our last WL stay was just so great, flag family, view of fireworks every night, even the pool closure was not so bad. I think we will not even be able to eat at Whispering Canyon, it will make us too sad!

I think we may go for CBR. Wait and see free dining. Who knows, with it being all fresh, it may be the one that is excluded this time!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I've never had a chance to post since we returned from our quick CL stay last weekend. We were there from Friday night through Tuesday. It was okay. We got a good deal with our AP so that's why we did it. But we were disappointed with the lounge and just didn't feel any of the staff was up to "CL standard" (our own subjective evaluation for sure) at other resorts. But mostly the lounge was so tiny and I wasn't crazy about all the tables out in the hall instead of in a lounge. By comparison, we've done Poly CL a few times and BC once. Poly we love and BC upgraded us to the Presidential suite, so I have a particular fondness for them (LOL). I want to say we would only go back to the Poly CL but the price is so ridiculous. We almost considered moving over there after the first night (they still had AP CL rooms available) but it seemed like too much hassle for a 4 night trip.

The room was okay but we froze the first night and had to request extra blankets the next day. Eventually we realized (after 11 pm) that the heat wasn't working at all, it was 58 degrees in our room by that point. But they did send someone to fix it pretty quickly and it worked after that. I forget our room number (very unlike me) but it was ok. Our view looked out across from the scaffolding from the construction work, but we also had a great view of the EWP every night.

Food in the lounge was mostly just okay. Poly has been better on that front.

Overall, we still love WL, I just don't think I would pay for CL there again.

It's good that you gave WL a try and the Poly will be better than ever for you after the Volcano pool re-opens.

I cannot believe I am even typing this! But I just switched my November MYW package from POFQ to WL!!!! I have never stayed at a deluxe resort before and it has always been a dream of mine! I have been to WL when resort hopping and the place is just breathtaking! I am so excited!!!! I'll be there November 5-14th in Courtyard View room. My dream is finally coming true. This trip is a huge bday gift for myself.. I work so hard so I figured I'd splurge and have a more relaxing trip since I'll be staying longer than normal. 276 days to go... So far but it'll get here soon enough!

Congratulations! You're going to love the Lodge and you'll be hooked on Deluxe - so many great transportation, dining and recreation options and close proximity to parks. I'll log your dates in POST 1.

We didn't have to much trouble, but to be honest we had very early ADR's at the BC and Animal Kingdom so we only had to use the bus once to HS..........but wasn't bad.

In this video from our trip you can get a preview of taking the boat over to CR very early in the morning..........

What a fun morning you had. Thanks for sharing.

How often do they change the menu at Territory Lounge?

Anyone visit in the past week or two? I'm not sure if the menu from the official site is accurate.

I don't think that the TL menu is changed very often. The Artist Point/AP menu does change seasonally, but the TL menu has pretty much stayed the same for a while. I have both menus posted in the DINING chapter of the thread.

Wanted to pop in and say hi to kook!!! You'll be happy to know that I have a April/May trip planned and am only homeless for 1 night!!!

I hear there's a nice, secluded spot along the trail from WL to FW. Where else besides BWI are you staying?

Tried to post yesterday, but the new software would not let me until I reset my password. Just got back from the lodge last night, and have been behind on the boards. The trip kept me VERY busy and tired! Sunday, I walked 21,000 steps--thank goodness that was the high. CRAZY!!

But, what I wanted to share is that yesterday it looks like the scaffolding on the left side of the bear face is coming down. It looks like they are setting up to put scaffolding on the right side. I can't remember which is north or south, but I'm calling the left side the one by the Villas! I took some pics but have not gotten them off the camera. I will have to try the new posting tool!

I ran into an ARMADILLO one night, and really wanted to post the pic--glad I had my phone, but didn't have it uploaded.

OK, looks like i can add right from my iPad HOORAY! The armadillo totally cracked me up, since I'm from Austin, Texas, and our city hall is in the shape of an armadillo (from the top).

Thanks for the update! Those armadillos are the cutest creatures. Unfortunately, in the Hill Country, they're usually sleeping on the side of the road, so seeing an animated one on vacation is a treat.

While I try to get the other photo uploaded here (it keeps telling me it's too large, when it's smaller than this one(?))

