BBQMommy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2009
- Messages
- 871
HOWDY! 
Just returned home from 7 days and 6 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. It was our 5 yr old daughter's first Disney trip and the first time back for both me and my husband since the mid 1990s.
We booked a Woods View Bunk Bed room and ended up in a Courtyard Bunk Bed room - we were in 4162 with a partial view of the Hidden Springs Pool. (Front Desk told me that the room designation was weighted more towards 'bunk' than 'view' - fine with me as DD5 LOVED the bunk bed and slept both up and down, depending, and also turned it into a pirate ship with the top bunk being the crow's nest.) Room was clean and not in need of refurb. A towel Mickey was waiting for us.
Could we have left Tennessee earlier in the day, starting our time at WDW sooner than 5:30PM? Yes, but travelling only during daylight hours and not rushing a tired toddler/pre-schooler is actually worth a lot to me.
I had done online check in a few days back and there were no lines at 5:30 on a Wednesday afternoon. We were on the Deluxe Dining Plan and soon headed off to our first ADR at Les Chefs du France at EPCOT.
Before we get much further, let me introduce the players:
DH (Dear Husband, most days) and DD5 (Dear Daughter, Age 5)
Me (I'm on the left)
Les Chefs - minimal wait and it was crowded! Many folks were turned away at the podium with no ADRs. ADR was at 7:45 and we were seated just a few minutes past that. I ordered Tarte a la tomate et fromage de chevre - Tomato and goat cheese tarte, Filet de boeuf grille, sauce au poivre noir Gratin Dauphinois et haricots verts - Grilled tenderloin of beef with black pepper sauce, original potato gratin of Savoy and green beans, and Crepe a la pomme et cannelle, glace vanille, caramel jus de pommes - Crepe filled with cinnamon, apple, vanilla ice cream and apple caramel sauce. I had a glass of red suggested by our waiter - it was a Cab Sav and I can't tell you the name but it complimented the beef beautifully.
All three courses exceeded my expectations. Food was light and flavorful and did not seem like assembly-line re-heated fare. My birthday was the following day and my crepes arrived with a single candle in the vanilla ice cream along with 4 waiters singing 'Happy Birthday' in French. It was awesome!
We were all the way in back by the dessert prep bar. It seemed quieter than the main room, having a lower ceiling and fewer tables. Service was prompt without being forceful, we were never pushed along, but we never were waiting. I will eat there on future vacations.
Night One in a bunk bed had our daughter grinning from ear to ear.
Day Two, also known as my 41st birthday started with a boatride from the WL to the Magic Kingdom. Got there just as EMH started for a character breakfast at the Liberty Tree Tavern. This was my first character meal ever and it really set the bar high. I am sad this is a temporary meal - it was the best breakfast of the trip. The Peach French Toast Casserole was light and fluffy and oh-so-lovely! Potatoes were tasty and the sausage was also the best on the trip (almost as good as Kona's at the Poly). We got to meet Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Minnie (who is a gracious hostess).
Before lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table DD5 got 'Princessed' at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. We did hair and nails only, bringing our own costume. I found a handmade Snow White costume on etsy.com which was cotton, not synthetic-scratchy, and $15 less expensive than the official costume.
DD5 had a blast. We waitied about 20 minutes beyond our appointment (11:20PM) time - the place was packed. Rachael, our FGMIT, was awesome - she really brought a slightly overwhelmed DD5 out of her shell. It was no problem bringing our own costume, Rachael took us back to the changing rooms and things got started.
You saw the 'before' with Colonial Minnie, here is Snow White:
Lunch at CRT was good, but happy to be using DDP credits instead of paying OOP. I had Major Domo's Favorite Pie - shredded beef simmered in rich cabernet sauce, served with mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables, crowning a light pastry and chocolate Cream Cheese Buckle for dessert. Cinderella met all before we headed upstairs for a photo/meet-n-greet, and one by one Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, and Belle worked the room for autographs and photos. Boy, to the target dempographic, they are ROCK STARS!
This was a Thursday in Feb at the MK and the crowds were thin-ish. We used Fast Passes where necessary, but certain rides we were able to walk right on, like the Haunted Mansion.
