Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[xlsm]

Weird question, but does anyone know if there is a cupcake schedule for Wilderness Lodge? I went there today, and was so disappointed they didn't have the S'mores cupcake ! I was under the impression they had them all the time. Are they just not making them anymore? I'm going to be here in January and I'm hoping they will be around then! Thanks!

Ack!! I will be devastated if the s'mores cupcake is gone. Hopefully it was just a fluke and they were out of them and just needed to replenish. We've had them before when the chocolate center was cold, and you could tell they hadn't been out of the fridge or freezer for very long.

 

[fauntleroy1953]

Been away from the Boards for a month or so,working on my rehab for my new knee and overseeing my Dads care at his facility. I'm slowly progressing,but still Miss Wobbles and Dad refuses to use his walker anymore,preferring his wheelchair because he's afraid of breaking his hip again. Breaking his hip at 94 was the first time he broke a bone,so he's not used to what goes with that.
Anyway,I'm trying to catch up here.
So the land is being cleared to make individual bungalows? Like the Poly,but without the water?
If so,at least they won't wreck the view like at the Poly.
Received our IPO letter,which surprised me,because we're not going until the last week of August and that seems so far away. I asked for my second favorite room,7035, because my first favorite room,7127, is in the closed wing.
I know 7035 will be next to the temporary OFC,so there will be lots more foot traffic,but that's okay. I guess anywhere on that hallway will be just fine under the circumstances. Just being at WL will be great. It will be our third year in a row. Maybe 4th,.... was there this past December. Our first time in the thick of holiday season. This August will be our first time during Summer. We live in Key West,where you could cook a chicken on the sidewalk in the Summer,so the heat won't be that big of an issue. We're looking forward to using the pool,something we have not done yet,believe it or not.
Thank- you to all the people who are taking the time to post pics. Very thoughtful!!

 

[Poola]

I see pretty often that people request a room near an elevator. Trying to decide whether I should make this request as well. Seems like it would be nice not to have to walk far to our room, but isn't it noisy near an elevator?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I see pretty often that people request a room near an elevator. Trying to decide whether I should make this request as well. Seems like it would be nice not to have to walk far to our room, but isn't it noisy near an elevator?

We had a room next to the service elevator and I could hear the noise from it all night long. It was very annoying and I will make sure it never happens again.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

Anyway,I'm trying to catch up here.
So the land is being cleared to make individual bungalows? Like the Poly,but without the water?

Yes, "cabins" will be added along the waterfront on both the North and South sides of the main lodge building. To read all about the project and what we have learned, there is a whole thread with all the details and discussion here.

Thanks to all who are posting pictures from the Lodge. We can't wait to be there in September!

 

[Kona65]

Alright enough about the S'more's cupcakes, no one really wants one of those anyway. What we really care about is the reason the Wilderness Lodge has stopped serving the carmel nut roll. If they don't bring it back, we may have to move to another resort.

 

[arb]

Just wanted to pop in and say that we just returned from a 5 night stay at WL, room 6019. We had no complaints. Received room ready text as we were arriving via Magical Express. Had I not been looking for construction in lobby, I would not have noticed, as a 1st time visitor. Construction noise for us was non-existent; restaurants and resort seemed not crowded, no waits for elevators, and construction pins were a fun arrival gift. Bus and boat service were very timely; our longest wait for a bus was when returning from Epcot mid-day. Bus monitors at the bus stop were accurate and helpful. Buses were never crowded, and we walked right on a bus after Wishes last night and were in our rooms before 10:30. Thanks to everyone for sharing information on this thread; I felt well-prepared with expectations that were exceeded, and our boys LOVED the pool and splash pad (maybe as much as they loved Magic Kingdom...)

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can't wait to go on Monday and hopefully see a pin set for us too!

Did you get one?

Here now, Love the wilderness Lodge haven't heard any construction . We also got a set of pins for free they were left in the room here's my view

Thanks for posting a photo of your view

Any thoughts on renting a VWL studio or booking a standard room for our stay in late Feb 2017? I am not concerned with construction views really, but we will be coming back in the afternoon to nap the little ones....i realize there is no guarantee of what will happen, we would really like to be near MK but not wanting to pay monorail resort prices.

to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread, @Mattieroses! We're honored to have your first post here on our little thread.

