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

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

We've stayed at the WL 5 times, all in June and typically we try to be at the bus stop or boat dock one hour before rope drop, that will usually get you there about 30 minutes or more before the park opens.

 

[Cinbride]

Do they have photopass photographers there? I would like to get some family pictures done. or do they have a separate photographer for that and how much?

Also, do they have artists their that draw pictures and how much are they?


I can't wait, we are getting closer!!!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Do they have photopass photographers there? I would like to get some family pictures done. or do they have a separate photographer for that and how much?

Also, do they have artists their that draw pictures and how much are they?


I can't wait, we are getting closer!!!

When we were there in Dec., there was a photopass photographer taking pictures by the Christmas tree in the evenings, as well as the full photography sessions offered throughout the day. I'm not sure if the photopass shots in the evening by the tree were just for the holidays, or if they are there year round. I know you can do the full session any time, just call to reserve it in advance. I *Think* they still have a special for $99.

There is an artist that does cariactatures who sits outside the Mercantile.. I don't remember what the prices were on that, though.

 

[snorris49]

Yes, they are still doing Photopass sessions there. We booked a one on one session set for Jan. 31st this month at 5 p.m. We are staying Club Level and IPO arranged this for us. They said that we could purchase print packages for $49.95 or pay $99 for a CD of all the photos from the session + one of the print packages. I'm thinking we are going to do the $99 so that we can have all our pics + some nice photos to frame when we get home.

 

[zoie101]

OK talk me in to the WL club leverl!....My husband likes the poly and the CR. I like the idea of club level at WL. Do the rooms have balconys?

Is there room under the bunks to store packages?

tks a lot!

 

[Cinbride]

Yes, they are still doing Photopass sessions there. We booked a one on one session set for Jan. 31st this month at 5 p.m. We are staying Club Level and IPO arranged this for us. They said that we could purchase print packages for $49.95 or pay $99 for a CD of all the photos from the session + one of the print packages. I'm thinking we are going to do the $99 so that we can have all our pics + some nice photos to frame when we get home.

thanks. does this need to be reserved? With 2 lil ones I never know when they will be in a picture mood. Also, should I preorder my photopass cd to ensure it for $99 or will I be able to get that there? (I don't know what day we would get resort pictures done) Also, how long does it take? Now, I have to figure out what we are going to wear. Casual, yes. Going in beg of Feb I prefer long sleeves for family pictures for dh and myself. If anyone else has any input of this, that would be great. I can't believe its January already.

 

[tardin1964]

Hi, I have really enjoyed seeing everyone's pictures and hearing about your wonderful experiences @ WL! We are trying it for the first time in a couple of weeks, and I'm starting to pull together our itinerary. I was reading in the first post about bus schedules and transportation times . . . how much time should we give ourselves in the plan to get to the parks? (We like to start at rope drop.) Right now I have tentatively scheduled an hour (i.e. depart around 8 for a 9 am rope drop). Is that enough?
Thanks so much!

I think that's enough time when taking the boat to MK and bus to all the other parks.

If you take the bus from WL to MK you can probably cut that down to 40 or 45 minutes.

 

[PrncessA]

I think that's enough time when taking the boat to MK and bus to all the other parks.

If you take the bus from WL to MK you can probably cut that down to 40 or 45 minutes.

I agree. We never had a problem with any transportation and an hour would be plenty of time IMO.

 

[nathanyell]

OK talk me in to the WL club leverl!....My husband likes the poly and the CR. I like the idea of club level at WL. Do the rooms have balconys?

Is there room under the bunks to store packages?

tks a lot!

All of the room is in WL have balconies. The club level is on the 7th floor. There is a lot of info about it in the beginning of this thread.

Have not stayed in a bunk bed room, so don't know about your other question.

Brian

 

[sorahl]

I do not believe there is enuf room under the bunk beds to store stuff...
however there is a strip of space between the beds and the bathroom wall that you can put stuff in. what else are you going to do with that space??

