NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[plutospup]

Re: Transportation
WDW transportation (boats) to: MK, CR, FW/HDD (very easy & convenient, and fun)
Everywhere else: we used rental car (with AP-no charge for parking)

 

[Lou-Ann]

To Mickey and Minnie......Call right away as there is an annual rate for the time you want.Ends on the 19th but since you will be checking in before that date it may exyend thru your stay. I just got $109. per day standard for the week of the 16th.......Good luck. This is a great rate for this beautiful resort.....especially at Christmas time...............

 

[minnieandmickey]

Louann- Thanks for the advice but we are going in 2003, I hope they have a rate like that next year though.


What I do need to know is what to ask DU for what I want, I'm thinking standard view MK side over lobby with bunkbeds? Is that right?I really hope that we will be able to get an upgrade next year to a woods view, but for now I have to book the standard.

 

[the Legend]

Originally posted by dtuleya
During our stay at WL we will have a rental. I know that everyone has their own opinions on WDW transporation, but I was wondering if I could get a feeling for when it it better to drive vs. take WDW transportation, so if you could, finish these questions for me.


Is is better to drive or take WDW transporation when going to...

Hoop De Doo Review?

Yacht & Beach Club (Illuminations Cruise)?

Animal Kingdom?

Downtown Disney?

Contemporary Resort?

Boardwalk Inn?

I'd appreciate any feedback!

We drove everywhere since we were parking valet at WL. The once-a-day valet fee, which was charged to the room, enabled us to park valet for free at other resorts if they had it (Moderates and Value resorts do not). We also drove to parks (except MK of course) especially when we were going for PS's or special events (eg Parades, Shows eg Fantasmic, Illuminations etc).
We found the conveience of having our own car especially at park closing was invaluable especially when you have children in tow.

 

[LoveMickey]

Good Morning,

Just bumping up to the first page.


Have a Magical Day!

 

[Ratpack]

Originally posted by LoveMickey
A different subject. But a great report.

I have a WL pin, it dangles. There is a bear on the pin, is that Humphrey the Bear? Mickey, Donald and Goofy are also on the pin.

Humphrey do you know?

Yes, the bear on the pins and various other WL items is Humphrey!

 

[kimmar067]

...I NEVER travel anywhere without a good, FAT novel in hand. I always do laundry on my vaca, so, while the kids are in the pool or relaxing in the room, or just getting ready for dinner, I do ONLY 1 or 2 loads (between 2 and 4 PM). It is less crowded during this time and I sit by the pool nearest the door to go inside. I periodically check the machines to see if they are done and read my book in peace, without the DS's bothering me.....

Lou-Ann ~
Wow! That is a GREAT rate you got!! (even better than the $129 rate I got this summer!)

dtuleya ~
Ditto on the transportation. Don't bother using the car for any MK area things, like Hoop de Doo. DEFINITELY use your car for DTD!!!! There's plenty of parking, and the buses won't drive you crazy!!

Retlaw ~
Great report...I'm so glad you gave such an honest one (like the comment about the TP!! heh-heh)

 

[gibbys1]

As I recall, Humphrey the bear stated her favorite standard rooms on the 4th floor are over the check in desk. Does anyone know if any of these rooms are lobby view and do any have the 2 queen beds opposed to the bunk beds? Thanks!

 

[livsea2]

Has anyone upgraded at check-in to concierge? If so would you mind telling us the cost? Thanks for any info!

 

[kimmar067]

....."Yes" to both questions!!

livsea2 ~

An upgrade could run you up to another $100, depending on your original booking/rate/location. So, one person's upgrade from a courtview room could be an additional $50, while a std view room w/AP rates could go for $75 - $100 more!! It really depends upon alot of things: I've seen DIS'ers who have posted that, for an additional $35/nite, they have upgraded from woods view to concierge! (but I don't think THAT is the norm!!)

 

[the Legend]

Originally posted by livsea2
Has anyone upgraded at check-in to concierge? If so would you mind telling us the cost? Thanks for any info!

We upgraded from courtyard to Concierge for 4 nights. Total cost $133.20. We asked at check-in and was happy with the price.

If you want to learn what Concierge has to offer (I know, that was your next question ), you can read our little adventure from last months trip:
Day 1 - Welcome to the WL!
Day 2 - My Kingdom for a boat!!
Day 3 - Magic day at the MK!

I stopped writing after Day 3 deciding to wait until the photos came out and I had processed the receipts and express checkout printouts through MS Money. (Nice thing about room charging is I can see where we were, what we bought and when we did it ... almost as good as keeping a journal) Anyway I hope you get something from the TRs. Let me know if you have any further questions about the WL and Concierge!

