NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[LoveMickey]

999ghsts

We just returned from the Lodge and I still love it. It's our favorite resort. I just love the atmosphere, the lobby the pools, the beach, just can't get any better.

I did have a little disspointment though and wonder if you know more about this.

The bus and boat transportation is being shared with FW. In my 4 previous stays at the Lodge the transportion for busses was shared with Poly and GF. These past routes seemed more direct. I felt that sharing with FW was kind of out of the way.

I was told that this was just a trial. Do you know if it is just a trial, or do these trials usually lead to permanent changes?

Thanks - I do Love the Lodge

 

[corndog]

Having just experienced this a couple of weeks ago at the Lodge, our thought was that the WL should be a hub for the 2. There could be constant busing between FW and WL and all buses departing the properties would leave from the WL and go directly to their destinations and return directly to the Lodge where people could connect back to FW.

 

[kimmar067]

sounds like a good idea to me!!

BTW - (maybe 999 can answer, too) how long do you think it would take to get to AKL for dinner at Boma? Also, should we take bus to DTD and get a connecting bus to AKL or take the ferry to MK and get a bus to AKL there?

 

[kimmar067]

...for a reply!!

 

[ragamuffin]

In the morning it stops are FW, WL and then MK (it is set up this way so that there is no stop between the lodge and MK in the morning it is a direct route to the park) about mid afternoon it changes to WL, FW, MK ...

We just got back from the WL. What you said makes a lot of sense, but it seemed to me that the drivers weren't necessarily aware of this, because often in the morning we would go from WL then to FW then on to the MK, which would take 20-25 minutes for the boat ride. Then sometimes in the afternoon we would pass right by our dock to go the FW before we went to the WL.

Then sometimes when returning from the MK, we would stop as FW to unload passengers, only when the guy opened the gate, nobody would get off because they were all going to WL. Why couldn't the driver at least ask first if there is anyone going to FW, and if not, then go to WL first - that would give others more room to get on. The only thing I can think of is that if the boat fills up too quickly at WL, then they won't be able to get anyone on at FW - which if this is the case, then they should re-think their boat strategy...

We assumed that was always the way it had been done as it was our first time there.

 

[corndog]

kimmar,

Your guess would be as good as mine in determing the best way to get to AKL. I would probably just take the first bus that came along whose destination had a connection to AKL.

 

[corvair]

Does anybody know how long the pool is open ? We are going in June and would like to come back from the parks at night and have a swim.

999ghts,,, What do they consider lower inner courtyard? thanks,,,corvair

 

[corndog]

The posted hours say it closes at midnight I believe (maybe 11 pm). However, they told us at the front desk that as long as you're not making too much noise you can swim all night. The CM said if you're noisy during the posted hours they'll ask you to be quiet. If you're noisy after the posted hours they'll just ask you to leave.

 

[Cora's Mom]

I understand that I can request a coffee maker and that there is no charge, but isn't there a charge for the coffee? Also, what size is the coffee maker? If I bring coffee, wondered if I should bring enough for a 4 or 8 cup. Thanks for any help.

 

[aring75]

Has anyone here eaten at Artist' Point at the WL?

DH and I will be visiting in September and I was wondering if I should make PS ressies?

The question is this: what is the food like really?

I love to try new things and experiment a little when it comes to eating out, but DH insists that if it's not good old "American" food, he doesn't want it. He won't eat anything if he can't tell what the ingredients are when he looks at it!! LOL Can we get something to please us both? I'd really like to try because I've heard AP is really great, but I don't want either of us to be disappointed.

What do you think?

 

[PeterPam]

In 17 hrs. I will be at the WL for 10 funfilled days! I will post my review of the Hotel and the bus/boat transportation when I return! These 17 hrs. are going too slow!

 

[kimmar067]

Peter Pam-
I know how you feel!!! It always seems that, the closer you get, the WORSE it gets!!!! Have fun and remember to post your experiences when you return. Happy trails.....!!

aring75-
My sister has eaten here and she LOVES it!! It is a little pricey, but the food is fabulous!! Be warned, though. The menu consists of alot of "game" (pheasant, venison, duck, etc.) The salmon, however, is to DIE FOR!!!! Check with the DIS Home page and go to "restaurants" and search for the menu for Artist Point....

