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

[nathanyell]

All packed? You're crazy! LOL. I just did 2 loads of laundry to get us through the week, then I'll be doing more laundry on Thursday to make sure we have *everything* we need. I'm so worried about the amount of clothes we'll need.

Crazy.... Possibly! Since it is so cold up here and we are both working it was easy to set aside all the vacation clothes(jeans, casual shirts, shorts). I used to travel a lot for work so all the toiletries are already in a bag. It's a lot easier when no children are involved.

It's looking nicer and nicer for our week too.

Brian

 

[BlueFairy]

BlueFairy
Standard View rooms located off the Lobby: (Southside)

I have stayed in Lobby rooms before (not standard view) after my room door was closed I never heard any outside noise. I love the bustle of all the activity you are able to enjoy while seating in rocking chairs that have been placed around the banisters looking down on the Lobby. During the Holiday Season you will have a beautiful view of the Christmas tree and Holiday entertainment that is preformed in the Lobby.

These rooms also have easy access to an alcove with a fireplace and reading area just over the front doors, a large outside veranda over the front entrée of the lodge plus a great alcove and balcony overlooking Bay Lake. Looking on the map Wilderness Lodge room #’s and locations these rooms would be room # 4091-4099.

I also love this area. I have photos from where I had my morning coffee every morning in 12/07. I look at them when I need to bring my stress level down a notch. That's why I'm coveting this location.

Standard View Rooms located in the North Wing on floors 4, 5 and 6:
I have stayed in these rooms and while the view isn’t that great if you look straight down, these rooms do face the Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom giving you the possibility of seeing the fireworks from your balcony. Rooms located on either 5th or 6th floor would put you higher above any noise and offer a better view of the Magic Kingdom.

We certainly wouldn't be disappointed with a Wishes view.

The possibility of a upgrade at the Wilderness Lodge depends when your trip is. I have been upgraded many times so it is always possible, much more of a possibility then over at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Well that is great to know! We did a one night Sat. stay at AKL one April and were upgraded to concierge. Pixie dust would be very nice. Here's hoping for them to sell-out the standard rooms while we're there. Last week there were still rooms in that category available. At least if not, then I can hope for an uncrowded lodge and no competition for the fireside seating.

 

[Loopner]

Crazy.... Possibly! Since it is so cold up here and we are both working it was easy to set aside all the vacation clothes(jeans, casual shirts, shorts). I used to travel a lot for work so all the toiletries are already in a bag. It's a lot easier when no children are involved.

It's looking nicer and nicer for our week too.

Brian

Ahhh... right, setting aside vacation clothes is a lot easier in the scenario you painted.

And yes, it' so much easier without kids! I have two boys and they're seasoned pros at traveling, but there's still so much more involved.

They are excited... my youngest was a bit too short for the pool last time and will be able to stand up, swim, etc... a LOT better this trip. Now here's the big question... is the pool heated?

 

[Cinbride]

Yes, I believe all pools are heated. I found the one in POR in May was a little cool though last time. Hoping we can get in and enjoy some nice pool time. Am I right in thinking there is no lil' floatie things for babies or toddlers allowed in the pool? I guess that will me this momma w/ have to slip in un-noticed. so both kids can go in.

Also, does anyone else have any other information about the photopass photographers there? do I need to schedule in advance or just show up? thanks

 

[nathanyell]

. Now here's the big question... is the pool heated?

It was last time I was there. They are suppose to be in the 80's. Can't wait to get to the hot tub though!

Brian

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

It was last time I was there. They are suppose to be in the 80's. Can't wait to get to the hot tub though!

Brian

Only 4 days to go nathanyell??? I haven't been on the DIS in so long (traveling for work - UGH). I'm so excited for you. Please tell me how the hot tubs are - my husband would like to know. Hot tub is now on the "list" of requirements for our vacations

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Now here's the big question... is the pool heated? [/B]

Yes...The water is nice....It's getting OUT where you have the issue....Brrrr!!!

Yes, I believe all pools are heated. I found the one in POR in May was a little cool though last time. Hoping we can get in and enjoy some nice pool time. Am I right in thinking there is no lil' floatie things for babies or toddlers allowed in the pool? I guess that will me this momma w/ have to slip in un-noticed. so both kids can go in.

Also, does anyone else have any other information about the photopass photographers there? do I need to schedule in advance or just show up? thanks

I don't think you can bring your own floaties, but they do have life vests available...they are free, you just have to leave your KTTW with them while you are using it (we always left one of the kids, as they didn't have charging privliges...just in case)

Only 4 days to go nathanyell??? I haven't been on the DIS in so long (traveling for work - UGH). I'm so excited for you. Please tell me how the hot tubs are - my husband would like to know. Hot tub is now on the "list" of requirements for our vacations

Well, I'm not Nathanyell, but I can answer the hot tub question...I thought they were nice, although the temp. was not consistent. In the cooler months, they are both "Hot" (one hotter than the other), but I have read that in the summer months, they keep one cooler. I like that you can put your feet in the hot tub, but still have a good view of the kids swimming in the pool....great for tired feet and legs after a long day in the park.