My only reluctance in recommending WL/VWL is that many amenities may still be unavailable at that time. However, if that isn't an issue for you, then I would book WL. Keep in mind though that it's really hard to predict what impact the construction might have a year from now. But, most of the construction should be just about over by then. The current estimate of completion is about a year from now.

I'm not trying to drive business away from WL/VWL, but if you're apprehensive and you want to be near MK, but not on the monorail, have you considered a FW Cabin? Those are about as quiet as it gets since you'd have your own private cabin, but just a boat ride from MK, WL and CR and you can also walk over to WL. Just a thought, not trying to dissuade you from WL/VWL.

View from room

Thanks for posting.

Hi all we got here on Friday and are having a blast. The lodge feels nearly empty, adding to the seclusion feel. We booked a standard view and in addition to the lovely smokehouse view we can see the castle thanks to all the tree removal. Construction is nearly void on this end but I did see some activity today. Are more bungalows going in down here too?

Things are much different on the other side but the construction is isolated and hardly noticeable beyond the fencing. Though you can see some of the bungalow construction from the boats, especially the ones headed to Ft Wilderness. Here are some pics through the fencing by the pool bar (caution a margarita may have been consumed while taking these) as well as one taken between the villas and main building.

All the scaffolding is off the other building though I did notice some balcony construction on the villas side of the main building. The rooms are also completely gutted.

We love the lodge and I'm sure the construction will ebb and flow over the comings months but for us we wouldn't hesitate to stay.

Thanks so much for your great photos and information for anyone trying to make a decision. I so wanted to be able to see into the room you took a photo of that seems to have the curtains open

Weird question, but does anyone know if there is a cupcake schedule for Wilderness Lodge? I went there today, and was so disappointed they didn't have the S'mores cupcake ! I was under the impression they had them all the time. Are they just not making them anymore? I'm going to be here in January and I'm hoping they will be around then! Thanks!

Sometimes the Disney Food Blog will announce specialty cupcake appearances, but I haven't looked to see about WL. That S'mores cupcake was there forever so I think guests get used to being able to find their favorite and when they don't, watch out! Wonder if they have it elsewhere, like FW? I'll do a little research later and see what I can find, @leaf44.

Time to pack, we have less than 3 months before we head to the wilderness.

Very important question... Does the Wilderness Lodge still have the carmel nut rolls.

I don't recall seeing it in 2015, but I really wasn't looking for it so may have missed it. If you can't find it there, Karamell-Kuche has caramel rolls and items with pecans - so delicious!

Been away from the Boards for a month or so,working on my rehab for my new knee and overseeing my Dads care at his facility. I'm slowly progressing,but still Miss Wobbles and Dad refuses to use his walker anymore,preferring his wheelchair because he's afraid of breaking his hip again. Breaking his hip at 94 was the first time he broke a bone,so he's not used to what goes with that.
Anyway,I'm trying to catch up here.

So the land is being cleared to make individual bungalows? Like the Poly,but without the water?
If so,at least they won't wreck the view like at the Poly.

Received our IPO letter,which surprised me,because we're not going until the last week of August and that seems so far away. I asked for my second favorite room,7035, because my first favorite room,7127, is in the closed wing.

I know 7035 will be next to the temporary OFC,so there will be lots more foot traffic,but that's okay. I guess anywhere on that hallway will be just fine under the circumstances. Just being at WL will be great. It will be our third year in a row. Maybe 4th,.... was there this past December. Our first time in the thick of holiday season. This August will be our first time during Summer. We live in Key West,where you could cook a chicken on the sidewalk in the Summer,so the heat won't be that big of an issue. We're looking forward to using the pool,something we have not done yet,believe it or not.

Thank- you to all the people who are taking the time to post pics. Very thoughtful!!

