dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2001
- Messages
- 3,388
I didn't want to post here...and spread any CONCERN about the WL...BUT, since you ASKED~here goes nothing:
When we arrived at the WL, we were taken aback by the HORRIFIC "Beauty" of the resort. It was just too well-planned and landscaped for our likes. We would prefer to see more parking lots, and a BLAH landscape....rather than the towering healthy green conifers and the Pacific NorthWest Grandeur of the Lodge.
Truly perturbing. Also, the soil and climate of WDW/Florida is not conducive to these types of trees, etc. Only reinforces the theory that the surrounding foliage is all FAUX (sorry to have to break it to all of you). Disney is FAMOUS (or INfamous) for erecting FAUX structures...and trying to fool/trick the eye of the public/guest. This is definitely one of those well-planned attempts at some tom-foolery. Sure had us going...for about a New York minute!
Once we entered the lobby, (After RUNNING/DASHING for our lives past the sounds of a HOARD of CRICKETS) DD nearly wet her pants at the sight of the 82 ft. tall three-sided fireplace! The Fireplace is ridiculously built to scale with the geologic layout of the Grand Canyon, complete with geologic disconformities (Periods of deposition, erosion, tilting and renewed deposition on top of the older rocks). The detail is nearly perfect with the textbook diagrams documenting the geology of the Grand Canyon. Additionally, as you travel up the fireplace, you can spot fossils true to the period of deposition. For the one out of a zillion people in the population, whom have a true FIREPLACE PHOBIA, it could prove debilitating. Be sure to bring your meds. This thing is like the MONA LISA, and the details & markings will (like-eyes) follow you around the lobby. Use caution.
I nearly forgot to mention the Topiaries outside...which resemble a buffalo and a calf. They are too well-manicured to be real. If they are REAL (live plants) they are probably merely the result of some wind storm (as opposed to a true topiary), which Disney Custom-created to obtain this result! Disney can manipulate ANYTHING, even the weather! Some folks even believe all of WDW is inside a huge BIODOME~TYPE atmosphere, w/Disney regulating temps and weather, etc. The sidewalks have actual imprints of wild animals/creatures that have crossed this path, enough to stop your hearts and LEASH/Harness your children close to your side!
The inside of the lobby SMELLS like the outdoors. The scent was overwhelming, and too authentic for my likes. It was a mixture of wood~burning (even though the fire in the fireplace is OBVIOUSLY gas-burning), and PINE. Ack! Two, massive 55~foot Northwestern totem poles flank each side of the lobby, another Disney-trick (probably made of rubber, or paper~Mache').
We were greeted by an approaching attendant with a friendly smile. This Disney cast member was dressed very much like Smokey the Bear. This is be due to the fact that all cast members at Wilderness Lodge do in fact wear costumes resembling the uniforms of National Park rangers. Yet, this person could have stepped off the stage from the "CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS" (It's a GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW!) The smile...the voice...the CHEER...all obviously and painfully ANIMATRONIC! Make sure to avert your eyes. It's like looking into the SUN to try to stare into the eyes of one of these robots.
I instinctively "ducked" as I looked up at the soaring roof supported by trusses which lead to massive pole pines bundled into log columns. One GOOD sneeze could probably send the entire thing tumbling down! Also makes you feel VERY SMALL, as if you are in the HONEY I SHRUNK THE AUDIENCE attraction. Disney tries to overcome this feeling by spreading an inviting array of comfy-looking chairs around the interior...don't be fooled. They are probably only for "appearance," as I never saw anyone but "children" & robots giving them a try.
Check-in was painfully easy, letting us know something was amiss. There was no wait, and no arguing with the CM at the desk. Hmmm...everyone was too happy and content. Could have to do with that euphoric mixture of "scents" I described earlier. They could have some kind of "relaxing or mesmerizing" agents added into the ingredients. It was too close to perfect, for comfort. Our room was decorated in a combination of the US Northwest and American West theme. We had two Queens (no...not REAL Royalty~but BEDS) in the room, a small sitting area with table and chairs, a large pine armoire which housed the television and offered storage space and a nightstand beside the bed. Our bath was similar to other Disney resorts with a double vanity outside the bath, and a tub/shower combo and toilet inside. The shower curtain has a western motif with Hidden Disney characters in it (very subtlely). You have to rack your brain to find them...and it can cause you added delays/time spent looking for certain ones! We had a balcony with a Tromp-Loeil view! I tried in vain to reach-out to touch the painted side...but Disney cleverly placed it JUST BEYOND REACH. It looks astonishingly real, with the sounds of nature and people "piped~in" for added effects. Very impressive, but a bit cheesy (IMHO).
