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

[burberryplaid]

We are going to Disney in mid July, can't wait. We haven't been to Disney since 2001, we got hooked on the Disney Cruise for a few years, sorry. Anyway, we are staying at WL and are super excited. What is one thing not to miss at the resort?

Take an evening to sit and watch the Water Parade on the beach. We love it!

 

[jillianml]

Subscribing

 

[Nole95]

We have a friend in the Orlando area that wants to stop by for a visit while we are staying at the WL. Since they have the security gate, how can we get them access into the resort? Do we let the front desk know, or can our friend just say she is eating at one of the restaurants?

 

[philschrek]

I saw in one of the first posts that the pool is open 24 hrs. Are there any/many people swimming early in the morning? Our kids are very early risers and up by 6 am every morning.

 

[disneyfan55]

We have a friend in the Orlando area that wants to stop by for a visit while we are staying at the WL. Since they have the security gate, how can we get them access into the resort? Do we let the front desk know, or can our friend just say she is eating at one of the restaurants?

THey should be able to get in at the gate if they say they are visiting a guest. They will have to show ID and maybe give your name. There shouldn't be a problem. You could always let the front desk know they are coming as well.

 

[BlueFairy]

I saw in one of the first posts that the pool is open 24 hrs. Are there any/many people swimming early in the morning? Our kids are very early risers and up by 6 am every morning.

In December we saw 1 or 2 guests swimming by 8 am. It was chilly and these people seemed to be doing laps. I'm sure that as long as you respect quiet hours, it will be fine. The only caveat is that the slide will be closed until the lifeguards come on duty later in the morning.

 

[britfish]

In December we saw 1 or 2 guests swimming by 8 am. It was chilly and these people seemed to be doing laps. I'm sure that as long as you respect quiet hours, it will be fine. The only caveat is that the slide will be closed until the lifeguards come on duty later in the morning.

Do you know what time the lifeguards come on duty?

 

[goofygal531]

Can you request turndown service? I've booked a standard room.

My DS6 LOVES returning to the room and seeing chocolates on his pillow

Regarding coffee, this trip I'm going to bring my own coffee to use in the room coffee pot, can I get a small pint of half & half in the gift shop? I know the resorts with villas usually have an extensive gift shop.

Any tips for in room coffee making is greatly appreciated! I'm clueless!

I just switched my reservation to WL and I'm completely overwhelmed -yet very excited to finally stay there!

 

[BlueFairy]

Do you know what time the lifeguards come on duty?

Sorry, no. But I have seen it in a WL thread somewhere. So someone here must know. Did you read the first few posts in the thread?

Can you request turndown service? I've booked a standard room.

My DS6 LOVES returning to the room and seeing chocolates on his pillow

Regarding coffee, this trip I'm going to bring my own coffee to use in the room coffee pot, can I get a small pint of half & half in the gift shop? I know the resorts with villas usually have an extensive gift shop.

Any tips for in room coffee making is greatly appreciated! I'm clueless!

I just switched my reservation to WL and I'm completely overwhelmed -yet very excited to finally stay there!

I've read reports of people requesting turndown.

We made coffee. I like your idea about the creamer. I brought a powder, but the gift shop does have grocery items for the villas, so maybe there is something there. The coffee maker is basket style. I brought basket filters for the 4 cup size. You could probably use the filter pack drop-ins also. The mugs were nice heavy ones. I make 4 cups in my maker at home, so I premeasured my own coffee into ziploc baggies and brought 1 baggie per day. That way no fumbling in the dark trying not to spill or wake the kids. Faster and less mess around the vanity area.

 

[BlueFairy]

Can you request turndown service? I've booked a standard room.

My DS6 LOVES returning to the room and seeing chocolates on his pillow

Regarding coffee, this trip I'm going to bring my own coffee to use in the room coffee pot, can I get a small pint of half & half in the gift shop? I know the resorts with villas usually have an extensive gift shop.

Any tips for in room coffee making is greatly appreciated! I'm clueless!

