NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[lucki4]

I read somewhere there is a roped off area to swim in the lake. I am not sure if that is current information.

I'll beat you to the donuts

 

[Tesabat]

Donaldsduck -

Regarding swimming in the lake.

There "is" a roped off area for wading only. Swimming or snorkeling is not allowed due to parasites in the water - common in Fla.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Where is the otter pond and how do you get to it? Can you actually see anything if you don't have a room that overlooks the pond? We are DVCers so that will never happen.

Our DD loves animals and would love to see the otters. Over Memorial Day weekend we took the nature trail over to FW. She got a kick out of it, trying to catch lizards (we actually caught one), chasing frogs and searching for other animals. The pony rides and petting zoo were a lot of fun for her as well.

 

[skiwee1]

They do have Krispy Kremes at the WL. They are fresh but they are NOT hot. They are only hot when they come out of the oven at the Krispy Kreme store. I don't think WL actually bakes the donuts, they just sell them! LOL! They are still very tasty! As for a beach, it is only open to wading which means that your little one can kick around in the water and get wet up to her knees. She will still have a wonderful time though as the beach is very pretty and the playground is on the beach too. You can use both pools but I think there is only one baby pool and that is at the main pool.

 

[1stTimeToGo]

I am not sure what information everyone wants, but I can tell you about our experience. We just went to WDW May 18-25th. The trip was a gift from family, (how awesome!) and we stayed in the Villas. From what I understand the villas are for the Vacation Club members, but there are a small percentage available for regualar folks!!
Anyway, the WL is WONDERFUL! If we ever get to go back, I will not consider staying anywhere else. We live in hot, suburbia Dallas with all sun, no trees. So, we really enjoyed the beauty and smell of all the tall pines. My kids, age 9 and 5 loved watching for the animal tracks which are imprinted in the walkways around the outside of the Lodge. The inside is pretty with steam-like geyers and a neat bridge. Our one bedroom villa was wonderful. It had a small dining area, sleeper sofa couch, TV and sitting area. The kitchen had a full size dishwasher, fridge, stove, oven and microwave and washer and dryer. It was nice to be able to have breakfast in the room sometimes. We bought milk in the gift shop, $2.95 for a half gallon. I didn't think that was too, too bad. The juices are kinda expensive comparitively.We brought with us pop tarts, small boxes of cereal and instant oatmeal. Things traveled well on the plane. I was surprised, the WL even supplied the detergent for the washer (Tide, even!) Bring dryer sheets, though. Having the W/D was so convienent, because we changed clothes twice a day, I used the washer and dryer more than I thought I would. Our bedroom had a king size bed, balcony (there was a balcony off the sitting area, too, both balconies over looked the quiet pool), a great bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, with adjoining bath with shower and toilet. We wanted for nothing! The decor was really nice, a woodsy, Northwest theme. If you enjoy details, you will enjoy the Lodge. Food wise, it was great, too. The Artist Point was exceptional. If you are there, ask if they have the Copper River Salmon. It was the best salmon I've ever had. The kids desset was adoreable. A white chocolate jigsaw puzzle when put together is Mickey (of course!) with edible gel to paint, and a cookie on the side. We went on the Discovery Magic Plan, so we used most of our wishes for food, so cost was not a concern. It is pricey, but excellent. If you love fresh berries and don't mind spending $10.00 for dessert, the berry cobbler is incredible, enough for a whole family. We ate at the Whispering Canyon only once and that was for breakfast. It was good, also. Very fun atmosphere. The Roaring Forks cafe had a nice selection, we thought. The brownies are great! My kids loved the pizza and chicken fingers. If you are staying there for more than 3-4 days, get the mugs. They are really neat (two sizes) and you can refill them with soda, tea, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Nice souveneir of the Lodge. Also, the Roaring Forks cafe is very close to the biggest pool, so nice and close to refill while you are enjoying the pool. Very nice pool, and the more quiet pool was great at night because it's heated. It was very mild (low 80's) while we were there, so we enjoyed the heated pool. Being from Texas, 80's are cool for us in the summer!! My kids liked the slide in the bigger feature pool, though. Also, if you have a room overlooking the pool area, look for the ducks that swim every morning and night in the pools. My kids got the biggest kick out of that. We went on the nature trail one night and that was relaxing (watch for the poison ivy on the sides of the trail, there was quite a bit.) We rented Mouse boats, too and that was a lot of fun. To tell you the truth, after 7 days at WDW I was ready to leave the parks, mostly because the crowds were starting to get pretty big, but I wanted to cry when we had to leave the Lodge to come home. I could have stayed there all summer. It was very, very nice and very relaxing. First class, I thought. I hope that helps anyone who is trying decide where to stay. Oh! transportation was a breeze for us. Of course, the boat goes to MK (we never had to wait more than 5 minutes for one) and the buses came all the time to go to the TTC, or the other parks. Just beware, the boats don't start until 8:30 a.m., so if you need to get to MK (like we did for an early Cindy's PS), take a bus to the TTC (It's quite close to the TTC) and get on the monorail. We came close to missing our PS because we didn't realize this. Ask if you can ride in the front of the monorail, our kids thought it was a blast! We loved the Lodge and highly recommend it!! Good Luck!

