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

[sleepingbeautymama]

I would like to surprise my dh with something when we arrive at the WL for our anniversary. I've heard people mention cakes, but he's not a cake person. Is there anything that the restaurants or shops have in WL that they could deliver? Also I'm trying to figure out how I'd go about doing it. Can I set something up in advance before we go or would I have to do it there? I have no idea how I could sneak away from him to set this up. Also wondering do they have anything cute for kids that I could surprise my dd with? Thanks

 

[gabbyrosebud]

Bev J
I have taken the Blue Flag Boat over to CR several times then just walked to MK, it was fun but unless the Green Flag Boat isn't running yet it's just as fast to wait on the next large boat.

I will be using the bus to TTC so I can jump on the EPCOT Monorail to the Food & Wine Festival. I have missed being able to take the monorail.

Beckie[/size][/font]

Hi Beckie I'm so grateful for all your information on the transportation to the park. I'll be staying at the WL for the first time in 24 days, but who's counting!
Another question for you. I'm a bit of a nervous nellie when it comes to getting to the MK on time for my CRT and CP reservations. I heard that their was a special bus just for early ADR at MK. Do they now have an early boat that can get us to MK for our 8:00AM ADR? Thanks!

 

[Bev J]

Kristin- Looks like we will be there around the same time- Sept 29-Oct6 for us!
Also our first time at the WL, we had lunch there 2 years ago and ever since I have wanted to stay there.

Beckie-Thanks for the transportation info.. We will be enjoying that boat ride, but the bus-TTC will probably work out great for going to Epcot. The monorail is one of our favorite forms of transportation.

I am so happy for all the information you all provide on this thread!!

Bev

 

[tardin1964]

Another question for you. I'm a bit of a nervous nellie when it comes to getting to the MK on time for my CRT and CP reservations. I heard that their was a special bus just for early ADR at MK. Do they now have an early boat that can get us to MK for our 8:00AM ADR? Thanks!

The Green Flag MK boat does not start running until an hour before the park opens. So unless your ADR for CP is on a day when MK has EMH in the morning you have to find another way.

Your best bet is probably to take the bus to TTC and take the monorail to MK. Or you could take the Blue Flag resort boat (which starts running at 7:00am) to CR and either walk to MK or take the monorail from there.

 

[alacazander]

Thanks for the great information on this thread!

We just booked WL Conceirge for next year. I'm so excited about staying here.

They said that we could request a queen with bunk beds. Does anyone know where they are located on the 7th floor?

Also when looking at room pictures with the bunk beds the rooms seem smaller to me. Is it just me? I know they are the same size. Wondering if anyone else felt that way?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I would like to surprise my dh with something when we arrive at the WL for our anniversary. I've heard people mention cakes, but he's not a cake person. Is there anything that the restaurants or shops have in WL that they could deliver? Also wondering do they have anything cute for kids that I could surprise my dd with?

Sleepingbeautymama

OK I just saw this yesterday and loved the site, but the trial dates end before our next visit. I think this would be great for your DD's gift. Just click on the link below:
Magical Beginnings

For DH and your anniversary I would take the advise of DizneyKid, for her the cake was perfect and trust me I would have loved to be able to share it with her...I'm sure you will be able to arrange another surprise for your DH (they are the experts and really love their jobs) I know they can help you.

Some romantic ideas would be to order some chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne to enjoy on your balcony!!

Take her to dinner at Artist Point. Let them know it is your anniversary. They are great!!
(This would be my choice make a reservation for the two of you at Artist Point and another for your daughter at the Cub's Den.)

Also, Chris in the Food and Beverage department at the WL is amazing!!! My last birthday, my husband was very sneaky and spoke with her and he had ordered me a special cake to be delivered for dessert at Artist Point. She came through with flying colors. She was very helpful, you might want to call and ask her for suggestions. The number is the main number to the lodge: 407-824-3200, just make sure you ask for Chris in Food and Beverage.

Hope you have a GREAT STAY.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Another question for you. I'm a bit of a nervous nellie when it comes to getting to the MK on time for my CRT and CP reservations. I heard that their was a special bus just for early ADR at MK. Do they now have an early boat that can get us to MK for our 8:00AM ADR?

Gabbyrosebud

I understand you being apprehensive about your early ADR's ordinarily you wouldn't have a problem direct bus to MADIC KINGOM, but Now you get to have an Adventure.

