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

[dizneykid]

Thanks so much, Becky, for finding this quote! I wish I had been there to wish him well and thank him for being part of the WL!
And I agree...he did have the spirit that Walt would have wanted CMs to have.

Stan was a great CM. The best.

The Lodge had a huge retirement party for him. He deserves it.

 

[dizneykid]

Just a heads up everyone who are heading to the Lodge's Club Level.

They are changing up their food offerings. Apparently, Disney is trying to streamline the Club Level offerings. Gone will be the huge pots of soup and evening entrees they used to have.

They are now going to serve single portion appetizers. While we were there they were having a trial run. They are supposed to be in full swing by year end.

They served mini salmon cakes, chicken and beef skewers, duck potstickers, and buffalo spring rolls. Also, on Saturday night they serves a small bowl of pulled pork with small rolls.

These were all very tasty. And they NEVER ran out of the offerings. Very plentiful.

We also heard that they will serve soup, but that it will be in individual cups not the huge self serve pot. We did not have any on our trip and we were there for a week.

They still had the cheese selection and the PBJ's and dip and bread. Not sure if this will change.

The desserts are also changing (or have already changed) but while we were there, the CM's were not sure what they would be serving just yet. They had tried a bunch but need to get set up before they can serve them. Not sure if the cobbler will go away yet. These will also be served in individual portions.

I will try and get more information on this. If anyone is traveling to the Lodge's Club Level soon, please get some info on this for us.

Any questions, please ask and I will try and get some answers.

 

[LisaZ1113]

Planning our first stay at WL for next December and already can't wait!!!

Us too!!! Honeymoon trip

 

[TVEPFOX]

Just a heads up everyone who are heading to the Lodge's Club Level.

They are changing up their food offerings. Apparently, Disney is trying to streamline the Club Level offerings. Gone will be the huge pots of soup and evening entrees they used to have.

They are now going to serve single portion appetizers. While we were there they were having a trial run. They are supposed to be in full swing by year end.

They served mini salmon cakes, chicken and beef skewers, duck potstickers, and buffalo spring rolls. Also, on Saturday night they serves a small bowl of pulled pork with small rolls.

These were all very tasty. And they NEVER ran out of the offerings. Very plentiful.

We also heard that they will serve soup, but that it will be in individual cups not the huge self serve pot. We did not have any on our trip and we were there for a week.

They still had the cheese selection and the PBJ's and dip and bread. Not sure if this will change.

The desserts are also changing (or have already changed) but while we were there, the CM's were not sure what they would be serving just yet. They had tried a bunch but need to get set up before they can serve them. Not sure if the cobbler will go away yet. These will also be served in individual portions.

I will try and get more information on this. If anyone is traveling to the Lodge's Club Level soon, please get some info on this for us.

Any questions, please ask and I will try and get some answers.

I've read on other threads about these changes too. This is one change WDW is making that doesn't sound bad to me.

 

[jockey]

This thread is great! Only 2 months until our first stay at WL

 

[TVEPFOX]

Some WL pictures to brighten your day...

 

[dizneykid]

I've read on other threads about these changes too. This is one change WDW is making that doesn't sound bad to me.

Me neither. The food was very good and served at the right temperatures. I love the selection also. From what I heard, the desserts will be wonderful.

I think this will be well received.

The only complaint that has been heard was that certain guests would say "they can't make dinner" out of the offerings. Well, it's not supposed to be dinner, just appetizers. The funny part is the guests who are complaining are the ones who are upgraded.

 

[MrsPook]

Can anyone help me? Staying at WL for the first time in one month. Booked online and did not read this wonderful thread yet to make a room request. Does anyone know if there is a way to pull up your online reservation and add a room request? Also do ALL rooms have a fridge in them? Do any in the lodge have a coffee pot or microwave or just in the Villas?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Can anyone help me? Staying at WL for the first time in one month. Booked online and did not read this wonderful thread yet to make a room request. Does anyone know if there is a way to pull up your online reservation and add a room request? Also do ALL rooms have a fridge in them? Do any in the lodge have a coffee pot or microwave or just in the Villas?

MrsPook
Unfortunately there isn't anyway to add a room request after booking on-line from your computer. You may call CRO and have a CM add your request to your on-line reservation.

Yes all the rooms at Wilderness Lodge have a small 4-cup coffee pot and refrigerator. Microwaves are only in the Villas, but there is a microwave located in Roaring Fork you may use.

From Deb's Website

 

[2diamonds&a~gem]

We will be there in 23 days! Ohh how I need it!

Would love opinions on the photo session here at the lodge... and "sopts" that were used. This will likely be my Granddad's last trip with us and I would love to have some pics done.


Didnt I also read that the photopass photographer will take your pic in front of the tree? but it seemed like that was not part of the photo session, everyone would be able to to it?

 

[wickey's friend]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm down to 42 days, and it CANNOT get here fast enough.

 

[MrsPook]

Thanks for the quick response! So excited for our trip!

