Buckeye Fan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2007
- Messages
- 2,092
Well....all I can say is all of the pics I've ever seen of VWL do not do this resort justice. I can see why all of you VWL lovers out there so enjoy this resort. It is absolutely amazing.
August 9
Check-in - We arrived yesterday after dropping my parents off at MCO for their return flight home. They, unfortunately, don't have the love of Dis that we all do!
When we got to the resort, about 8:30, we checked in, but our room wasn't ready. We had to drop the car off at Enterprise. Okay...let's just say finding the Enterprise return office (which is located in the Marriott off of World Ctr Drive) was a little more of a challenge than it should have been! 
Our GPS kept trying to take us straight through Epcot, and the guy at the entrance looked at us like "Are you really thinking you're going to find a rental car return office here???" This may not have been our brightest moment, and we may have been a little misinformed by the GPS, but did he have to point out to obvious? He might as well have said, "Here's your sign," and wished us a magical day.
Enterprise Ride Back to VWL - Anyway, after we successfully returned our car, a guy drove us from Enterprise back to Wilderness Lodge. He used to be a Dis bus driver and was very nice, but not too talkative. I asked him about perks, and he said that CMs can get into the parks up to 12 times per year, and family members could get in as long as you were at the gate to meet them. However, he said that was a few years ago, and it may be different now. Hmmmm...I see a job in my future???
Blizzard Beach - We got back to the resort about 10:00, and our room still wasn't ready. So, off to Blizzard Beach with the kids (DS - 12, and DD - 6)!!! It rained a little about an hour after we got there, but the rest of the day was beautiful. It was a great mix of overcast and sunny, so the kids didn't get fried to a crisp and we had a wonderful time. DH and DS did Summit Plummet, and DH said he had a big bruise on his lower hip from the ride! Guess it was pretty intense. I've been on it before and loved it, but didn't go this time. DD is 6 and isn't quite brave enough to do it yet. We hadn't been to Blizzard Beach in quite some time, and I had forgotten how fun it truly was.
Dinner - After a fun day at Blizzard Beach, it was off to Pepper Market...one of our favorite spots! Boy, did those cheese quesadillas and wet burrito taste yummy!
Check-in - After we got back to WL (about 6:30), our room was ready. I have been waiting to stay here for quite some time, and in no way has it been a disappointed. Our room number is #3548. It faces the same way as the front of the lodge. We have a pretty view of mature trees, and if you look through the trees, you can see the main road to the lodge. It's far enough away that it's not distracting in any way, though. When we got to our room, it must have been recently renovated. The furniture looks brand new (couch and chair in the main living room). This is also probably the cleanest DVC room I've ever had. After check-in, we were beat. We did walk around the resort and check things out. We have been here many times, but have never stayed here. I now understand what people mean about the "nooks and crannies." There are quaint conversation areas on the main floor. There's also a really nice workout facility on the main floor as well. If you walk out the back (toward Bay Lake), there's a quiet pool that a nice size. Well, after a walk around, showers and unpacking, it was off to bed. LOOONNNNGGG day!
Side Note - I took plenty of pics that I will post when I get home, but there is so much to this resort that I haven't seen online. The DVC building is a separate building from the main lobby, and it's a little world of its own.
August 10
Thoroughly Impressed - Today, I really had the opportunity to check out the room. As with everything Disney, it's all in the little details. The tiles in the bathroom shower have a raised moose and pine tree on them. The glass in the kitchen cabinets have little air bubbles in them, and the carpet has pine cones on it.
Also, I saw there was a message. I pulled messages, and it was a recorded message from the resort manager. She welcomed us to resort, and told us to call the front desk if we needed anything. Then, I received a second call (in person this time) about two hours later. It was from Mousekeeping. She asked if the room was clean and up to my expectation, and if there was anything I needed or she could do to make our stay more comfortable? WOW! Now that was very nice and nothing we've experienced with our past WDW stays (DVC members or not!). I told DH that I wondered if that was more to do with the resort management than DVC. Not sure if they're run by the same resource or not. But again, WOW!
Lazy Day & Another WOW! - If you've ever been to Wilderness Lodge, and have never stepped out to see the back of the resort...WOW!!! It's really pretty. That's where the main pool is located and where we spent most of our time today. Again, took plenty of pics that I will post. DS didn't care too much for the slide, but DD loved it. After about 2 hours, DH and DS decided to go back to the room. DD and I stayed for another 45 minutes, and then we were off to the room to shower and head to Whispering Canyon for dinner.