1) Take the bus to TTC then transfer to the Resort Monorail to the Magic Kingdom you will need to be at the bus stop by 7:00am-7:10am just to make sure you have enough time to reach the entrance in time. (Before the direct bus when the Wilderness Lodge bus always traveled to TTC the driver would sometime take guest directly to the bus stop at the Magic Kingdom do to the construction I'm not sure the driver would be able to do this, but as the traffic wouldn't be as heavy at this time they might if you ask )

2) Take the Blue Flag Boat to the marina @ The Contemporay Resort then walk toward the Tower keep walking cutting to the right of the main tower building, cut across the parking area until you reach the security shack there will be a sidewalk that you will be able to follow to the entrance of the park. You should be @ the boat dock @ 7:00
am

3) This route will take the longest...Take the Blue Flag Boat to the marina @ The Contemporay Resort then walk to the Tower and enter, go to the Resort Monorail Station take the Monorail around to the Magic Kingdom The resort monorail travels clockwise so you would first go to TTC, POLY, GRAND FLORIDIAN then Magic Kingdom as you can see jumping on the bus to TTC would be faster.

4) This is extreme but we had to do this before one morning when we were late for a CRT breakfast. I had my DH take us in the car to the Contempoary security shack (he wasn't going) then we had a short walk to the entrance. If you take a taxi and request the Magic Kingdom they will take you to the TTC so if you had too take a taxi go to either the Contempoary then get out at the security shack or even the Grand Floridian were you could take the resort monorail then one stop and your at the Magic Kingdom I wasn't staying at the Lodge that trip we were over at Boardwalk Villas, but never forget TAXI's they are quick and not very expensive, you just need to be creative with your drop-off locations.
ie. Going to diner at EPCOT World Showcase take the taxi but take it to the Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn instead of walking from the front of EPCOT all the way to the back of the park, you could have a quick walk to International Gateway and be right there.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

They said that we could request a queen with bunk beds. Does anyone know where they are located on the 7th floor?

Also when looking at room pictures with the bunk beds the rooms seem smaller to me. Is it just me? I know they are the same size. Wondering if anyone else felt that way?

Alacazander

Congratulations on your upcoming Concierge stay. Since all the rooms have been refurbished not really sure which rooms have which bed configurations other then the suites.

While the room may look smaller having the bunk beds in the room will give you more floor space. So it must just be you.

Really...I hate most the photo's taken of the rooms they never seem to capture the way they really are. I own over at the Villas @ Wilderness Lodge, if I had just gone with looking at the photo's I would have never wanted to stay there let a lone buy there.

Beckie

 

[alacazander]

Alacazander

Congratulations on your upcoming Concierge stay. Since all the rooms have been refurbished not really sure which rooms have which bed configurations other then the suites.

While the room may look smaller having the bunk beds in the room will give you more floor space. So it must just be you.

Really...I hate most the photo's taken of the rooms they never seem to capture the way they really are. I own over at the Villas @ Wilderness Lodge, if I had just gone with looking at the photo's I would have never wanted to stay there let a lone buy there.

Beckie

Thanks Beckie! I appreciate it!

 

[iggbees]

Sleepingbeautymama

OK I just saw this yesterday and loved the site, but the trial dates end before our next visit. I think this would be great for your DD's gift. Just click on the link below:
Magical Beginnings

For DH and your anniversary I would take the advise of DizneyKid, for her the cake was perfect and trust me I would have loved to be able to share it with her...I'm sure you will be able to arrange another surprise for your DH (they are the experts and really love their jobs) I know they can help you.



Hope you have a GREAT STAY.

Beckie

how do you order something like tuxedo strawberries for the room? what other kinds of things can you order?

 

[gabbyrosebud]

Kristin- Looks like we will be there around the same time- Sept 29-Oct6 for us!
Also our first time at the WL, we had lunch there 2 years ago and ever since I have wanted to stay there.
Bev

Hi Bev! Can you believe it's almost here? See you there!

Thanks again Beckie for all the great transportation info. I think I'll take the boat to the TTC and then the monorail. I just hope I make it there on time!

 

[FatherForce]

I'm sure this has been asked elsewhere in this thread, but I'm getting frustrated with the search feature...SO,

are the refillable mugs the sam as in previous years?
We have ours from 95(!) and would like to re-use them if possible.

Thanks!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

how do you order something like tuxedo strawberries for the room? what other kinds of things can you order?

Iggbees

You would start by calling the main number to the lodge: 407-824-3200, then ask for Food and Beverage. They will be able to tell you what would be available and the cost.

Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Are the refillable mugs the same as in previous years?
We have ours from 95(!) and would like to re-use them if possible.

FatherForce

Depends on if you purchased what I call the fat mug or the skinny mug. They only have one style now and it's the...........skinny one. If you purchased your mug in 95 you should be able to use them without any trouble, I would just check with the Cast Member or Manager at Roaring Fork first.

