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

[LoraJ]

Another thing, it says on the front page we would save 45 minutes in the afternoon by taking the direct bus to the Magic Kingdom. But then there are notes that the direct bus is no longer running. Which is stressing me out. My DFi can't stand going to Magic Kingdom due to all of the public transportation you have to take to get there. I chose WL because it would be a quick, painless bus ride. But this no longer seems to be the case.

How long approx. would it take us to get to MNSSHP if we want to get to MK around 4pm taking the boat?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

On the font page I have a temporary statement posted
ATTENTION TEMPORARY CHANGE ON DIRECT BUS TO MAGIC KINGDOM:
Disney has started work over at the Magic Kingdom to the bus drop-off area until work has been completed the direct bus from Wilderness Lodge will revert to the old route from Wilderness Lodge to TTC. We have been told this is temporary so we will have to wait and see. I'll post updates when I receive further information. QUOTE by Arifenbe: Starting Monday August 28 through December 20, due to road construction, the bus from WL to MK will be replaced by a bus from WL to TTC. (Sept 4,2006) No changes to boat service

I had to post this as it does effect the bus service, but it is temporary and it won't effect guest after December 20th. This is why the original information is still posted. After the work at WDW has been completed that section of the post will be removed from the first page.

If you are going to the Magic Kingdom after the main Green Flag Boat has switched and travels to Ft. Wilderness Campground first. I would just deside which route you would rather do.

Take the bus to TTC then ride the Resort or Direct Monorail around to the Magic Kingdom. (of the two monorails the direct monorail would be faster)

Or ride the Green Flag Boat over.

The 45 minute estament includes a 20 minute wait for the boat to arrive at Wilderness Lodge.

Relaxe your on vacation, enjoy whichever you take.

Beckie

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I just want to chime in, if I may, that when we stay at WL and want to go to MK, we don't even *CONSIDER* the bus. I don't care how much quicker it may or may not be, for some reason, I just don't feel like I am on vacation on a bus, but that boat ride is soooo nice! I have been known to take the other boat to the CR, and ride the monorial to the TTC, and then transfer and get to Epcot that way. Boats and monorails just scream DISNEY to me, where buses do not.

I am not 'above" taking a bus...I do it when at AKL, but my point is, I would rather take a little longer and go by boat or monorail. Hope this helps.

 

[LoraJ]

We'll probably do the boat. The mode of transportation doesn't matter to me. We also hate the buses for the most part and just drive everywhere. But it's my DFi who hates having to take all sorts of different transportation just to get to the MK and he's not too fond of boats. I can relax and enjoy the monorail or boats, or a bus, but my DFi gets grumpy and there's just nothing I can do about it except find the most painless way I can to get to MK. (he got Disney'd out very early on our last trip because of broken monorails and very slow bus service).

I wonder why they just couldn't set up a temporary bus stop for direct service to MK?

 

[LoraJ]

Lora

Don't worry about asking any question you may have. I'll try and answer your questions.

1. Is Valet parking free? And how much do you usually tip? Do you tip when you drop off, pick up or both?
There is a daily charge for Valet parking I beleive the charge is now $9.00 a day, (not 100% sure as I'm a DVC Member and it's free for me, it might be a little less) the tip or gratuity is extra. For valet we tip several dollars both when we drop the car off, and when we pick it up. (A little more if it's raining)

2. Standard rooms on the first page are described as follows: 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. Lobby rooms do have balconies."
Do the other standard rooms have balconies too?
Yes all the rooms at the Wilderness Lodge have balconies or if the room is located on the ground floor a patio.

3. On my vouchers, it says "an upgrade to a king may be available for an additional charge." Anyone know how much additional, and what our chances would be? I know, probably varies too much to answer, but worth a shot.
I'm not 100% sure but as you stated you have a Voucher I'm going to assume you have a package? Did you book a standard room? Did you request a King size bed? If the answer was yes to all the above questions...I'm thinking this statement on the voucher maybe their way of letting the room assigner know you would like a King size bed even though this isn't available with a Standard View room and that you would be willing to pay for an upgrade. (The room assigner may just upgrade you at no charge)

Rooms with King size beds don't have an additional cost (price) at a Deluxe Resorts. Room views do and in order to recieve a room with a King size bed you would need to upgrade to a Woods or Courtyard View because the standard rooms have 2-Queen size beds.

Beckie

Thank you for the info.

