Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[Lacoccinelle]

Yay! We had booked Coronado Springs Business Class for Nov11-17. After many years staying at the lodge, we just felt sad so we changed it yesterday! So happy. Kook, could you please add us!

 

[outahere]

I keep reading on TripAdvisor how uncomfortable the beds are at WL. Is this true? We upgraded from CSR (for which the bed reviews are GREAT), and now I am worried. I have back issues due to an autoimmune disease, and a good bed is key for me...wondering if I made a mistake switching! Thoughts??

THANKS!

Jen

We've stayed in several 2 queen rooms, and a king bed room and thought the beds were fine. Not horribly firm, or too soft. Certainly not like the Heavenly beds at a Westin hotel, but perfectly comfortable.

 

[jennab]

We are considering changing our CBR reservation to WL right after Labor Day. If we keep the CBR ressie we would rent a car. Do you think that is needed at WL? I know there is a boat/bus to MK then possible shared bus to all other parks. We will go to each of the parks once (except MK which will be twice) then DTD once. Are the approximate times listed on the front page accurate for most people who have been during this time? Any help you can give is appreciated! Don't want to waste money renting a car if it won't be worth it We have done disney transportation in the past but figured if we were to do CBR we would want a car since it's so spread out, but WL doesn't seem to even be half that size! Thanks!!

 

[pigletgirl]

I feel like having a car will give us flexibility. We'll take the boat to MK, but for the other 3 parks we'll most likely drive.

 

[dansdad]

We are considering changing our CBR reservation to WL right after Labor Day. If we keep the CBR ressie we would rent a car. Do you think that is needed at WL? I know there is a boat/bus to MK then possible shared bus to all other parks. We will go to each of the parks once (except MK which will be twice) then DTD once. Are the approximate times listed on the front page accurate for most people who have been during this time? Any help you can give is appreciated! Don't want to waste money renting a car if it won't be worth it We have done disney transportation in the past but figured if we were to do CBR we would want a car since it's so spread out, but WL doesn't seem to even be half that size! Thanks!!

Just an FYI if you end up keeping your CBR reservation. We've had a total of 45 nights at CBR, all over the resort, and never once felt we needed a car. In fact 2 trips we had a car with us because we drove down and both trips the car never moved until we checked out.

I'm not trying to say don't rent a car because it can be useful, but I'm just saying I wouldn't rent one only because you're staying at CBR. CBR is spread out, which is one of the things we like about it, but its size is one of the things that really gets blown out of proportion IMHO.

 

[jennab]

Just an FYI if you end up keeping your CBR reservation. We've had a total of 45 nights at CBR, all over the resort, and never once felt we needed a car. In fact 2 trips we had a car with us because we drove down and both trips the car never moved until we checked out.

I'm not trying to say don't rent a car because it can be useful, but I'm just saying I wouldn't rent one only because you're staying at CBR. CBR is spread out, which is one of the things we like about it, but its size is one of the things that really gets blown out of proportion IMHO.

Thanks for the insight! I had read there are 8 stops overall at CBR which is why I was thinking to rent a car, PLUS we wanted to eat at some resorts and I know it can be a pain to try to get there using the Disney system If we stay at WL most of the resort restaurants are on the monorail loop so that would actually work in our favor!!! I was kind of thinking if we did rent a car and stayed at WL it would only get used about 3 times so then is it worth it....

 

[dansdad]

Thanks for the insight! I had read there are 8 stops overall at CBR which is why I was thinking to rent a car, PLUS we wanted to eat at some resorts and I know it can be a pain to try to get there using the Disney system If we stay at WL most of the resort restaurants are on the monorail loop so that would actually work in our favor!!! I was kind of thinking if we did rent a car and stayed at WL it would only get used about 3 times so then is it worth it....

You're welcome. There's actually 7 stops. And even if you're the first stop, the entire loop takes about 7-8 minutes.

And I also wasn't trying to sway you from staying at WL. It is the next resort on our bucket list!

 

[jen7233]

Hello!
We are considering a Wilderness Lodge stay for the first time this summer. My concern is the size of the room...two adults, two kids, and baby in pack n play or crib. With the pack n play I'm worried about space. I have looked at the rooms online, square footage etc, but am not sure. It would be a standard view room. We have only stayed onsite at Floridian. Can wilderness lodge work for us?
Thank you for any help and advice!!!!

