NEW Wilderness Lodge FAQ!!

[Disneymooners]

I know how you feel Irish..

I almost worried mayself to death... should I or shouldn't I rent!! Then, after doing the math (shuttles to and from MCO, WDW & Universal, taxi's etc..) it didn't make sense not to rent especially with the great deal I got from Alamo (which is still running by the way) 7 full days for $166.00 total. I had to become an Alamo member (no charge) but it was worth it.

If you need more info, don't hesitate to ask

Congrats to you!!

Have fun

Disneymooners...

 

[irishone1979]

The thing is, we aren't going anywhere but Disney. We aren't planning on going to Universal or any other place. We are spending the whole 10 days in WL at Disney. Our meals are all paid for at Disney so we have no worries about that. I have just been reading about how horrible the Transport was from the WL to everywhere else....
That is what is making me worried.

Heather K

 

[peachgirl]

I'm driving myself crazy! A few days ago someone posted a link about the walking trail between Fort Wilderness and WL. I thought I saved it, but I guess I didn't. It was a really neat link where you "clicked" your way down the trail. Does anyone happen to have the link or was I dreaming? I do that a lot about Disney these days!

 

[pattyT]

Irishhone - Heather-

It depends on your level of patience.

My DH lacks that. Making it VERY difficult.

Maybe if we didn't have DD-8 and DS-not yet 2 along with the stroller it would not have seemed so bad! I don't want to scare you! That was just our experience and opinion! I have read peoples posts that they never had a problem!

WE only got the van because we were going to Discovery Cove and when we figured out the prices of transfers it ended up around the same! (We split the van with another familywe were traveling with)

If you decided you want a car - shop around - you can probably do it cheap- we needed a van for 6 people for 10 days and it was around $360 with all the stupid fees and taxes! I bet an economy car would be a lot cheaper!

 

[aring75]

I've been reading about the transportation worries and thought I'd post about DH and my positive experiences at WDW and the WL.

First of all, we've stayed on WDW property at five different resorts (moderates and deluxes) and I must say that WL bus transportation was no worse for us than any of the other resorts. In fact, it was BETTER than bus trans. from the Poly. The Poly shares with GF and CR. (The buses on the Boardwalk are shared between FIVE different resorts! Not fun.)

Yes, we did go to FW about 40 - 50% of the time before going to our final destination, but it took about 10 extra minutes. I guess the fact that we were sitting down in the air conditioning was enough to satisfy us until we had to get back out in the Florida sun again.

We only waited at the bus stops for 5 - 7 minutes max. We even got in the habit of timing the buses. Most of the time we only waited two or three minutes.

All in all, we love WDW bus transportation. We never have rented a car. And now that we live close enough to drive, we park our car when we get to WDW, and it stays parked until we leave a week later!

Don't be concerned. This only adds to your worry (and if you are like me, when planning a WDW vaction, you don't need additional worry!!!) Go with the attitude that you are glad to finally be at WDW. Trust me. Even though some things happen that are beyond our control with the transportation issues, you'll be much better off if you just take it in stride and keep a positive outlook.

Okay, getting off soapbox now.


I hope you all have a wonderful time!!!! (I know you will.)

 

[hightown]

aring75, GREAT job of presenting your experience!!!!!!

I have to admit I was concerned after reading the boards. But everything is relative. Although complaints about sharing buses between FW and WL seemed odd when I remember last year from WLhaving to go to both GF and Poly before going on to a park.

Anyway, you post is appreciated.

By the way, I read on the Transportation board that bus route for AK will be W/L and Grand Floridian to AK.

 

[NJPhyl]

Hi - Can anyone give me the details about "valet" parking at the lodge, cost? was it worth it?? THANKS!!

 

[irishone1979]

Thanks for all the advice on Transport. I don't feel so bad now. We have patience (ok my FH does, I don't) I was just getting worried that we wouldn't make our PS and our Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Thanks for all the advice and alternate ways to get around!!!
I can't wait to get to the WL!!!! It's almost here!!!

Heather K (Soon to be Mrs. Heather S!!!)

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

We did not have any problems. I think the Keys to the Kingdom would be the one thing not to be late for. That should be easy to get to. You can take the boat for a trip right up to the gate!

 

[Ratpack]

irishone1979,
Congrats on the upcoming wedding. DW and I also spent our honeymoon at Disney in the WL, the first year it opened 8 years ago. The transportation is not an issue, we had similar experiences to Aring75. Hardly any wait and not crowded. And we went this past July. Just allow ample time just in case something does happen, but most of all just enjoy yourselves. And if the lodge holds true as it does for us, it will keep you in a trance the whole time you are there.

