The New (Part 4) WL FAQ Thread...Just the Facts M'am!

[W21981Brick]

MAGICinMYHEART,
DH asked about the rec plan at the dock. We thought for 2 hours rental we could split the time into mouseboats and some bigger boat we could all fit on. The man at the dock told my DH we could only do the boat and the regular bikes(not 2 boats). I missunderstood.
So we did something else that time, I think that was the night we took the big boat to Fort Wilderness for the movie and to visit friends staying at a cabin. That campground was nice-I loved the cabins too!

 

[babybunrab]

DS and I leave for WL in 57 days! I can't hardly stand it. I've been lurking and reading this thread, and every time I read this thread I learn a new thing. Everyone is so positive, too, which is nice. I was wondering two things, though:

1) Has anyone sent their child on the 1 hour fishing excursion that leaves from the dock? I have had one answer on another board about this that I should save my money, but there were no specific reasons why the child didn't like it. Anyone have an opinion?

2) Where is the arcade and (roughly) how many games would you say it has?

I know these aren't big questions, but I'm into hyper-planning mode at this point and no piece of information is too insignificant!

Thanks!

Hey Brick! We're flying out of your airport in July! Love those lilacs...

 

[campinggal]

Originally posted by babybunrab



2) Where is the arcade and (roughly) how many games would you say it has?

First- Welcome to DIS and the best thread on the DIS!!

My DD and I were at the WL last October and I am hooked!

I can't answer your question on the fishing thing but we did pop our head into the Arcade.

The arcade is located right next to the WL Mercantile- just outside the doors on the way to the bus stop and near the Cub's Den.

From what I have read, it is fairly small compared to others but well equiped. My DD and I played Air Hockey. So obviously they had an Air Hockey Table, one of those basketball hoop throw set ups, and probably another 8-10 games- really rough guess. Just a guess because the room was pretty small.

I have read that the Arcade over at the CR is pretty big so if your son likes that sort of thing, you could easily take the boat from the WL to the CR for some Arcade fun.

Hope that helps! Happy planning!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

babybunrab,

First, WELCOME to the DIS

1) Has anyone sent their child on the 1 hour fishing excursion that leaves from the dock? I have had one answer on another board about this that I should save my money, but there were no specific reasons why the child didn't like it. Anyone have an opinion?

Sorry I have never participated in any of the Fishing excursions, I think it would depend on your son, has he ever gone fishing, is it in his blood like my nephews. (living here in Florida we go fishing all the time, so there are always so many other activites we try and do while at WDW) If he loves to fish I'm sure he would have a great time. Over on the Trip Report Forum...Zurg...did a great report on his son's fishing excursion...and they always catch fish. All the children had a great day. I will post a link so you can just click on it, the report on the fishing is about half way down have fun reading it:
Part 18 Cool Stuff - Pictures Added

2) Where is the arcade and (roughly) how many games would you say it has?

Like campinggal said, the game room Button's & Bells Arcade is small but it is wall to wall games and if your son is under nine...he will have a great time. Even if if is older he will enjoy the games that are there, (I do) I think there are more then ten...about twenty+, but for a true gamer a short trip over to the Contemporary Resort Game Room will put him in GameBoy heaven. CR Fun Center

We always take quarters that the boys have saved between trips and before we enter the Game Rooms give them a set amount if not you can blow a budget fast.

Have fun..

 

[hockey mom]

I'm hooked- I just read all 57 pages!

Hi everyone we are staying at the lodge in October and I was wondering if the lodge is done up with any fall decorations or is it just Christmas time that this is done. Also when do Christmas decorations go up? I would love to go to see these but DD's hockey is huge and we need to travel before or after it starts

By the way all this info is great!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Originally posted by W21981Brick
MAGICinMYHEART,
DH asked about the rec plan at the dock. We thought for 2 hours rental we could split the time into mouseboats and some bigger boat we could all fit on. The man at the dock told my DH we could only do the boat and the regular bikes(not 2 boats). I missunderstood.

When something is posted...Opps...
**Recreation Family Plans:
Plan includes the Water Mouse, Pontoon Boats, Canopy Boats, Sailboats and Bicycles, (Cruises and Surry Biles NOT included)
Captain Plan: 4 hours of rental per Group $133.13.
Family Plan: Length of Stay Plan (10 Day Rate for Unlimited use of Equipment Listed Above) $254.44 (Up to 5 Guests per Plan)

I was going to say when something is posted unlimited use of equipment I don't see why you couldn't take two boats out...then I check the verbiage and that unlimited is just under the Family Plan not Captain Plan but still I think he was wrong I'll check into this next week and correct the information that we have on page one of this thread if I have it wrong.

 

[westjones]

Does anyone know if the Captain's Plan for 4 hours has to be taken all at once, or can you fit the 4 hours in at different times during your trip? And can you split the hours between bikes and boats?

DJ

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Originally posted by hockey mom
I'm hooked- I just read all 57 pages!
Hi everyone we are staying at the lodge in October and I was wondering if the lodge is done up with any fall decorations or is it just Christmas time that this is done. Also when do Christmas decorations go up? I would love to go to see these but DD's hockey is huge and we need to travel before or after it starts.

Welcome Hockey Mom

I have never seen them decorate for Fall, but the atmosphere at the Lodge fits into the Fall feeling with the wood and Fireplaces...They had the Christmas Decorates up last year on or about November 13th and we arrived November 15th...one of our DISers works at WCC and posted this:

Yes, the Christmas tree was going up when I left work last night at 11pm. Every year it gets better and better!
Suzanne

westjones,
I'll be at the Lodge next week and plan on getting all the new information I can about these Plans, like I told W21981Brick..I thought that you could use any of the equipment availiable during the four hours...But I'm pretty sure you can split the time up, that is what I would have posted yesterday...now I'll check to make certain.