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

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Grannyminnie

The following post was over on the DVC Forum, it was posted on October 31, 2009 Ranger Stan has retired, he will be missed but never forgotten.

Beckie

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My Stan Story from years ago!

My family and I recently had an enjoyable vacation at Walt Disney World. The days were filled with the expected park visits, food, and fun. My six year old daughter met with Mickey, Minnie, and more characters than I could name. (She can!) My hopes and expectations were fulfilled in this year’s visit even though there was some apprehension about the hurricanes and damage. (Disney survived remarkably.) However, I never dreamed my six year old would also gain a simple patriotic lesson of respecting the American Flag.

Our adventure included a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Simply picture the grand lodge of Yellowstone National Park with the Disney twist. The facility is remarkable in every aspect and the staff went beyond expectations to meet our needs. One particular staff member is well-known as Ranger Stan. Ranger Stan is an icon around the Lodge and I had read about him as I searched the internet for details on the Lodge. He stands proud in his ranger attire and beams with the kind of joy that would make Walt Disney himself proud. While I don’t know his age, I would presume that Ranger Stan is a retired gentlemen who is living his second childhood through his work at the Lodge. He is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable source of any information regarding the Lodge. Through my vacation planning I discovered that families staying at the Wilderness Lodge could request to be the “flag family” for the day. Although not advertised, this privilege is still sought by many. If selected, your family will receive a notice to meet Ranger Stan at the front desk early on your selected morning to begin your adventure. I had a basic idea what may occur but didn’t yet have the appreciation.

My wife, daughter, and I met Ranger Stan early Thursday morning. He immediately connected with my daughter and asked her if she would accept the privilege of carrying the American Flag on our journey. She beamed with delight at the honor and he placed her small hands around the Flag and she held it tight. He then handed the other flags to my wife and I and we began the journey to the top of the Lodge. After an elevator ride and a climb of 66 steps, (Ranger Stan provided the detail), we were on top of the Lodge, beholding the lands of Disney. The view was awesome but it wasn’t our mission. Ranger Stan guided my daughter to the center flagpole and kindly instructed her on how they would work together to raise the colors. He told her the American Flag was in the center because it deserved respect from the other flags and all those who viewed it. My daughter joyfully assisted him in preparing the colors and pulling the rope to raise them for the day. It was then that it occurred to me this was more than simply a gimmick. As we watched the wind unfurl the Flag over the kingdom, I’ll admit, I swelled with pride at what I had just observed. Ranger Stan then asked us to line up and face the Flag. I was expecting a photo-op but he asked my daughter to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. She proudly started and he snapped to a salute as we pledged our allegiance. My six year old had just received a valuable lesson in flag respect that too many children and adults have not. In the simple minutes of our adventure with Ranger Stan, she had learned how to carry, honor, and care for the colors. I’m sure she has heard some of this taught in school or hopefully even from me. However, the memories and pictures with Ranger Stan will undoubtedly be the lasting lesson for her.


How many others need the privilege of a few minutes with Ranger Stan? Simply attend a local ballgame and you will find your answer. As we visited for the next few minutes and completed our tasks of raising the other flags, I was able to appreciate the additional knowledge and kind demeanor of Ranger Stan. Later in the day, while swimming in the pool my daughter pointed to the Lodge roof and said, “ Look Daddy, my Flag is still flying!” Yes sweetheart, your Flag flies proudly! While there may be some things about the Disney Corporation that Mr. Disney may not be proud of today, I’m sure old Walt would be thankful for the work of a ranger named Stan.....I sure am.

 

[disneydaisyndonald]

Oh, I am so excited. Thanks to everyone on this thread and the one prior.
I have learned a lot already. Coming to WL in 72 days!! Can't wait!

 

[mouskagirlie]

This was our first stay at WL and being CL. We enjoyed every minute of it. Once you go CL you can never go back!

The CL floor is awesome, covering the entire 7th floor, very private and relaxing. You need a special door card to access the elevator. Boy, do people stare at you and ask questions when you pull it out. DD was asked what is it like up there... she replied Magical.

The food offerings are great for breakfast. We ate there every morning. In the afternoons I would take the paper coffee cups and fill them with snacks. We would take them to our room or the pool. The evening foods were very nice and plentiful. Cheese, crackers, PB&J, soups, stews, chix, veggies, dip, etc. My fav was dessert time! I became a big fan of Kaluha! Beer is avail in the afternoons, just ask a CM for it.

We requested a bunkbed room and got it. We requested MK view and got it. All of our ADR's were made, DH played golf, everything we asked for we got, we would call WL from anywhere in the parks and talk to a CM if we had a problem. Ask for a card with the desk phone number. Balloons were left one night for DD with a pic of Mickey and a photopass card, turndown service each evening and a candy canoe upon arrival.

One disappointment, Roaring Fork. Man, is that place small!

