Sleigh Ride at Wilderness Lodge

[Buzzfan]

I just noticed that there's a sleigh ride at Wilderness Lodge during the Christmas season. Has anyone done it? I'm not sure where Wilderness Lodge is located. On our arrival day at WDW, we were going to check out the decorations at various resorts and then we have ADR at Concourse Steakhouse for 5:30pm. Is Wilderness Lodge anywhere near where the Concourse Steakhouse is? We are relying on disney transportation so I'm not sure of the best way to get from resort to resort, especially after the parks are closed (I believe MK closes at 6:00 on Sunday). We're staying at CSR Dec. 4-10. I would really appreciate if anyone can give me some info. Or even where I could find a map of WDW so I could check out where everything is located on the map. Thanks a bunch!!

 

[beebles]

hi. we are supposed to be going 11/30-12/6 and we could not get reservations for the ride....was upset that we could not get them but try to call the disney number (i asked when making my ADR's).

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, we did the sleigh ride last Thanksgiving. I have 3 kids and they (and DH & I) loved it. It was cute & something different and special.

The ride itself wasn't exciting - we just took the path to the petting zoo and back again, but it was still cute and worth the $$. We are usually park crazy, so it was kind of nice to take a different angle on Thanksgiving and do out of the park things.

The Concourse Steakhouse is a boat ride away from the WL. Just take the boat headed to the Contemporary and go into the CR, up the escalators or elevator to 4th floor and you will find it easily.

Have a fun trip. If you want to do that sleigh ride, you should book it asap.

Lives4Disney

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We wanted to go on the sleigh ride last Dec, but were not able to get a reservation. Please call asap if you want to go. We were staying at the WL, so we often saw the horse and sleigh picking up riders and asked about cancellations, but still were not able to go.

Disney buses run 2 hours after the parks close. Also, you can take buses to DTD and transfer there to get around in the evening. Taxis are another choice.

You can find maps on the offical site www.waltdisneyworld.com

or here at the Dis at http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/index.htm

I just found this link on another thread .. I love maps! These seem very up to date .. http://www.willcad.org/disney_maps.html

have fun!

 

[Lulu's Mom]

Hi, we did the sleigh ride last Thanksgiving. I have 3 kids and they (and DH & I) loved it. It was cute & something different and special.

The ride itself wasn't exciting - we just took the path to the petting zoo and back again, but it was still cute and worth the $$. We are usually park crazy, so it was kind of nice to take a different angle on Thanksgiving and do out of the park things.

The Concourse Steakhouse is a boat ride away from the WL. Just take the boat headed to the Contemporary and go into the CR, up the escalators or elevator to 4th floor and you will find it easily.

Have a fun trip. If you want to do that sleigh ride, you should book it asap.

Lives4Disney

I hope you do not mind me asking but how much was it?? Also how early should you book it? We are going Dec 2006 and I think this would be a really cool thing to do.

Thanks

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

I would suggest you call right away. We're staying WL Dec. 11th to 20th and the only days available were 14th and 15th, and for us those nights are already designated for the theme parks. I tried calling two days ago and I should have called earlier.

They must be very popular.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I hope you do not mind me asking but how much was it?? Also how early should you book it? We are going Dec 2006 and I think this would be a really cool thing to do.

Thanks

Hi, I have to mention that I am a "Lulu's mom" too!!

I think the ride was only $30/for 1/2 hour. We also tipped the driver. I remember they do not take room charge - I believe only cash.

I am really not sure how early you should call. I don't know if it is still a 90 day booking or now 180 days.????

I got super lucky last year and planned our whole last minute Thanksgiving trip the middle of October and booked it then! If you know your trip dates, I would phone the 800 number and at least check with them as to how early you can book it. It is kind of a kick to ride in that cute open buggy (sleigh) with the pretty horse and driver in top hat. Something special for the holidays.

Happy planning!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Lulu's Mom]

Hi, I have to mention that I am a "Lulu's mom" too!!

I think the ride was only $30/for 1/2 hour. We also tipped the driver. I remember they do not take room charge - I believe only cash.

I am really not sure how early you should call. I don't know if it is still a 90 day booking or now 180 days.????

I got super lucky last year and planned our whole last minute Thanksgiving trip the middle of October and booked it then! If you know your trip dates, I would phone the 800 number and at least check with them as to how early you can book it. It is kind of a kick to ride in that cute open buggy (sleigh) with the pretty horse and driver in top hat. Something special for the holidays.

Happy planning!!

Lives4Disney

Thanks.. I will ask them when I book our trip either today or tommorrow. Also is your Lulu a nickname or first name. Ours is a nickname, we just think it is so cute and now we think that we should of just named her Lulu instead of Leilani because we never call her Leilani

 

[jenjersnap]

We did it last year and will be doing it again this year after dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. As a PP said, it's not too thrilling but it IS calming and a lovely way to end the day for our over-stimulated little ones.

It has gone up $5 since last year. It is $35 plus tip.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

How long do they run the sleigh rides? We're going in early January. Are they over by then?

 

[dixiedizfan]

Now I've heard everything ... a sleigh ride in Florida!

 

[Jackie H.]

Here is a picture of us on our Sleigh Ride from the Wilderness Lodge!

It is really enjoyable. Very quiet and peaceful....I don't think we even heard a car. We didn't pass anything except woods and maybe we went near a running trail, but it was 9:30 at night so no one was running.

We did tip the driver....I think that is expected. Still the price is great - $35 for the 4 of us! They do not charge by the person....just a fixed amount per ride.

Here is another pic

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks.. I will ask them when I book our trip either today or tommorrow. Also is your Lulu a nickname or first name. Ours is a nickname, we just think it is so cute and now we think that we should of just named her Lulu instead of Leilani because we never call her Leilani

I have a Lucy!! She is my Lulu! Leilani is cute, too. Very Hawaiian sounding to me.

take care -

Lives4Disney

 

[kellyanne731]

Does anyone know if you can take a bottle of wine or champagne? Jackie H's picture makes me think it could be pretty romantic for me and my honey

 

[Lives4Disney]

Does anyone know if you can take a bottle of wine or champagne? Jackie H's picture makes me think it could be pretty romantic for me and my honey

Last year I think I read about people doing just that. That sounds nice!

Lives4Disney

 

[Magic2000]

We did it last year as a surprise for my DD! She LOVED it!! It was rather cold that night, and she had a cup of hot chocolate and DH had a some wine! (They were selling the hot chocolate and wine in the lobby at Wilderness Lodge)

It was a very nice time - DD loved hearing the sleigh bells - and we even saw some dear along the way!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[lookingforward]

This is why I LOVE the Disboards! I consider myself an expert on WDW but I did not know about his wonderful option. THanks to your posts I just booked the 15th of Dec. for my daughter and I. We are having our first mommy/daughter trip and I am so very excited. This will be a wonderful adventure for her as we celebrate her 7th birthday. Thanks to everyone for the great info.

 

[cobbler]

We are going this year on Dec 1st

 

[Buzzfan]

Wow! Thanks for all the replys. I called yesterday and could only get Dec. 4 (our arrival day) at 6:00pm. This will mean I have to change our ADR time at Concourse Steakhouse for an earlier one, so let's hope I can do that. I am so excited!!! This is a surprise trip for our kids (DD8 & DS 6)and they will be dually excited to have a sleigh ride with a horse.

Is there a certain amount you should tip the driver? What would be the rule of thumb in this instance?