Staying in the Wilderness Lodge 2005

[septbride2002]

Hello! Well we have booked a room for December 2005 for the Wilderness Lodge and I am a bit nervous about the decision. We visited the lodge back in 2002 and while we thought it was nice it didn't WOW us like I was expecting it to. Although I will say the Courtyard is very beautiful.

We booked a woods view room w/King Size bed. We will be going back here again in January to eat at Whispering Canyon so I hope that maybe the place will WOW us again.

Please help ease my mind!

~Amanda

 

[sgause]

The Wilderness Lodge is our favorite Disney resort. The atmosphere and location are truly special. Having one large building is really nice - no need to go outside to get a quick bite and plenty of places to be if it decides to rain. I've always found the CM's to be genuinely friendly. We have tried Old Key West, Polynesian, Dixie Landings, Caribbean Beach and the villas at Disney's Institute (dating myself with this list!), and when I really want a special vacation - it means staying at the Wilderness Lodge. Relax and give it another try - I hope you find it as magical as we do.

 

[cooldisneymom]

I agree, we don't stay anywhere else now.

 

[Taratink]

We will be staying at the WL for the first time this Feb. I have been doing some research on the WL and the more I find out the happier I am. I can't wait to swim at the pool and look up at the beautiful lodge. I also heard that they have a great hot tub.We ate at Whispering Canyon and I did not love it. I heard that Atrist Point was great and it will be easy to eat at the Poly, CR or GF. I am sure that you will have a great time.
Tara

 

[ptrbryant]

We're also WL fans...as well as VWL. It just seems so relaxing and calm after busy park days...and we feel the lower lights are soothing after the bright sun all day. We've been afraid to try any other resort!
Have fun!!!
Karla B.

p.s. We're also planning on being at either WL or VWL in Dec. 2005!

 

[slimplaw]

WL is our favorite resort. You'll be there in December and it will be beautifully decorated. One word of warning. With a king bed, you might get a handicapped room. This means no bathtub. You'll have a walk in shower(large). If you want a bathtub, have them add no handicapped room on your reservation.

 

[Pig Pen]

If WL didn't wow you, nothing will.

 

[Bracho]

Each resort is a matter of taste to be honest. I love 2 resorts above all others, the Polynesian and the Wilderness Lodge. They are very different from eachother and offer a different vacation experience. I loved the Wilderness Lodge so much I purchased a DVC contact at VWL. Now on this board, you'll find folks totally in love with the resort, those who like the resort and those who could care less either way but at the end of the day, it all comes down to what kind of vacation do you want to have.

You can't go wrong staying at the WL however the WOW thing may not be everything it's cracked up to be. You could get that feeling at another resort and then have all kinds of problems. The Wilderness Lodge offers great service, a nice pool area, good transportation (I think so anyway), a very soft and relaxing feeling in the evenings, and the feeling of being in the middle of everything and yet being off to the side.

December is wonderful time at WDW no matter where you stay, the whole place is filled with the Christmas spirit, you'll have a great time!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[KELLY]

We just got back last weekend from are first stay at Wl and if we get a great rate like that again we will stay there again. It is a great place I would like to try AKL also. We usually stay at moderates.

KELLY

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We planned a last minute trip earlier this month to WDW and chose to stay at the WL. We had never even stepped foot on its grounds before but got a great AP rate. We've stayed at Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Swan, Dolphin, and Saratoga Springs before, but the WL is now my new favorite resort. The entire place is absolutely gorgeous. It's a fantastic location and must look so incredible decorated for Christmas.

I look forward to staying there again...that next visit can't come soon enough!

 

[Harambe]

How do they run? Do they share buses with other resorts? Frequent?

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Harambe
How do they run? Do they share buses with other resorts? Frequent?

Can't answer your question about buses (we drove ourselves) but we did use the boats a few times. One time to go to and from Magic Kingdom -- it was a direct route. The other time we took the boat to the Contemporary -- another direct route.

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

You'll love the lodge!! I'm going there this December. I'll be sure to post a report!

