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

[danielle821]

I love the WL and usually go during October. Next year my sister and I want to change things up a bit and go a little later in the fall. Any idea when the Christmas decorations are put up??? I've heard how beautiful everything is with the huge tree and all, that we would love to see it in person.
TIA,
Deb

I saw on AllEars earlier today that the Christmas decorations are all ready going up at MK, so I'm sure the resorts aren't far behind. You'll love the Christmas decorations at WL. Some of my favorites.

 

[77kool]

This resort is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! Disney, if they were smart, would charge a little more for this resort as it is truly worth any price!!!

 

[jkstewart1800]

can you see the MK fireworks (at all) from the beach at WL?

 

[guarn3md]

can you see the MK fireworks (at all) from the beach at WL?

Yes you can...we watched from there - we went all the way out to the edge of the beach. You can also see them from the ferry dock... We were on the 7th floor in July - we had an inner courtyard South view and we could see the fireworks from our balcony.


Debbie

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Is the compact fridge in the studio WLV any better than the one in the Lodge rooms? Trying to decide if studio or regular room is better for us this trip. Cost is within $100.00 of each other with AP. We are currently booked at the Swan under santa rate for week before christmas. Husband can;t imagine not staying at the Lodge. We could only stay at WL if we eat a good bit in the room as peak rates apply. Now the toaster and microwave would be nice however the fridge matters most to us. The one in the Lodge room never seem to get cold enough and have a really bad layout. I have never wanted to put more than one or two small milks and a couple beers and waters in those. I know the cabinet door in the regular room traps some of the heat. Maybe that affects it? For those that have used both, is the fridge in the studios any better/colder?

 

[bcuinohio]

I was mapping out directions to the WL and I noticed a road that goes directly from the WL to Fort Wilderness. It is called W. Wilderness Rd. Are you allowed to drive over to FW on this road? The last time we ate at HDDR we had to park outside the FW entance and tale a bus back to Pioneer Hall. This road looks like it goes over by Pioneer Hall.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Last minute long weekend trip to WDW to celebrate successful surgery and first time in 27 yr and almost 50 stays, I will be there on my birthday. Okay, so we leave on my birthday, but train is not until 7:30 that evening.

Also first time at VWL!! Have visited WL a few times, but never wanted to stay there unless the tree was up and read that last yr it was up by the Friday prior to Thanksgiving - we arrive the 18th it may be up then. Very excited!

This trip was so last minute - possibility came up on Thursday, VWL opened up Friday and we had flights and train booked the same day! Even got good fares!

Reading the thread (again after missed attempts to stay there before). Great info!! Thanks to everyone who contributes.

Wonderful views from WL CY rooms, but appears VWL rooms look out over those huge pine trees for the most part - that's okay, no complaints!

 

[jtwibih]

We leave Saturday.....what are the chances of the decorations being finished and lit by then?

 

[kaysmommie]

We leave Saturday.....what are the chances of the decorations being finished and lit by then?

I'm hoping the decorations are up too . Just boooked a last minute trip for the kids and I for 4 nights courtyard view we are so excited!

 

[jkstewart1800]

I was mapping out directions to the WL and I noticed a road that goes directly from the WL to Fort Wilderness. It is called W. Wilderness Rd. Are you allowed to drive over to FW on this road? The last time we ate at HDDR we had to park outside the FW entance and tale a bus back to Pioneer Hall. This road looks like it goes over by Pioneer Hall.

Sounds like a job for ROBO!!!!

 

[Fun_at_WDW]

Is the compact fridge in the studio WLV any better than the one in the Lodge rooms? Trying to decide if studio or regular room is better for us this trip. Cost is within $100.00 of each other with AP. We are currently booked at the Swan under santa rate for week before christmas. Husband can;t imagine not staying at the Lodge. We could only stay at WL if we eat a good bit in the room as peak rates apply. Now the toaster and microwave would be nice however the fridge matters most to us. The one in the Lodge room never seem to get cold enough and have a really bad layout. I have never wanted to put more than one or two small milks and a couple beers and waters in those. I know the cabinet door in the regular room traps some of the heat. Maybe that affects it? For those that have used both, is the fridge in the studios any better/colder?

We stayed in a studio in the WLV this summer for 11 days. We have never stayed in the lodge so I can't compare them. But, the refrigerator in the Studio was great. It goes from the floor to the counter. So, it is much bigger than a "dorm" size refrigerator (not sure if that is what size is in the Lodge or not). We ate breakfast in our room every morning so in the refrigerator we had a couple of 1/2 gallon milk cartons, a few juice bottles, yogurt, snack foods and lots of water bottles. It always kept things cold enough. There is a small freezer but we really didn't use that. They provide paper plates and plastic silverware. And, if you run out just ask the maid or call the desk and they will bring you some more. I personally liked having the kitchenette.

 

[kaysmommie]

I forgot to ask in my last post. What kind of hair dryers are in the rooms? I have thick longer hair and I wanted to know if I should pack my hair dryer.

Thanks in advance

 

[jesseybell]

If the first ferry to MK isn't until 8:30, is that early enough to make rope drop, or do we have to take the bus? The first bus is at 8:00 for a 9:00 opening, right?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Last minute long weekend trip to WDW to celebrate successful surgery and first time in 27 yr and almost 50 stays, I will be there on my birthday. Okay, so we leave on my birthday, but train is not until 7:30 that evening.

Also first time at VWL!! Have visited WL a few times, but never wanted to stay there unless the tree was up and read that last yr it was up by the Friday prior to Thanksgiving - we arrive the 18th it may be up then. Very excited!

This trip was so last minute - possibility came up on Thursday, VWL opened up Friday and we had flights and train booked the same day! Even got good fares!

Reading the thread (again after missed attempts to stay there before). Great info!! Thanks to everyone who contributes.

Wonderful views from WL CY rooms, but appears VWL rooms look out over those huge pine trees for the most part - that's okay, no complaints!

I hope you have a greattrip! How exciting for you!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Kaysmommie, They look like this:

www.wildernesslodgefansite.com

 

[WDWKOOK]

If the first ferry to MK isn't until 8:30, is that early enough to make rope drop, or do we have to take the bus? The first bus is at 8:00 for a 9:00 opening, right?

While the Red Flag starts going to the MK 30 minutes prior to opening, the Blue Flag operates starting at 0645 to the CR (and FW). You can take the Blue Flag to the CR and then walk to the MK.

 

[kaysmommie]

Kaysmommie, They look like this:

www.wildernesslodgefansite.com

Thank you so much. That should work good enough. I guess I won't bother packing mine .

 

[jesseybell]

While the Red Flag starts going to the MK 30 minutes prior to opening, the Blue Flag operates starting at 0645 to the CR (and FW). You can take the Blue Flag to the CR and then walk to the MK.

That is wonderful to know. Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much. That should work good enough. I guess I won't bother packing mine .

One less thing to worry about packing

Have a great vacation!

That is wonderful to know. Thanks!

You're welcome, jesseybell.

Have a great first trip to WDW

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I hope you have a greattrip! How exciting for you!

Thank you so much!

I didn't realize the hairdryers were different than other resorts - these are better. The DVC's we've stayed at had the same hairdryer as all the resorts - wall mounted white ones - not strong at all. This means I do not need to bring on from home.