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

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We're checking into a 'woodland view' room at the WL on 3/14. I'm familiar with the layout of the resort, and have a couple of questions-
Can anyone tell me where the non-smoking woodland view rooms are located?

Ajax

From page 1.
WOODS VIEW: These rooms are located above the front desk on floors 5 & 6. North side woods view rooms are on floors 1-6 and face the "otter pond"(a handful face MK). Floors 4,5 & 6 above Whispering Canyon are Woods View Lobby rooms.
The woods View on the 6th floor that face the "otter pond" are the only rooms that are in the smoking optional section.

 

[ms.ojo]

I'd like to list a preference in my reservation but I just don't know what to ask for! We currently are booked as a std view...but I'm thinking of changing to a woods view. Can someone please help make recommendations for both rate catagories??? We're going in late April.

We are a family of 4: ds 5.5 and dd 2.5 who come back in the afternoon to nap & swim. Typically we've stayed at ASMo and requested the ground floor in theToy Story Bldg. This gives us a quick walk to the bus stop, food court and pool w/out being right on top of a playground or pool where it might be noisier. Being on the 1st floor made it easier w/ a stroller. We've never had a problem w/ noise at ASMo.

At WL I've heard some people complain about the lobby noise in their rooms if they were on a lower level. Yet for a std view, one poster mentioned they thought the 4th floor over the front desk was better than the north wing w/ the delivery area? Are there plenty of elevators??? Do you think I need to request ground floor? I'm sure if I do, we won't have a view of MK, but the guidebooks seem to indicate the growth of the trees has blocked out most of the MK views anyway. For the days we're here we'll mostly be going to MK. One morning we'll use bus transport to MGM. (Don't know if that factors into room location)

Hoping for some insight! This is our 1st deluxe resort and I want to make the most of it!!!! TIA!!!!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

The following post is from our DIS man in the Purple Pants.

Chip 'n Dale Express
So, the test route is finally happening. As of Tuesday March 8th, 2005, the following changes will be made to the Fort Wilderness & Wilderness Lodge transportation lineup:

1.) There will no longer be service to/from the Transportation & Ticket Center to the Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness. The bus will still go from Fort Wilderness to Wilderness Lodge and back, but it will not be going to the TTC anymore.

2.) From Wilderness Lodge only, there will be a DIRECT bus to the Magic Kingdom. This bus will run about every 15 minutes during normal MK bus service hours.

Boat service will not change.

As with all test routes, THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT.

 

[campinggal]

 

[tubachick]

The following post is from our DIS man in the Purple Pants.

Thanks for the info. We were just there, and they had already stopped going from TTC to FT Wilderness to WL, and only had one bus to FT Wilderness and one to TTC.

 

[tardin1964]

Thanks for the info. We were just there, and they had already stopped going from TTC to FT Wilderness to WL, and only had one bus to FT Wilderness and one to TTC.

Is anyone else a little disappointed by this change? I know I am a bit. I know it's not a major thing...but I always like the optioned of hopping on the bus to TTC so you could take the monorail to Epcot if you didn't feel like waiting (or just missed) the bus for Epcot. Also, when visiting the Poly it was nice to be able to walk to the TTC and hop the bus back to WL.

The addition of the bus to the Magic Kingdom is a good thing. It should help reduce some of the crowding of the boats at busy times and you can catch buses everywhere from MK. It just will take a bit longer.

Like I said...really no biggie...just hate losing an option.

 

[campinggal]

 

[tubachick]

Is anyone else a little disappointed by this change? I know I am a bit. I know it's not a major thing...but I always like the optioned of hopping on the bus to TTC so you could take the monorail to Epcot if you didn't feel like waiting (or just missed) the bus for Epcot. Also, when visiting the Poly it was nice to be able to walk to the TTC and hop the bus back to WL.