Hi, I've never stayed at WL yet, but will in June. I read somewhere the standard rooms were about 340 sq ft. I believe on all ears.net. I would say it depends on the ages/sizes of your other kids! Look at some pictures of the rooms at the beginning of the board and see if you see a spot the pack in play will seem to work in. Maybe someone that's stayed here can chime in if there is ample room to walk at the end of the beds, or empty wall space, perfect places to set up a pack n play.

 

[bluecastle]

Number 500!!!!

And most of them have been here.
3 years ago, I hurt my back so badly I ended up home on disability, not being able to do much of anything for 3 months. I joined this thread the day I hurt my back and since joining I have experienced the disappointment of 2 canceled trips, plus one wonderful stay in a 2BR villa.
I visit other threads, but consider this home. That is a testament to KOOK and the other wonderfully friendly and helpful people here.
We have a wedding to pay for, so it may be a long time before I have a ticker again, but thanks to this thread I can live vicariously through all of you!!
Thank you so much!!

 

[moonshadow]

Booked our reservations last night. Officially coming back to our new favorite resort. We'll be arriving on Sept. 7th and leaving on the 13th. Thankfully this forum makes the wait easier.

 

[jen7233]

Booked our reservations last night. Officially coming back to our new favorite resort. We'll be arriving on Sept. 7th and leaving on the 13th. Thankfully this forum makes the wait easier.

Exciting!

 

[jen7233]

Is it 90 days or 60 days to book fast passes? I thought it was 90. I bought our tickets at ITR this week, and logged them into MDE and it says at 60 days for fast pass. I'm still having a hard time believing how the WL hotel room will be linked on this wrist band, can't wait to see how it works! Is there anything you can do at the WL with this wrist band, such as the arcade, or stores? I'm curious how this will work! I haven't been to Disney since the bands came out.

 

[eXo]

60 for fast passes when staying onsite =)

Beyond that, yes you can put your credit card on your wrist band for stores, or assign a custom amount of money to your kids wristbands. I believe you can even allocate daily spending amounts.

If you eat at Be Our Guest, the band will identify your party to the hosts (they will jnow you before you know them, hehe), as well as tell the server where to bring your food after you pick your own table. Also, any photos from rides you go on will be automatically linked to your bands as well (if you have memory maker).

 

[Wood Nymph]

Is it 90 days or 60 days to book fast passes? I thought it was 90. I bought our tickets at ITR this week, and logged them into MDE and it says at 60 days for fast pass. I'm still having a hard time believing how the WL hotel room will be linked on this wrist band, can't wait to see how it works! Is there anything you can do at the WL with this wrist band, such as the arcade, or stores? I'm curious how this will work! I haven't been to Disney since the bands came out.

It is 60 days for the fastpasses. As long as your tickets, hotel reservation, and ADR's are linked to your MDE account then you will be able to use the MagicBand for all of the following:

boarding the Magical Express - if you booked it, of course
to get into your resort room
as your park tickets to get into the parks
charging purchases to your credit card on file
I don't know about the arcade.

 

[VillaMaria]

I have a Deluxe Room booked and I am considering adding a connecting room to it. My question is this: When I book the connecting room is it priced as a "club level" room or just a standard room? The Deluxe Rooms are not on the club level floor so obviously the connecting room would not actually be on the club floor, but the Deluxe Room comes with club access so do you pay for club access for the connecting room?

Thanks in advance!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I think it has been a few months since I have had time to even look at the boards....things sure have changed. Love seeing everyone having a good time at the Lodge. I look out my window at our snow mounds everywhere and really do wish we were "home" at the Lodge right now.

Kook, if you would not mind changing our reservation info when you get a chance. We have opted to skip club level this year (yes, I am still trying to come to grips with that decision) and we are going to a 1 bedroom in the Villas. (The idea of a washer/dryer reallllly helped sway me).

I am going to now go back and try to catch up on all these posts!

A one bedroom will give your DS lots of extra room for his Aero Bed. The washer/dryer and kitchen will be so convenient and VWL is so warm and inviting. I know it's not CL, but I think you'll love it, too.

Hi guys! Just switched my reservation from POFQ to WL for April. So excited to be coming back!!!! I am bursting with excitement.

Congratulations! You can always visit POFQ for a beignet or two

Speaking of views... does anyone know if we have a chance of getting a club level bunk bed room with a courtyard view? I requested bunk beds above all else so I'm fine if we get a different view (a teen and tween are not going to sleep in the same bed) just curious as to what our chances are (of either).

