Questions for the Wilderness Lodge Pros

[GGjertsen]

I have not posted much on these boards, but I read them everyday. It's amazing how much knowledge is out there. I own at the Boardwalk, but I am preparing for my first stay at the Widerness Lodge Villas. I stayed at the Inn part before and I love the resort. My father is traveling with us who needs a scooter to get around. So, now to the questions:
1. Are the boats that service the Wilderness Lodge the same as the ones that make the Poly, GF loop (small ones) or are they the large ones that go to Fort Wilderness?
2. We have late reservations for the Wispering Canyon, probably too late for my kids, but we were told last time if you show up at 4:30p.m. as a walk up they will seet you with the first seeting at 5:00p.m. It worked several years ago, but I don't know if that is still the case.
3. Is there a bus that goes to the ticket and transportation center? Last time there was one and we have O'hana's resevations, so it will make it easy to walk from there.

Thanks for any input.
Gary

 

[lisareniff]

1. Are the boats that service the Wilderness Lodge the same as the ones that make the Poly, GF loop (small ones) or are they the large ones that go to Fort Wilderness?

Large boats go to MK
Small boats go to FW and CR

They also had a bus to FW, at least during the HDDR. Maybe someone else can give more detail or confirmation on that.

3. Is there a bus that goes to the ticket and transportation center? Last time there was one and we have O'hana's resevations, so it will make it easy to walk from there.

Not sure the answer to this but when we were there in Feb they had a bus to the MK. I would think that they would not have both.

 

[eliza61]

Hi Gary,
I think you'll really enjoy the WL. Let's see, I seem to remember there were actually 2 boats (a blue flag, and a green flag) servicing WL. One is definitely the larger boats that stopped at Ft. Wilderness, I think the 2nd one is also very large.
When I was there August '06, there was definitely a bus to TTC. Maybe someone who has been there recently will correct me if I'm wrong.
Afraid I'm not much help with your adr for whispering canyon. I don't do many ADR's but we travel during relatively slower times. WCC is pretty popular so you may want to get there as early as possible to put your name on the list. Unfortunately 4:00-6:00 pm is prime dining hours, which means every one and their Aunt Sue wants to eat. Generally when I do walk ups it's later in the evening (~7:30 pm)

 

[wildernessDad]

They've changed the boat logic recently.

There are two red flag boats, one large, one small, that make runs between WL and MK only. The maximum wait is about 10 minutes.

The small blue flag boats, not sure how many, make runs between the Contemporary, WL, and FW.

There are separate boats which make runs between FW and MK only.

 

[spiceycat]

the bus that went to TTC now goes directly to the MK.

unless there is a problem then it still goes to TTC.

so ask - go on the transportation board here. there are WDW bus drivers who post here.

 

[lisareniff]

There are two red flag boats, one large, one small, that make runs between WL and MK only.

Ah, I didn't know they ran both types of boats to MK. I do like the new changes though. Not sharing a boat to MK sounds like a great improvement.

Do you know if they are still running the bus to MK?

So is this right for the new schedule?

WL->MK large and small boats
WL->CR->FW->WL (morning) small boats
WL->FW->CR->WL (evening) small boats

 

[wildernessDad]

Ah, I didn't know they ran both types of boats to MK. I do like the new changes though. Not sharing a boat to MK sounds like a great improvement.

Do you know if they are still running the bus to MK?

So is this right for the new schedule?

WL->MK large and small boats
WL->CR->FW->WL (morning) small boats
WL->FW->CR->WL (evening) small boats

I do not know the other details. I did call Wilderness Lodge today. When one calls Wilderness Lodge, one gets someone not at the front desk. They were not sure about some of the details. I know about the MK<-->WL boats from being there. The blue flag boats are the WL, CR, FW boats, but I did not confirm the order.

 

[lisareniff]

Well I know that previously they had two small boats that would do opposite circular routes between the three resorts on Bay Lake. One would be going WL->CR->FW->WL and the other would go WL->FW->CR->WL.

I have read the new system has these small boat or boats going in one direction and switching mid afternoon. I don't have confirmation of this from another source yet and thought you might know.

 

[lisareniff]

I did a search and a Nov 25th thread had the following info. I had also read some tweaking may have been done (such as FW getting 2 cruisers and WL 1 cruiser and 1 launch for the MK route).

Please note the following changes in WDW Watercraft operations on 7 Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The WDW Watercraft boat routes to the WL and FWC from the MK have changed effective 11/16/07. Boats to the WL and FWC leave for the World Cruise dock (center dock) at the MK. They now are as follows (See *** below):

Ferry boats operate from the TTC to the MK and return. Depending on the time of day 1 to 3 ferry boats operate. Ferry boats run from 0830 to 45 minutes after the MK closes.

There are 2 Motor Launches (GOLD FLAG) that run from the MK to the GF and Poly before returning to the MK. These launches run from 0830 to 45 minutes after the MK closes.

***The WL is now serviced by 2 Motor Cruisers (RED FLAG) and begin running each day at 0830 and terminate operations about 1 hour after the MK closes. These 2 RED FLAG boats run only between the MK and the WL.

*** The FWC is now serviced by 1 motor cruiser and 1 motor launch (GREEN FLAG) running each day from 0830 until about 1 hour after the MK closes. These boats run only between the MK and the FWC.

The 2 Motor Launches (BLUE FLAG) on Bay Lake serving the CR, WL and the FWC begin service at 0645 daily. They both run clockwise until 3 p.m. and then reverse direction at 3 p.m. These launches run until 2330.

***NOTE: If you want to go to the GF/Poly from the WL, CR or FWC by boat, you will have to go to the MK and then get the Gold flag launch. In addition, there is no boat that goes directly from the CR to the MK, GF or Poly. Additional boats may be added to the Gold, Green, Red and Blue routes during periods of exceptionally high demand - like at heavy MK closings - to alleviate the guest lines at the docks. Additionally for all motor launches, strollers must be folded prior to boarding and ECVs cannot be accommodated on motor launches under any circumstances.

 

[wildernessDad]

I did a search and a Nov 25th thread had the following info. I had also read some tweaking may have been done (such as FW getting 2 cruisers and WL 1 cruiser and 1 launch for the MK route).

That's it!

 

[50 years Too!]

One of the things I love about staying at Wilderness Lodge/Villas, is the water transporation to MK. I think it is a most pleasurable way to travel.

Deb

 

[jimmytammy]

Gary

Hope you have a wonderful time. We love the Lodge.

 

[wildernessDad]

One of the things I love about staying at Wilderness Lodge/Villas, is the water transporation to MK. I think it is a most pleasurable way to travel.

Deb

I second that and would like to add that the dock point at the MK is closer to the entrance than the bus stop. DW uses a wheelchair while at WDW and the docking point makes it easier for me to help her into the park. I also find it easier to fold a wheelchair and get it on and off a boat versus potentially lugging it up the back stairs of a bus.

 

[GGjertsen]

Thank you everyone for your input. I knew you guys would have the answers.

Gary