The addition of the bus to the Magic Kingdom is a good thing. It should help reduce some of the crowding of the boats at busy times and you can catch buses everywhere from MK. It just will take a bit longer.

Like I said...really no biggie...just hate losing an option.

I agree that it is a nice option to be able to take the bus to the MK. Like all things with the transportation system at Disney, it is subject to change.

 

[fun & fancy free]

It's official. We will be staying at WL woodview May 7-14. Is there any special room I should request. I did req. bunkbeds. I think I am going to go to page 1 and start from there.

 

[ptslp]

I am new to this site- it is absolutely fabulous!! We are staying in the WL April 6-11 in a standard room. I have been trying to read through the previous posts for answers, but can't get through them fast enough, so I will post some questions here.

I am travelling with my dh, ds (2 1/2) and dd (6 mos), as well as my brother. I have already requested bunk beds in the room, but as I read through this board and some guide books, I am realizing that I should probably request a more specific room. Does anyone have recommendations? We would like to go back to the room and rest each day and will have the 2 kids and a double stroller to cart around, if that makes a difference. I would love to see the fireworks, but if the loading area is loud, then I am not sure that the fireworks are a priority.

Are there refrigerators in the rooms?

Is it possible to get an upgrade to a better room? Does anyone know what the charge usually is for something like that? Do I ask at check-in?

Also, is there anything at the WL that we shouldn't miss? This is our first time in a deluxe resort and I am not sure what to look forward to.

Do you have to show your room key to use the transportation and get into the parks? We have separate Park Hopper passes. My parents are traveling with us, but staying off site. Can they go back and forth with us? Can they get in for the extra magic hour?

One more thing- I am not sure if this is the right place for this, but since ds is under 3, does anyone know how the fastpass works? Do we just get them for dh and I and he would be included in ours?

Thanks in advance!!! Once again, this board is so wonderful- I wish I had more time to read through everything!
Kathryn

 

[tmli]

I will be staying at the VWL in June and have a couple of questions. I have never stayed at WL or VWL before. My ds and I will be there for 5nts after spending 3 nts at POP. We have only stayed in value resorts previously. I have wanted to stay at the WL for a long time and had to rent pts for the villas because I need High speed internet for work.

How far of a walk from the villas to the bus stop?

Where are the villas in relation to the main hotel? Are they a seperate building all together? How far of a walk is it?

I ask about the walk because I have to push my ds in his wheelchair and at the end of a long day I am exhausted!!!

Where is Fort Wilderness in relation to VWL? Is there transportation so we can enjoy the amenities there?

The boats -- are they wheelchair accessible?

I have rented a studio, should I request a certain location or are they all the same? What views can i expect?

Are there wheelchair access. studios?

Thanks so much for any help you can all offer.

 

[ms.ojo]

I am travelling with my dh, ds (2 1/2) and dd (6 mos), as well as my brother. I have already requested bunk beds in the room, but as I read through this board and some guide books, I am realizing that I should probably request a more specific room. Does anyone have recommendations? We would like to go back to the room and rest each day and will have the 2 kids and a double stroller to cart around, if that makes a difference. I would love to see the fireworks, but if the loading area is loud, then I am not sure that the fireworks are a priority.

I will be staying here for the 1st time the end of April. From what I understand the std rooms on the wing are fine if you are on the higher levels...which would also give a better view of MK. But I'm eager to see what someone says who has been there!

Are there refrigerators in the rooms? YES, there are fridges in all the rooms now. They are small.

Is it possible to get an upgrade to a better room? Does anyone know what the charge usually is for something like that? Do I ask at check-in? That would be done at check-in. Sometimes at a hotel you can get a free upgrade...other times they might ask for you to pay for it.

Also, is there anything at the WL that we shouldn't miss? This is our first time in a deluxe resort and I am not sure what to look forward to. Sorry, not having visited yet I don't really know. Probably asking to be a flag family and seeing the geyser.