I just switched my reservation to WL and I'm completely overwhelmed -yet very excited to finally stay there!

Wow! Just thought to check and you arrive the day after us. Too fun!

 

[Little Lulu]

LOL! Goofygal and BlueFairy, it looks like the three of us will be there at the same time!

 

[BlueFairy]

LOL! Goofygal and BlueFairy, it looks like the three of us will be there at the same time!

Woohoo! Can't wait.

 

[tkme4ard]

I just booked our trip nov 27th through dec 5th to be staying in the jr suite concierge. Can anyone tell me what to look forward to? any tips? This will be our first stay at WL

 

[LeafsFanNL]

Three Days and Counting!!


HB

 

[goofygal531]

We made coffee. I like your idea about the creamer. I brought a powder, but the gift shop does have grocery items for the villas, so maybe there is something there. The coffee maker is basket style. I brought basket filters for the 4 cup size. You could probably use the filter pack drop-ins also. The mugs were nice heavy ones. I make 4 cups in my maker at home, so I premeasured my own coffee into ziploc baggies and brought 1 baggie per day. That way no fumbling in the dark trying not to spill or wake the kids. Faster and less mess around the vanity area.

Ooh, what a great idea! I'm going to pre-measure my coffee too. Never thought about that! I can't tolerate the powered creamer, I figured in case I could always use the kid's milk. I always purchase a 1/2 gal in the gift shops. My boys need their milk before bed. Although, I prefer half and half.

What do you do about water? I've heard it's the FL water that makes coffee taste so bad. I usually ship a case of water to the resort, but since this is a short trip (5 days) I wasn't going to this time.

We have the DxDDP that comes with the refillable mugs, but I'm thinking about bringing disposable coffee cups. I hate carrying around mugs all day. Do you bring your own sugar or just stock up from the quick service restaurant?

Wow! Just thought to check and you arrive the day after us. Too fun!

LOL! Goofygal and BlueFairy, it looks like the three of us will be there at the same time!

I'm so excited!!

One more question, my flight should be landing in MCO around 9:30 am. I know DME stops at Poly, GF, then WL. Can I plan to make a 12:45 lunch ADR in MK? I always take that flight but plan a pool day so I can't remember exactly what time we arrive and finish checking in. With only 5 days, I'm trying to pack everything in

Also on departure day, my flight is at 7:30 pm, I'm expecting DME around 4:30 pm. I'm planning to leave MK no later than 3pm. Is that about right? I don't want to cut it close, I'm not used to dealing with the boats.

I appreciate all the tips from the WL pros!!

 

[BlueFairy]

What do you do about water? I've heard it's the FL water that makes coffee taste so bad. I usually ship a case of water to the resort, but since this is a short trip (5 days) I wasn't going to this time.

We have the DxDDP that comes with the refillable mugs, but I'm thinking about bringing disposable coffee cups. I hate carrying around mugs all day. Do you bring your own sugar or just stock up from the quick service restaurant?

Honestly our tap water at home is very good, so I am used to tap. I have noticed the sulfur taste in the water fountains at the parks, but the resort water doesn't bother me. If you really don't like it you could always buy a big bottle in the gift shop I'm sure. I can imagine that 20oz would probably fill the coffee pot. I think the problem with WDW coffee is weak/cheap coffee. I drink mine strong from the in-room maker and don't notice an issue.
I have heard the refillable mugs retain coffee flavor pretty badly. I like splenda, so I bring my own. 10 packets doesn't take up much space.

One more question, my flight should be landing in MCO around 9:30 am. I know DME stops at Poly, GF, then WL. Can I plan to make a 12:45 lunch ADR in MK? I always take that flight but plan a pool day so I can't remember exactly what time we arrive and finish checking in. With only 5 days, I'm trying to pack everything in

Also on departure day, my flight is at 7:30 pm, I'm expecting DME around 4:30 pm. I'm planning to leave MK no later than 3pm. Is that about right? I don't want to cut it close, I'm not used to dealing with the boats.

