Disney's WILDERNESS LODGE Information & Questions

[danikoski]

It was the longest we waited for a bus and it put us there after EMH had started and the lines were huge by that point so I think we finally got in around 8:30 and so we barely accomplished anything and certainly not what we had hoped for. Someone said there were boats running from WL to MK that morning so maybe we should have gone that route but the buses had been so good every other morning to MK.

And honestly, it could have been just that particular day. But next time, I'll know to get out there earlier or look for the boat.

There is a boat that goes to CR early for ADRs at Chef Mickey's, I believe. From there, you can walk over to MK. The regular MK boats sometimes run only 30 minutes before park open. I'm wondering if the bus was a fluke issue for that day. We had something similar happen to the early ADR bus for Epcot. Bus actually had issues and was stuck enroute. We ended up having to take a cab to make it to Epcot by 7:45 for our ADR at 8 am.

 

[Dean Marino]

I'm 57 days out and zero choices for room preference at Boulder Ridge. I've never had an issue before with this so I presume they will take care of it shortly.

No, it won't be.... Online Room Requests at MDE have been broken for a good two months. Still broken as of 10-31-2017.
Please, CALL Member Services. BRV=DVC. DVC owners CAN contact Member Services for Room requests.

 

[Sue M]

View attachment 259849


View attachment 259851


View attachment 262037





Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins 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 DVC guests
~Check-out is before 11:00



RECREATION AND MOVIE SCHEDULE​

CHAPTER LINKS

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

POST 2: ARRIVAL/PARKING/CHECK-IN

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

POST 4: BOOKABLE VIEWS

POST 5: DELUXE (CLUB LEVEL-ACCESS) ROOMS

POST 6: VICE-PRESIDENTIAL SUITE (OPEN) and PRESIDENTIAL SUITE (CLOSED)

POST 7: COPPER CREEK VILLAS and CABINS

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

POST 9: CLUB LEVEL: BREAKFAST

POST 10: CLUB LEVEL: SNACKS/BEVERAGES/DESSERTS

POST 11: CLUB LEVEL: APPETIZERS

POST 12: DINING/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: MERCHANDISE/GROCERIES

POST 17: ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION: ARCADE/CARICATURES/EWP/WISHES/FLAG FAMILY/HIDDEN MICKEYS/MOVIES/POOLSIDE GAMES/MARSHMALLOW ROAST

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

POST 19: WILDERNESS LODGE POOL: COPPER CREEK SPRINGS

POST 20: BOULDER RIDGE VILLAS AT DISNEY'S WILDERNESS LODGE (formerly VWL): RATES/ROOM NUMBER FINDER/HOUSEKEEPING/STURDY BRANCHES GYM

POST 21: MORE CCV PHOTOS/BOULDER RIDGE COVE POOL/CAROLWOOD PACIFIC ROOM

POST 22: CHRISTMASTIME

POST 23: WONDERS OF THE LODGE TOUR



LINKS OF INTEREST

~WDWKOOK's LIVE TRIP OF FIRSTS: TRIP REPORT (9/16)

~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)

~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 WL PHOTOS

~WL FAN SITE

~MORE WL HISTORY

~THE MUSIC OF WILDERNESS LODGE

Courtesy nelsonj3

View attachment 259854

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.

View attachment 259855

View attachment 259857

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 handcarved 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 259858

View attachment 259859

View attachment 259861






View attachment 259860

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

PolyAddict: 11/1 - 11/6 WL



menotyou21: 9/2 - 9/9 Deluxe Club Level



Stephanie Ussery: 9/7 - 9/14 WL First Deluxe!



spritna: 9/13 - 9/20 WL



jenny105: 9/16 - 9/23 WL



ThreeBoyMama: 9/17 - 9/22 WL For the first time!



Gryhndmom: 10/8 - 10/14 WL Club Level First stay at WL!



dedesmith32: 10/10 - 10/17 First trip to WDW!



dreamseeker9: 10/14 - 10/20 WL For the first time!



wizneather78: 10/16 - 10/20 First WL and CL stay!



FoxC63: 10/26 - 11/1 BRV Studio



MrTriPod: 10/27 - 11/2 BRV For the first time!



mickey1968: 10/29 - 11/2 WL



Heathbarios: 11/2 - 11/8 WL



sara_s: 11/3 - 11/5 WL



jsebsirois: 11/7 - 11/11 WL



Shrfleen: 11/12 - 11/18 WL



Clara Fett: 11/25 - 12/1 WL Club Level



StephandDick: 11/29 - 12/3 WL



MaggiesMomNJ: 12/1 - 12/17 WL



sarahcgfr: 12/2 - 12/6 WL



aristocatz: 12/3 - 12/7 WL



Disneymama14: 12/3 - 12/9 WL For the first time!



pixleyyy: 12/6 - 12/14 WL



minniemorgan: 12/9 - 12/17 WL



mystery222184: 12/12 - 12/16 WL Club Level



IanDLBZF: 12/14 - 12/15 BRV Studio



Tarheel Girl 1975: 12/16 - 12/26 WL



figmentedfollies: 1/13 - 1/21 WL



trishadono: 1/19 - 1/22 WL



EeyoreME: 3/4 - 3/10 2018 WL



daisydee43: 4/9 - 4/16 WL



no one: 4/11 - 4/16 WL Our first stay!