Request a "Bunk, if possible with a CYV." This way, the Room Assignor will know that a bunk is your first priority.

Ok here's my latest conundrum! If you had to choose a studio at VWL vs a woods view room at WL which would you choose for two adults and an infant? Assume price was very close.

Thanks!

Hmmm, I'm leaning toward VWL because it might be nice having the king bed so there would be more room for the P&P and a kitchenette and free washer/dryer is pretty convenient with an infant.

ETA: actually, I think the Studios have a queen and not a king, sorry. Would you use the kitchenette?

Thank you! I will do just that and have my TA make a note of what I am looking for on my reservation. I am used to staying at POFQ/POR where I really only book standard or garden view and call it a day and make no requests, except maybe a building location. This is my first time staying at WL and the resort has a lot less rooms than the moderates, so just want to be sure I know what location would be best for me. Thanks again!

So that you can add a room number, you could phrase your request as dansdad suggested and add, "like room XXXX."

Yay! We had booked Coronado Springs Business Class for Nov11-17. After many years staying at the lodge, we just felt sad so we changed it yesterday! So happy. Kook, could you please add us!

That's great! I'll add your dates

Number 500!!!!

And most of them have been here.
3 years ago, I hurt my back so badly I ended up home on disability, not being able to do much of anything for 3 months. I joined this thread the day I hurt my back and since joining I have experienced the disappointment of 2 canceled trips, plus one wonderful stay in a 2BR villa.
I visit other threads, but consider this home. That is a testament to KOOK and the other wonderfully friendly and helpful people here.
We have a wedding to pay for, so it may be a long time before I have a ticker again, but thanks to this thread I can live vicariously through all of you!!
Thank you so much!!

WOOHOO for 500 posts, Mickey! We're always happy to have you posting your WL/VWL photos and reminding us about what we love so much about it. The wedding is this summer, right, but not at WDW?

Booked our reservations last night. Officially coming back to our new favorite resort. We'll be arriving on Sept. 7th and leaving on the 13th. Thankfully this forum makes the wait easier.

I will officially add you to the Lodgers' Log - congratulations on booking!

I have a Deluxe Room booked and I am considering adding a connecting room to it. My question is this: When I book the connecting room is it priced as a "club level" room or just a standard room? The Deluxe Rooms are not on the club level floor so obviously the connecting room would not actually be on the club floor, but the Deluxe Room comes with club access so do you pay for club access for the connecting room?

Thanks in advance!

This is only a guess, but I would think there is the option of booking it as a CL room, but this is just a guess. Since you already have the Deluxe room booked, I would email or call the IPO and ask them to find out for you.

 

[SeattleJen]

Hmmm, I'm leaning toward VWL because it might be nice having the king bed so there would be more room for the P&P and a kitchenette and free washer/dryer is pretty convenient with an infant.

ETA: actually, I think the Studios have a queen and not a king, sorry. Would you use the kitchenette?

We might use the kitchenette. I'm not SUPER tied to it though. in general are there any pluses or minuses of being at WL over VWL?

 

[nyrebecca]

A one bedroom will give your DS lots of extra room for his Aero Bed. The washer/dryer and kitchen will be so convenient and VWL is so warm and inviting. I know it's not CL, but I think you'll love it, too.

I absolutely love that you remember my son and his Aero bed. Thank you for making me feel special today. I needed that.

 

[alhurricane]

Well we couldn't resist. We've switched our reservation from POR to Wilderness Lodge! This will be our first stay and a dream resort for us! Our trip is May 17-24. Excited to have the transportation convenience to MK for the 24 hour event.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We might use the kitchenette. I'm not SUPER tied to it though. in general are there any pluses or minuses of being at WL over VWL?

At WL, you'll be able to book a room view and I see that as a plus. At VWL you can't book a view and the possibilities are more limited and less "dramatic."

If the kitchenette isn't needed, it might remind you a tad too much of home

There's not much difference in square footage between a Studio Vs. WL room. But, WL has two bathroom sinks and VWL has one and one other in the kitchen.

VWL has a slightly later official check-in time, but has a free laundry for villa guests.

I think my post may have just added to your confusion

I absolutely love that you remember my son and his Aero bed. Thank you for making me feel special today. I needed that.

You and your son are very special, Rebecca