Before anyone gets too crazy about what I posted....If FatherForce purchased their mugs in 1995 they did so with a lifetime free refeill *Note Purchase a mug and receive free refills during your stay at the lodge and any future visits: I know this because I have mugs from the Poly and Wilderness Lodge I could reuse. Sometimes I do, most trips I don't as we stay over at the Villas and bring our own drinks.

If you purchased mugs under the newer refill limited to duration of visit fine it's good for refills during your visit only.

Beckie

 

[iggbees]

Iggbees

You would start by calling the main number to the lodge: 407-824-3200, then ask for Food and Beverage. They will be able to tell you what would be available and the cost.

Beckie

thank you!

 

[javaj]

We returned last Sunday from our 8 night stay at the WL (our 2nd stay at WL this year). Just wanted to report that everything was great. We booked a standard view but was upgraded to a courtyard view at check-in. We had an option of north wing with 2 queen beds or south wing facing the villas pool with bunk beds. We took the bunk beds, DS #1 loves bunk beds!

We had a 1st floor room directly across from the quiet pool. At first it felt like a hike to get anywhere, but we got used to it. We took the back way (not through the lobby) to the boat dock and cut across the main pool grounds to get to Roaring Forks or the laundry room.

The buses were okay. Once we waited 35 minutes for an Epcot bus. After that we learned to take the TTC bus if it came before the Epcot bus. We also took the TTC bus to get to the Polynesian.

Earlier in the week (8/26 to about 8/30), the pool water was very warm, felt like bath water! It got a little cooler later in the week (8/31 through 9/3) -- but it was still comfortable.

We used Cub's Den last Friday night and 4yo DS was the only reservation there! We didn't even want him to go but he didn't want to go to the concourse steakhouse with us so we let him play for about 2 hours. He said he really liked it.

The only thing I didn't like (which isn't exclusive to the WL) is the smoking at the pool and other public outdoor areas. We hated being at the pool and having smokers smoke cigarettes and cigars close to the kids. A cast member mentioned that this is allowed because the WL does not have designated smoking areas and that he also didn't like it, plus he was tired of all the cigarette butts all over the place.

Anyway, it was a great stay!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I've just been to the 1st page of this thread and there's not really any information on the Concierge Lounge...other than it's on the 7th floor and views vary. Can someone (Beckie?) update that page with more detailed information like....check-in, Old Faithful Club hours with a brief description of possible food items and general info about what concierge has to offer? It's so time consuming looking for individual threads about that one bit of information you remember seeing somewhere. If there's somewhere here that has all this information in one spot PLEASE post a link.

Over a month ago DLBDS posted this request...I have managed to start the information on my post Page 1-Post #2 I would like to thank LisaRN, (Lisa) dizneykid (Jeannie) and all the other posters on this thread. I will keep it updated with new information when I receive it, I also have a few other items I'm looking for.

You can always find the information on page 1 but here is a sneek peek:

Thanks
Beckie

Concierge @ Wilderness Lodge Old Faithful Club Lounge

I have been requested to add a little information on Page 1 describing Concierge and the procedure's for guest that are thinking about or have already booked their first concierge stay at Wilderness Lodge.

You will receive an E-mail or phone call from the IPO Staff shorty after you book concierge. (These staff cast members aren't located at Wilderness Lodge but will be your first contact.)
Sample
WELCOME
Personal Itinerary Planner

Thank you for choosing Disney?s Wilderness Lodge Resort for your upcoming visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort. On behalf of our entire team, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our resort. We look forward to your arrival.

Disney?s Wilderness Lodge Resort has assembled a team of itinerary planners who will work closely with you in developing an itinerary that best meets the needs and wishes of your party. Many of our restaurants, recreational opportunities, spa treatments, and shows can be booked 180 days or more in advance of your visit. For the greatest success in securing the dates and times you prefer, we recommend that you contact our team at your earliest convenience. You may contact us by e-mail, telephone, or by completing and returning the attached Personal Vacation Itinerary Planner. All requests made will be booked, based upon availability. A confirmation will be returned to you in the form of a personalized itinerary.
Your itinerary planning team is available to assist you from 8a.m. to 8 p.m., everyday of the week, excluding holidays. We may be reached via e-mail, mail, fax, or telephone at the numbers and address listed below. We encourage you to visit our website: www.disneyworld.com.

So you have all your ADR's, special gifts, and room request done and it's time for your Trip.

If you arrive by personal/private car at the Wilderness Lodge the first contact will be the security gaurd at the entrance. You will be required to show a photo ID (required for any arriving guest) notify the guard that you will be a Concierge Guest then drive to the main entrance you will be met by one of the Concierge Cast Members who will escorted you and your group to the 7th floor. You will by-pass the check-in line in the Lobby, but you must be escorted to have access to the 7th floor.