ArielSL: 6/3 - 6/7 BRV



dkrauss: 8/21 - 8/26 WL



DisneyCayley: 11/12 - 11/18 WL

Sue M 8/27 - 9/10 WL

 

[Sue M]

It was the longest we waited for a bus and it put us there after EMH had started and the lines were huge by that point so I think we finally got in around 8:30 and so we barely accomplished anything and certainly not what we had hoped for. Someone said there were boats running from WL to MK that morning so maybe we should have gone that route but the buses had been so good every other morning to MK.

And honestly, it could have been just that particular day. But next time, I'll know to get out there earlier or look for the boat.

We always take the boat to and from MK. Much more enjoyable.

 

[Sue M]

Well, we are here now at this resort. The view from our room is pretty phenomenal, the castle is right there, Space Mountain, and The Contemporary. Fireworks couldn't be any more visible. Looking down we have a nice view of the loading docks and transformers, so that's a bit different, but the nights make up for it on the balcony. You can even hear bits and pieces of the music.

So far my one complaint is that you can hear everyone flushing their toilets. Don't know if that's how it is everywhere in the different buildings, but in this room it sure is. Flushing all day and night, all the rooms around and above. Bring ear plugs.

Went on the jogging path to Ft. Wilderness this morning. Was 3.5 mile loop. Was a very nice run.

I’ve stayed in WL 3x, both in North and south wing, never heard toilets flushing. I haven’t been since last refurb so don’t know if there is a difference in noise?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Well, we are here now at this resort. The view from our room is pretty phenomenal, the castle is right there, Space Mountain, and The Contemporary. Fireworks couldn't be any more visible. Looking down we have a nice view of the loading docks and transformers, so that's a bit different, but the nights make up for it on the balcony. You can even hear bits and pieces of the music.

So far my one complaint is that you can hear everyone flushing their toilets. Don't know if that's how it is everywhere in the different buildings, but in this room it sure is. Flushing all day and night, all the rooms around and above. Bring ear plugs.

Went on the jogging path to Ft. Wilderness this morning. Was 3.5 mile loop. Was a very nice run.

Just wanted to say we stayed in a Deluxe Room on the resort side (north wing) last November and could also hear every flush from the room above us. Couldn’t hear anything from the sides, but definitely could from above.

Hope you have an otherwise enjoyable stay!

 

[luvallprincesses]

Hello, yes my RF pictures on page 354 of the thread are from after the refurbishment. After looking back at my other pictures, I can confirm that there is a microwave and toaster in the dining room area, all the way to the right as you are standing at the counter on the back wall where the drink refills are. Sorry for the delay, but at least it is a positive answer.

Thank you!!

 

[Cayaco]

We were just put on the balcony watching Hallowishes. Had the music synched up via a video on YouTube. That was really great to see like that. It would be great if they had a channel on the TV that played the music but this was the next best thing. Had it paused waiting for the first fireworks explosion, then pushed play when we saw it and watched.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I am planning a (solo) December 2018 trip and loved the look of the WL so wanted to stay there. During my planning I have finally settled on a 3-resort split stay (AKL, BWI, and WL), with the hopes to rent DVC points at some of these to reduce prices.

For WL, I currently have a standard booked. If I can rent points I would prefer CC, since it is in the same building, but know that may be a long shot as there aren't as many owners renting out their points, as well as limited availability during that time period. Should I consider BRV as a backup? I had really hoped to be staying in the main building, with the amazing lobby, but renting points could save me considerably! What do people think?

 

[Wood Nymph]

For WL, I currently have a standard booked. If I can rent points I would prefer CC, since it is in the same building, but know that may be a long shot as there aren't as many owners renting out their points, as well as limited availability during that time period. Should I consider BRV as a backup? I had really hoped to be staying in the main building, with the amazing lobby, but renting points could save me considerably! What do people think?

The rooms in the CCV section of the WL will be much nicer than in BRV. The standard room in WL will most likely have a view of the fireworks. But if you want to save money then the BCV would be fine. You would still get to enjoy the WL lobby and all the amenities.

 

[LMO429]

Been going to disney world for over 40 years and this was our 1st stay at Copper Creek and the Wilderness lodge. Everything about it was a pure pleasure! Esp the transportation to and from the MK it was easier than our stays at the poly or grand to get back and forth. We will be staying again.

Just wish the studio at copper creek was bigger square footage wise.

How was it with a party of 4 in that room. the closet space seems tight. We were in a 1 bedroom villa this trip but next trip would stay in a smaller room for budget reasons.

