Just back from WL: Fabulous resort

[afcgirl]

DH, DS (5), DS (3) and I just returned from our first trip to WDW (since I was a kid). We stayed 4 days at WL then did the 3-day cruise on the Disney Wonder.

The Wilderness Lodge exceeded my expectations. I was not sure if I would like the theme since I usually like tropical, but it was absolutely beautiful. The feel was cozy, relaxing, casual and magical. My kids loved the lobby and the pool (not too small IMO, just right). My 3-year old is still talking about the geyser. The WL had just the right mix of restaurants. We ate at Roaring Forks every morning which provided a great start to each day. We were upgraded from a standard to courtyard view and had a great view of the stream and flowers.

We usually did not wait more than 2 minutes to board the ferry to Magic Kingdom. The only time we waited was late at night on the return to WL, but never more than 5-10 minutes. My kids enjoyed the boat ride, although it got a little hot and the monorail was more convenient.

The room was not a bad size, but there was not a lot of storage. For the money though it was a great value. Pretty and clean with great views.

Overall, we loved the hotel and the trip. We went on the 3-day Disney Wonder after staying at the WL and later wished we had spent the entire week at the WL. We had such a great time there. The only other hotel that compared IMO for a family was the Polynesian, but I think I will still pick WL for our next trip. We will definitely be back!

To all those staying in the future, do not have any hesitation about your choice. You will love it!

Any questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Kimberle]

Glad you had a nice trip!

 

[GailT]

Glad you had a nice trip. I have to agree, WL is a nice resort, gives you a feeling of being home, cozey, comfortable and all contained in one building.

 

[pandora174]

We're headed in Sept. A quick question about the pool. I know the lifeguards are only out to about 10 pm but justed wanted to know if we can hang out after 10 pm in the pool or hot tub ? Did you take the boat to either the Contemporary of Ft. Wilderness & if you have to wait alot ?

Glad you had a great vacation

 

[afcgirl]

pandora174,

Yes, you can use the pools and hot tubs after 10:00. We always saw a lot of people in the pool on our way up to our room after MK closed (I don't know how people have the energy!).

We did take the boat from WL to Ft. Wilderness for Hoop de Doo Revue. The boat was there when we got to the dock, so no wait. It runs all the time from MK to WL and then on to Ft. Wilderness. Hoop de Doo was fantastic!

I don't think that the boat goes to the Contemporary. I think you would have to take the bus for that. We took a bus to the Polynesian, MGM and Animal Kingdom. We never waited more than 10 minutes for any of them.

You will love WL!

 

[macnodos]

Glad to hear you had a great time!!

Are the beds at WL double or queen. We're thinking about staying there 10/05. I believe all the other deluxes have queen beds.

Thanks.


kev

 

[afcgirl]

The beds were queen-size.

The room was a good size, even with the four of us. The only problem (if you can call it one) is that there wasn't much storage space for our clothes and suitcases. We way overpacked though!

 

[jaguar9748]

Glad to hear that you had a great stay at the WL! It is a great resort!

Did you not like your Wonder cruise? We're sailing her in September.

 

[afcgirl]

We did like the Disney Wonder, we just didn't love it.

I am not sure exactly why either. I think part of it was that it was more structured than the resort stay, in that you had to rush for the excursions and then rush back for dinner at a certain time, and then make the show at a certain time. With two little kids, it was more relaxing to do things at our own pace at WL.

Also, I took the Carnival Conquest last summer and thought that ship was nicer and provided more excitement. The Disney Wonder was a little too sedate for me. I also was not crazy about the Hercules show on the first night, so I think a negative tone was set. The cruise did get better as it went on. Golden Mickeys was great and Castaway Cay could not be beat. The service and food were also excellent, better than on Carnival.

The most important thing is that my kids enjoyed themselves and had more to do than they would have on another cruise line. You will have a good time, do not worry.

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Glad you like WL!!!

Allison

 

[GEM]

Glad you liked it. It's our very favorite, and we've stayed almost everywhere!

 

[NotTooGoofy]

We love staying at WL as well! If you ever get the chance to stay at WL between Thanksgiving and New Year's, you'll really enjoy the Christmas decorations. You didn't mention eating at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Did you get the chance to eat there and enjoy some "quiet time"?

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Obviously, it is my favorite resort.

And I never thought I would be into the theming either. I like light, beachy colors. But WL was the one with the great price one time when I called so I (almost begrudgingly) booked it.

IT TOTALLY WON ME OVER!

I'm so glad you had a great trip.

 

[chipper10]

I'm thinking about staying there for my honeymoon in Feb. Did they just upgrade you or did you have to ask? Thanks for your help

-Nicole

 

[zalansky]

Glad you enjoyed my favorite resort! I have POFQ booked for Labor Day and you are making me reconsider changing to WL again! We were just there for 3 nights in June. Thanks for sharing...

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Glad you had a good trip! The lodge is *almost* up there with the Polynesian in my book, definitly a close second!

 

[ADisneygirl]

Glad you had a great time and loved WL! So did we.

pandora174 ~ there are two boats with different colored flags -- one will stop at the Contemporary. We just went there on the boat to check it out and eat.

 

[TwingleMum]

Glad you had a great trip. We also have taken the boat from WL to Contemp I just can't remember which one either.

 

[afcgirl]

nottoogoofy,

I did eat at Whispering Canyon and loved it! The antics were not too over the top and the food was delicious. We had great burgers, chili and nachos. The best part was the apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. It was the best dessert I had all week. I reviewed all of my meals on the restaurants board.

Chipper10,

I didn't ask for the upgrade, they offered it when we checked in. It was a nice surprise.

Sorry I gave wrong information about the boat to Contemporary. I did not know there was one. That is good to know for the future.

 

[sotoalf]

Originally posted by afcgirl
I don't think that the boat goes to the Contemporary. I think you would have to take the bus for that.
You will love WL!

Actually, there is a small boat launch which goes CR-WL-Ft Wilderness from 7 am to 10 pm every day.