Looks like you made your decision to book the OFC again. Can't wait to read your review and hopefully, we'll get some photos. Maybe the new lounge might even be open by then

Alright enough about the S'more's cupcakes, no one really wants one of those anyway. What we really care about is the reason the Wilderness Lodge has stopped serving the carmel nut roll. If they don't bring it back, we may have to move to another resort.

S'mores? What are those? Can you book a room at Caramel-Kuche? Would a Stuckey's pecan roll work?

Just wanted to pop in and say that we just returned from a 5 night stay at WL, room 6019. We had no complaints. Received room ready text as we were arriving via Magical Express. Had I not been looking for construction in lobby, I would not have noticed, as a 1st time visitor. Construction noise for us was non-existent; restaurants and resort seemed not crowded, no waits for elevators, and construction pins were a fun arrival gift. Bus and boat service were very timely; our longest wait for a bus was when returning from Epcot mid-day. Bus monitors at the bus stop were accurate and helpful. Buses were never crowded, and we walked right on a bus after Wishes last night and were in our rooms before 10:30. Thanks to everyone for sharing information on this thread; I felt well-prepared with expectations that were exceeded, and our boys LOVED the pool and splash pad (maybe as much as they loved Magic Kingdom...)

What a great update. Thank you for posting about your stay and I hope you get to book another trip soon, @arb.

 

[Kathy Erdreich]

WILDERNESS LODGE DVC EXPANSION DETAILS THREAD​

Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas is located on Bay Lake in the Magic Kingdom Resort area.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge
901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Phone: (407) 824-3200
Fax: (407) 824-3232

~Check-in is after 3:00 for WL guests and after 4:00 for VWL guests
~Check-out is before 11:00

THREAD LINKS

YOU ARE HERE! LODGERS' LOG/RECREATION AND MOVIE SCHEDULE/NEWS

POST 2: ARRIVAL/PARKING/CHECK-IN

POST 3: ROOMS AND RATES/ROOM LOCATION MAP/ONLINE CHECK-IN

POST 4: BOOKABLE VIEWS

POST 5: DELUXE ROOMS

POST 6: PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

POST 7: PRESIDENTIAL SUITE VIEWS AND VICE-PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

POST 8: THE OLD FAITHFUL CLUB - CLUB LEVEL: OVERVIEW/SEATING/VIEWS

POST 9: CLUB LEVEL: MENUS/BREAKFAST

POST 10: CLUB LEVEL: SNACKS/BEVERAGES/DESSERTS

POST 11: CLUB LEVEL: APPETIZERS

POST 12: WL DINING OPTIONS/MENUS

POST 13: TERRITORY LOUNGE

POST 14: TRANSPORTATION: TRAVEL TIMES/BOAT/BUS/WALK/MAGICAL EXPRESS/RESORT AIRLINE CHECK-IN

POST 15: GUEST SERVICES: WL LAUNDRY/WIFI/DESKS/RESORT PURCHASE DELIVERY/MAIL/LOST AND FOUND/SHIPPING

POST 16: MERCANTILE: RESORT-BRANDED MERCHANDISE/GROCERIES

POST 17: ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION: CUB'S DEN/ARCADE/CARICATURES/EWP/WISHES/FLAG FAMILY/HIDDEN MICKEYS/MOVIES/MAGIC COOKIE HOUR/POOLSIDE GAMES/MARSHMALLOW ROAST