My birthday dinner was at the Grand Floridian's Narcoossee's and it was delightful. We had a 7:15 ADR and were seated about 10 minutes past that. I did not mention my birthday but they asked if someone was celebrating something special today???? They presented me with a specially printed personalized keepsake menu wishing me a Happy Birthday! I started with the Artisanal Cheeses (Humboldt Fog, Cashel Irish Blue, and Tete De Moine) and though I had planned on the surf and turf for the last 6 weeks I made a last minute switch to the Chef's Recommendation of Cajun-spiced Florida Tripletail with Maytag Grits, Haricots Verts, and Mango Barbecue Glaze. Tripletail is similar to grouper (also known as my absolute favorite fish). It was sublime.
Dessert was from the menu and a bittersweet chocolate mousse and arrived with birthday wishes.
These are the only food pictures taken this trip. I had anticipated taking more, but at the time I really wanted to 'be here, now' and be in the moment and not worry about photos. They dimmed the lights for Wishes and piped in the music. It was a little difficult seeing the food, but otherwise a very nice way to see the fireworks with great food and no crowds. Even though I only seem to make it to Disney once a decade, I sure hope Narcoossee's is still around for our next visit.
We had an ADR for 2 at Kona Cafe at the Poly for Breakfast and DH's plans changed so he tagged along. Was no problem at the desk. The Tonga Toast was fun and very good. We ambled along to Downtown Disney and lunched at Wolfgang Puck's Cafe - menu had a nice variety and was very good. I started with the Artichoke aand Five Cheese Dip - California artichokes with mascarpone fontina with crispy flat bread and had a Four Cheese Pizza - Mozzarella, fontina, goat and parmesan cheeses, tomatoes, basil with pesto sauce. I skipped dessert as I was full. We were supposed to head on to DHS, but weather was starting and we went back to the Lodge getting back just as the rains started. Only upon returning did we hear that there were tornado warnings that afternoon, funny no one mentioned that in Downtown Disney.
DH and DD5 had food from Roaring Forks and I let my tummy rest for the evening. I wished the weather was better and warmer, as the pools looked lovely.
Saturday/Day Four/Day One O' Pirating!
Before the Pirate Cruise we had an 8:20 ADR at 1900 Park Fare at the GF with a Character Breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Pooh. I thought the spread was well done. We rushed ourselves to get out to the boat on time and our waitress was very helpful with everything.
Alice was great and asked DD5 about her day and she told Alice about the Pirate Cruise. Alice told DD5 2 pirate jokes - LOL!
The Pirate Cruise out of the Grand Floridian was a blast for DD5 and DH and I got to explore the GF for two hours and relax. It was a little chilly, but dry, and the kids came back after finding treasure on a desserted beach singing pirate songs at the tops of their lungs and lots of smiles.
We then went on to DHS and ate at the ABC Commissary and I was actually surprised by the quality of my Fish and Chips. Fast Passes were needed and really helped. DH did not know about Star Tours, I guess he thought it had something to do with Star Search or American Idol and was not really interested. Boy, was he pleasantly surprised! FPs for Toy Story Mania were gone, but ah well. Muppet Vision 3D was a 'must do' for me and did not dissappoint.
DD5 spent a few hours in the Cubs Den at the WL (and on a Saturday evening was the only child being watched!) DH and I went on a chilly boat ride to the CR for a wonderful meal at the California Grill.
The view was wonderful and we got to see the sunset and the lights at the MK come alive. I had a pesto and goat cheese flatbread, lamb shank risotto (which was the BEST individual plate of the vacation), the Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Served with Boniato mashed potatoes, sauteed haricot vert, and teriyaki BBQ sauce, and the Bananas and Caramel - Crispy baked Phyllo squares layered with banana, caramel, mascarpone mousse and caramelized banana. Our waiter was perfect and sweetly presented me with a small box with a slice of chocolate birthday cake to go.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!! Geaux Saints!
It was our second MK day and DD5's appointment at the Pirate's League. After breakfast at Whispering Canyon and the BEST Diet Coke of my life - 8 cups worth:
Off to the MK and in quick succession we walked on to the Jungle Cruise AND Pirates of the Caribbean. I love February. She was taken on time at the Pirates League and chose the ghost/skeleton pirate (?). We brought her costume with us, purchased from the same seller on etsy.com as her Snow White from a couple days before.
She got Arrrggg'd at and Aaaarrrrrgg'd back the rest of the day - it was $50 (+ $35 for the costume) well spent.
