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

[Majestic]

Don't worry! I've never ever had a problem there. Everyone is very friendly! More so than any other hotel we've stayed at. You will have a great time.

Thanks for responding. This will be our first time visiting WL and with all the negative comments we were wondering if we should switch to another hotel.

 

[Majestic]

All rooms have a balcony except for the ground floor as you have a patio instead.

Everyone's idea of noise is different.

If you want peace and quiet, ask for a south wing villas pool room or a north wing woods view that's higher up. It's not a standard but you may get the upgrade. Who knows?!?!?

Fred

I am correct when I say that the standard rooms have balconies?? Also would the standard rooms be really noisey? We are going for a while so we probably would be in our room a little more than usual. I am fine with the standard room as long as it has a balcony and is not too loud. Thanks again for all the help and advice

 

[PLUTO2]

Don't worry! I've never ever had a problem there. Everyone is very friendly! More so than any other hotel we've stayed at. You will have a great time.

Thank you

 

[Lulu's Mom]

All rooms have a balcony except for the ground floor as you have a patio instead.

Everyone's idea of noise is different.

If you want peace and quiet, ask for a south wing villas pool room or a north wing woods view that's higher up. It's not a standard but you may get the upgrade. Who knows?!?!?

Fred

Thank you so much

 

[suzct]

Could anyone tell me if there are small fridges in the rooms or will I need to request one?

Thanks

 

[Majestic]

Could anyone tell me if there are small fridges in the rooms or will I need to request one?

Thanks

Fridges are free. If there isn't one in your room when you check in, call mousekeeping and ask for one.

 

[kimmar067]

...wonder what AspiringCidy is up to now..........!!?!?!?!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

...wonder what AspiringCidy is up to now..........!!?!?!?!

She's doing all of the above....

 

[monty]

It is now less than a month before we got to WDL(our first trip) and I'm really starting to get nervous. Not only am I responsible for organising my families trip, but we also have our friends travelling with us and I am going to feel so bad if I have mucked things up.
I think my main concern at this time is: I keep reading as many "bad" things about WL as "good". Both families have woods view rooms booked...I understand the luck of the draw as far as our view and whilst not overly concerned what our "view" is of, I hope it is not a parking lot.
My other main concern is the transport. Perhaps the title "Wilderness" should have been a clue, but I'm starting to feel that perhaps we really will be out in the "Wilderness" and will be isolated and wandering the woods lost, like Hansel & Gretel.I have copy and pasted info. from various sites, but there are a number of discrepencies.I'm not sure if this is because the info. on some sites is out dated or what, but I'm beginning to feel that we are going to get very lost, if not stranded.
My specific transport questions relating to WL are:
we have an 8.05am ADR at crystal palace
an 8.05am ADR at boma
an 8.00am ADR at grand floridian
What is the quickest option transport wise for these early mornings and how much time do we need to allow. There are 6 of us, is there a taxi that can take all of us, or would we need to get two, if we took the taxi option? Do these need to be prebooked and will the front desk do this?
Coming back in the evenings: I assume the buses will run until some time after the parks shut, but what about Downtown Disney?
And lastly, as far as transportation goes, do the buses from WL all go to the transportation centre and you swap over there for buses to the theme parks?
Majestic Fred, or anyone else, if you can please put my mind at ease I would be very appreciative.

 

[bleeps]

We're trying WL for the first time -- 12/3 to 12/10; can hardly wait! Can someone please tell me if it's worth my trying to request, for our woods view room, that we get one with MK view? I do realize that the whole business of room requests is iffy (although for last year's trip we got exactly what we requested at the Poly and Contemp), but if MK view means even a glimpse of the fireworks, I'd make the effort. Anything that I'd want to try to avoid with a woods view room? Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Lulu's Mom]

We are ready to book for Dec 2006... but I am still torn between 2 choices

10 days/nights in standard room
9 days/nights in woods view

The prices are almost identical. My only concern with the room is that we will be traveling with our 2.5 year old DD, so we will be spending a good amount of time at the resort and in our room. I could just book the standard and ask for the upgrade when we check in, but since it will be almost Christmas time I am afraid that the Lodge will be completley booked.

