The NEW WL FAQ (Part 5) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY! Part 2

[snowman]

Are there any specific recommendations I should consider making for our August stay? We will be in a standard room, 2 adults, 2 teen boys. Anything we want to specifically ask for?

Also - any idea if they still do the flag family thing? I had read on here that it had stopped but then read somewhere else that they were still doing it. I'm just wondering if anybody has been there lately and can confirm or deny.

 

[snoopywoodstockus]

We are booked for December 8-16 and barely got a standard room. I was amazed that they booked up so quickly this far out. Especially since this is "off season".

Another question. Is there any place to get distilled water at WL?

Thanks

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Are there any specific recommendations I should consider making for our August stay? We will be in a standard room, 2 adults, 2 teen boys. Anything we want to specifically ask for?
Also - any idea if they still do the flag family thing? I had read on here that it had stopped but then read somewhere else that they were still doing it. I'm just wondering if anybody has been there lately and can confirm or deny.

Snowman

There are only a few Standard View rooms at the Wilderness Lodge.

STANDARD ROOMS: All Non-Smoking rooms with 2 Queen Beds.
Located on Floors 4,5 & 6. On the North (MK) side, they face the service area. There are also 4th floor rooms that overlook the lobby and look out to roof peaks.

If you click on the link below you will see a lay-out of the Lodge. While I love the rooms off the Lobby the standard view rooms are just over the check-in desk, some guest have reported that the merrymaking from WCC has disturbed them. I have never had a problem with external noise once my room door was closed.

The other standard rooms are located on the North Wing but are located over a drive-way and service area. Some guest have reported noise from this area also. The best solution would be to request a room located in the North Wing on the 5th/6th floor...the standard rooms on the 6th floor are not smoking optional rooms nor are they located that close to the smoking rooms. These rooms may also give you a great view of the Magic Kingdom and Wishes. The higher floors would offer less noise from service area and a better view over the trees toward MK.

Wilderness Lodge Room #'s and Locations

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

DIS-Members that will be visiting the Lodge in December 2007

Tracy Savage-November 25-December 2, 2007
Ekball-November 30-December 9, 2007
Battlecat533-December 2-8, 2007 Honeymoon
GatorEye-December 2-8, 2007 Concierge
Iceguy-December 5-12, 2007
Majestic-Decemebr 6-10, 2007
Dogsmom-December 6-11, 2007
Snoopywoodstockus-December 8-16, 2007 Honeymoon
Ransom-December-9-22, 2007
Feet1-December 11-18, 2007
MAGICinMYHEART-December 15-20, 2007 The Villas @ Wilderness Lodge
Shelli132-December 15-23, 2007
Shoshana-December 15-23, 2007 Concierge
Marvin12-December 16-23, 2007
PinkDaisy8844-December 16-23, 2007
Bytheblood-December- dates?

and for Anna


DIS-Members that will be visiting the Lodge in December 2008

Anna114-December 2008

 

[mumom95]

For MK, I would take the boat (nice and relaxing) or bus. This way takes you directly to the MK entrance. If you drive, you need to park at the TTC and then take the boat or monorail to MK. There's also a quick boat ride to the Contemporary.

That said, we found the car to be a great time saver when dining at other resorts. Have fun!

This is what I figured would probably happen. We would use the boat for MK and depending on time, either drive or use the boat for the other parks. We'll probably just wait and see what it is like when we are there.

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it!!

 

[mumom95]

Why drive for any reason. You're on vacation. Are you really in that big a hurry? Driving is the least relaxing thing in the world to me, and on vacation, that's the last thing I want to do. The buses are very efficient from WL to anywhere on WDW property. By the time you go to your car, drive to the park of choice, park, and walk from the parking lot, you may be saving 5 minutes. Why not let someone else do the driving for you ? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

We LOVE WL and have never had a problem with any of the transportation.

We don't mind driving. My least favorite thing to do is waiting. I would much rather spend 5 minutes walking to my car then 5 minutes waiting for a bus. I can be very impatient at times We'll probably always use the boat to MK, but for the other parks we'll probably see how things are once we get down there, then decide on the bus/car thing.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[blessedby3]

We don't mind driving. My least favorite thing to do is waiting. I would much rather spend 5 minutes walking to my car then 5 minutes waiting for a bus. I can be very impatient at times We'll probably always use the boat to MK, but for the other parks we'll probably see how things are once we get down there, then decide on the bus/car thing.

Thanks for your advice.