It's only 200 dollars more for the week to stay at the grand than in a studio at Copper Creek..the lack of square footage and closet space has me leaning to stay at the grand again. which is a shame because i love the wilderness lodge it was such a pleasant trip

 

[ArielSRL]

There is a boat that goes to CR early for ADRs at Chef Mickey's, I believe. From there, you can walk over to MK. The regular MK boats sometimes run only 30 minutes before park open. I'm wondering if the bus was a fluke issue for that day. We had something similar happen to the early ADR bus for Epcot. Bus actually had issues and was stuck enroute. We ended up having to take a cab to make it to Epcot by 7:45 for our ADR at 8 am.

Got it. Good to know about the boats. So probably our best option is to just be out at the bus stop earlier. We probably pushed it too late bc we had had such good experiences earlier in the week.

 

[ArielSRL]

We always take the boat to and from MK. Much more enjoyable.

We love the boat and took it every time (midday breaks to and from and at night), other than the morning. The bus was extremely quick the other two mornings to MK. And in my research I found that most experiences reflect that. The only day the bus was an issue was EMH so I'm not sure if there was a direct boat that early.

 

[hrdcor32]

Well, we are here now at this resort. The view from our room is pretty phenomenal, the castle is right there, Space Mountain, and The Contemporary. Fireworks couldn't be any more visible. Looking down we have a nice view of the loading docks and transformers, so that's a bit different, but the nights make up for it on the balcony. You can even hear bits and pieces of the music.

So far my one complaint is that you can hear everyone flushing their toilets. Don't know if that's how it is everywhere in the different buildings, but in this room it sure is. Flushing all day and night, all the rooms around and above. Bring ear plugs.

Went on the jogging path to Ft. Wilderness this morning. Was 3.5 mile loop. Was a very nice run.

Can't wait to hear how your stay is, we'll be there in January!

 

[southjerseymom]

Ugh. Are the rooms really dated and worn? I'm still so mad at Disney for messing up my original plans! WL was our 1st Disney hotel and I'm looking forward to going back but I am a nut about my room. My kids don't even go in until I do the room check lol. But I'm not looking for noisy or worn out room. Any recent experiences?

 

[dalmatian7]

So far my one complaint is that you can hear everyone flushing their toilets. Don't know if that's how it is everywhere in the different buildings, but in this room it sure is. Flushing all day and night, all the rooms around and above. Bring ear plugs.

We were there in Sept and I never once heard a toilet or hallway noise. It was a nice change from the Holiday Inn we had been in the two nights previous. We were 7th floor room 704 something. Second set of doors from the lobby facing MK. The only noise was a back up beeper on the trucks at the loading area below us. Maybe because there was no one above us? I thought our room was in good shape considering the time from most recent rehab until now. I didn't notice anything looking shabby and I found it to be clean and kept clean all week. Better shape then our AoA room two years ago.

 

[danikoski]

Ugh. Are the rooms really dated and worn? I'm still so mad at Disney for messing up my original plans! WL was our 1st Disney hotel and I'm looking forward to going back but I am a nut about my room. My kids don't even go in until I do the room check lol. But I'm not looking for noisy or worn out room. Any recent experiences?

We stayed in February and didn't hear toilets... occasionally a shower when I was using the coffee pot in the morning.

The rooms are due for a sprucing up, but they are clean and comfortable. Some of the furniture shows wear, especially on the tops, like where the coffee maker is. They have not had a soft goods refurbishment since probably 2014. But our room was fine in February. To be fair, we had a really good deal for the room, so I felt the price for the room with quality of the room matched. I also found the std room facing MK got more light and was brighter than the courtyard room I had with my husband in 2015.

If you really want a brand new room, try to stay in a CCV studio since those just were redone this year.

 

[Roxyfire]

Also never heard a toilet but I'm used to living in an apartment where you can hear your neighbor sneeze.

 

[dansdad]

Ugh. Are the rooms really dated and worn?

In our opinion, not at all.

 

[RPM1214]

While is very true that WL just went through major renovation it was actually only PART of the resort (one wing overhauled to become DVC, minor updates to Roaring Fork, Geyser Point addition and cabins built). The original wing has not been touched in several years with the rooms dark and somewhat dated. (Don't get me wrong - we ADORE WL, but the old girl needs some love!) The updated CL Lounge is brighter with improved seating options yet the rooms remain unchanged - even the hallways are tired looking in comparison to the newly remodeled areas. The information given to your agent may well be correct that no notes are in the system, however I can only report what the CL cast member told me last week after asking about the website room description change. In fact I just checked the Disney site again and it only shows two options for CL - Standard: CL Access and Deluxe: CL Access.

Perhaps the specifics have not been ironed out, but something is DEFINITELY changing there...hopefully for the better!

There definitely might be something up---We are booked for a week in late August and are wanting to add a day. It seems like all of the Standard and Courtyard view rooms are sold out that week now. Is that normal?