Dinner - Whispering Canyon is a restaurant located in the main lodge and was really good. We had been before, but it was a really long time ago. All 4 of us got the "all you can eat" dinner, and though our bill was a $108 (where is the "ouch" smilie when you need one!
), our meal was good. For those who haven't been there, the servers have fun with the guests. While we were there, DH asked for more Splenda. The waitress asked every kid in the place to take one yellow packet from their table and bring it to him. I was a hoot! Also, it was two ladies birthdays (not dining together). Each had to run around the restaurant on wooden stick horses and sing happy birthday to themselves. One lady (about 25) didn't sing loud enough, so they made her run through the main lobby singing happy birthday to herself. OMG was that ever funny. Her name was Paige, so if anyone knows a Paige at WDW who recently had a b-day, wish her a Happy B-Day and ask her about Whispering Canyon!
Checking Things Out - Since we didn't hit a park today, we went to the Grand Floridian. Never been there before and checked out the main lobby and the 2nd floor where all of the restaurants and shops are. Then, we hopped on the monorail and rode it around the full loop once. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera, but boy, has Bay Lake Towers come a long way since our visit in March. I'll find a way to get pics before I leave. We got off at Magic Kingdom and took a boat back to Wilderness Lodge. And...here I am now.
What's To Come - August 11 - 13
At the Moment - DD is losing her first tooth tonight (hear DH and her battling as we speak). She's scared, but it's hanging by a thread. I hope she pulls it so we can tell the princesses that she lost her first tooth!
Monday - California Gill - We have reservations tomorrow night at CG. Heard it's yummy and will be another $100+ ticket.
Tuesday - Magic Kingdom day and Dining with the princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table. BTW, who picked these joints????
Wednesday - Not sure. We really don't have anything planned, but may do Typhoon Lagoon.
Thursday - On our way home to Columbus! Say prayers for safe trip home!!!
Hope everyone has a great week! Wished you were here!!!
August 9
Check-in - We arrived yesterday after dropping my parents off at MCO for their return flight home. They, unfortunately, don't have the love of Dis that we all do!
When we got to the resort, about 8:30, we checked in, but our room wasn't ready. We had to drop the car off at Enterprise. Okay...let's just say finding the Enterprise return office (which is located in the Marriott off of World Ctr Drive) was a little more of a challenge than it should have been! Our GPS kept trying to take us straight through Epcot, and the guy at the entrance looked at us like "Are you really thinking you're going to find a rental car return office here???" This may not have been our brightest moment, and we may have been a little misinformed by the GPS, but did he have to point out to obvious? He might as well have said, "Here's your sign," and wished us a magical day.Enterprise Ride Back to VWL - Anyway, after we successfully returned our car, a guy drove us from Enterprise back to Wilderness Lodge. He used to be a Dis bus driver and was very nice, but not too talkative. I asked him about perks, and he said that CMs can get into the parks up to 12 times per year, and family members could get in as long as you were at the gate to meet them. However, he said that was a few years ago, and it may be different now. Hmmmm...I see a job in my future???
Blizzard Beach - We got back to the resort about 10:00, and our room still wasn't ready. So, off to Blizzard Beach with the kids (DS - 12, and DD - 6)!!! It rained a little about an hour after we got there, but the rest of the day was beautiful. It was a great mix of overcast and sunny, so the kids didn't get fried to a crisp and we had a wonderful time. DH and DS did Summit Plummet, and DH said he had a big bruise on his lower hip from the ride! Guess it was pretty intense. I've been on it before and loved it, but didn't go this time. DD is 6 and isn't quite brave enough to do it yet. We hadn't been to Blizzard Beach in quite some time, and I had forgotten how fun it truly was.
Dinner - After a fun day at Blizzard Beach, it was off to Pepper Market...one of our favorite spots! Boy, did those cheese quesadillas and wet burrito taste yummy!
