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

[britfish]

We are planning our first deluxe stay at the Wilderness Lodge for Dec 11-17 (using Bounceback 40% off), right now I have a Woods view bunkbeds booked (lowest room level avaiable at time of booking). I am thinking about either upgrading to club level using 40% BB or switching to free dining(if offered) and hope to book standard room. What would you do? This will more than likely be our only chance to ever stay CL, but I am worried that we would still need to book dining plan. For all you WL CL vets, when staying CL do you still do DDP or do you just pay OOP for a few TS meals or do you find that the CL food is enough and just grab a couple of CS meals or snacks when you want something eles?

I am also looking for information on the Photopass package for the WL. I would like to book a session. Has anyone done this before? I would love to see some of those pics!

The photo pass package is $99.95. The photographer takes you around the Lodge for 30 min. taking various photos of your family and then presents you with a CD/DVD of all the shots. Very cool.

We just returned from our 6th stay at at the Lodge and this time we were fortunate enough to enjoy CLUB LEVEL using a 40% discount. This equates to the club level being about $40-50 more per night than a courtyard view/ bunkbed room which we've always gotten in the past. Let me tell you....It was sooo awesome. We have a DD 17 and a DS 14 who eats us out of house and home and it was really a Godsend. We had our breakfast there each and every morning (7 night stay) and it was a HEALTHY bkfst. It was pretty special to be able to overlook the Lodge's magnificant lobby each and every morning. The snacks were enough to hold us over mid day. At 5 comes the wine/cheese and things like bacon wrapped scallops, green chili, salmon cakes (think crab cakes), venison meatballs (out of this world), bbq chicken cabobs, turkey wraps, spiced nuts, veges and dip, coffee, coffee and more coffee!!! They have a machine where you press a button and viola, you have your mocha, latte or whatever you may choose. I iced mine and it put Starbucks to shame. Oh yea, then there is dessert beginning at 8!! Awesome way to end the day.

I can't even begin to count the $$$$ we saved on food. I also can't begin to say the number of people that came up to us asking if we would like their dining coupons because they have 22 (yes 22) meal vouchers left and they are leaving the next day and can't use them. Another family asked if we would like to by their 4 dining coupons for $3.50 because they just wanted a ice cream bar but used all their snack vouchers for water. (TIP... you can ask anywhere for a glass of ice or icewater and they are happy to get it for you free of charge!!!!

We just returned on Sunday and would be happy to answer anyone's questions!
Okay..that's it for now.

Wait...so CL was only $40-$50 more total or per person? We booked w/ a 40% off pin and we are doing a split stay so we are only at WL for 2 nights, that might be a nice surprise for DH that I hadn't even considered. Where can I read more about CL?

 

[disnewbie108]

We just returned on Sunday and would be happy to answer anyone's questions!
Okay..that's it for now.[/COLOR]

Hi CuteAsMinnie!

We are 40 days out to our first stay at WL (CL). We are very excited. So glad you enjoyed your stay. I can tell by your post you had a great time.

Can you tell me what kind of view you had and how much you did/did not like it? Where was your room located as it relates to the CL floor layout?

We will be traveling with a 1 year old. He is a light sleeper. I had a chance at a 1 bedroom WL Villa for more privacy for him, but my family really wanted CL. I cannot spring for the Deluxe CL room. So we need to make things work with the standard CL room. I have read on the boards to bring a sound machine, so we are testing that now to see if it even works for our light sleeper. I also read to bring a baby monitor, so you can sit on the balcony or in the lounge but still keep and ear out for the little one and still be able to stay up past his bed time. I am on the fence with that one, but will bring the monitor anyway. We use them every night at home, so I do not think there would be much difference. The IPO put a request for a Inner-Courtyard view away from the lounge to help us with our light sleeper. Not guarenteed of course. This was in response to our request for a lake/geyser view, away from the lounge service area.

Anywhoo...I digress..Can you tell me more about your room/view/location, or do you know would 'away' from the lounge be too far away? We have stayed at the AKL CL before, our room was not near the lounge but it was not far either. I guess what I am getting at is, I do not want the request that the IPO office requested for us to be 'away' from the lounge to 1) be so far away it would be difficult to bring something back to the room or possibly be out of range of a baby monitor 2) put us in a location with a less than preferred view. I guess I have to be careful what I wish for, I just might get it, huh?

Any thing you have on room location or CL floor layout would be helpful.

Also, did you make a room request? Was it honored?

Thanks so much in advance. Would love to hear more about your stay at the WL CL

H.

 

[Steve Mahanahan]

We're driving down for our vacation - how are the drives between WL and Epcot, DHS, and Downtown Disney? I feel more comfortable driving vs. using the bus system, unless using the bus will save us a lot of time.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Well, let's see....

We requested, and received "inner/main courtyard view near the waterfall w/ bunkbeds" We were on the right side (as you look at the Lodge from the pool) right above the waterfall. I think on the first page of this thread there is a link to room numbers and layout.

