Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[Wood Nymph]

WL feels more like a deluxe now. . .but I still miss the more wilderness aspect of the old resort. This feels like "produced" wilderness vice actual wilderness. And that makes me sad. I miss my beach. I miss the nature trail starting right near the Teton Rental (which is open, as well). I miss seeing so many trees that helped make the Lodge seem quiet and serene. It was far busier and noisier than in the past since now people have a reason to walk in that area thanks to GP and the new, larger pool. Still, it wasn't exactly loud. . .just moreso than before and I hate that. Of course, if you walk down to the farthest cabins, you're going to feel as though you're remote.

I love your summary. I agree that the WL feels more deluxe now. I think that Geyser Point and the new villas pool are great contributions.

We have yet to see how crowded the lodge gets once the new DVC rooms are open. When we were visiting on July 2nd it seemed perfect. I think the thing I will miss the most will be all the shade they had at the old Hidden Springs pool. That was my favorite pool on Disney property. But the improvements make it worth the loss of some trees for me. But I will be glad when the tall trees grow back.

 

[sleepydog25]

I love your summary. I agree that the WL feels more deluxe now. I think that Geyser Point and the new villas pool are great contributions.

We have yet to see how crowded the lodge gets once the new DVC rooms are open. When we were visiting on July 2nd it seemed perfect. I think the thing I will miss the most will be all the shade they had at the old Hidden Springs pool. That was my favorite pool on Disney property. But the improvements make it worth the loss of some trees for me. But I will be glad when the tall trees grow back.

Thanks! And I highlighted the part of your note that causes me some trepidation, as well. I've often thought, "what's it going to be like at GP and the pools once the whole resort is up and running?" I'm afraid it will be noisier and seats at GP during prime meal times will get tougher to come by. I may have to start a new thread entitled something like, "All the Many Reasons to Avoid WL" and see if that might not scare off potential guests.

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm disappointed in this. I love the Grapefruit.

This is an older post, but I just had to respond that the Sea Marine H20 toiletries are still the product in use. We stayed at three resorts this last trip, and all three had the same stuff. My wife isn't a fan, either, and while I don't hate the Sea Marine, I will admit the old Grapefruit items were better.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We stopped by WL on July 2nd and I took a few pictures. The marina was open and it looked beautiful. The new pool was busy and all of the cabanas were full. The building to the right of the pool as you are looking toward Bay Lake is a maintenance building. It also has fresh towels.




These are the rental bikes. You can see people playing ping pong at Geyser Point. I'm not sure if this is part of the Community Hall or an area for everyone to enjoy. The sign said CM's only.



the entry to the cabins on the Boulder creek villas side


cute cabins - lots of landscaping

 

[dansdad]

We stopped by WL on July 2nd and I took a few pictures. The marina was open and it looked beautiful. The new pool was busy and all of the cabanas were full. The building to the right of the pool as you are looking toward Bay Lake is a maintenance building. It also has fresh towels.

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These are the rental bikes. You can see people playing ping pong at Geyser Point. I'm not sure if this is part of the Community Hall or an area for everyone to enjoy. The sign said CM's only.

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the entry to the cabins on the Boulder creek villas side

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cute cabins - lots of landscaping
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Thanks @Wood Nymph! Great pics. Looks great!

 

[ArielSRL]

This is an older post, but I just had to respond that the Sea Marine H20 toiletries are still the product in use. We stayed at three resorts this last trip, and all three had the same stuff. My wife isn't a fan, either, and while I don't hate the Sea Marine, I will admit the old Grapefruit items were better.

Yeh, we had the Sea Marine a month ago. It's fine, like you said, but definitely not as good as the grapefruit.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hope I don't get jumped on for saying this on this thread... but am I the only one that thinks the new pool makes the main pool seem.... somewhat boring? Maybe it's just the pics but the new pool, along with Geyser Point, the new marina, etc look incredible.

Please don't , just making an observation based on these awesome pics.

 

[dansdad]

Hope I don't get jumped on for saying this on this thread... but am I the only one that thinks the new pool makes the main pool seem.... somewhat boring? Maybe it's just the pics but the new pool, along with Geyser Point, the new marina, etc look incredible.

Please don't , just making an observation based on these awesome pics.

+1

 

[Wood Nymph]

Hope I don't get jumped on for saying this on this thread... but am I the only one that thinks the new pool makes the main pool seem.... somewhat boring? Maybe it's just the pics but the new pool, along with Geyser Point, the new marina, etc look incredible.

Please don't , just making an observation based on these awesome pics.

The main pool looks very small and cramped now that the new pool is open. The pool parties are at the main pool which will make the new pool even nicer. I like a quiet pool.

