The Wilderness Lodge and Villas FAQ (Part 7) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[nathanyell]

THe lodge will be wonderful with a baby! I took both of my boys to WDW at 11 months old (CBR and AKL). I would suggest trying to keep the baby's schedule like home (bath and bed by a certain time). We would be at the hotel by 7ish, bathe them and then try to get them to bed by 8:00. Bring your own stroller from home so that if you need it at night to walk around for falling asleep it will be with you. Also if you are at the parks and the baby needs a nap they are in their stroller where they are comfortable. Utilize all the children's centers at the parks for diaper changes, cooling off time and relaxation from the park. The CM's there are wonderful.

I brought my own diapers, wipes, sippy cups, baby food, and snacks packed in a suitcase. This helped cut down on expenses while we were there. I also brought my own dish soap to wash bottles and cups in my room. Although you are going through DVC so you may have that in your room.

Finally, if your little one has enough hair, get his first haircut at the Main St. Barbershop at the MK. I did it for both my boys and it was wonderful. They even get a "first haircut" ears hat.

If you have any other questions I would be happy to help. We have gone 3 times with little ones and have been able to avoid meltdowns each trip b/c of taking it easy, getting enough rest, having pool time, and sticking to routine bedtimes. I think it worked well!

Taking notes for my december trip. My little princess be 9 months by then.

Brian

 

[MMrules]

Taking notes for my december trip. My little princess be 9 months by then.

Brian

Brian-It was actually pretty easy! As long as they have food, rest and clean diapers it will be great! Actually if they aren't walking it is very easy b/c you can just stroll them around! The challenging part was waiting in line for rides b/c you can't use the stroller. I did have backpacks to put them in to give our arms a rest.

I used bottled water to make my kids bottles while we were there. Kept them at room/air temp which made life easy. Just added the powder when it was time to eat. I also used the bottles that had the disposable liners so that I didn't have to even wash the bottle while at the park so that worked out well too.

We did have a difficult time with my second son at bedtime as he didn't like the pack and play (Not at home either...tough sleeper at that age). However, we used the stroller to walk him around AKL til he passed out. Or we sat in the rocking chairs in the lobby to relax him, but the balcony at WL will be a great resting spot too.

You will figure it out as you go depending on the personality of the baby (I had one easy and one tough and we still managed well). And most definitely take breaks at the baby centers...they are wonderful there! We even visited the last trip and my boys were 2.9 and 4. Bathrooms were smaller for them and it was easier and cleaner than the larger rest rooms.

I am so happy for you both to be sharing your love of Disney with your new babies!!! My family thought we were nuts to take wee ones to WDW, but some of the best memories and photos I have of my boys was at that age! I would do it over again in a heartbeat!!!

 

[Linda67]

Online check-in does not give real options to make a room request. I would contact your travel agent and have them make a request for the 5th floor. That way you do not have to worry about the enclosed balcony distance if you are in the room.
Brian

Thanks Brian
I am using a large UK based travel agent who tell me that they can't contact Disney to make room requests so I think it's best to do this myself
Should I phone or fax and how far ahead of my trip should I do this
Thanks for your help

 

[punkin413]

THe lodge will be wonderful with a baby! I took both of my boys to WDW at 11 months old (CBR and AKL). I would suggest trying to keep the baby's schedule like home (bath and bed by a certain time). We would be at the hotel by 7ish, bathe them and then try to get them to bed by 8:00. Bring your own stroller from home so that if you need it at night to walk around for falling asleep it will be with you. Also if you are at the parks and the baby needs a nap they are in their stroller where they are comfortable. Utilize all the children's centers at the parks for diaper changes, cooling off time and relaxation from the park. The CM's there are wonderful.

I brought my own diapers, wipes, sippy cups, baby food, and snacks packed in a suitcase. This helped cut down on expenses while we were there. I also brought my own dish soap to wash bottles and cups in my room. Although you are going through DVC so you may have that in your room.