This is one of the rooms we saw being worked on in the south wing on the Villas Pool side.
The other picture shows more than one room being worked on.

You can see the room is completely empty (except for the carpet).

I took this the morning of 1/21/15

Thanks for posting your spy photos. What in the world are they up to? Very suspicious

Does our resident Nancy Drew, TheLodgeLady know what's going on with those rooms?

Is this part of the exterior renovation work, or is this a different project?

Disclaimer: Pure speculation with no basis in fact follows!

That would have to be a different project. I'm sure it's just something very mundane, but I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with the rumor (as in, NOT FACT) that the Deluxe rooms will be converted to DVC villas. There aren't any Deluxe rooms that face the VWL pool, but maybe some standard rooms will be converted to something else WHEN/IF the Deluxe rooms are converted to DVC?

BTW, your photos look fantastic in the POOL chapter - thank you again!!

DD has struggled with health issues, had to regroup and retake her junior year of HS... health issues knocked her down - she's struggling to get back up again, and we decided we need to visit the Mouse!

So look out Disney, here we come! I've decided to plan lots of tours, and to stay CL at WL!

We'll have to go in JUNE! (we usually go in October!)

I hope your DD is doing better now. Maybe the trip will be a positive event for her to look forward to.

Kook - thank you for all you do to maintain this wonderful, helpful thread! I don't think I would've considered CL if not for all the posts and information here!

We still haven't paid for our trip, or bought our plane tickets, so I don't want to jinx our trip by adding us to the log... just yet!

fingers crossed for early June!

Awww, thank you, eeyore45! I will add you to the log in spirit. Let me know when it's unjinxable.

Getting excited for our trip to the beautiful WL the end of March! Does anyone know which grocery store is the closest to the WL? I am planning on doing a quick run after we check into the WL - or maybe stop on the way from the airport??

Also - what is the best way to get to Trails End at Fort Wilderness? Boat or Bus?

Thanks to all the experts - and those that are posting recent pictures!!

I know your question has been answered, but you can also get many items at the Mercantile and less expensive beverages at HESS which is very close to WL, across from TTC.

I booked WL a couple weeks ago for a super quick pre-cruise trip. (Im pretty sure my husband wanted to go just to eat at WDW again) We're flying from Phoenix on the night of the 29th, arriving the 30th and checking out the 3rd for our Disney cruise to the Caribbean.

We've never stayed here before, we usually stay at POR. We decided to try something a bit different and the choice was either WL or CBR Pirate rooms. My husband is from Washington state and I read this was very reminiscent of the Pacific NorthWest. He's not been home in 7 years so I hope this will be a nice taste of it.

I think your DH will love WL. Guys really like the Pirate room concept, don't they? Those rooms came up at our house and DH exclaimed, "You mean we could sleep in boat beds?!"

I know I can get to MK by boat but can someone tell me where else the boat goes?

Just adding that there's lots of boat/bus, etc… info. in the TRANSPORTATION chapter that you might find helpful. The hyperlinks to all the chapters are in POST 1.

We will be at WL 4/2-4/6. On Easter Sunday I want to attend the 9am worship service at the Contemporary. About what time should I leave WL?

Thanks!

You have two choices: You could bus to MK and then walk over to CR or you can boat to CR, with a stop at FW first. Either way, I would leave the room about 0800 because you never know how long the wait will be (and I always prefer to be early). I'll add your dates to the Log.

WDWKOOK- Would love to be included on the arrival list!

6/13-6/20..... 10 years since our last stay at the Lodge! It's about time!

It really is about time and I'll add your dates, cakebaker

 

[2kidzmommie]

My dh has given me the green light for something super for our WL trip..Room upgrade! its our anniv and kids birthdays so... do I want a Villa or a club level? Keep in mind i need to go through Disney ( cancellation policy) ..what to choose what to choose!

 

[diddldonna]

Hi can you add me to the list of people going to WL our first visit to this resort.

Dates are: 28th October - 8th November 2015

Thank you.