WARNING***Grauitous Camel Photo***
Today we took a break back to the WL as there were EMH til 1AM. The break helped. We dined at Tony's Town Square. I had the Toasted Cheese and garlic Bread - Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, Chicken Parmigiana - Lightly breaded chicken breast with marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella over spaghetti, and the Tiramisu - Espresso soaded Lady Fingers, whipped mascarpone and dark chocolate shavings. It was very enjoyable and fueled us for 2+ more hours. We walked on to IASW, Haunted Mansion, Snow White, Dumbo (for the third time), the Tea Cups, and only a 5-10 min wait at Peter Pan. We got back to the WL after 11PM, tired and happy!
Monday was supposed to be Animal Kingdom, but we switched it to EPCOT. DD5 and I went alone for the first 3 hours and DH met us for a spontaneous (read: no ADR) lunch at Tokyp Dining, the location of DD5's one and only minor meltdown. I had Edamame, Chicken Tempura, and the Green Tea Pudding -- pleasant surprise -- loved it! Wandered the World and got to Soarin' and Nemo (2x). We dined at Mexico and I had my only forgettable meal, but it ended with a churro, so I left with a smile. DD5 and I had a 12 hour day at EPCOT and she was a trooper! DH slightly less so.
In Summary:
DDP was a win for us as we got to do Character Meals and Signature Restaurants and all told came out almot $400 ahead compared to the same meals out of pocket.
I loved the Wilderness Lodge and would stay there again in a heartbeat. Even though it is so close to the CR, it seems so removed and peaceful. DH would rather be on the monorail next time, so it will either be the Poly or the CR. GF is beautiful, but just too big and crowded for us.
I tipped Mousekeeping every AM and the Mickey Towel the first day was the only towel animal we saw, but I got loads of H2O Shampoos etc left on the counter.
Planning ahead with ADRs and thumbnail park plans really helped, but it was nice to change plans if needed. We ended up not going to the Brown Derby, Charcter Breakfast at Tusker House, and Yachtsman Steakhouse. We skipped Animal Kingdom all together! There will be other trips.
5 was a great age for our daughter to go on her first trip. She has half a year of pre-K under her belt and that experience made this trip a lot easier for us all and I am glad we waited.
Magical Express worked well on both ends of the trip. Buses to and from the WL to parks were quick and easy. Boats to MK and CR were prompt and actually a lot of fun.
The DIS Boards were SO helpful with guidance for our planning. Thank you all! Wonderful trips to YOU --->
Just returned home from 7 days and 6 nights at the Wilderness Lodge. It was our 5 yr old daughter's first Disney trip and the first time back for both me and my husband since the mid 1990s.
We booked a Woods View Bunk Bed room and ended up in a Courtyard Bunk Bed room - we were in 4162 with a partial view of the Hidden Springs Pool. (Front Desk told me that the room designation was weighted more towards 'bunk' than 'view' - fine with me as DD5 LOVED the bunk bed and slept both up and down, depending, and also turned it into a pirate ship with the top bunk being the crow's nest.) Room was clean and not in need of refurb. A towel Mickey was waiting for us.
Could we have left Tennessee earlier in the day, starting our time at WDW sooner than 5:30PM? Yes, but travelling only during daylight hours and not rushing a tired toddler/pre-schooler is actually worth a lot to me.
I had done online check in a few days back and there were no lines at 5:30 on a Wednesday afternoon. We were on the Deluxe Dining Plan and soon headed off to our first ADR at Les Chefs du France at EPCOT.
Before we get much further, let me introduce the players:
DH (Dear Husband, most days) and DD5 (Dear Daughter, Age 5)
Me (I'm on the left)
Les Chefs - minimal wait and it was crowded! Many folks were turned away at the podium with no ADRs. ADR was at 7:45 and we were seated just a few minutes past that. I ordered Tarte a la tomate et fromage de chevre - Tomato and goat cheese tarte, Filet de boeuf grille, sauce au poivre noir Gratin Dauphinois et haricots verts - Grilled tenderloin of beef with black pepper sauce, original potato gratin of Savoy and green beans, and Crepe a la pomme et cannelle, glace vanille, caramel jus de pommes - Crepe filled with cinnamon, apple, vanilla ice cream and apple caramel sauce. I had a glass of red suggested by our waiter - it was a Cab Sav and I can't tell you the name but it complimented the beef beautifully.
All three courses exceeded my expectations. Food was light and flavorful and did not seem like assembly-line re-heated fare. My birthday was the following day and my crepes arrived with a single candle in the vanilla ice cream along with 4 waiters singing 'Happy Birthday' in French. It was awesome!
