NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[pattyT]

Another question

I have read other post (somewhere? about American Express card holders getting 'perks' at their hotels.
Is that true with WL?
I was going to pay cash for the trip but if there are perks to using my AE I will just put it on that then pay off the bill.
Thanks in advanced for your response!

I CAN'T WAIT!

 

[nancyL]

Ok, Im back again (grin).
I too would be interested in the AMEX perks- Im going thru a travel agent- Paying via AMEX w/ them, will I still be eligible for the perks?
Now on to my "real" question. lol
I will be staying concierge for the first time in my life and am really excited about it- Im just not sure what to expect- do we check in at the regular desk? What kind of 'perks' besides the food and the PS making do they offer? Also, I was told to email or fax a few weeks ahead of time to establish a rapport w/ the staff- 999ghosts- can you give me a general email address for the WL concierge staff and some pointers on how to establish a rapport?
I am a pretty low maintenence person and altho I have three pretty young kids, we're a relaxed family - I do want to be able to take advantage of all the "perks" of concierge, but am a bit unclear as to what to expect- I have already made most of my PS's- we have no real dietary restrictions. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and it would be fun to show my husband some of the Disney magic (he dosnt really believe in the magic) but Im not really comfortable w/ just stating that its my anniversary- kind of like Im ASKING for special treatment- I mean, its great if I get it, but if I actually ask for it, it kind seems weird to do that.
Any advice from anyone would be apprciated?
Thanks!
NancyL

 

[Twinsplus1]

We were originally scheduled to spend one night at the All-Star Music because I thought we were going to arrive late in the day on the 4th. As it turned out, we arrived at the All-Star at about 10a.m. We checked in, hung out (in misery)for about 15 minutes. My husband looked at me and said' "Let's move to the Lodge!". Our room would not have been ready for 5 more hours (check in said definately not before 3). Meanwhile, we had just spent 15 1/2 hours in a SUV with 6 year twins and a 4 month old. The kids COULD NOT have been any better, I SWEAR. But the 5 of us just wanted to relax and believe me, the lobby of the All-Star is not condusive to relaxation. So I called the Disney Club then went to guest relations and poof!, we were out of there.

We were happily heading to the lodge. As we rounded the corner and the lodge came into view, it took my breath away. Much to my husband's amusement, I started to cry! I was just so happy to be there! It is truly awe inspiring. The look on my childrens faces when they looked around the lobby was priceless. The check in CM was great and we received a wonderful courtyard room by the Villa's pool on the second floor with bunks! The kids loved it and our view was great plus it was nice not to have to use the elevator. Before we got our room we spent a relaxing hour just admiring the majestic lobby. Everything about the lodge is just perfect, from the cool stone floors on a hot Florida day to the warm smiles on the faces of all of the cms.

The transportation we used most was the boats. We NEVER waited long for one and they really were nice. We all found them to be something we looked forward to. How nice to end a day at the Magic Kingdom with a relaxing boat ride, just enjoying the cool breeze off of Bay Lake. Even the walk to the dock is just so lovely. The path passes through a beautiful swampy area and it's lit but gorgeous lanterns that flicker as though they contain candles. The buses were not enjoyed as much but that's just us, we never have been bus fans. They were not a problem, we just don't like the bus. I have to say though, that the bus to the Animal Kingdom is a pain in my opinion. It takes FOREVER to get there because it stops at FW and BB and then to AK. But it was not crowded and you did not have to wait long for it.

Everyday, we came back for a mid day break and enjoyed the gorgeous pools. They were not crowded and we met the nicest people. Our children always met a new "friend". Even the towels are heated in the towel bin and believe me, when we took the late night dips this was especially luxurious! We really felt so pampered! By the 3rd day into our trip, I started to get the butterflies in my tummy about leaving 3 days later! The lodge is just such a magical place. No detail has been left out. We loved checking out the detail of the various prints of the animals in the walkways surrounding the lodge. Even the cute lizards, bunnies, ducks and butterflies feel too perfect to be left to happenstance. Speaking of critters, we all could not wait to see what wonderful creature lodgekeeping left each day. We had a snail, a bunny, a tortoise,a canoe and the last day culminated with an almost 5 ft. long alligator!