We dined in the Whispering Canyon Cafe, which offers all-day dining off the main lobby. The all-you-can-eat dinner is a favorite with many and is a rip-roaring experience. We rode "Stick-ponies" in a WILD ROMP around the room. They prefer children at the rear, and adults in the front. I was first in the line, and after falling, was giddily trampled by adults and children alike! It was a great time, and I still have the scars to prove it. Thank goodness they have a Doctor in the house!
Transportation to all Disney theme parks, etc., and locations is available by bus or boat. The boats for Magic Kingdom, Contemporary and Fort Wilderness leave from the landing on Bay Lake to the left of the "Giant Sprinkler leak" (cleverly labeled a GEYSER), which gushes and shoots upward towards the sky (& which Disney has never repaired as they own REEDY CREEK water facility). There's also a FAKE RAINBOW which is visible over this leak at certain times of the day. It's was nearly always leaking when we strolled past. Our room was located in the North Wing, and the first floor hallway door led directly to the boat landing. Made us, once again, especially suspicious...as it was just too convenient and accomodating!
We used the pool frequently, which was also near-perfect in design and structure. We had to YELL to communicate, as there is a ROARING waterfall which cleverly originates in the lobby area (specifically designed to PICK~UP necessary SPEED/VOLUME). We stayed shy of this behemoth, as it looked authentic, and could "suck one right under"...rendering you helpless.
Some days, either the pool got smaller (another trick), or it was a secret "visiting day" from all the surrounding resorts and properties! It seemed a bit crowded, with no place to sit. We promptly remedied this, by simply taking the loungers with us when we left on the less-crowded days. We would carry them to our rooms, use them on our balcony or even inside, and then carry them right back to the pool. No one questioned us, as they were probably afraid we were robots ourselves! They did, however stare with their mouths agape. It was a funny scene, but worked well for us. We also witnessed a person (staff-member robot) releasing (to an audience of young, stupified children and their parents) a SWARM of red insects one morning! Incredible!! As if WDW and Orlando doesn't have enough already (virtual Pandora's Box of Entimology). This was most definitely a disturbing violation of some kind, but no one even balked. One kid obviously "sucked-in" one of the bugs, as he was choking and coughing uncontrollably. We hurried away (nearly tripping over one another) afraid of being asked any for some "witness" information/statement.
We also noticed, if you are on the boat from the MK to WL in the evening...as you approach the lodge....take a GOOD look around the middle section of the hotel. The design and placement of some of the windows and the lighting resemble a HUGE GLARING BEAR staring directly at you. DD was afraid to get off the boat after DH pointed this out to her. She then referred to the resort as "THE BEAR" for the remainder of our stay, and would cover both eyes whenever we returned on the boat from the MK.
We heard kids running down the halls in the morning and evening, just too darned happy to be there! I even opened my door once to "peek", only to see the family approaching with "plastered smiles" on all their cheery faces! I slammed my door immediately, fearful they could actually be DISNEY PLANTS (A term used by the Disney Team for the Animatronics they place here and there throughout their WORLD). Amazingly, as soon as the door slammed...they were QUIET! My daily paper either never arrived, or became attached to the bottom of one of those passing robot's shoes! Go figure?!
In closing, I would like to add there are just TOO MANY things to do at this place! They even had to add TOURS, just to show people around (so massive...etc). The service was well-above par, and made us feel uncomfortable (as nothing ever went wrong). We plan to return in the future, just for another look...and to take some more notes on Disney's progress in this area. If you don't mind the above mentioned features...(and are mostly oblivious to surrounding detail, etc.) you should experience a delightful time at the Wilderness Lodge. Make sure to RUB the bear's nose (Humphrey, is it?) for some LUCK. You may find the fortune he renders absolutely imperativeto your perspective. ENJOY!!!
TTFN...