Long story about CMs and WDW going the extra mile... DD's favorite stuffed animal a bear vanished from the room. We believe it was wrapped up in the sheets by Mousekeeping and sent to the laundry. It was never seen again. She was a wreck!!! I had the entire hotel looking for it, but no luck. I had a "spare" back home in NY. I called my mom to FEDEX it to me since we were getting on the Disney Magic in 3 days and DD didn't want to leave without it. When the replacement arrived, the CM found me at the pool. We sprinked a trail of pixie dust in our room leading to her top bunk (scene of the crime) and left a note from Tinkerbell. Tink said she flew all the way back to NY to get the bear and bring it to Mikayla so she would have it on the ship. OMG!!! DD flipped!!!! She was thrilled. I was upset we lost the animal, but very pleased the way WL CMs handled it. Disney also covered all the shipping costs plus some. Very nice.

We're booked for WL CL in August 2010. Any questions, just ask.

Wow, what a wonderful story about the CM's (Tink) delivering the replacement bear - thanks for sharing it!

Also, thanks for posting the tip of requesting a card with the phone number on it - very helpful!

 

[grannyminnie]

goofy-blade, your story brought tears to my eyes! Because I have had conversations with Ranger Stan and because I am a proud American who also respects the flag, it had special meaning. I am going to miss seeing him when we return.

 

[ugadog68]

We will be at the WL tomorrow

First time staying there!

 

[FirstTimeGoer]

Is there a better room to get a decent view of BOTH Pageant and MK Wishes? We have a sound sensitive child who will probably enjoy watching both, but from a distance!
Thank you in advance for any answers.

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

goofy-blade, your story brought tears to my eyes! Because I have had conversations with Ranger Stan and because I am a proud American who also respects the flag, it had special meaning. I am going to miss seeing him when we return.

Thank you. It was written 5 years ago and published in the newspaper. Stan has a framed copy that his wife proudly displays. He also told me it is posted somewhere in the offices of the WL.

He will be missed... a good friend during each of our visits in the following years after that first visit.

 

[LaWa]

[

QUOTE=TVEPFOX;34214395]This was our first stay at WL and being CL. We enjoyed every minute of it. Once you go CL you can never go back!

The CL floor is awesome, covering the entire 7th floor, very private and relaxing. You need a special door card to access the elevator. Boy, do people stare at you and ask questions when you pull it out. DD was asked what is it like up there... she replied Magical.

My kids are so excited about the WL. It's what they thought our hotel was going to be like in Yosemite this summer. Believe me, the WL CL is much nicer.

The food offerings are great for breakfast. We ate there every morning. In the afternoons I would take the paper coffee cups and fill them with snacks. We would take them to our room or the pool. The evening foods were very nice and plentiful. Cheese, crackers, PB&J, soups, stews, chix, veggies, dip, etc. My fav was dessert time! I became a big fan of Kaluha! Beer is avail in the afternoons, just ask a CM for it.

I think it's kinda weird you have to ask for beer. Do they have a selection? Or do you just ask for what you want? Do they have wines available? I only booked one ADR for breakfast at Chef Mickey's for Xmas day. That should be fun.

We requested a bunkbed room and got it. We requested MK view and got it. All of our ADR's were made, DH played golf, everything we asked for we got, we would call WL from anywhere in the parks and talk to a CM if we had a problem. Ask for a card with the desk phone number. Balloons were left one night for DD with a pic of Mickey and a photopass card, turndown service each evening and a candy canoe upon arrival.

One disappointment, Roaring Fork. Man, is that place small!

My kids are excited about the bunk beds. And it will free up some floorspace in the room. Both are impossible to sleep with, so I'm glad they will have their own bed. I have to remember to request the MK view.

Long story about CMs and WDW going the extra mile... DD's favorite stuffed animal a bear vanished from the room. We believe it was wrapped up in the sheets by Mousekeeping and sent to the laundry. It was never seen again. She was a wreck!!! I had the entire hotel looking for it, but no luck. I had a "spare" back home in NY. I called my mom to FEDEX it to me since we were getting on the Disney Magic in 3 days and DD didn't want to leave without it. When the replacement arrived, the CM found me at the pool. We sprinked a trail of pixie dust in our room leading to her top bunk (scene of the crime) and left a note from Tinkerbell. Tink said she flew all the way back to NY to get the bear and bring it to Mikayla so she would have it on the ship. OMG!!! DD flipped!!!! She was thrilled. I was upset we lost the animal, but very pleased the way WL CMs handled it. Disney also covered all the shipping costs plus some. Very nice.

What a great story about going the extra mile! My daughter would be devastated to lose her "stinky." It's a blanket she has slept with ever since she was a baby. She does not let me wash it - hence the name. We'll have to remember to put it in a drawer each morning. Although if we lost it at Disney, maybe she'd get over having it. Maybe Santa can steal it when he fills up their stocking? (She's not ready to give it up. And although it is disgusting, I still think it's cute.)

We're booked for WL CL in August 2010. Any questions, just ask.

See that's what I'm worried about. We'll have to keep going back!!!