We were all the way in back by the dessert prep bar. It seemed quieter than the main room, having a lower ceiling and fewer tables. Service was prompt without being forceful, we were never pushed along, but we never were waiting. I will eat there on future vacations.
Night One in a bunk bed had our daughter grinning from ear to ear.
Day Two, also known as my 41st birthday started with a boatride from the WL to the Magic Kingdom. Got there just as EMH started for a character breakfast at the Liberty Tree Tavern. This was my first character meal ever and it really set the bar high. I am sad this is a temporary meal - it was the best breakfast of the trip. The Peach French Toast Casserole was light and fluffy and oh-so-lovely! Potatoes were tasty and the sausage was also the best on the trip (almost as good as Kona's at the Poly). We got to meet Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Minnie (who is a gracious hostess).
Before lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table DD5 got 'Princessed' at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. We did hair and nails only, bringing our own costume. I found a handmade Snow White costume on etsy.com which was cotton, not synthetic-scratchy, and $15 less expensive than the official costume.
DD5 had a blast. We waitied about 20 minutes beyond our appointment (11:20PM) time - the place was packed. Rachael, our FGMIT, was awesome - she really brought a slightly overwhelmed DD5 out of her shell. It was no problem bringing our own costume, Rachael took us back to the changing rooms and things got started.
You saw the 'before' with Colonial Minnie, here is Snow White:
Lunch at CRT was good, but happy to be using DDP credits instead of paying OOP. I had Major Domo's Favorite Pie - shredded beef simmered in rich cabernet sauce, served with mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables, crowning a light pastry and chocolate Cream Cheese Buckle for dessert. Cinderella met all before we headed upstairs for a photo/meet-n-greet, and one by one Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, and Belle worked the room for autographs and photos. Boy, to the target dempographic, they are ROCK STARS!
This was a Thursday in Feb at the MK and the crowds were thin-ish. We used Fast Passes where necessary, but certain rides we were able to walk right on, like the Haunted Mansion.
My birthday dinner was at the Grand Floridian's Narcoossee's and it was delightful. We had a 7:15 ADR and were seated about 10 minutes past that. I did not mention my birthday but they asked if someone was celebrating something special today???? They presented me with a specially printed personalized keepsake menu wishing me a Happy Birthday! I started with the Artisanal Cheeses (Humboldt Fog, Cashel Irish Blue, and Tete De Moine) and though I had planned on the surf and turf for the last 6 weeks I made a last minute switch to the Chef's Recommendation of Cajun-spiced Florida Tripletail with Maytag Grits, Haricots Verts, and Mango Barbecue Glaze. Tripletail is similar to grouper (also known as my absolute favorite fish). It was sublime.
Dessert was from the menu and a bittersweet chocolate mousse and arrived with birthday wishes.
These are the only food pictures taken this trip. I had anticipated taking more, but at the time I really wanted to 'be here, now' and be in the moment and not worry about photos. They dimmed the lights for Wishes and piped in the music. It was a little difficult seeing the food, but otherwise a very nice way to see the fireworks with great food and no crowds. Even though I only seem to make it to Disney once a decade, I sure hope Narcoossee's is still around for our next visit.
We had an ADR for 2 at Kona Cafe at the Poly for Breakfast and DH's plans changed so he tagged along. Was no problem at the desk. The Tonga Toast was fun and very good. We ambled along to Downtown Disney and lunched at Wolfgang Puck's Cafe - menu had a nice variety and was very good. I started with the Artichoke aand Five Cheese Dip - California artichokes with mascarpone fontina with crispy flat bread and had a Four Cheese Pizza - Mozzarella, fontina, goat and parmesan cheeses, tomatoes, basil with pesto sauce. I skipped dessert as I was full. We were supposed to head on to DHS, but weather was starting and we went back to the Lodge getting back just as the rains started. Only upon returning did we hear that there were tornado warnings that afternoon, funny no one mentioned that in Downtown Disney.
DH and DD5 had food from Roaring Forks and I let my tummy rest for the evening. I wished the weather was better and warmer, as the pools looked lovely.
Saturday/Day Four/Day One O' Pirating!
Before the Pirate Cruise we had an 8:20 ADR at 1900 Park Fare at the GF with a Character Breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Pooh. I thought the spread was well done. We rushed ourselves to get out to the boat on time and our waitress was very helpful with everything.
Alice was great and asked DD5 about her day and she told Alice about the Pirate Cruise. Alice told DD5 2 pirate jokes - LOL!