Yes, we had requested a King size bed, but were told we couldn't get one because of booking a standard room. We're fine with queen beds though.
I guess if we aren't happy with the standard room we get, we will inquire about upgrading to a Woods view King size, if they have any available. Not a big deal. We're used to a queen bed anyway.

 

[pooch]

When we checked in originally, we were given room 5060, standard view MK side, no bunkbeds available. I really didn't like the view of the service area althugh the MK view was pretty good. Back to the lobby to be told no comp upgrades available, sorry!! Bit the bullet and paid an add'l $350 for a Woods View (BTW - was that swampy looking thing outside my room the famous Otter Pond?). Moved to room 6028, closed balcony!! The family wouldn't let me troup to the lobby again so we kept it. Had a great view of MK fireworks but of course we had to stand to see it.
Later in the week, I had occassion to speak to a manager and, in a very friendly tone, expressed my disappointment in having to pay for a view I had to stand to see. She apologized but really had no recourse for me. Told her we loved the Lodge and thanked her for her time.
Low and behold, when I checked my Disney (of course) Visa statement, she had credited the upgrade back!!! Guess it really does pay to be nice!!!

IMHO, the standard rooms should have the closed balconies so you can't see the loading dock/dumpster/parking lots!!!
Seriously, LOVED the LODGE. Rubbed Humphrey's nose every day and hope to go back soon!!!!

 

[kath1210]

When we checked in originally, we were given room 5060, standard view MK side, no bunkbeds available. I really didn't like the view of the service area althugh the MK view was pretty good. Back to the lobby to be told no comp upgrades available, sorry!! Bit the bullet and paid an add'l $350 for a Woods View (BTW - was that swampy looking thing outside my room the famous Otter Pond?). Moved to room 6028, closed balcony!! The family wouldn't let me troup to the lobby again so we kept it. Had a great view of MK fireworks but of course we had to stand to see it.
Later in the week, I had occassion to speak to a manager and, in a very friendly tone, expressed my disappointment in having to pay for a view I had to stand to see. She apologized but really had no recourse for me. Told her we loved the Lodge and thanked her for her time.
Low and behold, when I checked my Disney (of course) Visa statement, she had credited the upgrade back!!! Guess it really does pay to be nice!!!

IMHO, the standard rooms should have the closed balconies so you can't see the loading dock/dumpster/parking lots!!!
Seriously, LOVED the LODGE. Rubbed Humphrey's nose every day and hope to go back soon!!!!

Wow, that's great news, Gail! I'm glad to see that you got pixie dusted after all!

 

[eeyore45]

I love the Lodge, I am now a convert...

The only 'disappointing' (not problem, just disappointment) and I'm sure its been mentioned before - is Roaring Forks - why only one cashier? No matter what time of day (2pm for lunch) there was always at least a 10 min (usually closer to 20 min) line - and only one cashier!! The way the food lines are set up, I wrongly assumed I didnt have to stand at the hamburger line if I wanted a sandwich, I got "sternly warned" by a guest, and just left - so not worth it!!

Maybe it was the "free dining" maybe it was the Lodge was at capacity - but I found it shocking that after a refurbishment they didnt seem to solve the line problem - and I think for the most part Disney knows how to minimize lines very well!!

We stayed one night at Pop, and they had the lines down - as did POR - but that wont deter us from staying at the Lodge, we just adjusted our eating habits - and ate elsewhere for the most part! (with free dining I dont think it doesnt pay to get the fillable mugs - w/o the dining plan the mugs would've been great!)

 

[LisaRN]

I love the Lodge, I am now a convert...

The only 'disappointing' (not problem, just disappointment) and I'm sure its been mentioned before - is Roaring Forks - why only one cashier? No matter what time of day (2pm for lunch) there was always at least a 10 min (usually closer to 20 min) line - and only one cashier!! The way the food lines are set up, I wrongly assumed I didnt have to stand at the hamburger line if I wanted a sandwich, I got "sternly warned" by a guest, and just left - so not worth it!!

Maybe it was the "free dining" maybe it was the Lodge was at capacity - but I found it shocking that after a refurbishment they didnt seem to solve the line problem - and I think for the most part Disney knows how to minimize lines very well!!

We stayed one night at Pop, and they had the lines down - as did POR - but that wont deter us from staying at the Lodge, we just adjusted our eating habits - and ate elsewhere for the most part! (with free dining I dont think it doesnt pay to get the fillable mugs - w/o the dining plan the mugs would've been great!)

I know there is only one line to go up to the cashiers..but when I was there in August...there were 2 cashiers taking care of people. They just took "next in line". That was different that "pre-refurb" when there was only 1 cashier taking care of people.