Do you have to show your room key to use the transportation and get into the parks? We have separate Park Hopper passes. My parents are traveling with us, but staying off site. Can they go back and forth with us? Can they get in for the extra magic hour? Your park admission entitles you to use the Disney transportation system. Your folks will not be able to use EMH. Only resort guests.

One more thing- I am not sure if this is the right place for this, but since ds is under 3, does anyone know how the fastpass works? Do we just get them for dh and I and he would be included in ours? We traveled when ds was 2.5 and FP works just fine. YOu get 2 for each adult....and he tags right along!

Thanks in advance!!! Once again, this board is so wonderful- I wish I had more time to read through everything! Kathryn

Nice to meet you. I know what you mean! When I 1st joined I swear I became totally immersed for about 3 days!!! Just so much to read! It's a great site.

Let's hope you get some answers from some REAL WL vets!!!! I just wanted to reply to keep the ball rolling!
Janet

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

This is my wish list:

Bunk beds
relatively quiet (but it doesn't have to be silent)
relatively close to the bus stop
view where we might be able to see MK

Does anyone know what part of the resort/what floor we need to request?

We've never been there before, so I'm not familiar with the layout.

Thanks!!

 

[kimmar067]

Put in a request for bunk beds ASAP, because they are taken quickly. You might want to request woods view, which gives you a view of the otter pond, but you may not necessarily see MK, unless you are booked in a std room. If so, request a higher floor - North Wing. (I'd say all the rooms are relativiely close to the bus stop - not like CBR or CSR!!)

 

[greatgonzo]

I can answer some of these: the villas are in a separate building but attached to the main lodge by covered walkway, not a long walk in my opinion (probably not any longer than walking from the front door of the lodge and going all the way to the end of one of the hallways.) There is a boat that takes you to Ft Wilderness, we found it very convenient and more fun than the buses. Although, I think there's a bus too. There is a nature trail that you can walk that ends at Ft Wilderness but I think its about a mile long and not paved. I have never stayed in the villas, just the main lodge, so I can't help with room locations there. I hope this information is helpful to you!

I will be staying at the VWL in June and have a couple of questions. I have never stayed at WL or VWL before. My ds and I will be there for 5nts after spending 3 nts at POP. We have only stayed in value resorts previously. I have wanted to stay at the WL for a long time and had to rent pts for the villas because I need High speed internet for work.

How far of a walk from the villas to the bus stop?

Where are the villas in relation to the main hotel? Are they a seperate building all together? How far of a walk is it?

I ask about the walk because I have to push my ds in his wheelchair and at the end of a long day I am exhausted!!!

Where is Fort Wilderness in relation to VWL? Is there transportation so we can enjoy the amenities there?

The boats -- are they wheelchair accessible?

I have rented a studio, should I request a certain location or are they all the same? What views can i expect?

Are there wheelchair access. studios?

Thanks so much for any help you can all offer.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Put in a request for bunk beds ASAP, because they are taken quickly. You might want to request woods view, which gives you a view of the otter pond, but you may not necessarily see MK, unless you are booked in a std room. If so, request a higher floor - North Wing. (I'd say all the rooms are relativiely close to the bus stop - not like CBR or CSR!!)

Thank you!!

 

[tmli]

I can answer some of these: the villas are in a separate building but attached to the main lodge by covered walkway, not a long walk in my opinion (probably not any longer than walking from the front door of the lodge and going all the way to the end of one of the hallways.) There is a boat that takes you to Ft Wilderness, we found it very convenient and more fun than the buses. Although, I think there's a bus too. There is a nature trail that you can walk that ends at Ft Wilderness but I think its about a mile long and not paved. I have never stayed in the villas, just the main lodge, so I can't help with room locations there. I hope this information is helpful to you!