Allison

 

[disneyatl]

I'm surprised the WL didn't totally wow you on your first visit. We stayed there in July for the first time and absolutely loved it. It was spectacular! Loved walking the grounds first thing in the morning when so many were still asleep. We saw several animals when doing that. Such a peaceful place. We are definitely staying there again.

As for the buses, we didn't have a problem with it. Some routes are shared by the GF and Ft. Wilderness but it wasn't a problem for us. The worse ride for us was going to Downtown Disney....definitely drive if you can.

 

[2ofUs]

We have stayed at several off/on site hotels, as well as All Star and, most recently AKL! LOVED AKL - especially the remote feel and the theme. Terrific food as well. We had been reserved at WL and changed our mind inorder to take the special safari that AKL offered.

Now I have a question - We are actually going to be at WDW for 12 days, but staying with friends in their off-property vacation home after the first 4 days. Hubby & I (in our late 50's) want a little alone time before the others arrive. Given a choice between all the Villas (Beach Club, Boardwalk, Wilderness, OKW, SS, etc.) it seems evident that those on this thread would recommend the VWL? We will be going to EPCOT one day, but plan to spend the first night at MK for fireworks (late arrival). Would also like to see Hoop-dee-doo if we get resies. (any comments?)

I read somewhere that the boat from WL to MK, if you time it just right, actually gives you a great view of the fireworks. Anyone know about that?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[UBSHANG]

If WL did not "WOW" you the first time, then why did you choose it again, given that there are so many other wonderful Disney resort options?

I suggest that you make your room available to someone who really wants to stay at WL, and investigate alternative properties before you make another capricious reservation.

 

[ChristyJ]

We're going this Dec., and I'm just dreaming away the days until then!! From all I've read and seeing the travel channel show on the WL, I can't imagine feeling disappointed with our choice!

 

[old lost boy]

DW and I have stayed at WL 7 times. It is simply the best. The lobby is worth the price by itself but the pool is beautiful, Artist Point is one of Disney's best and while transportation might not be as good as a monorail resort the boat to the Contemporary puts you on the monorail. As I always say, if you don't love WL see your physician because something is wrong with you.

 

[blondemom]

Hi. I haven't stayed at the Lodge yet, but will be going there in August. I can't really comment on the "WOW" factor. But, if you didn't feel as if it was your style, you shouldn't second guess yourself. You can find something you think you will enjoy more, but plan a visit to the Lodge to see if affects you this time. You see, my family was a "Polynesian" family, and while my husband and son felt that "WOW" there, I did not. Sure it is incredibly beautiful and serene, it just wasn't for me. I thought that our first visit there was fabulous, but I didn't necessarily need the subsequent visits. I'm still searching for MY resort. Sure, I'll go back to the Polynesian because I know how it affects my family, but they also agreed to try the Wilderness Lodge because the pictures just captivated me. I think that there is a resort for all of us - theming that will win over anyone. It's a very personal choice, and you will hear the good from the ones who love the resort, and the negatives from those who didn't enjoy their stay.

Trust your gut.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by blondemom
Hi. I haven't stayed at the Lodge yet, but will be going there in August. I can't really comment on the "WOW" factor. But, if you didn't feel as if it was your style, you shouldn't second guess yourself. You can find something you think you will enjoy more, but plan a visit to the Lodge to see if affects you this time. You see, my family was a "Polynesian" family, and while my husband and son felt that "WOW" there, I did not. Sure it is incredibly beautiful and serene, it just wasn't for me. I thought that our first visit there was fabulous, but I didn't necessarily need the subsequent visits. I'm still searching for MY resort. Sure, I'll go back to the Polynesian because I know how it affects my family, but they also agreed to try the Wilderness Lodge because the pictures just captivated me. I think that there is a resort for all of us - theming that will win over anyone. It's a very personal choice, and you will hear the good from the ones who love the resort, and the negatives from those who didn't enjoy their stay.

Trust your gut.

Absolutely. Disney is so phenomenal with theming that you just have to find the resort that suits your taste and makes you feel at home.