Finally, if your little one has enough hair, get his first haircut at the Main St. Barbershop at the MK. I did it for both my boys and it was wonderful. They even get a "first haircut" ears hat.

If you have any other questions I would be happy to help. We have gone 3 times with little ones and have been able to avoid meltdowns each trip b/c of taking it easy, getting enough rest, having pool time, and sticking to routine bedtimes. I think it worked well!

Thanks so much! We are in Georgia and drive down so that will definitely help with being able to bring what I need for the trip. We just got a new jogging stroller that he (and we) absolutely love so we'll definitely have that with us. And I actually was planning on doing the first haircut thing!

I think as far as nights go we're going to venture out a couple of nights and see how it goes. I'm going to plan them spaced out, though. I know we want to see Wishes and Fantasmic and then we'll be doing MNSSHP one night. The other nights of the trip we'll be back at the resort early. We're staying 8 nights so we should be able to kind of spread those "late" nights out.

 

[nathanyell]

Thanks Brian
I am using a large UK based travel agent who tell me that they can't contact Disney to make room requests so I think it's best to do this myself
Should I phone or fax and how far ahead of my trip should I do this
Thanks for your help

If you have the confirmation number I would call and add it yourself. Fax seems to be a thing of the past here since through rooms are assigned by computer

Brian

 

[Queen Kel]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie and trying to sort all this out but have only read about 35 pages of posts so far. It's taking me forever and I just need to make a reservation already. I have some questions and am hoping you WL and WDW experts can help me.

We haven't made any decisions yet about types of park passes or meal plans-- do we need to decide all of these before booking the room or can we turn our hotel reservation into a package later? Is there actually a money savings with the package option?

We plan to stay April 3-10 so who knows if there are even rooms left but we've been having a hard time deciding between the villas, lodge standard rooms, lodge suites, or cabins.

Mainly, we are nervous about sharing a room with our 3 year-old. How have others handled putting kids to bed at 8 and then adults being stuck in a quiet, dark room until going to bed? Also, does a standard room have enough space for a pack n' play bed, preferably away from the sitting and TV area?

Should I book online or over the phone? The website is showing that no suites are available for our week but should I try individual days and then plan on moving rooms midweek so we have a suite for at least part of the time?

I'm sure I have many, many more questions but like I said, I just need to book a room already! Please help. Thank you!

Disney will be our first family vacation and it's my 40th birthday/ young-at-heart trip.

-Kel

 

[Linda67]

If you have the confirmation number I would call and add it yourself. Fax seems to be a thing of the past here since through rooms are assigned by computer

Brian

Thanks again Brian, I will call them two weeks before check in

 

[MMrules]

Thanks so much! We are in Georgia and drive down so that will definitely help with being able to bring what I need for the trip. We just got a new jogging stroller that he (and we) absolutely love so we'll definitely have that with us. And I actually was planning on doing the first haircut thing!

I think as far as nights go we're going to venture out a couple of nights and see how it goes. I'm going to plan them spaced out, though. I know we want to see Wishes and Fantasmic and then we'll be doing MNSSHP one night. The other nights of the trip we'll be back at the resort early. We're staying 8 nights so we should be able to kind of spread those "late" nights out.

Your plan sounds great! Only you will know what works best for the baby. As long as he is getting enough rest between naps and nighttime he will be fine. I know that swimming can also be a great way to get them to nap after too. I did bring my own swimmy diapers and one of those fold up baby seat floats. I would highly recommend that too. They have a spring in them and fold up to a nice circle for storage. They are so helpful to let the baby hang out in them while you are next to them .

I am sure I will be remembering more as I reminisce. My baby is now 4 and the oldest is almost 6 so this next trip to WDW in July will be diaper free ! We are still bringing both of our umbrella strollers though b/c it is a lot of walking and the little ones poop out fast!

Any other questions just ask...while I am not an expert I have been there and like I said we managed to have a fantastic time!