 

[ash&abby'smom]

We just returned and there were a couple of times when there was 2 cashiers and sometimes just one.

 

[Tracy Savage]

I don't mean to start trouble but someone on another thread said WL is a "low end Deluxe." I've never stayed there but the way you guys rave about it, I know it's going to be wonderful. I just thought that comment wasn't nice! ( The op was about poor bus transportation)

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hmmm, I have always heard it referred to as "deluxe lite." I mean, it is not as expensive as a true deluxe resort (Poly, GF, CR, Y&BC, BWI, etc) so of course some of the amenities are different. I think the main thing is LOCATION, as most of the deluxes are in the monorail loop, and places like Y&BC and BWI, you can just easily walk into Epcot or MGM. Also, I believe the rooms are smaller at the WL than the others...but not by much. I am not sure what the other differences are, maybe Beckie can shed some light. I mean, the WL has a lounge, a counter service restaurant, a fine dining restaurant AND a casual family restaurant. It has a gym, it has an awesome pool. It has inside corridors (as opposed to all mods and values, they have outside room entry.) Sooo, I can't really see why I would want to pay more to stay somewhere else, unless the theming really appealed to me.

My DH and I have discussed that there is NO LOBBY like the WL. It is truly breathtaking. Well, I hate to "talk it up" too much, because when we first walked in we were not expecting anything (didn't read these boards at that time) so it just knocked our socks off. The theming at the other deluxes never really appealed to me. As much as I love the BW (also a deluxe) the lobby is just "eh." I am staying there primarily for location, and because I got a killer deal renting points. Plus I just like to "change it up" a bit!

Hope this helps, and again, I am sure Beckie can give us some more facts!

 

[gabbyrosebud]

Hello everyone! I am finally a WL Vet!!! I just got back on Sunday from the most magical trip ever! I miss the Lodge already. Everything you all have said about WL is true. I fell in love! I will never stay anywhere else. So many of our wishes came true. We got our room requests, 5th floor, rooms 5018/5020 woodsview. Our room, 5020 had bunk beds! We even had a hidden Mickey on our balcony. My daughter was so excited when she found it. We got to be Flag Family too! Ranger Bruce conducted our ceremony. He was the sweetest man! We had towel animals everyday, including the cutest scenes with my daughters princess dolls. Our mousekeeper was very creative! Thank you all so much for everything. I'll be spending the next 2 years dreaming of going back home.

 

[2tinksmom]

I am so glad you had such a great trip! The Wilderness is pretty incredible and we are sooooo looking forward to our stay in just a little over a month!
Michele

 

[Kimberly815]

I have a question for all you WL vets, please!

We will be staying at WL Jan 8-13th for our honeymoon! On Jan 9th we will be spending the whole day at MK and then have an ADR for CRT at 7:40pm (Wishes is at 8pm). I figure that we won't be done dinner until well after Wishes is over (I have no intention to rush!). What is the best way to plan to travel back to the WL lodge? We will have a rental car. I just don't want to be worried about missing the last boat back to the WL or anything.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I don't mean to start trouble but someone on another thread said WL is a "low end Deluxe." I've never stayed there but the way you guys rave about it, I know it's going to be wonderful. I just thought that comment wasn't nice! ( The op was about poor bus transportation)

Tracy

You are going to need to get thicker skin Girlfriend, there are DIS-Members that are very bias either for or against resorts, it can even get very personal so you need to remain objective. There are a few members that post on every new thread about their favorite resorts even using the same post including photo's each time. You will be able to spot them soon enough. If someone post anything negitive about the resort a war ensues.

Yes there are guest that have stayed at the Lodge and hated it (it happens) or didn't receive the service they should have. (it happens) For the vast majority this hasn't happened. Wilderness Lodge has the most repeat guest of all the Disney Resorts and has been voted Favorite Disney Resort (independent survey) for many years now.

Some members even slander resorts without ever staying at the resort. There was a Thread a few months ago slamming the Wilderness Lodge about everything. But when you would read their signatures where they have posted their resort stays they hadn't ever stayed at Wilderness Lodge.

Transportation post are also very subjective most people's perception of time can be effected by many factors. A 10 minute wait while watching baby ducks swimming by or looking at beautiful flowers is very different than another guest with serveral small childrens having a bad day.

No matter what you read every resort has had transportation problems...Last year they had some major problems with the resort monorails, (people being stuck on the monorails for quite a while) there were some upset guest. Or trying to get on a bus over at the EPCOT resorts when they have decided to group all 7 resorts on one bus route. (been there had to wait a long time)

The only bus route that takes more then the normal estamated times are the busses to DTD this is for every resort...value, moderate and deluxe. So you have been warned.

