Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[TJA]

I haven't taken a look at the CL thread in quite a while so I'm glad you posted here. 15 of the 25 Deluxe rooms were located in the now-closed South Wing. 10 should remain bookable in the North Wing. However, they are located at the end of the North Wing, closest to the boat launch. They have obstructed views, unless something has recently been removed.

I would say that the Deluxe rooms are now more inconvenient than they used to be and the views aren't very good. When we were in a Deluxe room in the South Wing, we had a beautiful Bay Lake/courtyard view and we were able to take the stairs, which is now restricted, and/or two other South Wing elevator banks that are no longer available.

Thanks so much. This is exactly what I was thinking, but I'm going to keep my reservation for now because I'm anxious to try the new lounge (thinking it will be done by April). Plus, there are several people right here on the DIS staying in a deluxe room before me, so I'll be curiously waiting for their thoughts!

 

[tinkwings]

I am geeked for the new lounge too.....hope they do it nicely, but will be bummed if no tables along lobby view all the same, that was my very favorite spot to eat breakfast! Wonder what they are going to use the old old faithful for? Maybe the concierge desk would move there?

I have been in the Yellowstone Suite prior years and it was lovely in detailing, thanks for the video again Trishanado, looks like a lot more tables than they had prior at any rate, which makes me wonder just how many other rooms they are considering club level rate/access beyond the deluxe rooms. Two posters have confirmed that they talked to people in regular rooms on the 5th floor that paid and had club level access. While I always have loved club level because of it's remoteness, and that no one is above you which has sometimes caused me noise that interrupted my sleep, I like the 7th floor. I have heard it was blocked still at least last month from access to the lobby view though, which diminishes its value, but I can see that if they are working on the honeymoon suites to convert they have to have access from the elevators on that area to get in and out without observation. So while I requested specifically and am going to work on contacting them again next week to re assert my desire for 7th floor, I am on the fence about just letting things fall where they may, wonder if there are King rooms on the 5th floor.....looking forward to hearing "welcome home"....

 

[Grand Admiral]

Tonight is our last night in WL Villas. We had dinner at Artist Point, which was fantastic!

We are sad and wish we had another week. WL has been great and we love the atmosphere and short walks to everything. Even being out in the Villas, it's still not a long walk to the main lodge or pool.

The boat to and from MK has been hit or miss. It's a nice way to travel but it's random and not predictable. Still, we like it.

The bus was ok, I guess. Going toward MK, it was great. Getting back to WL, it seemed like always a long wait, no matter where we were. Maybe just a part of busing. We used Uber several times, especially when going to and from dinners at other resorts. It was an absolute must going to and from Lilo's Playhouse at Poly.

Our room was nice and we liked the layout. The combo kitchenette/vanity sink area was spacious and was good for multiple people. The only downside was the way the restroom door opened into the area. Not a huge deal, just a little annoying.

Overall, we liked WLV a lot and felt it had a very homey feel. Would recommend.

 

[trishadono]

Told Mom tonight about her birthday trip in March! I am not the patient type lol.

She was so excited. After losing Dad she needed something nice to look forward to.

I boated her over to WL in 2014 when we stayed at Poly. She remembered it and was happy that we will be staying there. Then I said "club level" and oh was she happy.

Of course I mentioned the cobbler and I know that will be her fav just like me.

 

[TJA]

Told Mom tonight about her birthday trip in March! I am not the patient type lol.

She was so excited. After losing Dad she needed something nice to look forward to.

I boated her over to WL in 2014 when we stayed at Poly. She remembered it and was happy that we will be staying there. Then I said "club level" and oh was she happy.

Of course I mentioned the cobbler and I know that will be her fav just like me.

I love this!

 

[cgattis]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered, but are all the bunk bed rooms in a certain area? If so (or if not, I guess!!), are there recommendations as to which ones might be the best location (for whatever reason)? TIA!!

 

[trishadono]

I love this!