Keep in mind that even taking the boat you could be waiting 10-15 mins. We got to the boat ramp a couple of times when the boats had just taken off. Its the same as waiting for the boat as the bus. We actually found that the bus was quicker than the boat to the MK. If we were in a hurry we caught the bus, if not then we took the boat.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Also - any idea if they still do the flag family thing? I had read on here that it had stopped but then read somewhere else that they were still doing it. I'm just wondering if anybody has been there lately and can confirm or deny.

Snowman

Sorry I didn't answer this part of your question....latest reports are that YES the Wilderness Lodge is still doing the Flag Family.

 

[snowman]

Snowman

Sorry I didn't answer this part of your question....latest reports are that YES the Wilderness Lodge is still doing the Flag Family.

WooHoo Both boys going with us are Boy Scouts and would love to do this. Hopefully when we check in there will be an available date....maybe I'll quietly pack their uniforms...just in case. They don't even know we are going to be staying here yet....and won't until we pull up there. Its all a big surprise.

Ya'll are wicked helpful here.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We don't mind driving. My least favorite thing to do is waiting. I would much rather spend 5 minutes walking to my car then 5 minutes waiting for a bus. I can be very impatient at times. We'll probably always use the boat to MK, but for the other parks we'll probably see how things are once we get down there, then decide on the bus/car thing.

Mumom
I am the world's most impatient person, BUT This is what I have found to be my best transportation options, while staying at Wilderness Lodge.

Going to:
Magic Kingdom :
Before 3:00pm=Green Flag Boat or the direct bus;
After 3:00pm=The direct bus;

Coming from :
Magic Kingdom:
Before 3:00pm and at Park Closing=The direct bus;
After 3:00pm=Green Flag Boat or the direct bus;
*Reason :
The Green Flag Boats That starts at Ft. Wilderness Campground then Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom, route reverses direction at 3:00 pm. Before 3 it goes clockwise Ft. Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge then Magic Kingdom after 3 it goes counterclockwise Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge then Ft. Wilderness Campground.
This is so Guest at Wilderness Lodge will have faster service, in the morning most guest are traveling to Magic Kingdom...direct service to the Magic Kingdom for deluxe guest. Then in the afternoon most guest are returning to the resort the route reverses...direct service to Wilderness Lodge.
Note : If traveling to the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon or later than 3:00pm, the Direct Bus between Wilderness Lodge and Magic Kingdom may save you almost 45 minutes travel time. Same thing applies if you are leaving Magic Kingdom in the am. before the routes have been reversed.
Park Closing :If at a busy time you may have to wait for 2 or 3 boats before you are boarded.

Going to & Coming from :
MGM=The bus: Even with a quick stop at Ft. Wilderness, the MGM bus has been using the back road to the Settlement area not driving around to the Ft. Wilderness Main Bus Depot (adds about 5 min total time)

Coming from MGM the route is direct from MGM to Wilderness Lodge.
Reason:
If you drive to MGM you will have to drive, park your car, walk to the loading area, then wait for a tram that may make several stops before arriving at the tram location at the entrance to MGM. If you have children you have to make sure the seating on the tram will hold the entire family and hope some other group doesn't try and squeeze in while boarding or even after you are boarded. Plus add in the heat in the parking lots.

Going to & Coming from :
EPCOT=The bus
Reason :
Same as MGM drive. park, walk, wait, tram.


Going to & Coming from :
Animal Kingdom While we usually take the bus when we have all the children with us. I prefer to drive IF it's Extra Morning Hours...If you drive as a resort guest you don't have to contend with stopping at other resorts, Blizzard Beach and off-site guest can't enter the parking lot. Parking at Animal Kingdom will be close enough to just walk to the entrance sometimes we even get to park closer to the entrance then the bus stop.

Going to & Coming from :
DTD Drive, even though the last few visits it has almost been impossible to find a parking spot. (Holidays) This is my advise for every resort at Disney not just Wilderness Lodge. If you are in no hurry and have loads of time to spend take the bus.
Reason :
Because of the location to DTD the travel time is long (local traffic) and they just don't have enough buses allocated.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Both boys going with us are Boy Scouts and would love to do this. Hopefully when we check in there will be an available date....maybe I'll quietly pack their uniforms...just in case. They don't even know we are going to be staying here yet....and won't until we pull up there. Its all a big surprise.
Ya'll are wicked helpful here.

Snowman
That sounds like it would be so special, when you ask about signing up for the flag family...tell the cast member about their uniforms you packed just in case. You may receive a little extra
PIXIE DUST

While I don't usually ask for payment for answering questions....I'm going to this time. Please post photo's of the ceremony when you return.

Beckie

 

[tinkgurl]

Okay I just had a huge blonde moment! I couldn't understand what
"Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!" meant until now! Wow....my need for WDW has made my mind go crazy!