Now about the Low End Resort you have decided to spend all your money at...

Some people just don’t know the difference between a great value, and something of no/less value.

I feel the price difference is because while the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge are both full service deluxe resorts and they are both near one of the major parks. They don't have the convenience of the monorail (Grand Floridian, Polynesian or Contemporary) or being able to walk to a park like the EPCOT Deluxe Resorts.

Are the rooms smaller yes The Wilderness Lodge opened in 1994, the Animal Kingdom Lodge in 2001. I'm sure construction cost 25/35 years later may have more to do with the room size then any other reasons. They are the newest Deluxe Full Service Resorts (Non-DVC) that have been built on property.

So while I wouldn’t say that either the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge is a "Low End Deluxe." I would say that we all know they are the best valued...Deluxe Resorts.

Beckie

 

[Tracy Savage]

All I can say is that I am sooo looking forward to my virgin stay at the lodge. I am fairly new to the Dis and have learned alot and yes, I have figured some people out already. I have done alot of research here about the resorts and have found consistantly good reviews about WL.The OTHER deluxe resorts are a bit out of our price range so believe me, we are beyond thrilled to be staying there. And I don't mind the buses. It's all part of the trip. I'd rather hop on a Disney bus than find my car in a huge lot and sit in traffic coming and going! No big deal....

 

[Va-bear]

All I can say is that I am sooo looking forward to my virgin stay at the lodge. I am fairly new to the Dis and have learned alot and yes, I have figured some people out already. I have done alot of research here about the resorts and have found consistantly good reviews about WL.The OTHER deluxe resorts are a bit out of our price range so believe me, we are beyond thrilled to be staying there. And I don't mind the buses. It's all part of the trip. I'd rather hop on a Disney bus than find my car in a huge lot and sit in traffic coming and going! No big deal....

We just got back, last month, from our first stay at WL (for that matter, first time on property ever.) Your point is 100% right - the buses were fine and certainly better than doing it yourself. The boats were GREAT - I think they are the main thing I will miss next time, not staying at WL. (We liked the lodge a LOT but I think I just built it up TOO much, so try not to do that... that way anything else is a plus. We had a bleh view - put on ground level and I LOVE staying up high, feels like vacation. I LIVE on ground floor all year... And, yes, I requested 6th floor. No view, no high-up balcony, no towel aniamls, no magic period....but thats life. Hopefully next time!) So enjoy, relax, and it will be great!!!

 

[P-Dust]

We have just returned from the WL last week and all I can say is I'M SOLD!!
It just might become my new favorite resort. POFQ has held that spot for quite a few years. We booked standard and got up-graded to woods view. 6028. The room was small but the nighttime view was awesome. I could watch the MK Wishes everynight!! My eldest DD loved the pool slide.

 

[klmall]

We had a wonderful time at the WL - Oct. 4 - 10; uncrowded parks until the 7th or so.

Generally lovely weather but it was warmer than normal according to the locals!

Great view from our Room 7046 (Concierge) of the Contemporary, Castle, monorail in two places, Polynesian and even though it overlooked the loading area for food for the Lodge I would choose it again for the view alone!

We watched the fireworks from our room two nights and from the California Grill one other night!

Even though we were 3 adults we ate at the Akershus for lunch and enjoyed the princesses! We also liked our meals at the CG, Concourse Steakhouse, Artist Point, Rose and Crown (for Illuminations), Crystal Palace and Kona Cafe.

Our touring plans were definitely take-it-easy! We did Epcot on Wednesday and Thursday to enjoy Soarin and the Food and Wine Festival, Magic Kingdom on Friday, Animal Kingdom on Saturday. Then son and I did a Keys to the Kingdom Tour on Sunday and we all finished with the Studios on Monday.

No lovebugs anywhere but many, many Brazilian tour groups who for the most part were polite. My only concern was the fact that they tended to travel in huge groups which literally overwhelmed any attraction they decided to ride. Later in our visit we did see more of them in small groups sometimes even with adult leaders and their flags!

Magical Express was excellent but for the first time out of all our trips to WDW we had several bad bus and boat experiences traveling to and from the Wilderness Lodge even though we allowed for at least an hour's travel time.

Everywhere we went cast members wished us Happy Anniversary upon seeing our buttons and did little things to note our 35th wedding anniversary.

Any questions, just ask!