I'm a newbie!

[DisneyLover75]

Hello!

I haven't posted more than a couple of times here, yet, but I wanted to say hello and a bit about myself, and then ask some advice.

I am a divorced mom of three kids, John (stillborn 12/6/00), Mary (4 and a half) and Frank (3 and a half). I've been to WDW six times so far, and I'm going back again in December.

So far, I've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside (though at the time it was called Dixie Landings), All Star Movies and Pop Century. We're staying at the Wilderness Lodge this time. (I stayed at Dixie Landings twice, and then offsite twice)

I absolutely adore all things disney, and despite that, it seems that I've really had to sit and think about some of the abbreviations on this board! LOL! It's very humbling.

Just talking about Disney World gives me a total oxytocin rush! I just love it. I think this will be a good place for me.

So I've been reading some of the threads, and I have to say I was totally shocked to see all the bad reviews for Alfredo's! I thought it was a total slice of heaven! We went there twice, and loved it. Ah well. Sigh..

Meanwhile, here's the bit of advice I was seeking. Maybe more opinions than advice.. I was just wondering if any of you have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and what your thoughts were, and if there are any tips.

We'd also like to stay (maybe next year) at one of the resorts that are on the monorail line. Any thoughts about that? I know the Polynesian is very tempting, partly because of the beauty and partly because of the Neverland Club. We used that the last time we were there, in November. My daughter had a great time and it was much easier for us to go out and have fun when I knew she was happy.

Anyway, any thoughts and suggestions are welcome!

Thank you!

Love!
Katie

Milwaukee, WI

 

[spiceycat]

do the flag family
maybe do the tour
watch the geyser
go swimming
ride the boat to MK
walk along the trail to FW - at FW do the petting zoo
watch EWP from the beach
go over to CR to watch the firework (again boat)

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thank you, Pat.

This time my friend and I are going alone, without kids.. (I probably should have mentioned that, lol) We know all about the fireworks and the boat and the geyser.. just wondering about opinions in general of the place.

I'm still trying to figure out some of the abbreviations everyone's been using. I know most of them.. but what is EWP?

 

[Cinderella]

Hi and welcome to the boards. You will love the Wilderness Lodge. I stayed there after the Poly a few years ago and worried that i would not like it as much, but i became addicted.

EWP is the electric water pageant. It's an illuminated parade on boats and can be nice to see. You can watch it from the beach, but if you're lucky you may be able to see it from your room - at around 9.30pm.

Artist Point is a nice restaurant without kids. If you're planning on swimming - the pool at Wilderness Lodge gets extremely busy all year round, so you may want to use the quiet pool.

If u are going to stay at a monorail resort next time, I highly recommend it with young children - especially the Poly.

 

[ccigliano]

I love the lodge - you should have a great time. In December you can take in all the Christmas decorations - in my opinion and plenty others on this board - you can't top the WL at Christmas. Get a refillable mug and enjoy hot chocolate on a cool night while sitting by the fireplace. There are plenty of nooks and crannies and as you wander around you'll find another fireplace on the 2nd floor and a great patio to watch the fireworks. I highly recommend Artist Point for adults -great ambiance, great food and great service. If you get to a point where you are missing you kids, have lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe right in the lobby - that should cure your ache. Definitely walk over to the campgrounds and check out the RVs all decorated in a Disney Christmas motif. You can also schedule a horse drawn carriage ride at Christmastime. Have a great time.
Charmaine

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thank you so much for the replies and the sweet suggestions! How exciting to see the EWP.. now that I know what it is! LOL

Thanks for the advice about the quiet pool. Duly noted! LOL @ whispering canyon... we have ADR for that. (ha, see? I am catching on to the abbreviations!)

I am super excited to go. I know I'll miss the kids, because I know how much my daughter loves it.. I've taken her twice now. I haven't taken my son yet because he's autistic and until just about now, he wouldn't have appreciated the trip. It would have been too overwhelming. I'll be taking him sometime in early 2008, if I can.

My friend and I (that's us in the avatar) have decided to make WDW a yearly tradition. So we went in May, 2005 (stayed at Pop Century) and Nov, 2006 (stayed at All Star Movies) with my daughter, both times. This year we decided to try it just once, without any kids, so that we can do all of the adult stuff, like the World Showcase section of Epcot, and shop, and the wilder rides that kids don't enjoy as much. I'm sure it'll be the only time I go without kids for a good long time! My parents are keeping them for me.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll miss them alot, because of knowing how much they'd love it, but it'll be good to have some "me" time that I really don't get, being a single mom. (My ex is a total loser. He's in prison for domestic violence against me. So there is no help from him or his family, in the way of financial or moral support.)

I digress, I'm sorry. At any rate, I really appreciate the suggestions thus far, and if anyone has anything else to add, please feel free!

I am leaning toward staying at Polynesian next year, so we can drop the kids at the Neverland Club and have the added convenience of the monorail. I love how gorgeous the lobby is too!

We went during the Christmas celebration last year, on the very first night of the Christmas Party at MK. It was so much fun that we deliberately arranged to be there during Christmas time this year. We may add that specifically to our tradition!

Anyway, thanks for your time and indulgence.

Love!
Katie

 

[cyberfilly]

Hi Katie,

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in November 2005 - our first trip to Disney World and all four of us - me, DH, DD10, and DS7 - absolutely loved it. Wouldn't stay anywhere else! We didn't find the large main pool crowded at all and the kids enjoyed the slide, although it was fairly small. We never even went to the Adult pool!

The thing I MOST loved and remembered about WL was the music they had playing all the time. I don't remember if it was in the lobby or not, but it was certainly outside around the pool and walkways. The music was what you think of when you watch Western movies, sort of rugged music like that. I guess that's in keeping with the Northwestern theme of the lodge. I asked if they had a CD of the music they play, but at the time (2005) they didn't. Anyway you'll love it! Just don't ask for ketchup at Whispering Canyons Cafe!

Cyberfilly
Virginia

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

For loads of information about the Wilderness Lodge please check out the FAQ Thread here on the resort board. Page 1 has most facts we have collected over the years.

What are your dates you will be there?

Just click on the link below:

The NEW WL FAQ (Part 5) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

 

[DisneyLover75]

Hi!

Thanks for the info!

We are planning on going to the Whispering Canyon Cafe, so I'll be sure *not* to ask for ketchup! (Or maybe I should?)

I'll be there from December 2 through December 8. I'm looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations! I wonder though, if they'll be playing the music that Virginia described or if they'll be switching to holiday music.

Either way, it'll be great, I'm sure.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

During you stay they will have the Christmas music playing.