 

[MMrules]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie and trying to sort all this out but have only read about 35 pages of posts so far. It's taking me forever and I just need to make a reservation already. I have some questions and am hoping you WL and WDW experts can help me.

We haven't made any decisions yet about types of park passes or meal plans-- do we need to decide all of these before booking the room or can we turn our hotel reservation into a package later? Is there actually a money savings with the package option?

We plan to stay April 3-10 so who knows if there are even rooms left but we've been having a hard time deciding between the villas, lodge standard rooms, lodge suites, or cabins.

Mainly, we are nervous about sharing a room with our 3 year-old. How have others handled putting kids to bed at 8 and then adults being stuck in a quiet, dark room until going to bed? Also, does a standard room have enough space for a pack n' play bed, preferably away from the sitting and TV area?

Should I book online or over the phone? The website is showing that no suites are available for our week but should I try individual days and then plan on moving rooms midweek so we have a suite for at least part of the time?

I'm sure I have many, many more questions but like I said, I just need to book a room already! Please help. Thank you!

Disney will be our first family vacation and it's my 40th birthday/ young-at-heart trip.

-Kel

Happy Birthday!!! I just turned that myself and was able to have a "mommy solo" trip to WDW to celebrate! I stayed at the WL and it was wonderful

I would suggest trying to get a room with a balcony so that if the baby is asleep you can go spend time out on the balcony with a drink. I have done it several times with the little ones. The standard rooms are a bit tough to have the pack and play set up as you will lose some space but there is room for one.

I would call to see what is available. Maybe if a king size bed is available then the pack and play would fit in the room better. Also in the Villas they have a bed and a pullout sofa so if one of those rooms is availabe you would have more room for the crib. Make sure you look to see online if there is a discount running right now and have the code so that you can save $$ on your room.

Good luck!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Now, my kids aren't light sleepers, but traveling with other families, I find that a lot of times (even if they are) kids are so exhausted that they're out for good. No need to tiptoe around the room. There are still nights at WDW where DS5 has fallen asleep at the park and stayed asleep even when moving him from stroller to bed.

 

[SnDMommy]

Just a tip for what I did with my two at bedtime....they were 5.5 and just turning 3. We had a standard room and they shared one of the queens. We got bedrails for each side of the bed. When we put them to sleep at night, I would turn off all the lights except for the one over the vanity. I brought a dark-colored shower curtain and some of those removable 3M hooks. I attached the hooks to the top of the wide doorway into the vanity area and hung the shower curtain from it. It cut down the light somewhat into the room, and it gave my DH and I a place to sit (we dragged one of the chairs over and I sat on a stool) while I re-packed the diaper bag and went through my touring plans, etc. for the next day. By the time that was done, they were asleep and we could more easily move around the room.

Rather than having to take down the curtain during the day, I just moved the one side to hook onto the other side, thus keeping it open and out of the way. I also closed it off in the morning when I was getting ready, as I was the first one awake.

And speaking of the stool, since we were driving and I was able to bring so much stuff, I grabbed one of the kiddie step stools, so the boys were able to easily reach the sink.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

It looks like we will only have one opportunity to eat at a sit-down restaurant at WL. We are on the dining plan but it doesn't matter to me if the restaurant is one or two credits - I'm more concerned about the quality, fun, and if it is worth (the one or two credits).

So - Whispering Canyon or Artist Point?

We do have our kids with us but they are very good at restaurants and they love unique food (they are big steak and shrimp lovers and will eat wild game).

 

[kimmar067]

It looks like we will only have one opportunity to eat at a sit-down restaurant at WL. We are on the dining plan but it doesn't matter to me if the restaurant is one or two credits - I'm more concerned about the quality, fun, and if it is worth (the one or two credits).

So - Whispering Canyon or Artist Point?

We do have our kids with us but they are very good at restaurants and they love unique food (they are big steak and shrimp lovers and will eat wild game).