POST 18: MORE ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION: BOAT AND BIKE RENTAL/FORT WILDERNESS/TRAILS

POST 19: WILDERNESS LODGE POOL/BEACH

POST 20: VILLAS AT DISNEY'S WILDERNESS LODGE: RATES/ROOM NUMBER FINDER/HOUSEKEEPING/STURDY BRANCHES/MASSAGES

POST 21: MORE VWL PHOTOS/POOL/CAROLWOOD PACIFIC ROOM

POST 22: CHRISTMASTIME AT WL, VWL AND THE OLD FAITHFUL CLUB

POST 23: WONDERS OF THE LODGE TOUR/WL COURTYARD PHOTOS





LINKS OF INTEREST

~Wl/VWL INFORMATION THREAD BY WDWKOOK: 6/14 - 1/15

~WL/VWL INFORMATION THREAD BY WDWKOOK: 11/13 - 6/14

~WL/VWL INFORMATION THREAD BY WDWKOOK: 5/13 - 11/13

~WL/VWL INFORMATION THREAD BY WDWKOOK: 2012 - 2013

~WL/VWL INFORMATION THREAD BY WDWKOOK: 2011 - 2012

~ WL INFORMATION THREAD BY MAGICinMYHEART: 2009 - 2011

~WL DIS PHOTO THREAD: 2008 - PRESENT

~lffam's WL ROOFTOP/OTHER PHOTOS

~WL FAN SITE

~MORE WL HISTORY

~THE MUSIC OF WILDERNESS LODGE

~WDWKOOK's MAGICAL CHRISTMAS 2013 TRIP REPORT (1/14)

~WDWKOOK's WL-CL PICTORIAL (9/13)

~WDWKOOK's WL-CL TRIP REPORT (9/12)

~WDWKOOK's WL-CL TRIP REPORT (4/12)





Opening on May 28, 1994, Disneys Wilderness Lodge was inspired by the Great American Northwest National Park lodges from the turn of the 20th century. It is an architecturally grand Disney Deluxe Resort honoring American craftsmanship and artistry, and celebrates the majesty of the unspoiled wilderness.

Designed by architect Peter H. Dominick, Jr., who also designed Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Californian, the theme of being in harmony with nature winds through the lodge, inside and out. Authentic décor and genuine artifacts pay homage to ancient Native American cultures and the pioneering spirit of early American explorers.

A 10-foot totem near the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile features some famous animals. Disney character Humphrey Bear stands at the base and supports Donald Duck. Lodge legend has it that rubbing Humphrey Bear's black nose brings good luck.

Step inside the 7-story lobby, the centerpiece of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and be awed by 2 towering totems. Each reaching 55-feet tall, the hand-carved pole, one topped with a raven, the other an eagle. Draw your eye up the 4 levels of corridors that surround the lobby and provide access to sitting nooks, terraces and nearly 730 guest rooms. The various animals, from whales to raccoons to eagles carved into these totems, depict Native American myths and legends.

While looking up towards the ceiling in the lobby of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, notice 4 massive teepee-shaped chandeliers suspended from solid Lodgepole Pine beams. Authentic rawhide, hand painted with geometric designs, stretches over the lights' structural framework. Each teepee chandelier, with its bronze and steel ring of silhouetted buffaloes and riders on horseback, weighs 600 pounds.







View attachment 100981




NEWS...

Sturdy Branches Health Club will be closed July - October 2016

WILDERNESS LODGE DVC EXPANSION DETAILS THREAD

WL/VWL RECREATION AND MOVIE SCHEDULE

Post your WDW resort and dates and I'll post them here in this nifty spot!​

csmolu: 4/30 - 5/8 WL Deluxe room



Blondie Wolf: 5/1 - 5/10 WL For our Disneymoon!



racefans44: 5/8 - 5/15 WL



coloneltaylor: 5/21 - 5/23 Deluxe Room



bjscheel: 6/11 - 6/17 First Deluxe Resort!



disneymomma76: 6/17 - 6/27 VWL



Mhambrick33: 7/30 - 8/5 WL



princessesintraining: 8/14 - 8/21 WL



GrandCalifornian: 9/10 - 9/19 We can't wait to get back to the Lodge!



Dumbo Mad: 11/4 - 11/18 WL



phillipsjp2003: 11/19 - 11/26 VWL The whole family is going!



pagek83: 12/5 - 12/8 First stay at WL!



jzuzphreek: 12/19 -12/26 First time during Christmas and staying at WL!

 

[Kathy Erdreich]

sorry, want to add me in... kath2me 12/8-12/15

 

[Kona65]

Did you get one?




Thanks for posting a photo of your view



to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread, @Mattieroses! We're honored to have your first post here on our little thread.

My only reluctance in recommending WL/VWL is that many amenities may still be unavailable at that time. However, if that isn't an issue for you, then I would book WL. Keep in mind though that it's really hard to predict what impact the construction might have a year from now. But, most of the construction should be just about over by then. The current estimate of completion is about a year from now.