The Pirate Cruise out of the Grand Floridian was a blast for DD5 and DH and I got to explore the GF for two hours and relax. It was a little chilly, but dry, and the kids came back after finding treasure on a desserted beach singing pirate songs at the tops of their lungs and lots of smiles.
We then went on to DHS and ate at the ABC Commissary and I was actually surprised by the quality of my Fish and Chips. Fast Passes were needed and really helped. DH did not know about Star Tours, I guess he thought it had something to do with Star Search or American Idol and was not really interested. Boy, was he pleasantly surprised! FPs for Toy Story Mania were gone, but ah well. Muppet Vision 3D was a 'must do' for me and did not dissappoint.
DD5 spent a few hours in the Cubs Den at the WL (and on a Saturday evening was the only child being watched!) DH and I went on a chilly boat ride to the CR for a wonderful meal at the California Grill.
The view was wonderful and we got to see the sunset and the lights at the MK come alive. I had a pesto and goat cheese flatbread, lamb shank risotto (which was the BEST individual plate of the vacation), the Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Served with Boniato mashed potatoes, sauteed haricot vert, and teriyaki BBQ sauce, and the Bananas and Caramel - Crispy baked Phyllo squares layered with banana, caramel, mascarpone mousse and caramelized banana. Our waiter was perfect and sweetly presented me with a small box with a slice of chocolate birthday cake to go.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!! Geaux Saints!
It was our second MK day and DD5's appointment at the Pirate's League. After breakfast at Whispering Canyon and the BEST Diet Coke of my life - 8 cups worth:
Off to the MK and in quick succession we walked on to the Jungle Cruise AND Pirates of the Caribbean. I love February. She was taken on time at the Pirates League and chose the ghost/skeleton pirate (?). We brought her costume with us, purchased from the same seller on etsy.com as her Snow White from a couple days before.
She got Arrrggg'd at and Aaaarrrrrgg'd back the rest of the day - it was $50 (+ $35 for the costume) well spent.
WARNING***Grauitous Camel Photo***
Today we took a break back to the WL as there were EMH til 1AM. The break helped. We dined at Tony's Town Square. I had the Toasted Cheese and garlic Bread - Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, Chicken Parmigiana - Lightly breaded chicken breast with marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella over spaghetti, and the Tiramisu - Espresso soaded Lady Fingers, whipped mascarpone and dark chocolate shavings. It was very enjoyable and fueled us for 2+ more hours. We walked on to IASW, Haunted Mansion, Snow White, Dumbo (for the third time), the Tea Cups, and only a 5-10 min wait at Peter Pan. We got back to the WL after 11PM, tired and happy!
Monday was supposed to be Animal Kingdom, but we switched it to EPCOT. DD5 and I went alone for the first 3 hours and DH met us for a spontaneous (read: no ADR) lunch at Tokyp Dining, the location of DD5's one and only minor meltdown. I had Edamame, Chicken Tempura, and the Green Tea Pudding -- pleasant surprise -- loved it! Wandered the World and got to Soarin' and Nemo (2x). We dined at Mexico and I had my only forgettable meal, but it ended with a churro, so I left with a smile. DD5 and I had a 12 hour day at EPCOT and she was a trooper! DH slightly less so.
In Summary:
DDP was a win for us as we got to do Character Meals and Signature Restaurants and all told came out almot $400 ahead compared to the same meals out of pocket.
I loved the Wilderness Lodge and would stay there again in a heartbeat. Even though it is so close to the CR, it seems so removed and peaceful. DH would rather be on the monorail next time, so it will either be the Poly or the CR. GF is beautiful, but just too big and crowded for us.
I tipped Mousekeeping every AM and the Mickey Towel the first day was the only towel animal we saw, but I got loads of H2O Shampoos etc left on the counter.
Planning ahead with ADRs and thumbnail park plans really helped, but it was nice to change plans if needed. We ended up not going to the Brown Derby, Charcter Breakfast at Tusker House, and Yachtsman Steakhouse. We skipped Animal Kingdom all together! There will be other trips.
5 was a great age for our daughter to go on her first trip. She has half a year of pre-K under her belt and that experience made this trip a lot easier for us all and I am glad we waited.
Magical Express worked well on both ends of the trip. Buses to and from the WL to parks were quick and easy. Boats to MK and CR were prompt and actually a lot of fun.
The DIS Boards were SO helpful with guidance for our planning. Thank you all! Wonderful trips to YOU --->