 

[hockey mom]

Thanks MAGICinMYHEART.

November 13 would be an awesome time to go- my 40th.

I was thinking of renting points for a villa because there are 5 of us but do you think that takes away from some of the atmosphere and 2 rooms in the lodge would be better?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

hockey mom

Well I'll post adding my signature this time and it will answer your question...

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

hockey mom

I love the Villas and only stay at the WL when I have used all my points. Need to go to work...see ya'll later.

Have a Great Sunday.

 

[babybunrab]

Thank you campinggal and magicinmyheart. The fishing report was great and has made up my mind (particularly since DS has to be having a REALLY bad time to be disappointed in something like that). I appreciate the arcade report as well. DS is just old enough to go do that while I get breakfast or something as long as it's not so cavernous that he'll get lost!

 

[SpeechGuy]

Hi again.....just wondering what the coffee is like at any of the eateries at WL. I am a big coffee guy and have been reading reports that WDW coffee lacks in taste. Is WL in the same sad category for coffee? I was wondering if we can get a coffee maker for our room upon check-in. Is there a charge? Does anyone know how many cups these coffee makers make? I thought I could make up my own packets of coffee to bring to the Lodge with me. If I knew how many cups the coffee makers made then I can make up the packets accordingly. Thanks for any help!!

 

[Lollipop Mom]

Hello all! I've been meaning to post this but kept forgeting. We stayed at VWL the last week in April on rented points and had a FANTASTIC time. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Before we left for our trip I had read all sorts of bad reviews of the WL transportation and just wanted to share our experience. We had NO problems with long wait times at all. Most of the time we didn't wait more than 5 minutes for a boat or bus to any location. The only real exceptions were waiting for a bus at Epcot after Illuminations (about 20 minute wait) and getting a boat to the MK when we arrived at the dock about 30 minutes before park opening. We saw a boat pulling away when we were near the pool so we knew it would be a few minutes before another arrived. The dock was packed with people when we got there. Within a couple of minutes a boat to the Contemporary arrived and we hopped on that one. We walked from the MK to the Contemporary (didn't want to wait for a monorail then go all around the loop to the MK). It's maybe a 5-7 minute walk. Not bad at all. My husband took the stroller through the "guests without bags" line while I stood in line to have our bag checked. When I was finished and met up with him to go through the turnstiles he pointed out that people who were on the WL dock waiting for a MK boat were just walking up to the bag check station right then so we beat them anyway. The boats and busses did NOT stop at the campground first (or have campground guests on board already) during peak travel times. When we would return to the room for nap/swim breaks maybe half the time we'd have a stop at the campground first but in the morning and evenings we never had a stop.

Just wanted to share the "good news" on that. I was concerned for a little while untill DH pointed out that we were driving to WDW so if the transportation was lacking, we'd just drive to the parks if need be. As it was, our car was valet parked on arrival and we didn't see it again till check out day.

We will DEFINITELY be back to the WL again!

 

[pattyT]

Just curious -
any of you think they will come out with Room Only rate codees for the WL in late Septmeber (25th-Oct2nd actually!) even though they are running the 5 for 7 deal?
Wel already have passes from our last trip and REALLY want to stay at WL but rack rates are killer!
(especially since DH REALLY wants to stay conceirge)

 

[westjones]

If you have a AAA card you can check on discounts with that. We have a room at Pop Century booked for September 25th at Pop for $69 (total, including tax) with our AAA card. I would guess other resorts have discounts too with the card.

DJ

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

SpeechGuy,

I'm not a coffee expert but I'm sure the coffee is the same as the other resorts. I have never had a problem with the flavor or taste of the coffee so, I do drink coffee but am more of a tea drinker.

Yes, you can request a coffee maker when you check-in, at no charge. I believe they are the standard 4-cup pots, that actually make about 2 1/2 cups at a time. I would bring your own coffee with you.

Lollipop Mom,
Thanks for your report, For some reason people have been critical of Wilderness Lodges transportant, I'm not sure why, out of all my visits I personally have never had more then a few waits longer then 10-15 minutes (only exception DTD)
Glad you enjoyed your trip.

pattyT,
You have probably already heard that last year no discounts codes where offered other then the FTP and Florida Residents Specials...so I just don't know if any codes will be offered this year either. If your dates are firm the AAA westjones noted may be the only discounts that you may be able to use.
Will send you some Pixie Dust

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

SpeechGuy - I too am a coffee "snob". I like really stong, gourmet coffee...Roaring Forks coffee is ok, it does the job as far as getting caffiene in the system, but if you want a really good cup, ask for a coffeemaker ( when checking in ) and then bring your favorite blend.. This way, you won't be disappointed.
Half and half and sweetners are available in the RF.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

It is somehow "fittin" that my 1000th post ^ was helping a newbie on the WL FAQ Thread.

( just glad I didn't waste it on something silly like the "Poop in the Poly Pool"

 

[julybride]

Originally posted by westjones
If you have a AAA card you can check on discounts with that. We have a room at Pop Century booked for September 25th at Pop for $69 (total, including tax) with our AAA card. I would guess other resorts have discounts too with the card.

DJ

Patty T

We were able to book WL Lodge Woodsview for the week of Sept 18 using our AAA card. The discount rate during that period was 15% - we are saving around $30/night. (Not a Huge savings but every bit helps.)If this works for your budget you can always see what is available now, make a ressie, and if the pixies smile apply a room only code at a later date.

Hope this helps.