DF99
When we arrived at the WL, we were taken aback by the HORRIFIC "Beauty" of the resort. It was just too well-planned and landscaped for our likes. We would prefer to see more parking lots, and a BLAH landscape....rather than the towering healthy green conifers and the Pacific NorthWest Grandeur of the Lodge.
Truly perturbing. Also, the soil and climate of WDW/Florida is not conducive to these types of trees, etc. Only reinforces the theory that the surrounding foliage is all FAUX (sorry to have to break it to all of you). Disney is FAMOUS (or INfamous) for erecting FAUX structures...and trying to fool/trick the eye of the public/guest. This is definitely one of those well-planned attempts at some tom-foolery. Sure had us going...for about a New York minute! Once we entered the lobby, (After RUNNING/DASHING for our lives past the sounds of a HOARD of CRICKETS) DD nearly wet her pants at the sight of the 82 ft. tall three-sided fireplace! The Fireplace is ridiculously built to scale with the geologic layout of the Grand Canyon, complete with geologic disconformities (Periods of deposition, erosion, tilting and renewed deposition on top of the older rocks). The detail is nearly perfect with the textbook diagrams documenting the geology of the Grand Canyon. Additionally, as you travel up the fireplace, you can spot fossils true to the period of deposition. For the one out of a zillion people in the population, whom have a true FIREPLACE PHOBIA, it could prove debilitating. Be sure to bring your meds. This thing is like the MONA LISA, and the details & markings will (like-eyes) follow you around the lobby. Use caution.
I nearly forgot to mention the Topiaries outside...which resemble a buffalo and a calf. They are too well-manicured to be real. If they are REAL (live plants) they are probably merely the result of some wind storm (as opposed to a true topiary), which Disney Custom-created to obtain this result! Disney can manipulate ANYTHING, even the weather! Some folks even believe all of WDW is inside a huge BIODOME~TYPE atmosphere, w/Disney regulating temps and weather, etc. The sidewalks have actual imprints of wild animals/creatures that have crossed this path, enough to stop your hearts and LEASH/Harness your children close to your side!
The inside of the lobby SMELLS like the outdoors. The scent was overwhelming, and too authentic for my likes. It was a mixture of wood~burning (even though the fire in the fireplace is OBVIOUSLY gas-burning), and PINE. Ack! Two, massive 55~foot Northwestern totem poles flank each side of the lobby, another Disney-trick (probably made of rubber, or paper~Mache').
We were greeted by an approaching attendant with a friendly smile. This Disney cast member was dressed very much like Smokey the Bear. This is be due to the fact that all cast members at Wilderness Lodge do in fact wear costumes resembling the uniforms of National Park rangers. Yet, this person could have stepped off the stage from the "CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS" (It's a GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW!) The smile...the voice...the CHEER...all obviously and painfully ANIMATRONIC! Make sure to avert your eyes. It's like looking into the SUN to try to stare into the eyes of one of these robots.
I instinctively "ducked" as I looked up at the soaring roof supported by trusses which lead to massive pole pines bundled into log columns. One GOOD sneeze could probably send the entire thing tumbling down! Also makes you feel VERY SMALL, as if you are in the HONEY I SHRUNK THE AUDIENCE attraction. Disney tries to overcome this feeling by spreading an inviting array of comfy-looking chairs around the interior...don't be fooled. They are probably only for "appearance," as I never saw anyone but "children" & robots giving them a try.
Check-in was painfully easy, letting us know something was amiss. There was no wait, and no arguing with the CM at the desk. Hmmm...everyone was too happy and content. Could have to do with that euphoric mixture of "scents" I described earlier. They could have some kind of "relaxing or mesmerizing" agents added into the ingredients. It was too close to perfect, for comfort. Our room was decorated in a combination of the US Northwest and American West theme. We had two Queens (no...not REAL Royalty~but BEDS) in the room, a small sitting area with table and chairs, a large pine armoire which housed the television and offered storage space and a nightstand beside the bed. Our bath was similar to other Disney resorts with a double vanity outside the bath, and a tub/shower combo and toilet inside. The shower curtain has a western motif with Hidden Disney characters in it (very subtlely). You have to rack your brain to find them...and it can cause you added delays/time spent looking for certain ones! We had a balcony with a Tromp-Loeil view! I tried in vain to reach-out to touch the painted side...but Disney cleverly placed it JUST BEYOND REACH. It looks astonishingly real, with the sounds of nature and people "piped~in" for added effects. Very impressive, but a bit cheesy (IMHO).