With a 1 year old, I would bring the monitor. Not sure how it would pick up tho because the "Old Faithful Club" is directly above the lobby and the tables are arranged around the balcony, looking over the lobby. The rooms are off to the sides. I believe any room you receive is away from the lounge area. If you are worried about your light sleeper, I would suggest a request similar to ours (minus the bunk beds). Otherwise, you may be towards the pool and that can get noisy. Besides, the sound of the waterfall may help her sleep.

CL is the 7th floor so the balcony has the awnings on them so you can't sit out and enjoy the view. This is the ONLY drawback. Looking at the Lodge, the left side near pool (I'm bad at directions) only goes to 6 floors. Those rooms are not CL. The rooms around the waterfall closer to the lobby, and then down and around to the right...all the way down to Bay Lake are CL.

Anything else???

 

[disnewbie108]

Well, let's see....

We requested, and received "inner/main courtyard view near the waterfall w/ bunkbeds" We were on the right side (as you look at the Lodge from the pool) right above the waterfall. I think on the first page of this thread there is a link to room numbers and layout.

With a 1 year old, I would bring the monitor. Not sure how it would pick up tho because the "Old Faithful Club" is directly above the lobby and the tables are arranged around the balcony, looking over the lobby. The rooms are off to the sides. I believe any room you receive is away from the lounge area. If you are worried about your light sleeper, I would suggest a request similar to ours (minus the bunk beds). Otherwise, you may be towards the pool and that can get noisy. Besides, the sound of the waterfall may help her sleep.

CL is the 7th floor so the balcony has the awnings on them so you can't sit out and enjoy the view. This is the ONLY drawback. Looking at the Lodge, the left side near pool (I'm bad at directions) only goes to 6 floors. Those rooms are not CL. The rooms around the waterfall closer to the lobby, and then down and around to the right...all the way down to Bay Lake are CL.

Anything else???

Awesome. Thanks for your quick response. I appreciate it!

H.

 

[WhitGB]

I have to apoligize before I post but I did not read through the current part 7 WL information. I was still getting through part 6 (didnt see part 7).

Does anyone have current information or pictures on the CL? I am thinking of making the switch for our November trip and wanted to see what was available.

Is there cut up fruit in the morning? Can my DH get a beer mid afternoon while the kids rest? How about chocolate milk before bed.

Any information (or links) is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Our pics are not loaded yet but:

There is an awesome coffee machine where you press a button and viola, out comes your mocha, latte, hot chocolate, just about anything you like. There are 4 syrups to choose as well; chocolate, hazlenut, vanilla and I forgot the 4th.

Milk and Choc. milk are always available I believe.

The most wonderful french bottled water (in glass bottles) you ever tasted. Yep, it was. You can request a bottle for your room. Certainly does not have the after taste the usual bottled water has.

Bkfst - 7 - 10:30am includes 4 types of cereal (i.e. raisin bran, cheerios, fruit loops, rice krispies, corn flakes, frosted flakes were all there during our stay) Apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, choc. muffins, blueberry muffins, apple turnovers, strawberry turnovers, fruit (watermelon, cantelope, honeydew, strawberries, pineapple) juice boxes, yogurt.

Snacks 11:30am - 4 pm include lemonade, iced tea, soda (coke, diet, sprite) milk, gold fish, spiced nuts, gummies, cookies (yum), pretzles......

Wine/Cheese (and yes, beer) - 5-7 Cheese platter w/ 4 different cheese (i.e., mozz, colbyjack, cheddar, blue, brie) vege tray (tomatoes, cucs, carrots, etc) w/ an awesome dip, 2 hot items (i.e. bbq chicken skewers, venison meatballs (awesome), salmon cakes, bacon wrapped scallops, chilie, soup), turkey roll ups, at least 3 wines (some white, some red), soda, juice lemonade, iced tea, spiced nuts and some other things.

Desssert - 8-10 pm cookies, same drinks (minus the wine) but add cordials like Baileys, Covisseur (sp) and things like that - 4-6 bottles, warm cobbler (i.e. apple, cherry), brownies and a few other desserts.

Awesome, awesome, awesome experience. We had breakfast (and it was healthy!) there each and every breakfast. Our dinner was easily made from the pickings at least 3 nights. Then at the parks we snacked. We were usually back for a rest at the Lodge in the afternoon and took advantage of the snacks and dessert was always a nice treat. I can't begin to count the $$$ we saved.

Some critics do not care for the Old Faithful Club set up because the food is in one room, but the chairs/tables are spread about the balcony overlooking the entire lobby. Really can't see anything to complain about here. Much more comfortable, private and peaceful than having everything placed in one room.

Hope this helps.

 

[WhitGB]

Thanks so much for your information. This is exactally what we are looking for.

 

[appplel]

Thanks to everyone for all the great information on this list!! I am so excited about our 9/10 trip to the World!! I have a reservation for a 2BR WL villa, but would really appreciate any advice / suggestions about what to request as far as room location??

 

[eandesmom]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get connecting rooms, woods view, where one is a 2 queen set up and the other a bunk bed/queen?