 

[nathanyell]

I do not believe there is enuf room under the bunk beds to store stuff...
however there is a strip of space between the beds and the bathroom wall that you can put stuff in. what else are you going to do with that space??

I noticed that in the pics. Seems like a lot of wasted space. I'm surprised they did not move the bunk bed closer to the wall.

Brian

btw only...
12 days!!!!

 

[zoie101]

I do not believe there is enuf room under the bunk beds to store stuff...
however there is a strip of space between the beds and the bathroom wall that you can put stuff in. what else are you going to do with that space??

i have a ds7 ds13 dd 3 may need a blow up mattress looking to shove it under bunk bed.

 

[vwlfan]

Our DD and DSIL and grandsons are going to the villas at wilderness lodge in June with our points.

I want to recommend a studio room on the first floor that is near both the gym and the quiet pool. But I can't find a map of the rooms.

Can anyone send me a link to a vwl map?

Thanks

 

[nathanyell]

Vwlfan,

It's in post #1 but not too well marked. So here is the link:

http://www.utc.edu/Faculty/Darrell-Meece/wildernessmap.pdf

Hope that is what you are looking for.

Brian<-- who has only11 DAYS left!!!!

 

[es45]

After reading this thread, I'm almost ready to upgrade from POFQ. Just a few questions about the boat transportation, please: Do you find the boat more convenient than the buses or driving? We are traveling with 2 elderly women and while we'll have a car, the boat to MK and CR looks like it would make things so much easier for them. Is it miserable if the weather is cold (like it is now)? Is the wait very long after the park closes? On the day that we are at MK, the park closes at 8 and Wishes is at 8 too so I just know that there will be a mass movement of bodies for resort transportation. I'm just wondering if the boat is really that much of a benefit?

 

[nathanyell]

After reading this thread, I'm almost ready to upgrade from POFQ. Just a few questions about the boat transportation, please: Do you find the boat more convenient than the buses or driving? We are traveling with 2 elderly women and while we'll have a car, the boat to MK and CR looks like it would make things so much easier for them.

Yes, the boat is more convenient and is a nice 10 minute or so ride to the MK. For an elderly person I would wait for the big boat to the MK. The smaller boat is harder to navigate.

Is it miserable if the weather is cold (like it is now)?

The bigger boat has a heated indoor section.

Is the wait very long after the park closes? On the day that we are at MK, the park closes at 8 and Wishes is at 8 too so I just know that there will be a mass movement of bodies for resort transportation. I'm just wondering if the boat is really that much of a benefit?

The mass exit is true for every mode of transport. Even the Monorail and Ferry get backed up. I usually watch Wishes from the Train Station, or spend some time and find a nice bench on main street. But as I said I do the same things a POFQ. The good thing about the boat is that they are consistent, the buses can be hit or miss as to when the next one comes.

Hope that helps.

Brian

 

[es45]

Thanks for the quick response!

 

[OldKeyWestFam]

Has anyone walked from the Wilderness to the BYBBQ. Looking on Google maps there may be a trail that ends at about the old river country location. Just want to know if there is a safe path and how long this trek would be.

 

[snorris49]

does this need to be reserved?

Photopass sessions start booking 30 days out. I'm not sure about pre-ordering a CD for it. You would need to contact Photopass or IPO (if you are staying club level) and I'm sure they could answer that for you.

This is our first time doing a photopass private session, so I'll be sure to report when I get back!

 

[BlueFairy]

Has anyone walked from the Wilderness to the BYBBQ. Looking on Google maps there may be a trail that ends at about the old river country location. Just want to know if there is a safe path and how long this trek would be.

From Mousesteps (a great photo essay blog on walking WDW): It is a 20 min walk from Pioneer Hall to the Wilderness Lodge. The path is not lit at night, but is safe and used by joggers.
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=47