 

[BlueFairy]

Maybe someone here can help. I posted this on the rates and codes board with not much success. Please forgive me if this sounds a little off-topic. Since this is so much about WL I thought someone here could help with free-dining or AP WL questions. Here is my original question:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Help please,
Normally I'm good at this, but all the number crunching has me confused. Help me decide what is my most economical of these choices. I hope this is on the right board.

Stats- 2 adults + DD (2 yo) travelling Sept or October (very flexible dates), flying, 5 nights. Prefer 6day MYW tixs with PH ($262 x 2). Eating 2 Char meals, 2 or 3 TS, cold breakfast, and counter service all on property, with DD eating off our plates for the most part.

A) Have a ressie at Swan ($125/nt); no food discounts or dining plan ($500 food budget???); need town car transfer ($110?); can cancel anytime

B) Get WL ressie for std room and hope for AP rates? What is the typical rate found there last year with AP? Then buy 1 AP ($463) and 1 DDE ($65) if the rates are announced and apply it to our ressie. When can I expect this? Summer? Is a discount on std. room common then? Is this CHEAPER than choice A. I think maybe the total is about the same, depending on the AP rate. Use Disney transportation and ME. No towncar.

C) The ever-popular free dining with rack-rate std room at WL. I think for the food and the way we eat we'd save about $60 on food alone. Rack value season at WL is $215. Once again - was it common to get these dates with free DDP on a std room? Same transportation as B.

Finally, if we're hoping for B or C, should I make a rack room-only or DDP ressie now and apply discount later? Is there a charge for making the changes?

As you can see, it's been awhile since I did this and so much has changed. Thanks for your help. Sorry I have so many questions, but I know the folks here can help.

 

[snowman]

Snowman
That sounds like it would be so special, when you ask about signing up for the flag family...tell the cast member about their uniforms you packed just in case. You may receive a little extra
PIXIE DUST

While I don't usually ask for payment for answering questions....I'm going to this time. Please post photo's of the ceremony when you return.

Beckie

Great idea about mentioning the uniforms.....I'll be sure to do that when I ask. And if we are so lucky I will definately be back here to share pics.

 

[mumom95]

Mumom
I am the world's most impatient person, BUT This is what I have found to be my best transportation options, while staying at Wilderness Lodge.

Going to:
Magic Kingdom :
Before 3:00pm=Green Flag Boat or the direct bus;
After 3:00pm=The direct bus;

Coming from :
Magic Kingdom:
Before 3:00pm and at Park Closing=The direct bus;
After 3:00pm=Green Flag Boat or the direct bus;
*Reason :
The Green Flag Boats That starts at Ft. Wilderness Campground then Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom, route reverses direction at 3:00 pm. Before 3 it goes clockwise Ft. Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge then Magic Kingdom after 3 it goes counterclockwise Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge then Ft. Wilderness Campground.
This is so Guest at Wilderness Lodge will have faster service, in the morning most guest are traveling to Magic Kingdom...direct service to the Magic Kingdom for deluxe guest. Then in the afternoon most guest are returning to the resort the route reverses...direct service to Wilderness Lodge.
Note : If traveling to the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon or later than 3:00pm, the Direct Bus between Wilderness Lodge and Magic Kingdom may save you almost 45 minutes travel time. Same thing applies if you are leaving Magic Kingdom in the am. before the routes have been reversed.
Park Closing :If at a busy time you may have to wait for 2 or 3 boats before you are boarded.

Going to & Coming from :
MGM=The bus: Even with a quick stop at Ft. Wilderness, the MGM bus has been using the back road to the Settlement area not driving around to the Ft. Wilderness Main Bus Depot (adds about 5 min total time)

Coming from MGM the route is direct from MGM to Wilderness Lodge.
Reason:
If you drive to MGM you will have to drive, park your car, walk to the loading area, then wait for a tram that may make several stops before arriving at the tram location at the entrance to MGM. If you have children you have to make sure the seating on the tram will hold the entire family and hope some other group doesn't try and squeeze in while boarding or even after you are boarded. Plus add in the heat in the parking lots.

Going to & Coming from :
EPCOT=The bus
Reason :
Same as MGM drive. park, walk, wait, tram.


Going to & Coming from :
Animal Kingdom While we usually take the bus when we have all the children with us. I prefer to drive IF it's Extra Morning Hours...If you drive as a resort guest you don't have to contend with stopping at other resorts, Blizzard Beach and off-site guest can't enter the parking lot. Parking at Animal Kingdom will be close enough to just walk to the entrance sometimes we even get to park closer to the entrance then the bus stop.