 

[donaldsduck]

Thanks Tesabat and Skiwee1 for all the information on the beach area! My daughter will be thrilled that there is a playground ! She will be happy just wading in the water.

1stTimeToGo-

What a great review! I know the WL is going to be the perfect place for my family. My hubbie is a total outdoorsman and isn't real thrilled about this trip. I think the WL will be perfect for him. The whole design and concept up the WL should fit him to a tee!(Now only if I could get him to enjoy the parks! LOL)

 

[domiii]

Donaldsduck;

Just a thought, would searching for hidden Mickey's get your husband to enjoy the parks more?

We are also checking on on the 23rd of July. See you then!!!

 

[donaldsduck]

Domiii,

Wow! Sounds like lots of us will be checking in the same day!

That's a good idea about the having him look for the hidden Mickeys. He's such a fuddy-duddy sometimes! I tried to get him to stay home and just have me and my daughter go...........but he insisted on coming. But now he just rolls his eyes when my daughter and I talk about the trip! (MEN!)

I've planned a really low-key relaxing four nights so hopefully he will just enjoy himself and have FUN! I have even booked him on a fishing trip for our last day there. We have Hoop-de-doo booked and I know he will like that.

The problem with the parks is he hates crowds and hates the heat! But the only time we could go was July so that's what we're going to get. But that's another thing that I like about the WL, the ferry service to MK. If he gets to cranky while we're at the MK, I'll just send him back to WL on the ferry while my daughter and I have the time of our lives!

I also am having some gifts from PixieGifts.com that will be waiting in our room that first night. Lots of goodies for my DD and I had them add a 6pack of beer and cashews for DH with a little Mickey bottle opener.

I've done all I can to make it a fun experience for him. The rest will just have to be up to him! I KNOW that DD and I will have a blast!

Hope to run into you while we're there!


Julie

Wilderness Lodge July 23-27 2002

 

[ByJiminy]

1stTimeToGo-

Thanks for the wonderful report on WL. We go July 7 for our first visit to the WL; I can see now our biggest problem is probably going to be leaving - we're only staying three nights! I can't wait.

Julie-

It sounds like you've thought of quite a few nice things for your DH, so I hope he appreciates your effort and tries to enjoy the trip. Cashews and beer and a Mickey bottle opener - how great is that?

 

[domiii]

Donaldsduck;

I must have been sleep typing. We will be there on June 23rd!!! OOpps. Anyway, We ALWAYS leave the park in the middle of the day to go swimming. Breaks up the day, and when we go back at dinner time, the crowds aren't that bad. Sorry we'll miss you!!! Have a great trip with "Grumpy"! LOL

 

[plutospup]