 

[MaggiesMomNJ]

Menu update : I have a friend who lives in Orlando and stopped by RF ... she took pics of the grab and go and they have fresh carved meat sandwiches along w tuna. You can ask to have any custom made as well (she asked ).

 

[preemiemama]

Yeh, we had the Sea Marine a month ago. It's fine, like you said, but definitely not as good as the grapefruit.

Agreed- definitely more a fan of the grapefruit. A couple positives- the Sea Marine had larger tubes (the grapefruit were in small bottles), and there was an aloe cooling gel provided as well.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hope I don't get jumped on for saying this on this thread... but am I the only one that thinks the new pool makes the main pool seem.... somewhat boring? Maybe it's just the pics but the new pool, along with Geyser Point, the new marina, etc look incredible.

Please don't , just making an observation based on these awesome pics.

No need for 'maters! While the new pool--Hidden Springs Lite, I'll call it--does look nicer overall, I don't think many younger kids will want to necessarily swim there since it has no slide. Further, the splash area for the really young kids is also at the main pool. I know folks will try out the new pool, but I don't believe we'll see a mass exodus to it from the main pool. . .at least I hope not since I, too, enjoy a quieter pool--no pool parties, no DJs, no contests. I do already miss the bubbles from Hidden Springs, though.

 

[sleepydog25]

Agreed- definitely more a fan of the grapefruit. A couple positives- the Sea Marine had larger tubes (the grapefruit were in small bottles), and there was an aloe cooling gel provided as well.

I'm reminded that the new Sea Marine shampoo smells a lot like regular Gillette Foamy shaving cream. . .and that's not a good thing (no offense to Gillette shaving cream fans).

 

[Roxyfire]

I'm reminded that the new Sea Marine shampoo smells a lot like regular Gillette Foamy shaving cream. . .and that's not a good thing (no offense to Gillette shaving cream fans).

I also prefer the grapefruit. I ended up buying my own bottles of shampoo/conditioner and throwing it in the owner's locker. I'll still bring back the sea marine stuff, I have a coworker who loves hotel toiletries. Free souvenirs!

 

[oceanmarina]

No need for 'maters! While the new pool--Hidden Springs Lite, I'll call it--does look nicer overall, I don't think many younger kids will want to necessarily swim there since it has no slide. Further, the splash area for the really young kids is also at the main pool. I know folks will try out the new pool, but I don't believe we'll see a mass exodus to it from the main pool. . .at least I hope not since I, too, enjoy a quieter pool--no pool parties, no DJs, no contests. I do already miss the bubbles from Hidden Springs, though.

"Hidden Springs Lite" - I love it!! Yes, i'll be missing those bubbles too. My kids never got tired of swimming over them. Was hoping they would be included in the new pool design.

 

[sleepydog25]

"Hidden Springs Lite" - I love it!! Yes, i'll be missing those bubbles too. My kids never got tired of swimming over them. Was hoping they would be included in the new pool design.

As was I. Sigh.

 

[Dean Marino]

Hope I don't get jumped on for saying this on this thread... but am I the only one that thinks the new pool makes the main pool seem.... somewhat boring? Maybe it's just the pics but the new pool, along with Geyser Point, the new marina, etc look incredible.

Please don't , just making an observation based on these awesome pics.

Oh crap..... I believe you are right .

Why "oh crap" - well? If the "New" pool is better, everyone will go to the "new" pool. Our DVC locations are going to be SWAMPED with main Hotel guests .
Just a guess - I have no actual data.

 

[oceanmarina]

Does anyone know if at Roaring Forks they still have a " flatbread of the day?"

The flatbreads at roaring forks were so amazing - I'm hoping they are just as good since the revamp. When we ate the flatbreads at pinochios village hause last summer I thought how they paled in comparison to the ones at Roaring Forks. Hopefully they haven't changed/messed up a really good thing!

 

[preemiemama]

Does anyone know if at Roaring Forks they still have a " flatbread of the day?"

The flatbreads at roaring forks were so amazing - I'm hoping they are just as good since the revamp. When we ate the flatbreads at pinochios village hause last summer I thought how they paled in comparison to the ones at Roaring Forks. Hopefully they haven't changed/messed up a really good thing!

I did not notice a flatbread of the day, but they did have a few options on the menu. DH, DS and I all had a different one on our first day there and they were wonderful. I have not had them before, so I cannot say if they were the same or not.

 

[Tink010]

Hey everyone,

I have a question for you all ... is there any advantages to not doing the online check in previous to arriving?

Last year we stayed at the AKL and booked a standard room. I read on the disboards that sometimes if you don't do the online check in you can luck into getting a safari room view. I didn't do the online check in before arriving and actually lucked into the safari room. The location and view were out of this world.

Just wondering if the same pixie dust applies at the Wilderness Lodge?

Thanks in advance for the replies!