Going to & Coming from :
DTD Drive, even though the last few visits it has almost been impossible to find a parking spot. (Holidays) This is my advise for every resort at Disney not just Wilderness Lodge. If you are in no hurry and have loads of time to spend take the bus.
Reason :
Because of the location to DTD the travel time is long (local traffic) and they just don't have enough buses allocated.

Beckie

Wow, thank you so much for all of this information. I am going to print it out right away and keep it will all of my disney stuff. I haven't been to Disney in 11 years and the last time I was there we had to come home after a day and a half due to an unexpected death in the family. So I didn't realize the parking for a lot of the parks would be such a pain.

Do you mind if I pick your brain on one more WL question? We are staying courtyard view bunk beds (checking in the Friday before Thanksgiving and checking out the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Any suggestions on room requests. So far I haven't requested anything, but we are a non-smoking family of four (myself, dh, ds(8) and dd(6) ). We'd love a great view, of pretty much anything. A little noise won't bother us much, and we don't mind too much if it is a decent trek to the room (we are all healthy and in pretty good shape). I guess scenery is the most important thing for us. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

And thanks again for all of the transportation advice. You have been a huge help!!

 

[sleepingbeautymama]

Any suggestions on room requests. So far I haven't requested anything, but we are a non-smoking family of four (myself, dh, ds(8) and dd(6) ). We'd love a great view, of pretty much anything. A little noise won't bother us much, and we don't mind too much if it is a decent trek to the room (we are all healthy and in pretty good shape). I guess scenery is the most important thing for us. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Saw this and thought I'd post. We stayed in a courtyard room/bunkbeds back in Sept. I can't remember my directions but I think it was the south wing (if looking at front of lodge, to the right). We choose this side because it is all non-smoking. We were far down the wing so it was a walk from the front but it was a short walk to the courtyard and boats since you can go down the back stairs. We were on the third floor and I thought is was nice. Sally took care of our rooms everyday and gave us towel animals. I don't know if they have certain floors they work but she was wonderful. I'll post a pic here in a few minutes so you can see what our view was. I really think though that any room in the courtyard will be a nice view and you will love it.

These pictures were taken from our balcony. The first looks towards the left, the second straight out, and last one to the right.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Do you mind if I pick your brain on one more WL question? We are staying courtyard view bunk beds (checking in the Friday before Thanksgiving and checking out the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Any suggestions on room requests. I guess scenery is the most important thing for us. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Mumom


Since I don't believe that there are any bunk-bed rooms off the Lobby I won't suggest a Lobby room. These are my favorite rooms especially during the time you'll be there, all the Christmas decorations will be in place. There isn't anything like opening your room door and seeing a 7 story Christmas Tree right outside or having the view from the balcony of the waterfall, swimming pool and Bay Lake right there.

I will be visiting the Lodge in a few weeks I'll check with them and see if any of the Lobby rooms have the bunk beds now.

The North Wing Courtyard Views have a better view from the balconies of the EWP that is located in Bay Lake. But the South Wing Courtyard Views have a better view of the waterfall and pool area.

Sorry I love both views so I'm not much help...

Just remember to add the "Inner-Courtyard View" to your room request, if you don't want to overlook the Villas pool.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Okay I just had a huge blonde moment! I couldn't understand what
"Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!" meant until now! Wow....my need for WDW has made my mind go crazy!

tinkgurl
Better late then never.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Help me decide what is my most economical of these choices.

BlueFairy

This is hard because there are so many variables. The room rate you have at the Swan ($125/nt) is a great deal. You will not be able to book Wilderness Lodge for less. Also your rack rate of $215.00 a night would be in September during value season, ( Peak Hurricane Season) October is regular season and rack rates are $265.00 a night. With a good AP Rate you could subtract appx $70.00-$75.00 dollars from these prices.

The free dining with rack-rate standard room at WL is a maybe thing that when announced would have to be acted on very fast even then receiving a standard view will be hard to book as there are so few of these rooms.

Disney announced the free dinning several months ago for their European guest for August. So I'm not sure if they will offer it again this year to the general guest.

Sorry I haven't been able to help you much.

Beckie

 

[3GIRLSMOM]

The answer is YES!!!, they are still doing the flag family ritual.
We were at W.L. at the end of Jan. and had the great honor of being a flag family. It was great, you can see forever on top of W.L., every park landmark is visible from uo there. Its really incredible!, first you are escorted to the 7th
floor (Concierge level), and then you have 2 more flights of stairs to climb.
There are 5 flags altogether to raise. The kids felt really important. Afterward we were invited to enjoy a complimentry continental breakfast on the concierge level, and were presented with a certificate reckognizing the honor. It is hard to get to do it, but if your staying longer than a week you will have a good chance, but make sure you ask when you check-in , the days fill up quickly.