We were unable to book it this way under one reservation and were told by CRO to get connecting they had to be the same room type (both 2 queen or both bunk bed). Upon callback they stated the same but qualified it with a "we don't think you can" type of statement and suggested we ask at check in.

Right now we've requested Northside, view of otter pond, floors 1-5 but if there is a request that might give us a chance at doing this kind of connecting room combo, that would be ideal. We know we'd have to pay the difference for the bunk bed room but it would make for some better sleeping!

Does anyone have input on whether our chances of getting this (as well as the location request) are better or worse if we do online check in?

Thanks!

 

[DizneyNutz]

We're driving down for our vacation - how are the drives between WL and Epcot, DHS, and Downtown Disney? I feel more comfortable driving vs. using the bus system, unless using the bus will save us a lot of time.

Driving around WDW is simple and everything is well marked. We always either drive or get a rental car. I believe you will be glad you have your own transportation. Not that Disney's is all that bad, but it is nice to not stand in another line at the end of a long day and then get crammed on a bus with a lot of other people of assorted moods.

 

[wdw71]

This having been our first stay at WL we did not think WL itself was very well marked going into the resort and on our first time out driving ourselves it was a bit confusing as well. Our stays at POP and POR were much simpler and there seemed to me many more signs to direct us in and out. Once we figured it out- piece of cake and the rest of the property is very well marked.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Well worth the extra $40-$50/night per room and would be a delightful surprise for DH

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Thanks to everyone for all the great information on this list!! I am so excited about our 9/10 trip to the World!! I have a reservation for a 2BR WL villa, but would really appreciate any advice / suggestions about what to request as far as room location??

We stayed in a 2BR villa in January -- loved it! We requested a room near the elevator. We were given room 4528 and it was great. It was a corner room on the fourth floor that overlooked the foyer. It was also a dedicated 2 BR, so the second bedroom had two queen beds instead of just one and a pullout sofa. Here are some pics:

Looking at the entry and kitchen from living room:

Living room/ dining area:

Kitchen:

Looking into the second bedroom:

 

[Steve Mahanahan]

Any suggestions for room requests for a honeymoon couple? We've already requested a room with a king bed, but we're not sure if we should also request a certain floor or area.

 

[shippedtosea]

Any suggestions for room requests for a honeymoon couple? We've already requested a room with a king bed, but we're not sure if we should also request a certain floor or area.

We requested King size, inner court yard view bear face for our honeymoon and thats exactly what we got. so you can try asking for that. The room and view were beautiful i posted photos on here a few weeks back if your interested.

 

[LJD2143]

Bkfst - 7 - 10:30am includes 4 types of cereal (i.e. raisin bran, cheerios, fruit loops, rice krispies, corn flakes, frosted flakes were all there during our stay) Apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, choc. muffins, blueberry muffins, apple turnovers, strawberry turnovers, fruit (watermelon, cantelope, honeydew, strawberries, pineapple) juice boxes, yogurt.

Snacks 11:30am - 4 pm include lemonade, iced tea, soda (coke, diet, sprite) milk, gold fish, spiced nuts, gummies, cookies (yum), pretzles......

Wine/Cheese (and yes, beer) - 5-7 Cheese platter w/ 4 different cheese (i.e., mozz, colbyjack, cheddar, blue, brie) vege tray (tomatoes, cucs, carrots, etc) w/ an awesome dip, 2 hot items (i.e. bbq chicken skewers, venison meatballs (awesome), salmon cakes, bacon wrapped scallops, chilie, soup), turkey roll ups, at least 3 wines (some white, some red), soda, juice lemonade, iced tea, spiced nuts and some other things.

Desssert - 8-10 pm cookies, same drinks (minus the wine) but add cordials like Baileys, Covisseur (sp) and things like that - 4-6 bottles, warm cobbler (i.e. apple, cherry), brownies and a few other desserts.

I do recall reading one negative aspect about WL CL, however: Is the food & drink room closed when not in service (i.e. in-between Breakfast and Snacks or after Dessert)? In other words, can you just buzz through for a quick non-alcoholic beverage, even if there is no food being served?
At GF, drinks were ALWAYS available (24/7), even if there was no food service.

 

[appplel]

Thanks!! How was the view outside - and the noise from the elevator? We are traveling with grandparents as well as 5yr old, and grandparents are concerned about elevator / pool noise?

Apple

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am not sure how this person was able to do this, but here is a link to a YouTube video of the Wilderness Lodge channel 19 information.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyFvpasN2R0

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I do recall reading one negative aspect about WL CL, however: Is the food & drink room closed when not in service (i.e. in-between Breakfast and Snacks or after Dessert)? In other words, can you just buzz through for a quick non-alcoholic beverage, even if there is no food being served?
At GF, drinks were ALWAYS available (24/7), even if there was no food service.

The Old Faithful Club is closed while they set up the next set of offerings. Never saw this as a problem in the least. However, you are welcome to ask the Concierge for a bottle of water, soda or anything else you may like to take to and keep in your room. You may also take the soda, juice boxes, etc. back to your room and keep it in your fridge if you so choose.