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

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We will be staying here for the 1st time 4/23-4/30,I'm still wondering what to request.We booked courtyard and req'd bunkbeds with ajoining for nanny and Papa.We have two small kids(5&2yrs old)what are some ideas for us.I'm confused with north south wing which is which?Any input from the experts will be taken.

Thanks, but i'm curious as to Kimmer's pictures (the link she posted has awesome photos ) I have no idea what/where... well, the where, she posted the room numbers, but as to whether those pictures were of courtyard or woodsview - I hate to assume, but based on my limited knowledge, they seem to be facing pools, so would that make them courtyard?

Superbird & Eeyore45

The following information is located on page 1 and was originally posted by FloridaCat one of our Wilderness Lodge Vets. The following information will help you become familiar with the lodge.

WILDERNESS LODGE LAYOUT

Upon entering the massive front doors, you will find on your left public rest rooms, Whisper Canyon Café, The fireplace and then to Artist’s Point. You then descend down a wide ramp hallway to the doors to the courtyard. Turning left you will find Roaring Forks Food Court, Public Restrooms, elevators and across from the elevators is Guest Laundry.

Back at the main entrance, turning to your right will be the Bell Service desk, behind them is a small room where the Meeses can watch Disney Movies while M&D are getting checked in.
Then along the right wall is the check in counter. At the end of the counter is an GUEST SERVIVES/RESORT CONCIERGE where you can pick up maps and time sheets for the parks. The CM will give you a packet with Wilderness information and a Lodge activities sheet. Continuing along that wall is the elevators.

Going down the hall at the end of the check in counter is Mercantile Gift Shop, across from them are elevators. Then there is the Arcade room and Cubs Den. Going out the doors takes you to the bus terminal. There are signs informing you where each bus will stop and where it is going.

BUILDINGS:
For the sake of clarification I am naming the buildings LOBBY, NORTH WING A, NORTH WING B, SOUTH WING A, SOUTH WING B. With the A buildings close to the lobby and the B building connected to the A buildings; towards Bay Lake. The North buildings are on your left facing the lodge and South buildings on your right.

Rooms are numbered “Floor-Building-Room”. An example is 6008 is sixth floor, north wing, room 8. 6108 is sixth floor, south wing, room 8.
Even room numbers are to the outside and odd numbers are rooms towards the courtyard side.

NORTH BUILDING, WING A: Outside is all Standard View overlooking the service area parking lot. This is where all deliveries are being made to the Lodge. This would work if you are only in the room to sleep. During the day there is a lot of activity of trucks making deliveries. The view is not distasteful; it’s the truck traffic during the day.
Inside rooms are Courtyard View in the general vicinity of the Waterfalls.

NORTH WING BUILDING B: Outside is Woodsview and is very quiet and private. We enjoyed it very much and would request it on future trips. We had a good view of Otter Pond, while we never saw any Otter’s there were plenty of Ducks swimming and Rabbits having dinner. The MK fireworks are very plain to see and my estimation is rooms 5012 to 5032 had the same opportunity as well as the same rooms on 4th and 6th floors.

Courtyards views on the inside offer a fantastic view of the pool area.

SOUTH BUILDING A & B: Both sides are considered Courtyard View; however the outside rooms view the Villas and are quiet. Inside view is the courtyard.

Elevators in the wings are located where Wing A & B connect. Rooms to the far end have a long walk to the elevators or use the stairwell on the end to go to the pool or boat dock. It is my opinion that the North side offers more in convenience then the South side. Both sides are equal in access to Courtyard and pool, but the North has a greater convenience to Roaring Fork area of the lobby and to the boat dock. All end units facing Bay Lake are Jr. Suites.

You should note the 6th floor rooms have a “pit” for your balcony. You can identify it in the pictures by where the roof looks like it was cut and raised. This is the 6th floor. They are very private, but you do have to stand to see over them. The lobby is 7 stories high. The 7th floor being concierge.

Hope this helps.
Beckie

 

[eeyore45]

I thank you!!

I know I read this thread when I first considered WL, and read it again when I found out there were no standard rooms available... so I was reading - really I was!! I knew what to "request" for our families choices...

then that wrench was thrown my way, first, NO availability at WL - I cried!! Pixie Dusted and they had "Courtyard" rooms, which I knew were more expensive, but in my readings the first two times, for our family I didnt think were "worth" the extra money!!