We just returned from a fantastic week at the WL. We had a woodsview that also looked over the lobby. WOW...the lobby is impressive! Our room was directly over Whispering Canyons. Surpisingly it was very quiet. I'm noise sensitive, and very rarely heard anything outside of our room. At check in we mentioned it was our anniversary. Nothing more was said. About an hour later a bottle of champagne was delivered to our room. Later that evening an "autographed" card from Donald & Daisy arrived wishing us a happy 10th anniv.
There is so much to do at WL. Boating, swimming (pool was great-dd4 went down slide 100 times!), lodge tour, childrens activities, and being the Flag Family. The lodge tour took about 45 min. Ranger Stan explained many points about the lobby (totem poles, inlaid floor design, etc). Being the Flag Family earned us that terrific view from the roof of WL. It is VERY impressive. There were many childrens activities such as duck races, penny toss, duck ring toss, crafts, and storytelling by the fireplace.
Maid service was great. Everyday we received a towel animal (Bunnies, canoe, dog, pig, etc).
There is so much more, but unfortunately I'm back to reality, and that mean going to work. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

 

[kimmar067]

Plutospup, you sound like you had a TERRIFIC time at WL. Great tips and ideas for our family. (I really like the idea of Ranger Stan talking about the details of the lodge; my DH is gonna LOVE that!)
BTW - how many of you were there for your "Flag Family" ceremony? (sounds super )

corvair - you must be just "dying" to get to WL already...it won't be long now....Here's a tip I have for you: when you are checking in, give the CM(to share, of course!) a small gift. (ie: small box of chocolates, cookies, etc.) Not something really extravagant, just something to show them them you know they will be taking good care of you and your family. You would be surprised how far this token of appreciation goes! I do this whenever I travel; it makes them feel appreciated for a sometimes, thankless, job, and they really try to "bend over backwards" to make your stay a little more pleasant.

Countdown to WDW:
1 month - 22 days - 3 hours - 16 minutes - Yippee!!

 

[donaldsduck]

plutospup:

Great review! We also have a woodsview room reserved for July. Thanks for all the info on the children's activities. I never dreamed that did that much. My DD will love the duck races! That's so neat that your DD went down the slide 100 times!!
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domiii-

Oops, we will miss each other! Maybe I'll just send "Grumpy" down with you! LOL! Thanks for that visualization! Everytime he acts like that at Disney I will look at him and picture Grumpy. It will definitely keep a smile on my face!

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ByJiminy-

Thanks for the kind words! Everyone is so wonderful at this board! Sure hope you enjoy your three nights at WL.


Julie
WL July 23, 2002

 

[lucki4]

Julie, how funny. we have a woodsview too. maybe we'll be next door?

 

[skiwee1]

I was in room 4089 just two weeks ago! It was very quiet there. We had the open balcony though and I did notice the balcony to my right, 4087, was closed due to the roof overhang. We had a view of woods and part of the driveway to the front of the building. I thought the room was perfect where it was. I loved opening up my door and seeing the lobby. Did you have Mei as a mousekeeper? We did and she was great and very talented with the towel animals. If it weren't for the transportation we would go back. We are trying out the Contemporary in October.

 

[donaldsduck]

lucki4,

Maybe we will be neighbors! That'll make the race to the KK's even better! Wear your best running shoes!

How old is your child/children?



Julie

 

[lucki4]

Two boys, 12 & 15

 

[donaldsduck]

lucki4,

They are going to have a great time. I know my DD (7) is sure looking forward to it.

I'll look for you there!


Julie
WL July 23

 

[plutospup]

DW, DD4, and I met Ranger Stan, and his new helper Don at Guest Services. We proceeded to the 7th floor, and passed by the concierge area overlooking the lobby (Was tempted to pick up a muffin, but knew DW would slap my hand!). We proceeded up another set of steps to the roof area. Wow! What a view! The entire MK area can be seen, as well as EPCOT. I wish we had more time up there. We proceeded to raise five flags. DD4 helped to pull the ropes to raise the flags. After all flags were raised, we said the Pledge of Allegiance. When we returned to Guest Services we were given a nice "Flag Family Certificate" for keepsake. It was fun and only took about 20 minutes.

 

[wld]

Plutospup

Quick question. Okay maybe two. What was the view out your window and which floor were you on? We'll be there in less than a month.

Would love to be a flag family, but it's just me and hubby on our anniversary. Would it be hogging it to request the honor? Wouldn't want to take it away from the kids.