Thanks, I wasn't sure if she was ready to hear about it but she squeezed me so tight with happiness that yep it was the right time.

My dd turns 22 that week and is planning on going to florida with some friends. She said the spring break craziness wasn't her thing and wants to meet up with us. When i told mom she said " the more the merrier".

I have been watching for a deluxe room that week but not available. I will be watching for reviews from anybody that does try it soon.

 

[trishadono]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered, but are all the bunk bed rooms in a certain area? If so (or if not, I guess!!), are there recommendations as to which ones might be the best location (for whatever reason)? TIA!!

Right now only the north wing so your choices are std or courtyard.

Std you get a partial MK firework view an the courtyard is very pretty. Both are nice.

 

[danc18]

Tonight is our last night in WL Villas. We had dinner at Artist Point, which was fantastic!

We are sad and wish we had another week. WL has been great and we love the atmosphere and short walks to everything. Even being out in the Villas, it's still not a long walk to the main lodge or pool.

The boat to and from MK has been hit or miss. It's a nice way to travel but it's random and not predictable. Still, we like it.

The bus was ok, I guess. Going toward MK, it was great. Getting back to WL, it seemed like always a long wait, no matter where we were. Maybe just a part of busing. We used Uber several times, especially when going to and from dinners at other resorts. It was an absolute must going to and from Lilo's Playhouse at Poly.

Our room was nice and we liked the layout. The combo kitchenette/vanity sink area was spacious and was good for multiple people. The only downside was the way the restroom door opened into the area. Not a huge deal, just a little annoying.

Overall, we liked WLV a lot and felt it had a very homey feel. Would recommend.

Your comment about the

Tonight is our last night in WL Villas. We had dinner at Artist Point, which was fantastic!

We are sad and wish we had another week. WL has been great and we love the atmosphere and short walks to everything. Even being out in the Villas, it's still not a long walk to the main lodge or pool.

The boat to and from MK has been hit or miss. It's a nice way to travel but it's random and not predictable. Still, we like it.

The bus was ok, I guess. Going toward MK, it was great. Getting back to WL, it seemed like always a long wait, no matter where we were. Maybe just a part of busing. We used Uber several times, especially when going to and from dinners at other resorts. It was an absolute must going to and from Lilo's Playhouse at Poly.

Our room was nice and we liked the layout. The combo kitchenette/vanity sink area was spacious and was good for multiple people. The only downside was the way the restroom door opened into the area. Not a huge deal, just a little annoying.

Overall, we liked WLV a lot and felt it had a very homey feel. Would recommend.

very disappointed to hear the boat was hit or miss. We are going in two weeks and chose WL because of the quick boat access to MK. I'm paying $800/night so I don't have to take the bus! Anyone else experience this? How often does it run in early morning?

 

[ReginaRJ]

Hi! Just booked my WL stay: jan 10-17!! Can you please add me to the thread!!
Any chance of the new lounge be open by that time? Thanks!

 

[Grand Admiral]

very disappointed to hear the boat was hit or miss. We are going in two weeks and chose WL because of the quick boat access to MK. I'm paying $800/night so I don't have to take the bus! Anyone else experience this? How often does it run in early morning?

Well what I meant is, sometimes the boat was just fine, but yesterday we went to board and something had happened where the ferry had stopped and all boat traffic was stopped because of it. We don't know what that was about.

 

[danc18]

Well what I meant is, sometimes the boat was just fine, but yesterday we went to board and something had happened where the ferry had stopped and all boat traffic was stopped because of it. We don't know what that was about.

Ah, so it wasn't that it didn't show up. Is there a regular schedule?

 

[Grand Admiral]

Ah, so it wasn't that it didn't show up. Is there a regular schedule?

There is no regular schedule, but usually there are two boats that are constantly on the loop to the Magic Kingdom. One is a larger boat, the other a smaller boat. If things are running normally, you shouldn't have to wait too long.

 

[Tuptup]

Just booked our first time at the Villas! We've never been out to the Wilderness Lodge, let alone stayed there, so we're very excited. DH and I will be there Dec. 11 - 13 (I guess celebrating my birthday on the 14th!)