We dined in the Whispering Canyon Cafe, which offers all-day dining off the main lobby. The all-you-can-eat dinner is a favorite with many and is a rip-roaring experience. We rode "Stick-ponies" in a WILD ROMP around the room. They prefer children at the rear, and adults in the front. I was first in the line, and after falling, was giddily trampled by adults and children alike! It was a great time, and I still have the scars to prove it. Thank goodness they have a Doctor in the house!
Transportation to all Disney theme parks, etc., and locations is available by bus or boat. The boats for Magic Kingdom, Contemporary and Fort Wilderness leave from the landing on Bay Lake to the left of the "Giant Sprinkler leak" (cleverly labeled a GEYSER), which gushes and shoots upward towards the sky (& which Disney has never repaired as they own REEDY CREEK water facility). There's also a FAKE RAINBOW which is visible over this leak at certain times of the day. It's was nearly always leaking when we strolled past. Our room was located in the North Wing, and the first floor hallway door led directly to the boat landing. Made us, once again, especially suspicious...as it was just too convenient and accomodating!
We used the pool frequently, which was also near-perfect in design and structure. We had to YELL to communicate, as there is a ROARING waterfall which cleverly originates in the lobby area (specifically designed to PICK~UP necessary SPEED/VOLUME). We stayed shy of this behemoth, as it looked authentic, and could "suck one right under"...rendering you helpless.
Some days, either the pool got smaller (another trick), or it was a secret "visiting day" from all the surrounding resorts and properties! It seemed a bit crowded, with no place to sit. We promptly remedied this, by simply taking the loungers with us when we left on the less-crowded days. We would carry them to our rooms, use them on our balcony or even inside, and then carry them right back to the pool. No one questioned us, as they were probably afraid we were robots ourselves! They did, however stare with their mouths agape. It was a funny scene, but worked well for us. We also witnessed a person (staff-member robot) releasing (to an audience of young, stupified children and their parents) a SWARM of red insects one morning! Incredible!! As if WDW and Orlando doesn't have enough already (virtual Pandora's Box of Entimology). This was most definitely a disturbing violation of some kind, but no one even balked. One kid obviously "sucked-in" one of the bugs, as he was choking and coughing uncontrollably. We hurried away (nearly tripping over one another) afraid of being asked any for some "witness" information/statement. We also noticed, if you are on the boat from the MK to WL in the evening...as you approach the lodge....take a GOOD look around the middle section of the hotel. The design and placement of some of the windows and the lighting resemble a HUGE GLARING BEAR staring directly at you. DD was afraid to get off the boat after DH pointed this out to her. She then referred to the resort as "THE BEAR" for the remainder of our stay, and would cover both eyes whenever we returned on the boat from the MK.
We heard kids running down the halls in the morning and evening, just too darned happy to be there! I even opened my door once to "peek", only to see the family approaching with "plastered smiles" on all their cheery faces! I slammed my door immediately, fearful they could actually be DISNEY PLANTS (A term used by the Disney Team for the Animatronics they place here and there throughout their WORLD). Amazingly, as soon as the door slammed...they were QUIET! My daily paper either never arrived, or became attached to the bottom of one of those passing robot's shoes! Go figure?!
In closing, I would like to add there are just TOO MANY things to do at this place! They even had to add TOURS, just to show people around (so massive...etc). The service was well-above par, and made us feel uncomfortable (as nothing ever went wrong). We plan to return in the future, just for another look...and to take some more notes on Disney's progress in this area. If you don't mind the above mentioned features...(and are mostly oblivious to surrounding detail, etc.) you should experience a delightful time at the Wilderness Lodge. Make sure to RUB the bear's nose (Humphrey, is it?) for some LUCK. You may find the fortune he renders absolutely imperativeto your perspective. ENJOY!!!
TTFN...
DF99
!
I probably derived just as much fun, whimsey, folly and pleasure writing the post, as you hopefully did reading it! After I finished...I re~read the piece. It too, made me laugh outloud (sure sign of a mission accomplished!). 