 

[nathanyell]

Only 4 days to go nathanyell??? I haven't been on the DIS in so long (traveling for work - UGH). I'm so excited for you. Please tell me how the hot tubs are - my husband would like to know. Hot tub is now on the "list" of requirements for our vacations

There seem to be a lot of people checking into the lodge this weekend.

Personally I love the hot tubs at WL. The one at the Villas is my favorite because it is usually quiet.

The advantage is that there are three to choose from, so if the people in one are annoying, you can go to another.

Hope that helps.

Brian

 

[dizneykid]

There seem to be a lot of people checking into the lodge this weekend.

Personally I love the hot tubs at WL. The one at the Villas is my favorite because it is usually quiet.

The advantage is that there are three to choose from, so if the people in one are annoying, you can go to another.

Hope that helps.

Brian

Yes, it's MLK Weekend! If I remember correctly, the numbers were close to 95% full. It will drop a little come Tuesday, but usually stays busy the whole week. On a good note, you usually NEVER feel crowded at the Lodge!

 

[wickey's friend]

Hi -- I promised Brian I'd try to get a few pictures up before he leaves (I have more, but haven't put many where I can get them yet). Hope you like them:

Mercantile -- love that store! Yes, I bought the watch that was purchase with purchase.

The view from our room -

The "back porch"

Geyser

Lobby

More later when I get them all uploaded.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

What room number did you have?

The last two times we had room 6039. How weird is that? The same room.
Anyway, I want a different courtyard view and yours looks like it would be a good one to request.

 

[nathanyell]

Hi -- I promised Brian I'd try to get a few pictures up before he leaves (I have more, but haven't put many where I can get them yet). Hope you like them

Thank you so much!! I am just giddy with excitement.

I can't believe I am in my last days... I am getting nothing done at work.

I really liked your view. I just can't wait to be soaking in the hot tub!

Brian

 

[wickey's friend]

I just can't wait to be soaking in the hot tub!

Brian

This seems to be the only picture of one of the hot tubs I took -- but just for you . . .

 

[nathanyell]

This seems to be the only picture of one of the hot tubs I took -- but just for you . . .

You are too good to me!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I don't think you can bring your own floaties, but they do have life vests available...they are free, you just have to leave your KTTW with them while you are using it (we always left one of the kids, as they didn't have charging privliges...just in case)

While Piglets Mommy is correct about not being able to use floaties or any larger item that may block the lifegaurds view, you may check out the life vest from ***Teton Boat & Bike Rental***they are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The vest can be checked out for the duration of your stay. They do not require you to leave your room key, only show it. (You should never give anyone access to your room)

 

[kimgg]

These pics are making me very excited. Only problem is this will be first EVER WDW visit for all of us so will be hard to decide what to do each moment, but since it will be summer I'm sure we will want to swim quite a bit and that pool area and hot tub look great. More and more glad I chose WL. Thanks all for posting!

We leave May 29!

 

[PolyAddict]

These pics are making me very excited. Only problem is this will be first EVER WDW visit for all of us so will be hard to decide what to do each moment, but since it will be summer I'm sure we will want to swim quite a bit and that pool area and hot tub look great. More and more glad I chose WL. Thanks all for posting!

We leave May 29!

We arrive on May 29th also!

 

[wickey's friend]

These pics are making me very excited. Only problem is this will be first EVER WDW visit for all of us so will be hard to decide what to do each moment, but since it will be summer I'm sure we will want to swim quite a bit and that pool area and hot tub look great. More and more glad I chose WL. Thanks all for posting!

We leave May 29!

We were there last June -- and it was HOT (more so than usual I understand). We weren't at WL, but I think you'll enjoy going back to the resort for some pool time -- we did. Then, you are ready to go back to the parks in the evening.

 

[Cinbride]

While Piglets Mommy is correct about not being able to use floaties or any larger item that may block the lifegaurds view, you may check out the life vest from ***Teton Boat & Bike Rental***they are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The vest can be checked out for the duration of your stay. They do not require you to leave your room key, only show it. (You should never give anyone access to your room)

thanks are there any vests I can by myself and use instead? also what about a baby? just hold her; I'm always worried she will slip out of my arms

thanks

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Are there any vests I can by myself and use instead? also what about a baby? just hold her; I'm always worried she will slip out of my arms.

Cinbride

Well it's possible that if you purchased the Coast Gaurd approved vest you maybe OK but these types of vest are very expensive and bulky...are you driving?

The vest that the Lodge provides are top quality, superior to most any other vest on the market. (plus children outgrow them) They have them in many sizes and are provided by weight, they do have them that will be fit your baby and keep her face up in the water The vest are like the ones in the below photo but with the Wilderness Lodge colors and Logo on them.

While I believe all children should be taught to swim at a early age, these vest are the only type I would feel safe using if my child didn't know how to swim or if too young to swim. My young or still weak swimmers knew that if they wanted to remove the vest they had to come out of the pool.