I appreciate all the tips from the WL pros!!

Sounds like departure should be plenty of time, unless you haven't checked out for some reason. If you only need to retrieve your bags and get to the entrance, 1 1/2 hours before DME should be plenty.

As for DME on arrival, we had bad luck, but have only used it once. I think we were at the airport for 2 hr after our flight before we got to a bus. Then another 45min to get to WL (last stop). You may be fine, but if your ADR is a must-do, I would give yourself another hour or so. Getting checked in to WL and then on to MK will take you at least 45 min. Best case, you get plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere at WL and on Main St while you wait for your ADR.

 

[goofygal531]

I think the problem with WDW coffee is weak/cheap coffee.QUOTE]

I think your right! And the mugs DO retain the coffee scent!

As for DME on arrival, we had bad luck, but have only used it once. I think we were at the airport for 2 hr after our flight before we got to a bus.

WOW! Maybe you had an off day. My boys enjoy the experience. They like riding "Mickey's Bus" and watching the movie. I've never minded using them, but then again I've never had a bad experience.

Our ADR is not a must do, I just didn't know what time to get. I'm going to try to pay more attention this time to our arrival time.

On our departure day, we're using the resort airline check in desk. They handle getting our luggage to the airport. I'll have to pick up our carryon from the bellmen. I guess we'll explore the WL for a hour or so before DME picks us up. I'd rather be there than worrying about catching a boat back in time. I've found the boat times to be unpredictible.

 

[autigger]

My family just booked a five-night stay at the Wilderness Lodge during July! We booked a “standard” view room. We have stayed on Disney property three other times (‘06 All-Star Movies, ‘07 Pop Century, and ‘08 Port Orleans French Quarter), but never before at the Wilderness Lodge.

My question is whether all of the Wilderness Lodge rooms were refurbished/renovated during 2008? Meaning, were all the rooms updated and now include, among other things, a flat-panel television and new headboard? I have looked a good bit on-line and I see pictures of the non-refurbished rooms and I was curious whether these still exist or whether the pictures are just pre-renovation.

My concern is that since we book the least expensive room would we get a non-refurbished room.

Thanks for any help and/or sugestions!

 

[BlueFairy]

WOW! Maybe you had an off day. My boys enjoy the experience. They like riding "Mickey's Bus" and watching the movie. I've never minded using them, but then again I've never had a bad experience.

Our ADR is not a must do, I just didn't know what time to get. I'm going to try to pay more attention this time to our arrival time.

On our departure day, we're using the resort airline check in desk. They handle getting our luggage to the airport. I'll have to pick up our carryon from the bellmen. I guess we'll explore the WL for a hour or so before DME picks us up. I'd rather be there than worrying about catching a boat back in time. I've found the boat times to be unpredictible.

Yes, the ME staff told us that it was an unusual day. Something like 12000 checkins. The service was smooth and well done, just bad timing on our arrival.
I think your departure will work well. 30 min to get back to the hotel and then an hour of playtime. If the boat is late you should still have time. We had great luck with WL boats being about every 20 minutes. They ran pretty much on time in 2007.

 

[BlueFairy]

My family just booked a five-night stay at the Wilderness Lodge during July! We booked a “standard” view room. We have stayed on Disney property three other times (‘06 All-Star Movies, ‘07 Pop Century, and ‘08 Port Orleans French Quarter), but never before at the Wilderness Lodge.

My question is whether all of the Wilderness Lodge rooms were refurbished/renovated during 2008? Meaning, were all the rooms updated and now include, among other things, a flat-panel television and new headboard? I have looked a good bit on-line and I see pictures of the non-refurbished rooms and I was curious whether these still exist or whether the pictures are just pre-renovation.

My concern is that since we book the least expensive room would we get a non-refurbished room.

Thanks for any help and/or sugestions!

I have not heard of anyone getting an un-refurbished room. You are probably seeing old photos. I believe ALL rooms were updates with the new TVs and headboards.