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

very disappointed to hear the boat was hit or miss. We are going in two weeks and chose WL because of the quick boat access to MK. I'm paying $800/night so I don't have to take the bus! Anyone else experience this? How often does it run in early morning?

Check out the wealth of info on page 1 of this awesome thread, which includes boat transportation. Keep in mind you will have to wait with those who secured a great nightly rate in the $250 range and those who did not. You will still need to take the lowly bus if you wish to venture on over to a theme park other than MK. Perhaps the $800/night may have been more wisely spent at the Contemporary where the only thing between you and MK are your kicks and how fast you can power them.
Have a Magical Vacation!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered, but are all the bunk bed rooms in a certain area? If so (or if not, I guess!!), are there recommendations as to which ones might be the best location (for whatever reason)? TIA!!

The bunk bed rooms are scattered throughout the resort. The only room location that I don't like is the top floor because the rooms have a dormer balcony, which is enclosed. You can't see out unless you are standing. The rest of the floors have open balconies and I like those better than the enclosed balconies.

Well what I meant is, sometimes the boat was just fine, but yesterday we went to board and something had happened where the ferry had stopped and all boat traffic was stopped because of it. We don't know what that was about.

They will stop the boats if lightening is sighted within a certain distance.

 

[danc18]

Check out the wealth of info on page 1 of this awesome thread, which includes boat transportation. Keep in mind you will have to wait with those who secured a great nightly rate in the $250 range and those who did not. You will still need to take the lowly bus if you wish to venture on over to a theme park other than MK. Perhaps the $800/night may have been more wisely spent at the Contemporary where the only thing between you and MK are your kicks and how fast you can power them.
Have a Magical Vacation!

The reason we are bus averse is no car seats. We just don't do road vehicles without them. Right or wrong, the calculation was that the WL boat was faster (for hotel breaks), safer, more entertaining and least walking access to MK. That was important with a baby and pre-schooler.

 

[ariane37]

The reason we are bus averse is no car seats. We just don't do road vehicles without them. Right or wrong, the calculation was that the WL boat was faster (for hotel breaks), safer, more entertaining and least walking access to MK. That was important with a baby and pre-schooler.

Obviously everyone's experience will be different, but just FYI when we stayed in Aug. the boat (and bus for that matter) was great. Boat is definitely more entertaining for kids-and adults too lol and so convenient for getting to MK! We also took the boat and then monorails when going to Epcot. The only 2 times we couldn't use the boats were on trips back to the lodge when it was raining and the wind was real bad so that could happen at any time, and then you may be stuck using buses or waiting out the rain/storm.

 

[cgattis]

The bunk bed rooms are scattered throughout the resort. The only room location that I don't like is the top floor because the rooms have a dormer balcony, which is enclosed. You can see out unless you are standing. The rest of the floors have open balconies and I like those better than the enclosed balconies.

Good info--thanks!! I recall seeing that in the past but had forgotten. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[Dean Marino]

The reason we are bus averse is no car seats. We just don't do road vehicles without them. Right or wrong, the calculation was that the WL boat was faster (for hotel breaks), safer, more entertaining and least walking access to MK. That was important with a baby and pre-schooler.

Not trying to change your mind..... just relating a personal experience.... from San Francisco, 1966....

You see, I've BEEN in a Bus Car collision. The City bus wacked a volkswagon that ran a Red Light. I was 15, on the buss.

Net effect: "thud". If I had been carrying coffee? It would not have spilled.

The VW was demolished. Naturally, the buss had to stop to report a collision.

My point: the shear MASS of a common buss is going to keep your family (including little ones) safe. Possible exception? You hit a semi. CARS? Of no consequence.... other than sorting out the legal issues.

Father of four.... (and they are all grown up now ).... In YOUR car, yes.... go for those car seats . But don't worry about a buss.... it WILL, by shear MASS, protect your family .