But thrown a curve ball of WL or no WL... I jumped up and down and took the Courtyard... But was so exhausted, I fear my eyes just werent working, and even tho I perused the thread looking for this information, I couldnt find it!! I did find the link to the pictures, but (always the but!! lol) still wanted confirmation from some true WL lovers!!

I appreciate your time and dedication!!
Thank YOU!!

 

[superbird]

Thank you for your info.I guess north wing will be our choice.Closer to roaring forks and boat dock,we're traveling with small kids and nanny and Papa.Do you think we should call WL a couple days before hand with requests?Thanks again can't wait 18 more days!!!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Thank you for your info.I guess north wing will be our choice.Closer to roaring forks and boat dock,we're traveling with small kids and nanny and Papa.Do you think we should call WL a couple days before hand with requests?Thanks again can't wait 18 more days!!!

Superbird


I would call and have North Wing added to your reservation request since you have a request for bunkbeds & connecting/ajoining rooms this will give the room assigner more time to try and meet your request. Most Disney Resorts aren't to keen on Fax's or telephone calls.

Hope you have a MAGICAL TRIP.
Beckie

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Pixie Dusted and they had "Courtyard" rooms, which I knew were more expensive, but in my readings the first two times, for our family I didnt think were "worth" the extra money!!

Eeyore45
I always book Standard View if available when I call, and I love the Woods View but the Inner Courtyard Views are more then worth the extra charge. I would always stay in Inner Courtyard View if I had my way, but after so many trips any room is great at the Lodge.

Beckie

 

[kimmar067]

Are the balcony views for Courtyard, Woodsview or both?

tia

Love the pics - thanks for sharing!!

Any of the pix that you saw had views from the various balconies. The ones that show STRICTLY trees or a view of MK in the distance, are considered "Woodsview". Otherwise, they are all "Courtyard" views.....

 

[maleficent_man]

Hey

thanks for this amazing thread - am I right in thinking that the only standard view rooms are the ones overlooking the service area or are there some elsewhere?

thanks

 

[zipuzee]

Hi - just joined this site and I'm greatly impressed with all the information. We're headed to WDW this summer and while we've stayed on-site before, this is our first time at WL. Looking forward to a crowded but fun vacation.
I do have a question about transportation from WL to the various parks. Is the bus transportation convenient, or would we do better to drive to the parks in our own car?

 

[MNRMommy]

Hi - just joined this site and I'm greatly impressed with all the information. We're headed to WDW this summer and while we've stayed on-site before, this is our first time at WL. Looking forward to a crowded but fun vacation.
I do have a question about transportation from WL to the various parks. Is the bus transportation convenient, or would we do better to drive to the parks in our own car?

In my two stays we have been mostly extermely pleased with the frequency of the busses to AK, MGM and Epcot etc. We allways take the boat to MK and that is allways great too. I think doing it by car would be a big pain especially during busy season . Parking way out and then hoofing it to a tram or worse all the way to the entrance in the heat - YUCK

By the way

 

[Cupmom]

Dying to Know

Has any rehab work started yet. I'm getting worried that it won't be done in August

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Any updated information on the feedback of the opening of Roaring Forks? We are headed back to our favorite in the fall and are very excited about the rehabs.

 

[mamahucks]

We are going to WDW In 2007 from April 28 to MAy 5 I can't wait it is our first trip we have woods room views, we also need adjoining rooms, when should we call this request in to the resort? We told them when we booked the room that we needed them to be adjoining, but should we call the resort just to make sure and if we should when? Thanks for all the usful info. I love it

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We told them when we booked the room that we needed them to be adjoining, but should we call the resort just to make sure and if we should when? Thanks for all the usful info.

Mamahucks

When you made your request did you ask for adjoining (rooms close to each other) or connecting? (rooms that connect to each other via a doorway) If your request are on the reservations you are good to go, no need to call.

Beckie

 

[Anna114]

I wouldn't swear to it but I think I read that it's done. I think it was done the beginning of March.

Have a magical day,
Anna

Any updated information on the feedback of the opening of Roaring Forks? We are headed back to our favorite in the fall and are very excited about the rehabs.

 

[LisaRN]

I wouldn't swear to it but I think I read that it's done. I think it was done the beginning of March.