 

[aring75]

Just FYI-

DH and I had a PS at RFC in AK for 8:00 AM. We left the WL at 7:40 AM and got there with time to spare. In fact, we had to wait by the "elephant" for them to open!

You shouldn't have any problems with early ressies. If you are concerned, the WL staff is incredibly helpful. They will be able to tell you your best travel option.

I'm so jealous of everyone's first trip to the lodge! I count the days until we go back. It's OKW and AKL this time. I'm sure we'll have to stop by WL for a visit though!






Boy, I sure used a lot of abbreviations in this post, didn't I?

 

[Disneymooners]

It sure looks like the Month of December is going to be a Big Honeymoon month at the WL!!! YAHOOOOOOOOO!!

FH and myself will be there from Dec 11-18th and I just met another couple from N.Y on the boards who will be there at the same time.

I'm thinkin.......... Cocktails, LG ribbons and Ears one evening by the pool after the parks close is in order....any and all DIS'ers welcome of course.





And the soon to be Mrs. Heather S is going to beat us all there

 

[irishone1979]

Yep, I will be there November 10- 20. Lisa B is also going to be there at the same time. Ok, I have to ask, why Lime Green?? I think it's because that way we know who each other is, but I am just curious.
Can't wait to get there!!!!! I am looking forward to my first stay at the WL. I am sure it will surpass all of my wildest expectations
Disney World Here I come!!!

Soon to be Heather S.

 

[Poohbearmom]

decided it was time to say hello. These boards are great! They have really helped me plan our next trip. Me, DH and DS-3yo will be staying at the WL 12/5/02-12/15/02. This is our first time at WL and our DS's first time to WDW, so we are very excited! We have booked a standard room and I am a little concerned about the possibility of noise from the service area, but will probably take our chances & see what happens. We will be attending MVMCP 12/10 & 12/12. The only thing I really worry about is transportation. I know we can get to MK by boat, but do busses go direct to MK, also? We are not renting a car, so we are at the mercy of Disney transportation. It sounds like Christmas is going to be an awesome time to be at WL. Now if I can just figure out how to pack for December weather without going over the luggage allowance Any suggestions?

 

[dtuleya]

I'm getting so excited! Look at my countdown! Now I'm just getting nervous about all the final prep.

 

[livsea2]

It is so hard to predict the weather in Florida for December. Last year we packed all this cool/cold weather clothing , we never got out of short pants! It was 80+ every day. You never know. This year we are going to wait until the last minute and check the long range weather forcast on weather channel.com. Good Luck!

 

[plutospup]

Enjoy taking the boats to MK, and FW. There is no direct bus from WL to MK. The only reason we rent a car is because we go offsight several times during our vacation (friends, outlet shopping, SeaWorld, etc.). Don't worry about the busses to the other parks. Enjoy the anticipation!

 

[Poohbearmom]

I'm getting so excited I can't hardly stand it! And I know I'm driving my DH totally nuts!

 

[nancyL]

Well, here I am home from my 2 weeks (actually 15 days) and we had a ball! We upgraded to concierge from Courtyard view for about 45/night and it was so worth it especially from the breakfast viewpoint. DH and kids loved the 'snack foods' all day and the service was fun. So was being able to stick the card in the slot in the elevator to gain access to the 7th floor.
Ill be posting a trip report in about a week but in general, we were very happy with everything except the transportation which was not bad enough to ruin the trip by any means, just inconvienient sometimes.
Got to be flag family which was great fun- did Family Magic Tour which I highly recommend.
MNSSHP was TERRIFIC on the 20th. The most spectacular fireworks Ive ever seen. Really really fun night.
Ok, more later- thanks to everyone who helped me out here! Esp AskMickey and Humphrey the bear. BTW, we had room 7043 which had bunks but no view of MK- excellent courtyard view instead which was awesome- could still see the EWP from the balcony. I too felt the beds were on the small side but if they had been any bigger would have overpowered the room.
Excellent lodgekeeping as well.
NancyL

 

[Retlaw]

It sounds as if you enjoyed yourselves!! We were at WL 3 weeks ago and enjoyed our stay.

Regarding the Concierge rooms, when we were there, it appeared that the Concierge Verandas don't have an open railing but are enclosed. The size also appeared to be smaller in width than the rooms with the open railings. Am I correct in my observation?

Thanks......