Just back from Wilderness Lodge

[FionaLovesShrek]

What a beautiful resort! Check-in was almost smoothe, had trouble understanding the CM-but she was very sweet which made up for the language barrier. Mousekeeping stayed on top of everything, even on day 3 when the tub was slow to drain, she had it taken care of before we returned from the parks. We were blessed with 2 towell animals...DH was ecstatic Whispering Canyon was great, although we could hear the noise in our room on the 4th floor. I would suggest a room not overlooking the lobby. Roaring forks was always busy, food choices were more limited than we expected. Highly recommend the breakfast pizza, very filling. The Cubs Den offered free crafts for children every afternoon from 2:30-4:00. Our DD9 loved it so much she begged to stay there one evening, so DM (me) had NO PROBLEM leaving DD for a few hours! One bit of advice for parents, your children will want their their caricature done. The hours that the artist at WL draws is 6-11 PM. We waited until our last night to let our daughter get her picture done. We signed her up as soon as we returned from MK, which was 7:00 PM. My DD was the last child to get signed up, the artist told us it would be midnight before he got to her. Another little girl came to sign up right after ours, and was very upset she couldn't get her picture. They were leaving in the morning, as we were. I discovered most of the children there were checking out the next morning. And just as predicted, we sat there waiting for DD's turn until 11:30PM. I wish I'd known to get it done earlier in our stay. I watched many parents get upset with each other...couldn't tell their children no, and after all, the artist is very good, you do want to capture this magical time in the picture, but it means the whole family is up very late, when you want to be resting for your trip home. Overall, we love Wilderness Lodge. The grounds are wonderful for strolling. We used the boat transportation back from MK enjoying the relaxation of it in the evenings. The longest wait we had for a bus was 20 minutes, but we were told they operate on a 20 minute run, and we had just missed the last bus. For those thinking of heading there, do, and have a great time!

 

[aesalsa]

Thanks for the great report! DH and I had the pleasure of staying there in February during our Mardi Gras break. We fell in love with everything that we saw and did there. What room were you in, and what was your view? Did you like it?

 

[Skroops]

Thanks for your review! Glad you enjoyed it. We just stayed there in October too. Loved it! It is so beautiful.

Can't wait to go back!!

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Thanks for the great report! DH and I had the pleasure of staying there in February during our Mardi Gras break. We fell in love with everything that we saw and did there. What room were you in, and what was your view? Did you like it?

We were in room 4088. It was woods view, and we could see the fireworks from MK above the trees. I liked having rocking chairs outside the room and the beautiful log trim, but the noise from Whispering Canyon was roudy when we were trying to sleep. We chose to not stay up so late so that we could be at the parks when they opened. Works better with a child But yes, we loved the theming and will go back.

 

[Troy08]

Glad you had a great time. Regarding the artist-maybe with the popularity they could extend the hours or have two shifts? Everyone seemed to be getting thier picture done last july when i stayed there. Wanted my daughter to do it but she felt she was too old. Don;t know how much it cost but it must make a wonderful souvenir.

 

[joksten2000]

It's nice that you enjoyed my home. We were there in July and had a wonderful time to.

 

[MareSINY]

I checked out the WL in September on our last day at the CR. My sister and I were totally amazed at how beautiful it was, we definitely want to stay there on our next trip. I'd like to go back next year, but she's talking about January 07, I don't think I can wait that long. LOL

 

[Okiemom]

We are going to eat lunch at WC and looking forward to seeing the lodge. I heard its beautiful. I really wanted to stay there, but could not afford it. So the next best thing, is to go see it and eat there. How was the food?

 

[Kitcat]

We stayed a 10/1-10/6 and had such a wonderful time. 1st time I was ever here it was just so warm and comfortable on a grand scale. We will be back for sure glad you enjoy it.

 

[whimsey]

Glad that you enjoyed your stay and took the time to post. Post's like your's will help get me through the next 53 days!

 

[Chrissi242]

Heading there in March, glad to hear a good review!

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

We are going to eat lunch at WC and looking forward to seeing the lodge. I heard its beautiful. I really wanted to stay there, but could not afford it. So the next best thing, is to go see it and eat there. How was the food?

The day we arrived we did a late breakfast and ordered the skillet at Whispering Canyon. We did not care for the breakfast skillet, so the next time we ate breakfast there we ordered off the menu and really enjoyed it. We had an AR for dinner and absolutely loved the skillet dinner. The waiter was wonderful. I know you'll have fun and enjoy your meal. Take the time to enjoy the scenery. There is a geiser behind the lodge that goes off about every 30 minutes. Its fun for pictures.

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Glad that you enjoyed your stay and took the time to post. Post's like your's will help get me through the next 53 days!

I'm glad I could help I see you got to enjoy the Lodge during Christmas Season. What was it like staying there at that time? I would like to plan a Christmas trip for the future.

 

[BeccaGrace]

One bit of advice for parents, your children will want their their caricature done. The hours that the artist at WL draws is 6-11 PM. We waited until our last night to let our daughter get her picture done. We signed her up as soon as we returned from MK, which was 7:00 PM.

Thanks for the great review! I never heard about the caricatures...where do we sign up and how far in advance can we sign up (i.e.--just for that night or a few days ahead?)...our dds would never be able to stay up that late--any strategy ideas for being able to get one of the earlier times?

Thanks again for all the great WL info--I can't wait until we get to experience it for ourselves!

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Glad you had a great time. Regarding the artist-maybe with the popularity they could extend the hours or have two shifts? Everyone seemed to be getting thier picture done last july when i stayed there. Wanted my daughter to do it but she felt she was too old. Don;t know how much it cost but it must make a wonderful souvenir.

I wish I could remember his name. He said he had been there for 5 years. Early in the evening he did a honeymoon couple, it was so cute! He definitely does a good job portraying the subject. My DD wanted hers to be in her Baton Twirling outfit. He didn't have anything in his book about twirling, but he did a great job with my DD's picture. Used her colors and even had two batons, which she is now learning to do. The cost was $30.00 for head and body in color. All the kids were choosing that option. Now..to get it framed.

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Thanks for the great review! I never heard about the caricatures...where do we sign up and how far in advance can we sign up (i.e.--just for that night or a few days ahead?)...our dds would never be able to stay up that late--any strategy ideas for being able to get one of the earlier times?

Thanks again for all the great WL info--I can't wait until we get to experience it for ourselves!

I would watch for his hours in case they change. He is located next to the trading post. Probably the best thing would be to choose a week night and be there to sign up when he arrives. He says it takes about 15 minutes per person, so it gets filled up quick when a couple of families are there to sign up. The late hours nearly killed me that night

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

My DD just corrected me. It's not trading post, it's Mercantile. There has to be something wrong about a 9 y/o knowing more than her mom

 

[Forever a Princess]

Glad you enjoyed your trip!!!!