Thanks very much this is very helpful---does anyone know the answers to some of my other questions?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Kathryn

I am new to this site- it is absolutely fabulous!! We are staying in the WL April 6-11 in a standard room.
I have already requested bunk beds in the room, but as I read through this board and some guide books, I am realizing that I should probably request a more specific room. Does anyone have recommendations? I would love to see the fireworks, but if the loading area is loud, then I am not sure that the fireworks are a priority.

Hi, just a few things for you to know about your questions, the standard rooms at Wilderness Lodge don't have bunk beds, you must stay in a Woods View, Courtyard View or Concierge for this option.

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.

Some of the standard rooms on the North Wing do over look the loading area, I have stayed in rooms in this area and wasn't bothered by noise. I enjoyed watching the Castle and Wishes so it was worth it to me.

Are there refrigerators in the rooms?
As of two weeks ago the refrigerators had not been placed in each room, you may call and request one from the front desk if you are assigned a room that doesn't have one.

Is it possible to get an upgrade to a better room? Does anyone know what the charge usually is for something like that? Do I ask at check-in?
Yes Wilderness Lodge has been known to upgrade their guest most are at no charge, Concierge upgrades will run you extra, the charge will depend on what type room you have booked and if rooms on the 7th floor are available.

Have a great trip.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Tracey

Just a few things that greatgonzo missed:

How far of a walk from the villas to the bus stop?
The bus stop is in front of the VWL which makes it very close to the Villas, the Boat dock is futher away but the walk isn't bad.

Where are the villas in relation to the main hotel? Are they a seperate building all together? How far of a walk is it?
The VWL are located to the left (south) of the Lodge, yes it is a seperate building.

Where is Fort Wilderness in relation to VWL? Is there transportation so we can enjoy the amenities there?
Ft Wilderness is appx 1 mile south east of the lodge. If you check my post out one page 1 of this thread I have the activities listed for both the Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness. You will either need to use the bus or the large Blue Flag boats (these are the larger boats that run between the MK/WL/Ft. Wilderness) they are large enough to accommodate your son's wheelchair but there is a warning posted that due to the water level some ECV's may not be able to load if the water level is to low. They do have a gangblank I've seen them use so I believe you should be able to just roll him on the boat. The smaller Green Flag boats that run between the three resorts CR/WL/Ft. Wilderness aren't very large, strollers and wheelchairs have to be folded (so your son would need to transfer from the wheelchair.)

I have rented a studio, should I request a certain location or are they all the same? What views can i expect? Are there wheelchair access. studios?
First did you rent from a DVC Member or through Disney's CRO? If you are renting points from a member they will need to make the request for loction for you from Member Services, If you have a reservation with CRO request can just be added to you reservations. While most are the same view I would request near the elevator or over looking the pool. Yes they have barrier-free (handicap-accessible) stuido's but you need to request this before your arrival.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

ms.ojo/Janet

I'll try and answer some of your question. The standard View rooms do have their draw backs but a better room rate is always a great incentive. I would rather have the view over the parking/loading area so that I would have a view of the castle and WISHES at night, I have stayed in this area and I heard no noise from the area below I was on a higher floor. (Some guest aren't happy with this) My favorite room is a Courtyard View off the Lobby 4th floor I have heard WCC while going to and from my lobby room but after the door to my room was closed I didn't hear anything. (Other guest said the noise from the lobby kept them up all night)

For a Woods View I would request higher floor over looking the otter pond, these rooms are futher down the North Wing and don't over look the parking/loading area some also have great views of the MK and WISHES.

The Lodge is a much smaller resort then ASMo so walking isn't really an issue everthing is conveniently located, with a bank of elevaters located in the lobby, also in each wing.

Your statment about tree growth is no longer correct due to the numerous hurricanes last year many more rooms now have better views toward the MK, but not the ground floor rooms I would request 5th floor. Many tress were lost.

Hope this information helped.

Remember for Bunk Beds you will need a Woods View, Courtyard View or Concierge Room. Standard rooms only have 2 queen size beds.

Beckie