...personally, AP is really for the ummmm, 'more adventurous' eater....WC is a more family-oriented FUN place to eat...

 

[JohnNYC]

It looks like we will only have one opportunity to eat at a sit-down restaurant at WL. We are on the dining plan but it doesn't matter to me if the restaurant is one or two credits - I'm more concerned about the quality, fun, and if it is worth (the one or two credits).

So - Whispering Canyon or Artist Point?

We do have our kids with us but they are very good at restaurants and they love unique food (they are big steak and shrimp lovers and will eat wild game).

The two restaurants are very different.

Food is not comparable between the two. Artist Point is upscale - food and service are wonderful. Whispering Canyon is a fun place with food on par with a chain place (Friday's, etc.).

While I say "upscale" it is certainly okay to take your kids, so if food is most important, the choice is easy.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

...personally, AP is really for the ummmm, 'more adventurous' eater....WC is a more family-oriented FUN place to eat...

The two restaurants are very different.

Food is not comparable between the two. Artist Point is upscale - food and service are wonderful. Whispering Canyon is a fun place with food on par with a chain place (Friday's, etc.).

While I say "upscale" it is certainly okay to take your kids, so if food is most important, the choice is easy.

Thanks! I realize the two restaurants offer different experiences and both sound good in their own way. I was concerned about all the negative comments about Whispering Canyon but I also know a lot of people will post the negative and not accentuate the positive. So if Whispering Canyon is good (as in, we won't gag on the food and it's fun), then I'm up for that! But if the food is really bad, I don't want to go just for the antics. Ah, all these decisions!!!

 

[nathanyell]

4 days til I check-in to CSR. I checked that reservation this morning and it seems I've been upgraded to a waterview from standard. I'm still not excited about this part of the trip. I don't know if its because I am not at wl or because I have to attend a conference during the week.

Now in 11 days I check into WL and I am very excited about it! Fingers crossed for an upgrade from my woods view room!

Brian

 

[textbookcase]

We're heading to Disney tomorrow for the rest of our Spring Break. Wish us luck!

 

[JohnNYC]

Thanks! I realize the two restaurants offer different experiences and both sound good in their own way. I was concerned about all the negative comments about Whispering Canyon but I also know a lot of people will post the negative and not accentuate the positive. So if Whispering Canyon is good (as in, we won't gag on the food and it's fun), then I'm up for that! But if the food is really bad, I don't want to go just for the antics. Ah, all these decisions!!!

The food at Whispering Canyon is fine, nothing special. I always laugh when people post that food at any Disney restaurant was "inedible". We've been eating at Disney for many years and that is just ridiculous.

The worst of Disney dining is on par with chain restaurants (Fridays, Applebees, etc.), which is obviously fine if that's what you're looking for on that particular day. I'd put Whispering Canyon in that category, as far as food goes. It's a fun place though.

The best of Disney dining can be quite good - you'll even find some very refined dishes on some menus if you look past the obligatory steak or mahi-mahi dish, which every restaurant seems to have. Artist Point is definitely one of these places.

Anyway, have fun at Whispering Canyon. I promise you won't gag!

 

[nathanyell]

We're heading to Disney tomorrow for the rest of our Spring Break. Wish us luck!

SO nice!!! Have a blast!!

Brian

 

[diskids2]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself on this thread. My family (DH, me, DD age 20, DS age 16, and DD's BF age 24) is going back to WDW!

The trip won't be until the summer of 2012, but it will be a special trip celebrating my DD's 21st birthday and my .... ummm.... 50th!

We've been to WDW many times, in fact, three straight summers. This year we are breaking tradition and going to Montreal. I miss WDW already!

Anyway, we have stayed at CBR and the Dolphin and this trip we are planning on staying at the WL. We've been there several times for dinners and always commented on staying.

So I'll be lurking over this thread and devouring any info I can get my hands on about the resort. I can't wait to go back and enjoy everything there is to offer.

So again, Hi Everyone!