Thank you everyone for all of the information in this thread, it really helped to make our vacation one to remember forever.

Robyn

 

[aring75]

Thank you so much Robyn for your wonderful post. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time. As you can see by my counter we're now at less than three weeks and DH and I talk about our trip every day! Your post has me longing for the moment *WE* are the ones standing in the middle of the lobby looking around in awe!!

 

[helenk]

Robyn,
It sounds like you had a great stay!! From reading these boards it seems as though most people have requested the courtyard view of the main pool, but you had the villa's pool and it sounds as though you were happy. Can you tell us what else you were able to view from your location? How far was it to get to roaring forks and the lobby?

 

[lucki4]

I just wanted to reiterate how happy I was to stay at WL. We did have a chance to visit other resorts, those on the board walk and I still liked WL best. The lobby is so amazing! I am an early riser and my family isn't, so I would grab a croissant and tea from Roaring Forks and either sit outside, or if too hot, find a comfy leather chair in the lobby and curl up and read until someone in my family woke up. Plus, I got to experience a few character caravans that way. One (a raccoon, not sure of it's name) came by and patted me on the head a few times.
I had no problems with transporation, as I expected a wait and was pleasantly surprised there were very few.
My DH said he would prefer to stay at a resort next time that had more to offer within walking distance, like one on the boardwalk. We'll see.

 

[woody5]

I just wanted to add some comments on the transportation at the WL. First we experience no problems what so ever. When people complain about sharing with FW they should keep in mind that all the deluxe resorts are sharing buses. When you go to any park other than MK the buses for GF, Poly and Cont were combined, Dolphin,Swan, Board Walk, BC and YC were all five combined and so on. I think it is just a matter of cut backs. At the WL we were generally picked up first and dropped off first. The bus wait was never more than a few minutes. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[Ned Land]

999 ghsts,

A couple of questions for you. Trying to figure out the best "bear face" rooms for us. I know that there is a terrace between 4075 and 4073. What is between 5075 (smoking) and 5073? Is it just a window? Any obstructions for 5073, 5071 or 4075?

If we opted for a pool room (x131 - x163), is the noise at the pool a problem for most people?

-NL

 

[Twinsplus1]

Originally posted by helenk
Robyn,
Can you tell us what else you were able to view from your location? How far was it to get to roaring forks and the lobby?

We were VERY happy with our location. In my request, I had initially asked NOT to be fifth floor and if we could PLEASE have bunks. No fifth floor because my son and I are very asthmatic and even though there are non smoking rooms on the floor, my understanding is (thanks 999 ghosts) that the hall can smell. The first room we were given was an awesome main pool courtyard view on the lobby part of the U but it was 5th floor. So we reluctantly denied it. The next room we were given was 2152 and at first when we were walking to it it felt soooo far away. But there are so many nooks and cranies in the lodge and elevators and stairs here and there that we could get anywhere quickly. It WAS far from the Roaring Forks but honestly, it was NOT a problem and we often took the long way through the lobby just to soak in more atmosphere! My husband also enjoyed starting his day by wandering through the creek paths to the Roaring Forks for our morning cup of coffee.

When we looked out of our balcony we looked directly onto the center of the Villa's pool. Behind the pool are gorgeous evergreen woods plus with our door open, we could hear the "magical" sounds of the crickets and frogs. It worked out great because one night the kids and I went swimming late and my husband stayed behind with the sleeping baby and we worked out a code with the curtains IF he needed me. I would be able to glance up and see if there was a problem.

 

[zachsmom8899]

Maybe one of you experts could help me with this....