 

[Vinnie The Pooh]

I am considering the WL for our next trip and am wondering if it is difficult to get the standard room with 1 Queen and one set of bunks. We would probably go during value season 2003, most likely early November.

Thanks in advance for your replies

"The Legend" Loved your trip reports!

 

[irishone1979]

Hey gang,
I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the rooms on the concierge level. I am staying there for my honeymoon for 10 days and have never been there. I am looking forward to it because the nicest hotel I have ever been to is a Holiday inn I don't think that counts. My FH and I have both been to Disney tons of times and can't wait to go together.
Do you have any suggestions as to what to do at the hotel- like what to look for, neat things around there. We already have our itinerary planned, but I wanted to know what where things to look for in the lodge.
Thanks!

Heather K

 

[kimmar067]

irishone1979 ~

You will love ANY room you will be staying in; especially if you are comparing it to Holiday Inn! The rooms are the same in concierge as in the other locations, with the exception of the added amenities, of course. I recommend a king bed (wink-wink), North Wing, lobby view. You won't be too far from anything -- the bus depot, the lobby and its hustle and bustle, Whispering Canyon, Artist's Point (which I HIGHLY recommend!) and access to the pool area. This place is very romantic...I suggest a lovely nighttime stroll, or perhaps a midnite hottub "rendezvous". If you are really adventurous, try going to Ft W for horseback riding along some wooded trails....and, finally, you MUST make ressies for Cindy's Castle. Find out when the fireworks display goes off and time your ressies for about 45 minutes earlier (request a lower level seating area). You don't have to be right next to a window to enjoy the fireworks!! Happy Honeymoon!!

Vinny The Pooh ~

Actually, it should not be too difficult to get a standard room w/bunks. I believe there are several lobby rooms that will meet your needs, as well as the North Wing, with MK views. (check with HumphreytheBear, as she will be able to help you a little bit more with specific rooms...)

 

[dandave]

Our family had a wonderful stay at the WL last week. We had a 5th floor, inner courtyard, smoking optional room. I had considered upgrading to a deluxe room, since the rooms are on the small side. We all fit just fine, though (DH, myself, and DSs 6 and 8). Dh did kick the bed's footboard several times, but all is well. I would swear that the balcony of our room was larger than the woodsview room I had in August, but I could just be imagining it.
We had the most spectacular housekeeper named John S. He did an amazing job on our room, leaving the washcloths in fan shapes, the room extremely clean, and the cutest towel animals. We had the good fortune to see him most mornings, and he was always smiling and cheerful! DH who is very cheap (it's the truth!) was so impressed that he actually added to the tips I left for John. Trust me, that's saying a lot. The WL does not have the Resort stationary and envelopes that I like to tip in, but they do leave postcards.
The busses picked up at WL first, then went on to FW. WL was also dropped off first.
We had dinner on our first night at Whispering Canyon. The boys wanted to eat there, and I was too tired to argue. On my August trip I had heard some pretty iffy reviews of the food. DH, DS #2, and I had the BBQ skillet. DS #1 had chicken fingers. The skillet meal was wonderful!! I was so sorry my sisters and I hadn't eaten there in August. The pulled pork and ribs were sooo good. We left stuffed and happy as clams.
DH and the boys liked the slide pretty good. The EWP was really cute. In conclusion, we had a great stay at the WL!

 

[kimmar067]

...great report! Although, it contained alot less antics than your trip w/ your sisters!!! (loved the pizza story!) Glad you enjoyed WCC!! Did you request Jeffro??

 

[dandave]

Hi Kimmar! No, we didn't. The kid's had a half day of school on Wednesday (the day we left), and after the 6+ hour drive to WDW that afternoon I could barely remember my own name. We had a very nice server, however, who insisted that my boys needed to try the "skunk"! We were thrilled that they seated us right away with no PS, as well.

 

[Bear Necessities]

dandave,

glad to hear you are back safe, and that your family had such a great time. I loved whispering Canyon on our honeymoon too. Cant wait to go back.!!!!

 

[Bear Necessities]

OMG OMG OMG

Im under 200 days WOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!

sorry for the caps, just had to share. Yippeeeeeeeeee

 

[irishone1979]

Well, We have reservations for Cindy's Castle for breakfast, lunch and dinner (all on different days ) And we are staying the the Honeymoon room at WL. I asked for a specific room, but the coordiantors told me they can't automatically give me that room, but they put it in the computer and they said that I will more than likely get it. I love my coordinators! They have been so helpful and sweet! They are also helping me with Surprises for my FH. Anyway, I am looking forward to this trip. My FH and I both need the vacation and neither of us have ever been in the WL. I stayed at the All Star last year when I went to Disney with my parents and my daughter, but never stayed on property before that. The WL should be a great experience!

Heather K

Only 17 MORE DAYS!!!!!