Check-in - After we got back to WL (about 6:30), our room was ready. I have been waiting to stay here for quite some time, and in no way has it been a disappointed. Our room number is #3548. It faces the same way as the front of the lodge. We have a pretty view of mature trees, and if you look through the trees, you can see the main road to the lodge. It's far enough away that it's not distracting in any way, though. When we got to our room, it must have been recently renovated. The furniture looks brand new (couch and chair in the main living room). This is also probably the cleanest DVC room I've ever had. After check-in, we were beat. We did walk around the resort and check things out. We have been here many times, but have never stayed here. I now understand what people mean about the "nooks and crannies." There are quaint conversation areas on the main floor. There's also a really nice workout facility on the main floor as well. If you walk out the back (toward Bay Lake), there's a quiet pool that a nice size. Well, after a walk around, showers and unpacking, it was off to bed. LOOONNNNGGG day!
Side Note - I took plenty of pics that I will post when I get home, but there is so much to this resort that I haven't seen online. The DVC building is a separate building from the main lobby, and it's a little world of its own.
August 10
Thoroughly Impressed - Today, I really had the opportunity to check out the room. As with everything Disney, it's all in the little details. The tiles in the bathroom shower have a raised moose and pine tree on them. The glass in the kitchen cabinets have little air bubbles in them, and the carpet has pine cones on it.
Also, I saw there was a message. I pulled messages, and it was a recorded message from the resort manager. She welcomed us to resort, and told us to call the front desk if we needed anything. Then, I received a second call (in person this time) about two hours later. It was from Mousekeeping. She asked if the room was clean and up to my expectation, and if there was anything I needed or she could do to make our stay more comfortable? WOW! Now that was very nice and nothing we've experienced with our past WDW stays (DVC members or not!). I told DH that I wondered if that was more to do with the resort management than DVC. Not sure if they're run by the same resource or not. But again, WOW!
Lazy Day & Another WOW! - If you've ever been to Wilderness Lodge, and have never stepped out to see the back of the resort...WOW!!! It's really pretty. That's where the main pool is located and where we spent most of our time today. Again, took plenty of pics that I will post. DS didn't care too much for the slide, but DD loved it. After about 2 hours, DH and DS decided to go back to the room. DD and I stayed for another 45 minutes, and then we were off to the room to shower and head to Whispering Canyon for dinner.
Dinner - Whispering Canyon is a restaurant located in the main lodge and was really good. We had been before, but it was a really long time ago. All 4 of us got the "all you can eat" dinner, and though our bill was a $108 (where is the "ouch" smilie when you need one!
), our meal was good. For those who haven't been there, the servers have fun with the guests. While we were there, DH asked for more Splenda. The waitress asked every kid in the place to take one yellow packet from their table and bring it to him. I was a hoot! Also, it was two ladies birthdays (not dining together). Each had to run around the restaurant on wooden stick horses and sing happy birthday to themselves. One lady (about 25) didn't sing loud enough, so they made her run through the main lobby singing happy birthday to herself. OMG was that ever funny. Her name was Paige, so if anyone knows a Paige at WDW who recently had a b-day, wish her a Happy B-Day and ask her about Whispering Canyon!Checking Things Out - Since we didn't hit a park today, we went to the Grand Floridian. Never been there before and checked out the main lobby and the 2nd floor where all of the restaurants and shops are. Then, we hopped on the monorail and rode it around the full loop once. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera, but boy, has Bay Lake Towers come a long way since our visit in March. I'll find a way to get pics before I leave. We got off at Magic Kingdom and took a boat back to Wilderness Lodge. And...here I am now.
What's To Come - August 11 - 13
At the Moment - DD is losing her first tooth tonight (hear DH and her battling as we speak). She's scared, but it's hanging by a thread. I hope she pulls it so we can tell the princesses that she lost her first tooth!
Monday - California Gill - We have reservations tomorrow night at CG. Heard it's yummy and will be another $100+ ticket.
Tuesday - Magic Kingdom day and Dining with the princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table. BTW, who picked these joints????
Wednesday - Not sure. We really don't have anything planned, but may do Typhoon Lagoon.
Thursday - On our way home to Columbus! Say prayers for safe trip home!!!
Hope everyone has a great week! Wished you were here!!!
And,yes...the lodge is simply beautiful.
and tell you a more about MK, more WL exploration, and dinner with the princesses. BTW, DD not only lost her first tooth at Disney, she lost her first TWO teeth! Two bottom ones came out, and now she'll be able to share that she lost her first tooth at Dis!!! Love these memories we're all building!!! 