 

[jimmy]

WL/DIS Vacation starts May 28-June 1. A couple of questions - 1) Have a Woodlands view booked...any room suggestions? I have two girls ages 7 & 5. Is one with a view of the castle or the nightly parades available? 2) Who do I call/fax to request a specific room and how early can I do it? 3) I assume checkin is not until 3...any suggestions as to what we can do until then? Can we use the pool, etc? 4) Have a couple of character breakfasts booked....has DIS done away with early entrance? 5) Any suggestions as to touring plans for the 7 & 5 year olds? 6) I understand that June 1 is Gay Day at WDW. Do you have any experience/advice for us? Thanks in advance for all the feedback! WL sounds great....our first time at WDW....I think we picked a winner!?!?!! Also, what about any specific room request and/or how we can accomplish this?

 

[jwfla422]

Aring75
We ate at the Artist's Point 2 weeks ago and it was awesome. The food there is so good. I had the salmon which i think is out of this world and dh had the pork tenderloin which was also great.

Many menu items are pretty normal (filet, top sirlon, shrimp, etc), preparation is upscale and the service is excellent as well. I highly recommend AP. Check out their menu at http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menu_ap.htm

This will be on our list next trip when we stay at WL for sure!

jimmy I can answer some of your questions:
I don't think you'll be able to see the parade from any of the resorts, but you may be able to see the water pageant parade from some rooms, not sure about the north facing wood views though. You may also be able to see the castle, CR or Space Mountain from some of these rooms.

If your room is not ready until 3 you can store your luggage at the hotel. You should be able to use the pool or even go to one of the parks for a few hours.

There is currently no EE (early entrance) at any of the parks unfortunately but if you have a breakfast PS for any of the park restaurants before the park actually opens you can check in with the CM at the entrance and you will be able to go in before everyone else (nice perk, of course the attractions/etc don't open until the park opening.

We were there during Gay Days last year. Only word of advice is to avoid MK on gayday because it will probably be filled to capacity. It's usually that Saturday. We did this (as we prefer to avoid this park at EXTREMELY busy times including Saturdays and Mondays) last year and went to EPCOT that day instead and had no problems with crowds. A CM on our boat said MK was full at 11am!

Hope some of that helps. A WL expert will have to advise you on room locations and faxing.

 

[ClareH]

Does anyone know anything about the WL tours? I'm going to be at GF/YC this Christmas/New Year (would loved to have stayed at WL but as parents are paying have had to go with their choices!! lol), I read somewhere (and now can't find it) that WL offers tours. Any info (times, what's involved, etc., etc.) would be really appreciated.

 

[soluc]

Hoping you can help...a couple of questions.
Is it better to call or fax in room requests?
Is it possible to request a courtyard view room where we can see the lake for the EWP and the MK(fireworks maybe?)
We would like as high as possible ( i think) but not an enclosed balcony. Is this possible? ( I realize they are only requests and might not be met)
If these rooms exist,how far a walk is it from the lobby (carrying a 45lb sleeping 2 1/2 yr old)

I thank you for your help and am really enjoying all the info here

 

[corvair]

999ghts, thanks for the reply. I am looking to be further away from the looby towards the pool. thanks,,,corvair

 

[soluc]

Thanks so much for the your reply!

 

[aring75]

999ghsts (I'm a HM fan too!),

DH and I will be visiting 9/2 - 9/7.

When I send a faxed room request (not until a week or so before) what should I ask for?

We don't care so much for the view; we've found that we don't really spend that much time in the room anyway. Therefore, we booked a woods view room. However, the noise level concerns me, and we have to be in a non-smoking room - preferably a non-smoking floor (I'm asthmatic ).

Should I request a certain room or area, or is the wording I used here enough to relay my preferences?

I am so appreciative of all of the help I've received on this post. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get this far! I just know this is going to be a wonderful trip!

 

[corvair]

999ghts, thank you for all of your help. I think I have a good feel for the resort now. We will be going in June, and can not wait. I am going to request, main pool veiw, near the trout pool bar, inner courtyard, third or forth floor. Is this too much? thanks corvair