When I was booking the hotel, I was told there was a playground for the kids at the Wilderness Lodge Villas that we could use. I since have not found any information about it. Does anyone know of the playground?? And if you do, could you share some information about it??

Thanks!


7 weeks to go

 

[aring75]

Who woulda' thunk kimmar, that when you started this thread we'd have a thousand posts already!!!

I guess WL definitely has its fans.

 

[Twinsplus1]

There is a smallish playground in the area where you rent the water mice, by the beach. Behind that is the nature trail also.

My children went to the free crafts time at the cubs den and LOVED it!

 

[zachsmom8899]

Twinsplus1

Is there an age minimum on that??

 

[Bear Necessities]

Originally posted by Twinsplus1
There is a smallish playground in the area where you rent the water mice, by the beach. Behind that is the nature trail also.

My children went to the free crafts time at the cubs den and LOVED it!

What time do they have this activitiy? And, is it everyday???? Sounds like you had a great time! We are so excited, although we have a long time to go yet. This will be a first for our 3 children, and I cant wait to see the look on their faces !! and, dont worry, I probably will be crying pulling up to the lodge too, heck i was almost crying reading your post! LOL

 

[Houstonmouse]

999ghosts (or anyone who has been a flag family recently), is Ranger Stan still at WL? We were there two years ago and were fortunate enough to be a flag family. He was so very nice and such a wealth of information. Just wondering since we will be back the first week in October. I have some great pictures of him with my oldest DD in the lobby. Would it be hokey to bring them and show him if he's still there?

By the way, Zachsmom, I saw on another thread that we will be there the same time, and then I noticed you had posted "7 weeks to Go!" Omigosh - is that all?? I guess time flies when the kids are occupying my every waking moment of summer!

 

[Ratpack]

Houstonmouse,
Even though we weren't the flag family week before last, I did see Ranger Stan at the lodge in uniform.

 

[LoveMickey]

Gotta stay on the first page!

 

[sandar]

Thank you.

My family will be staying in a 1-bedroom at the VWL during the last week of this month. I've been lurking here over the past couple of days, reading through all the good posts in this thread. I've learned a lot of tips here that will help all of us, especially our 6 year-old daughter, to enjoy our stay even more.

So, to all of you who work so hard to maintain this thread and take the time to make great contributions to it, thank you!

Special thanks to 999ghsts -- I've learned so much from your helpful and detailed messages. Your generosity of spirit is wonderful.

Sandi

 

[pennyplanner]

999ghsts:

The post about the smoking odor on the fifth floor has me spooked. My youngest has asthma and we always request a non-smoking room with bunks.

Our first stay at WL I requested the usual: non-smoking, bunks, refrigerator upon arrival to rent and if possible the MK side (the daringly extravagant request). The rate was for a wood's view room.

Three days prior to arrival, I spoke with a very helpful CM and reiterated my requests due to my child's asthamtic condition especially since it was November and he was ill just prior to our trip. We stayed in 3024 overlooking the otter pond. Only I was awakened by a back-up signal early each delivery day. Otherwise perfect!

Finally my question!!!

We return in November for a Thanksgiving stay. I was not going to fax or call this time and just rely on initial requests.
What do YOU think?
I would really have to avoid the fifth floor and am worried that at so busy a time at WL, that changing rooms might not be an option.

Thanks for all your wonderful posts,
penny

 

[kimmar067]

...have to finish my trips report!!!

aring75 ~
Over 1,000 posts - pretty cool, eh???

BearNecessities ~
My 8 y.o. wanted to go to the Cub's Den one day to "check it out". There was a young woman there with an (I'm guessing) 18-month old (really cute!!) little girl, and they were coloring. It was an "open house" type thing, and your child could stay as long as they wanted, as long as a parent accompanied them. My son decided to color some animal postcards to give to his aunts as souvenirs. There is a section with computers, a giant tv screen, toys, a coloring/drawing center...a great way to break up the day's activities. After that day, my DS wanted to visit it EVERY DAY!!