 

[diddldonna]

Tried to post yesterday, but the new software would not let me until I reset my password. Just got back from the lodge last night, and have been behind on the boards. The trip kept me VERY busy and tired! Sunday, I walked 21,000 steps--thank goodness that was the high. CRAZY!!
But, what I wanted to share is that yesterday it looks like the scaffolding on the left side of the bear face is coming down. It looks like they are setting up to put scaffolding on the right side. I can't remember which is north or south, but I'm calling the left side the one by the Villas! I took some pics but have not gotten them off the camera. I will have to try the new posting tool!
I ran into an ARMADILLO one night, and really wanted to post the pic--glad I had my phone, but didn't have it uploaded.
OK, looks like i can add right from my iPad HOORAY! The armadillo totally cracked me up, since I'm from Austin, Texas, and our city hall is in the shape of an armadillo (from the top).

I saw an armadillo on our first visit on site at all stars movies, I thought they was amazing lol. Never forget it as was walking back to room at night and wondered what was walking in front on me

 

[MrsJobba1]

You know when something is missing and you are not sure what! oh my I've just realized that since the boards moved I've not been getting any emails of updates. 77 days till we are at the lodge ( not that I'm count ing Lol)

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I know I just booked POP for our September trip yesterday, but that deal going on through a travel agency during Labor Day weekend is way too good to pass up. Plus with a few things that have come up that have allowed us to afford it more easily, there's a good chance we'll be changing over to WL! I don't want to speak too soon, but I'm very hopeful!

 

[lovingeire]

Thanks, I am a teacher and have been very lucky to get leave while my kids are little. This will be my last year off and we love going in the fall! We thought about going at another time, but I am sure that it will be fine. Our last WL stay was just so great, flag family, view of fireworks every night, even the pool closure was not so bad. I think we will not even be able to eat at Whispering Canyon, it will make us too sad!

I think we may go for CBR. Wait and see free dining. Who knows, with it being all fresh, it may be the one that is excluded this time!

We are currently booked at the Lodge for May/June and are contemplating downgrading to CBR with the renovations and so our trip budget can stay the same and still do a bunch of SWW extras. My biggest beef with CBR is the double beds, but now that those are gone we'd definitely go back! I'm just not sure I can give up the Lodge!

 

[bushdianee]

You know when something is missing and you are not sure what! oh my I've just realized that since the boards moved I've not been getting any emails of updates. 77 days till we are at the lodge ( not that I'm count ing Lol)

Mine have been going to my spam box since the change.

 

[MISSYLEXI]

WDWKOOK, can you add me to the list? We will be there August 14-23. We usually stay at POR but saving a little bit of money and giving WL a try.

Thank you!

 

[cakebaker]

It really is about time and I'll add your dates, cakebaker

Thanks for the add! Our 2004 trip to WL goes down as the best trip we ever made to WDW, and we've made a bunch! It was my girls' college graduation/family gift. 2 glorious weeks (including Christmas Day and New Years Eve) staying at Wilderness Lodge. We've said ever since we wanted to stay there again and finally we're going to do it! Can't wait!!!

 

[Circusgirl]

Does our resident Nancy Drew, TheLodgeLady know what's going on with those rooms?


Disclaimer: Pure speculation with no basis in fact follows!

That would have to be a different project. I'm sure it's just something very mundane, but I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with the rumor (as in, NOT FACT) that the Deluxe rooms will be converted to DVC villas. There aren't any Deluxe rooms that face the VWL pool, but maybe some standard rooms will be converted to something else WHEN/IF the Deluxe rooms are converted to DVC?

BTW, your photos look fantastic in the POOL chapter - thank you again!!

I wondered that, too!

I'm glad the photos worked out well. Happy to help!

 

[TheLodgeLady]

Thanks for posting your spy photos. What in the world are they up to? Very suspicious

Does our resident Nancy Drew, TheLodgeLady know what's going on with those rooms?


Disclaimer: Pure speculation with no basis in fact follows!

That would have to be a different project. I'm sure it's just something very mundane, but I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with the rumor (as in, NOT FACT) that the Deluxe rooms will be converted to DVC villas. There aren't any Deluxe rooms that face the VWL pool, but maybe some standard rooms will be converted to something else WHEN/IF the Deluxe rooms are converted to DVC?

I haven't heard anything. If it is DVC, they keep these things very quiet.