Have a magical day,
Anna

Last I read..it was done..they were just doing something now to the dining area..not sure if that is done yet or not. As for the room rehabs..I don't know if they have started yet..but I did email the Concierge there..and they told me that the renovations would be completed in July.

 

[LisaRN]

I do have a question about transportation from WL to the various parks. Is the bus transportation convenient, or would we do better to drive to the parks in our own car?

I would also agree..take the buses. I also have never had issues with the buses at the WL. You can take the buses to all the parks including the MK now..or you can take the boat to the MK. We took our own vehicle to the MK for MVMCP last year..and it was a pain. By the time we had to get on the tram..then after leaving, waiting to get on the tram again, then having to go through many stops until finally being dropped off in the area we were parked. Won't do that again.

 

[LovintheLodge]

I would also agree..take the buses. I also have never had issues with the buses at the WL. You can take the buses to all the parks including the MK now..or you can take the boat to the MK. We took our own vehicle to the MK for MVMCP last year..and it was a pain. By the time we had to get on the tram..then after leaving, waiting to get on the tram again, then having to go through many stops until finally being dropped off in the area we were parked. Won't do that again.

We rented a car last year and the convenience was great...and a time saver. However, take the bus or boat to the MK. As LisaRN said, taking your car is a pain to MK. With the bus or boat, you're taken to the entrance, not the TTC. We found that very convenient. We liked having our car when traveling resort to resort, and also to Downtown Disney. I will say we used the car to the other parks, but used the bus at times and found them to be okay. You will love WL!! Have a great time!

 

[Majestic]

We're headed to WDW this summer and while we've stayed on-site before, this is our first time at WL. Looking forward to a crowded but fun vacation.

You are a better person than I and very brave if I may add. I can't take the heat or crowds during the summer months but everyone is different. heh.

I do have a question about transportation from WL to the various parks. Is the bus transportation convenient, or would we do better to drive to the parks in our own car?

This is a tough question. I'll answer in the way I feel is most helpfull.

It all depends on what kind of a traveller/vacationer you are.

Are you high strung and run a really tight schedule? Do you absolutely NEED to be at the restaraunt on time no matter what? If so, the busses will make you stress out. Rent a car.

Are you going with kids and plan to see a lot in one day? After a long day, do you mind waiting for a bus for 10 minutes with a kid alseep in your arms even though your feet are killing you from walking around the parks all day? (On one occasion, I had to stand on the bus in this very scenario and nobody offered me a seat!) If so, the busses will make you stress out. Rent a car.

Are you ok with your kids being a little out of control sometimes and aren't in much of a hurry? Take the bus. They are fantastic. (And most important, FREE!)

Are you trying to take in everything you can and simply enjoy your vacation? Take the bus. They are fantastic. (And most important, FREE!)

There are pros and cons for both. (Obviously!)

When we've had a car it is really nice to just get up and go wherever you want without waiting or worrying about a time limit. Makes planning your days a bit easier as they are more predictable.

However, the past few years, we've used buses and boats and they've been just fine for us. We've gotten used to how to handle or time and schedules to work around the bus schedules so it's no big deal.

Everyone's different. That's why there are options. You have to "honestly" examine your typical family and vacation lifestyle to make the best decision for you and your family's vacation.

I sure do hope that this helps.

Happy Friday Everyone! ! ! ! ! !

Fred

 

[DJNOWICK]

Hi!

We're doing a split-stay between an OKW GV and WL. For the WL portion we have 2 rooms - it's mom's 60th b-day so we splurged and went Concierge (fingers crossed for AP rate!!) but there was only 1 concierge room available so at this point the other room is courtyard view. I'm going to keep trying to get that CY room changed to concierge but if I can't...is there a way to ask to keep these rooms relatively close to each other (at least both in the North building, for example) and I thought I saw somewhere that some of the WL courtyard rooms can have access to the concierge...true or not true?

And is there any point in requesting a specific concierge room? What are the concierge views like?

Thanks!! Jackie

 

[ihearttink]

We are staying at the WL. One morning we would like to have breakfast at Kona's at the Poly before going to MK. I have never tried tonga toast and I really want to. I want to take the first seating at 7:00 a.m. and would like to know if we could get to the Poly by boat/bus from WL for 7:00 or would we have to take the car?

Yes, I am one the those crazy commando types that like to be at the park before opening. I'v been to Disney many times you would think I could relax, but not me. I make DH nuts too!