I know I am stressing about something so unimportant as the room type but I was curious as to what you WL Vets would do. Any advice?

Thanks
Vannessa

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I think my main concern at this time is: I keep reading as many "bad" things about WL as "good". Both families have woods view rooms booked...I understand the luck of the draw as far as our view and whilst not overly concerned what our "view" is of, I hope it is not a parking lot.

Hi Monty First take a deep breath...let it go...Let all the worries go...You have made reservations at a great Resort. Some of the "bad" reviews are justified, some are from over expectations, they have read about someone that had a wonderful experience and expect everything to be MAGICAL. You have to remember the old adage "You catch more bees with honey than vinegar,"
or "To receive Magic you have to give Magic."

Your room Woods View shouldn't be over a parking lot, (standard view) You may ask for a room in the NorthWing that overlooks the Otter pond this will get you a room with a view of woods and maybe the MAGIC KINGDOM with nightly views of WISHES fireworks. Ask for a room on the 5th floor if you are non-smokers, the 6th floor is for smoking optional rooms.

My other main concern is the transport. Perhaps the title "Wilderness" should have been a clue, but I'm starting to feel that perhaps we really will be out in the "Wilderness" and will be isolated and wandering the woods lost. I'm beginning to feel that we are going to get very lost, if not stranded.

While staying at Wilderness Lodge you feel like you are staying in the wilderness, your only a few minutes away from everything WDW has to offer...not stranded. You are staying at a deluxe resort that has several options with many transportation options.

My specific transport questions relating to WL are:
we have an 8.05am ADR at crystal palace
an 8.05am ADR at boma
an 8.00am ADR at grand floridian
What is the quickest option transport wise for these early mornings and how much time do we need to allow. There are 6 of us, is there a taxi that can take all of us, or would we need to get two, if we took the taxi option?

Let me see if I can help...
Your 8:05am @ Crystal Palace will depend on if the morning of your ADR is on a morning that the Magic Kingdom opens early to resort guest, (EMH) if the park opens @ 8:00am just be at the boat dock at 7:20am and take the Green Flag Boat to the park.

If the MK doesn't open early on your scheduled date you have two options.
The smaller Blue Flag Resort Boats start running at 7:00am. You could catch a resort boat over to the CR then walk or catch the Resort Monorail to the MK. Walking is quicker. OR The direct bus from Wilderness Lodge to the MK starts running @ 7:00am (about a 5 minute ride) This would be the quickest way to arrive for your breakfast.

For your ADR @ the Grand Floridian #1) Will require either a ride over to the CR on a Blue Flag Resort Bus then enter the resort and take the Resort Monorail around to the Grand Floridian. Or #2)You may take the direct bus to MK and catch the Resort Monorail back around to the Grand Floridian or catch the resort boat that runs between the Grand Floridian and MK. (You could also take a taxi over)

For your ADR at Boma I would schedule a taxi to take your group over just request a van. (Check at the vallet desk out side at the Lodge for taxi available)

Because you have six people and it's your first visit I would depart the resort @ 7:00am every morning. (better safe then late)

Coming back in the evenings: I assume the buses will run until some time after the parks shut, but what about Downtown Disney?

The buses run for an hour or a little longer after park closing. The buses to DTD run very late.

And lastly, as far as transportation goes, do the buses from WL all go to the transportation centre and you swap over there for buses to the theme parks?

No all the buses go directly to the parks. The direct bus that runs to the MK during operation hours, later after the MK closes will run between WL, Ft. Wilderness Campground and TTC.

I hope I answered everything, just post any questions and I'll try and help.
Beckie aw:

 

[anniebell]

We are going to be at the WL in a couple weeks!! We are booked for a courtyard view...but I have never heard of a standard view or a woods view...I would love to know the difference, and for that matter...what courtyard view is! All I know is that the courtyard view was more money...but it was all that was offered at the FL resident rate!

I'm so glad I found this thread! It's our first visit to WL and I am not sure what to expect yet!!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Can someone please tell me if it's worth my trying to request, for our woods view room, that we get one with MK view? I do realize that the whole business of room requests is iffy (although for last year's trip we got exactly what we requested at the Poly and Contemp), but if MK view means even a glimpse of the fireworks, I'd make the effort. Anything that I'd want to try to avoid with a woods view room?