When you arrive, if your room is ready they may show you directly to your room to freshen up and get settled in...before going back and checking in. If your room isn't ready you may still check-in and enjoy the lounge and food offerings.

________________________​

The Club Concierge Cast Members of the Old Faithful Club at Disney Wilderness Lodge wish to welcome you home!

Club Concierge Cast Members are at your service daily from 7 am to 10 pm to arrange dining, childcare, transportation, recreation activities, account settlements and many other services.

The Old Faithful Club Lounge, located on the 7th Floor Atrium Area, is for the exclusive use of our Club Guest. We invite you to sample our food and beverage offerings, take part in our available activities, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

When visiting the lounge, may we suggest footwear and cover-ups for swim wear. We ask that an adult accompany Guest below the age of 10. If you plan to partake in our wine, beer or cordials, please be prepared to present appropriate photo identification.

We hope you enjoy your stay at Wilderness Lodge...dedicated to the lagacy of our National Parks.

Hours of Service
Coffee Service...............................................6:30am-10:00pm
Continental Breakfast......................................7:30am-10:30am
Snacks & Refreshments...................................11:30am-4:00pm
Wine & Cheese Selections................................5:00pm-7:00pm
Cordials & Desserts.........................................8:00pm-10:00pm

________________________​

The following items are just an example of the offerings:

Continental Breakfast: (each day, was the same)
*Blueberry and Chocolate Chip muffins (the mini kind...not full sized)
*Bagels (mini kind) flavors were: sesame, plain, poppy seed. A toaster was available as was cream cheese, butter, jelly, and peanut butter
*4 cereals, Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes, Froot Loops and Cheerios
*A pastry, usually filled with apple or cherry
*Croissants (some mornings, not every morning)]
*Coffee, different kinds of tea, hot cocoa, chocolate milk, white milk, orange and apple juice
Snacks & Refreshments: (each day the same)
* Gummi Bears
* Nuts
* Pretzels
* Chocolate Chip or Sugar Cookies
Also…an assortment of sodas and juices was available in the fridge.
Wine & Cheese Selections-Evening Appetizers: Each day there was bread, butter, cheeses, vegetables and dip, crackers and those PB&J Uncrustables. Then each day the following would change.
Day 1 (Wednesday)
* Soup-Hearty Vegetable
* Appetizers-Buffalo Chili
Day 2 (Thursday)
* Soup-Cream
*Appetizers-Sausage Dish
Day 3 (Friday)
* Soup-Potato Cheese
* Appetizer-Salmon Pot Pie
Day 4 (Saturday)
* Soup-Hearty Vegetable
* Appetizer-Pulled Pork
Evening Desserts:
Each night there were brownies, cookies and magic cookie bars..and one hot dessert. It would vary...between apple crisp and a blackberry/blueberry cobbler type dish. Very delicious.

The above concierge information was compiled with assistance from: LisaRN, dizneykid and other Wilderness Lodge Vets. Thank you all

 

[TiggerAllie]

Hi All-- We'll be at WL the 1st week of Dec (haven't solidified the dates yet). Right now we have a CV room. I know the inner courtyard/higher floor is a good room request to make. Any opinions on North vs. South wings? Also, any ideas on when the exterior refurbishment is going to end? I'd like to switch to a WV, but nothing yet.

I didn't realize about the smoking at the pool. Where are the designated smoking rooms at WL? Can you smell the smokers at the pool from the inner CV rooms at all?
TIA!

 

[dizneykid]

Hi All-- We'll be at WL the 1st week of Dec (haven't solidified the dates yet). Right now we have a CV room. I know the inner courtyard/higher floor is a good room request to make. Any opinions on North vs. South wings? Also, any ideas on when the exterior refurbishment is going to end? I'd like to switch to a WV, but nothing yet.

I didn't realize about the smoking at the pool. Where are the designated smoking rooms at WL? Can you smell the smokers at the pool from the inner CV rooms at all?
TIA!

Smoking Optional rooms are on the 6th floor NorthWing. Now I'm not sure but I think it is only the wing closer to Bay Lake on both Magic Kingdom (Woodsview side) and the Inner CourtYard side.

I have had many inner Courtyard rooms and I have never smelled smoke. You should be ok.

 

[dizneykid]

I got an email from a friend today that I asked about the work being done on the exterior of the Lodge.

He said "They are replacing some of the wood fascia. It only affects the rooms ending with 123 to 129 up the floors to the 7th floor. Some of it does wrap to room 121. All those rooms are placed out of order so guests will not have a room with scaffolding in front of it."

Regarding the busses:

"The bus that went to the Magic Kingdom now goes to the TTC from now until mid December. They wanted to ease the number of busses pulling into the MK bus stop due to construction being done on those bus stops."

Hope this helps.