First time at WL!!!

[castlehappy]

I just booked my ressies for the WL for the week of May 18. I am so excited! I have always wanted to stay at the WL but we have always ended up staying at one of the moderates. I used one of the codes and got a $134 rate, which I am very happy with.
What can I expect at the WL? Everything I have seen on this site just puts me at such ease that we are going to have a wonderful time.
The DIS has helped me out so much with making decisions and getting some really good tips & advice, so here I go asking again for your help.
Don't let me down!!!

 

[Ratpack]

You will love the Lodge. Even though you are so close to MK, you will feel as if you are in the remote wilderness. The boat to MK is great, a relaxing ride to and from. Just take time to really soak up the atmosphere. It is the only place we really care to stay.

 

[#1MMFan]

Hi castlehappy

You will love the WL. Like you I had always wanted to stay there and had only stayed off-site or at DxL (POR now). One January we got a good rate to stay there and it was the best vacation we'd ever had!

The place is so awesome I can't really describe it. From the famous lobby, the music, the smell and the landscaping to the seclusion. The boat to MK is sooo enjoyable, .. yep, IMHO this has to be the best themed resort on property. We have visited other resorts but will always return to this one. Its theming made DxL look mediocre - and we thought it had some fantastic landscaping.

Feel free to ask any more specific questions. I'm just back from my third trip there - this time staying concierge. Fantastic

John

 

[dandave]

I think it is one of the most enjoyable resorts. It's very relaxing, and it simply has an easy-going air about it. It's not stuffy, at all. It is beautiful, but not pretentious. That's the best I can describe it.

Have fun!

 

[Blondie]

I think Disney spent more time in creating a theme with the WL than any other resort!

The lobby is so impressive, I just can't get enough of it!

Take time to explore and walk around! On several of the floors, there are little hide-aways with big comfortable chairs where you can sit and read, or just relax.

And then there's that smell.....it's a cross between a roasting fire and something being barbequed! It's not too strong...just enough to make you hungry!

Have a great trip!

 

[Jomrog]

We LOVE WL. The year we stayed there, we split our stay with POFQ. Unfortunately, we stayed at WL first and ended up being disappointed in POFQ. If we had done it the other way around, we probably would have liked POFQ.

Have a great time! I am very jealous.

 

[LUVUTIGGER2]

Congratulations on getting ressies at WL. We have been trying to get ressies there (with different dates in May) for over a month now with no luck. If I may ask, was the $134 a postcard code rate? Is that the rate for the standard view? TIA

 

[castlehappy]

Thanks to everyone for the info, from the sounds of it I know we are going to just love it. The rate was not with a post card, I never seem to get lucky enough to get a post card. I used the AEA code. I talked with Darrell and he was so helpful in making my ressies. The rate is for the standard room. He said they had me they had several room available at that code at WL and at AKL. I chose to go with WL just because everytime we go, I have my eye on that place.
DH is staying home this time so its just me and my DD, who is 17. I know we are going to have a great time!
I wish we were leaving tomorrow...

 

[Eeyore1954]

Things NOT to miss at WL:

The fireplace and rockers -- a wonderful way to end a day at WDW

The geyser -- it's not Old Faithful, but it's still fun

The Otter Pool

The beach, the bikes, the watercraft

The pool

The LOBBY -- it is simply breathtalking

Hidden Mickey Challenge -- get a sheet at Guest Services and start the hunt!

Artist Point -- YUM!!

The Lodge Tour -- everything about WL that you'll never discover on your own

Ask at the front desk to be a Flag Family one morning. It's a long climb (lots of stairs), but you raise the flags on the roof of the lodge and the view -- well, it cannot be described. Bring a camera along because you can't get pictures like that anywhere else. Ask at check-in because there's only 1 per day and it fills up fast.

 

[LUVUTIGGER2]

Thanks castlehappy for the code information. After changing my dates around, I was able to get the same rate using that code. Enjoy your trip!

 

[goofy4dizney]

Hey castlehappy!

Congrats on the great rate! You will have the time of your life at the WL -- it is simply awesome.

From the moment you drive up to the gates, looking for all the world like the entryway to a national park, and get that first "Welcome Home" and salute from the guard, the magic begins...

You'll be awestruck by the majesty of the lobby, the downhome friendliness of the staff, and the simple beauty of the natural surroundings.

We've stayed here three times already, and each time has been flawless. We have never been lucky enough to be chosen Flag Family, but that's no biggee. We call it our home away from home

Anyway, just to add to the great stuff listed by the others, check out the Electrical Water Pagaent from the viewing balcony overlooking the pool, or else head on out to the beach for a front row seat. It doesn't last long, but it's cool

Also, Roaring Forks is fabulous for a quick morning cup of coffee (or Coke) in your refillable mugs, or a quick bite instead of splurging for a full sit-down meal on a hectic day.

And if you're a pin trader, you'll be in heaven Almost everybody here wears their lanyard, and all are open for trading at any moment. Believe me, my boys have cornered them all, LOL. There is also a pin trading stand in the lobby, and additional pins in the Mercantile store.

Lastly, we always book a standard room that faces MK, and have been lucky enough to catch some of the fireworks over the treetops. A perfect ending to a perfect day *sigh*

 

[castlehappy]

LUVUTIGGER- I am glad you got to use the code. I think its a great rate for the WL.
goofy4dizney- You made everything sound so spectacular. I did not know we would be able to catch the electrical water pagent.. sounds awesome. If I know me, I am sure I am going to be hooked on the WL once I have stayed there. I am so looking foward to this trip, but I am always looking forward to go to the world! We have not been since 2001 and I am defintely having "mickey withdrawals!!" I am going again in July with a friend and her son and then again in November!! I told my DH I am making up for not going in 2002!
Thanks again to you all for your help.

 

[Boots]

We have stayed at WL three times and love it. We keep talking about trying another resort but are afraid that we will be disappointed. You will have a wonderful vacation I am sure!

 

[kmc33]

I have read many good things about WL on these boards. It's sounds like a fabuous place. I understand there is a boat to take you to MK. How is transportation to the other parks?
Thanks!

 

[Blondie]

The transportation is spotty.....sometimes there's a bus right there waiting...other times we waited 20 plus minutes!

One evening, we were returning to Epcot for Illuminations, it was about 6pm.

Several buses came and went....no bus to Epcot.

Finally we gave up and grabbed a bus to the Ticket and Transportation Center, then took the monorail from there.

We wished we'd have taken the first bus to the T&TC, it would've cut about 15 minutes off our wait time!

 

[doodle]

#1MMFan, I've sent you a PM. Thanks.