I'm not trying to drive business away from WL/VWL, but if you're apprehensive and you want to be near MK, but not on the monorail, have you considered a FW Cabin? Those are about as quiet as it gets since you'd have your own private cabin, but just a boat ride from MK, WL and CR and you can also walk over to WL. Just a thought, not trying to dissuade you from WL/VWL.



Thanks for posting.



Thanks so much for your great photos and information for anyone trying to make a decision. I so wanted to be able to see into the room you took a photo of that seems to have the curtains open



Sometimes the Disney Food Blog will announce specialty cupcake appearances, but I haven't looked to see about WL. That S'mores cupcake was there forever so I think guests get used to being able to find their favorite and when they don't, watch out! Wonder if they have it elsewhere, like FW? I'll do a little research later and see what I can find, @leaf44.



I don't recall seeing it in 2015, but I really wasn't looking for it so may have missed it. If you can't find it there, Karamell-Kuche has caramel rolls and items with pecans - so delicious!



Looks like you made your decision to book the OFC again. Can't wait to read your review and hopefully, we'll get some photos. Maybe the new lounge might even be open by then



S'mores? What are those? Can you book a room at Caramel-Kuche? Would a Stuckey's pecan roll work?

What a great update. Thank you for posting about your stay and I hope you get to book another trip soon, @arb.

Just so we don't make a mistake, a pecan log roll and a carmel nut roll are not the same. a carmel nut roll is a very soft donut type roll, covered in carmel and nuts.

 

[minijeanie]

We had a room next to the service elevator and I could hear the noise from it all night long. It was very annoying and I will make sure it never happens again.

I so totally agree with you. We had room in BWV next to elevator. I didn't sleep all night. They actually put bed on the wall where the elevator was. Poor planning. I had to move to new room to get sleep.
I walked around a corner and down a hall to get out of building but had peaceful night sleep

 

[WDWKOOK]

sorry, want to add me in... kath2me 12/8-12/15

to the DIS and the WL/VWL thread, @Kathy Erdreich!

I assume WL?

 

[Kathy Erdreich]

yes please

 

[Kathy Erdreich]

I am looking for a handicap access with roll in shower prefer king bed, am booked in one in courtyard view.. is it better to request a high floor and is there a recommendation onto a particular room # ?

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am looking for a handicap access with roll in shower prefer king bed, am booked in one in courtyard view.. is it better to request a high floor and is there a recommendation onto a particular room # ?

I would avoid the top floor if you have someone in a wheelchair. The balconies on the top floor are enclosed and you can't see out of them unless you are standing up.

 

[hbr03]

So excited to be going back to WL this fall! Would you please add our dates 10/04-10/11?

 

[duck_adoo]

Hello! We're planning on a trip next April and staying at WL. So excited to start planning our trip!!We are a family of 5. Does WL having adjoining rooms? I'm trying to decide weather to do 2 rooms or a delux room. I'm thinking with adjoining rooms we'd have 2 bathrooms. That doesn't seem to be in the delux room. Any feedback woukd be appreciated !

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hello! We're planning on a trip next April and staying at WL. So excited to start planning our trip!!We are a family of 5. Does WL having adjoining rooms? I'm trying to decide weather to do 2 rooms or a deluxe room. I'm thinking with adjoining rooms we'd have 2 bathrooms. That doesn't seem to be in the deluxe room. Any feedback would be appreciated !

WL does have connecting rooms, but of course, they are never guaranteed. A deluxe room would give you access to club level, but they are not on the same floor as the CL lounge is. The deluxe rooms are located at the ends of the wings. One set is mid-resort and the other rooms are near the boat dock. You might want to look at the information about deluxe rooms on the first page of this thread. There are maps and pictures to give you more information about the deluxe rooms.

 

[duck_adoo]

Thanks! I did take a look at the thread, but I'll be sure to revisit it. We have 3 DDs (21 yo twins & 14 yo).So the 2nd bathroom is big for us. Poor DH has been outnumbered for a long time. Lol!