Bleeps

By all means request what you would like, for a Woods View with possable view of the MK & WISHES ask for a room located on the 5th floor (non-smoking) 6th floor for (smoking optional) NorthWing overlooking the Otter Pond.

 

[skent10]

For our trip in June, we'll be arriving in the morning and checking in before noon. We've pretty much decided to just hang around the resort that first afternoon before heading over to FW for the HDD Revue.

I know we may not be able to get into our villa before we need to leave for FW, so are there other places to change, especially around the pool area? I thought it might be nice for the kids to go swimming when we arrive (I'll pack their suits in our carryons), but they'd need to change, and then change again into clean clothes for supper. Can we do this easily if we don't have access to our villa yet?

TIA.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We are booked for a courtyard view...but I have never heard of a standard view or a woods view...I would love to know the difference, and for that matter...what courtyard view is! All I know is that the courtyard view was more money...but it was all that was offered at the FL resident rate!

Anniebell

The Standard Views book up fast as do the Woods View after the standard rooms are booked. With the BRP being offered to the AP holders before the Florida Resident rates came out the rooms were not available when you booked. You will be visiting during the most popular time to be at Wilderness Lodge as the Christmas decorations will be done.

Do you have a Florida Resident Seasonal Passport? If you do you may book earlier with the AP discounts next trip and may be able to book a standard room. For details on the Room Types please read page 1 of this thread you will also find loads of fun things to do and activities at the lodge and over at Ft. Wilderness Campground.

Beckie aw:

 

[anniebell]

Thank you Beckie! And yes, I have been reading this thread a lot! I love it! I am sure it will be a busy time to be there...it's the only time we could go...we had reservations at the Beach Club last week, but we had to postpone because our two boys got sick!

So, this time around, we are doing it right....at the WL

Thanks for the great thread!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We are ready to book for Dec 2006... but I am still torn between 2 choices
10 days/nights in standard room
9 days/nights in woods view
The prices are almost identical. My only concern with the room is that we will be traveling with our 2.5 year old DD, so we will be spending a good amount of time at the resort and in our room. I could just book the standard and ask for the upgrade when we check in, but since it will be almost Christmas time I am afraid that the Lodge will be completley booked.

Vannessa

Sorry I almost missed your post...I would go for 10 days very time with a Standard View. (you may luck up and get a free upgrade)
Are you just booking room only or a package? I always try and book standard view if available the rate is just so much better. You also need to keep an eye out for some room discounts if you are booking room only when your dates get closer.

Beckie aw:

 

[Lulu's Mom]

Vannessa

Sorry I almost missed your post...I would go for 10 days very time with a Standard View. (you may luck up and get a free upgrade)
Are you just booking room only or a package? I always try and book standard view if available the rate is just so much better. You also need to keep an eye out for some room discounts if you are booking room only when your dates get closer.

Beckie aw:

Thanks... I am booking it as a package so we can get the dinning plan. To us the dinning plan was such a good deal and as far as I know you have to book a complete package to get the dinning plan.

I will keep an eye out for codes and PINS, as I got one earlier this year, I just think that once I book they will not send me a PIN since they already have my money

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

For our trip in June, we'll be arriving in the morning and checking in before noon. We've pretty much decided to just hang around the resort that first afternoon before heading over to FW for the HDD Revue.

I know we may not be able to get into our villa before we need to leave for FW, so are there other places to change, especially around the pool area? I thought it might be nice for the kids to go swimming when we arrive (I'll pack their suits in our carryons), but they'd need to change, and then change again into clean clothes for supper. Can we do this easily if we don't have access to our villa yet?.

Skent10

Well first you will be in your Villa before your scheduled time for HDD Revue so don't worry. There are several places to change the restrooms inside the Lodge, the restrooms that are near the Main Pool (Silver Creek Springs Pool) But as you will be staying over at the Villas I would use the restroom/changing rooms. The changing rooms are large and you'll have more room they are located over at the Villas just outside of Sturdy Branches Health Club near Hidden Springs Pool. You will also find lockers there as well as near the main pool if you need them.

Have Fun
Beckie aw: