The Wilderness Lodge FAQ (Part 6) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Thought you vets might have an opinion!

This year for free dining, DH, DS3, and I are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I know Artist Point is a signature restaurant, but I've thought about going for appetizers and desserts and paying out of pocket, since those are really, really appealing to me. We've already planned our maximum number of ADRs, so I'm looking for your opinions. My reasoning for just apps and dessert is that with my 3 year old, I'd like to have a shorter meal so that we'll maintain good behavior and hopefully not disturb other guests. Usually, he's very good, but I know we won't be able to have a relaxed signature dining experience. That being said, would you go and just enjoy the atmosphere of the Wilderness Lodge?

How is the food there, I see very few reviews for it, so I'm curious.

Now, someone responded as to the possibility of enjoying a few apps/drinks/desserts at Territory Lounge. Does anyone know if they serve any of the items similar to Artist Point or if the menu is totally different?

TarzansKat
First your plan of having appetizers and desserts at Artist Point is a wonderful idea, just let your server know when she greets you, many guest have done this so don't worry. I have done this many times, the food at Artist Point is delicious. A must for me every trip is the Smoky Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil.

Now about that 3 year old little boy...It's Disney just make your ADR early so he won't be tired and enjoy yourself. Children are always welcomed at the restaurants, (Except V&A) the servers have tricks to keep them amused.

Territory Lounge located just next to Artist Point has a separate menu, but all the offerings are great. I have had many meals at the Lounge with a nice glass of wine from the Pacific Northwest. The servers and bartenders are some of the nicest Cast Members at Disney.

I have seen the servers accommodate guest with no ADR's at Artist Point with selections from the menu at AP, but would think this would depend how busy they where at the Lounge and if the upper managers OK'd it, you may always ask. I'm sure they will do their best to assist you.

Beckie

 

[TarzansKat]

TarzansKat
First your plan of having appetizers and desserts at Artist Point is a wonderful idea, just let your server know when she greets you, many guest have done this so don't worry. I have done this many times, the food at Artist Point is delicious. A must for me every trip is the Smoky Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil.

Now about that 3 year old little boy...It's Disney just make your ADR early so he won't be tired and enjoy yourself. Children are always welcomed at the restaurants, (Except V&A) the servers have tricks to keep them amused.

Territory Lounge located just next to Artist Point has a separate menu, but all the offerings are great. I have had many meals at the Lounge with a nice glass of wine from the Pacific Northwest. The servers and bartenders are some of the nicest Cast Members at Disney.

I have seen the servers accommodate guest with no ADR's at Artist Point with selections from the menu at AP, but would think this would depend how busy they where at the Lounge and if the upper managers OK'd it, you may always ask. I'm sure they will do their best to assist you.

Beckie

Beckie, thanks so much for getting back to me!

I think with a 545 or 600pm ADR we should do just fine, and I would definitely let our server know our game plan up front so they'd be prepared. Glad to hear that you've really enjoyed their menu as well, I think I'm going to call today and see if they have any availability.

Edited:

Hi Beckie,

Just wanted to let you know I just got off the phone with Disney dining and was able to secure an ADR for our first day. I'm very excited about it, and really looking forward to treating myself to a nice appetizer/dessert meal. Isn't that a great way to start our vacation? I'm feeling really good about it right now, thanks again!

 

[dizneykid]

Beckie, thanks so much for getting back to me!

I think with a 545 or 600pm ADR we should do just fine, and I would definitely let our server know our game plan up front so they'd be prepared. Glad to hear that you've really enjoyed their menu as well, I think I'm going to call today and see if they have any availability.

Just thought of it, stopped at Territory Lounge for a snack one evening. It was very good. We ordered the BLT Flatbread and the Pulled Pork Flatbread. They were so good.

Also, ordering appetizers and desserts from Artist Point is just fine. We do it all the time. Enjoy!!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Hi Beckie,
Just wanted to let you know I just got off the phone with Disney dining and was able to secure an ADR for our first day. I'm very excited about it, and really looking forward to treating myself to a nice appetizer/dessert meal. Isn't that a great way to start our vacation? I'm feeling really good about it right now,

Sounds like a wonderful start too a MAGICAL TRIP.

Beckie

 

[SpaceGirl]

I just wanted to thank the vets for correcting the fireworks question. I would never want someone to be disappointed because they received information that wasn't what they expected.

C.

 

[Lou-Ann]

It is totally doable to get just appetizers and treats. You can do anything you want. We have even purchased the cobbler and taken it out on the porch to watch the babbling brook and enjoy a treat (an expensive treat, I may add, but yummy).

As for the territory Lounge, we have had many different items there as well. not sure where they came from as both kitchens are in close proximity, but they were good. I don't know if you want to take a 3 yr old in the bar area though, that is your choice.

Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy everything the Lodge has to offer....

 

[TarzansKat]

Just thought of it, stopped at Territory Lounge for a snack one evening. It was very good. We ordered the BLT Flatbread and the Pulled Pork Flatbread. They were so good.

Also, ordering appetizers and desserts from Artist Point is just fine. We do it all the time. Enjoy!!

Sounds like a wonderful start too a MAGICAL TRIP.

Beckie

It is totally doable to get just appetizers and treats. You can do anything you want. We have even purchased the cobbler and taken it out on the porch to watch the babbling brook and enjoy a treat (an expensive treat, I may add, but yummy).

As for the territory Lounge, we have had many different items there as well. not sure where they came from as both kitchens are in close proximity, but they were good. I don't know if you want to take a 3 yr old in the bar area though, that is your choice.

Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy everything the Lodge has to offer....

Thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I'm really looking forward to this dining experience, and I'll be sure to let you all know about it when I get back...only a few more months to go, right?

 

[tardin1964]

My wife and I have never wanted to bring our girls into the Territory Lounge our previous two trips because we felt they were too young and we didn't want to bother other guest. My girls will be 10 and 12 when we make our next trip this August. Since I value the opinions those that post here, what do you folks think about bringing children into the Territory Lounge for a quick bite????

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

The first time I took my nephew to the Lounge I will admit I felt like...Oh Great a child in a bar. What am I doing...but we wanted to meet some new friends (Hi, Jeanne ) so I just did it. Many families stop by and have a drink and snack with their children, the Territory Lounge is more like a waiting area for Artist Point than a BAR.

Florida Law permits children into the bar areas at the tables but they can not sit at the actual BAR.

Beckie

 

[Lou-Ann]

I would not have a problem at the table areas. As has been said, it is more of a waiting area than a bar. I am sure your children are well behaved and would be almost go unnoticed.

 

[dizneykid]

Childern at Territory Lounge.

I don't have any problem with it. It is more of a Lounge, per se, than a bar. Yes, there are business people and adults in there either having drinks, relaxing or waiting on Artist Point, but everyone seems to be respectful.

When we were there a couple of weeks ago, there were many toddlers and children in there. Some waiting with parents for dinner and others just with parents having a snack. I know the bartender made the kids special drinks. My DH usually brings down Disney Trivia cards and when we start playing everyone usually joins in the fun.

They also have all kinds of checkers, and games for anyone to play. They usually have them in the big chest in the corner by the server station.

So I would'nt feel funny, it's Disney!! Enjoy!!

 

[lissiesmum]

thanks for all the clarifications everyone

 

[tardin1964]

Thanks for everyones input regarding the Terrirtory Lounge.

Back in '05, my wife and I put the kids in the Cub's Den for a few hours while we ate at Artist Point. We did have a quick drink in the lounge but it seemed so quite there. I guess it just happened to be the night we were there that there just happened to be no kids around.

I feel better about bring the kids there for a snack.

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks for everyones input regarding the Terrirtory Lounge.

Back in '05, my wife and I put the kids in the Cub's Den for a few hours while we ate at Artist Point. We did have a quick drink in the lounge but it seemed so quite there. I guess it just happened to be the night we were there that there just happened to be no kids around.

I feel better about bring the kids there for a snack.

...plus, there's an 'open-ness' to it anyway.....

 

[momjkm]

hi all... ds (11) and I are going for a week-just us. I KNOW he can go to the kids club (up to 12 yrs) but would he be bored? I am thinking of making a late afternoon (like 430pm?) ressie for a massage and maybe some quiet adult time... I love my son but too much togetherness, in the heat? please don';t think ill of me-- just a mommy time out>
so I guess my question is would he be bored?? He is into video games.. and might be having withdrawal midweek
Jill

ps all the talk about a quiet drink in the territory lounge inspired this question

 

[Lou-Ann]

I cannot answer to whether he would be bored as we have never used it, but I do have to say there is nothing selfish about wanting an hour to yourself. You are a great mom. You are taking him to WDW, aren't you? I would check around and see what is going on for boys.. Perhaps a chef experience at Grand Floridian, or a pirate thing. perhaps you could leave him there while you do your massage. Just a thought. Have fun..

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I KNOW he can go to the kids club (up to 12 yrs) but would he be bored? I am thinking of making a late afternoon (like 430pm?) ressie for a massage and maybe some quiet adult time... I love my son but too much togetherness, in the heat? please don';t think ill of me-- just a mommy time out>
so I guess my question is would he be bored?? He is into video games.. and might be having withdrawal midweek.

Jill

Only you know your son but I maybe able to help.
Everyday they open the Cubs Den for Daily Activities:
Open Crafts and Games in Cub's Den (free)
Children must be accompanied by an adult. 2:30-4:00pm

You could take him and let him decide if he would want to stay there during your absence. The craft time seemed to me more for smaller children but he could look around and check it out. I know they did have a few video games available so he could check those out to judge rather they would pacify his addiction.

The Lodge does have a game room that manages to take a large amount of my money every trip, it is located just across the walkway from the Cubs Den which brings me to my personal experience.

Last year we planned an outing during the Food & Wine Festival for an adults only night out. We made reservations for the 8 year old to stay at the Cubs Den with the 11 year old staying with his 15 year old brother. The 8 year old wouldn't go by himself so we talked the 11 year old to stay at the Cubs Den with his brother. When we returned we found out from the 8 year old that the 11 year old had been planning a BREAK from the Den area. So my 11 year old didn't enjoy himself, he would have enjoyed spending time in the game room just across the walkway much more.

Both had stayed @ the Cubs Den before and enjoyed themselves.
Beckie

 

[momjkm]

thanks for the replies--- ds did the cubs den before, 5 yrs ago and did like it then (no past bad experiences)....
letting him check it out with me during the craft time- great idea...
and as far as that darn arcade goes, dh is much more into it ---- but he won't be there so I have told ds if he wants to go, it is his own money--- all of a sudden he is interested in walking the dog... seriously... and what else can I do for you MOM?? I will milk this for a while

Jill

 

[TarzansKat]

but he won't be there so I have told ds if he wants to go, it is his own money--- all of a sudden he is interested in walking the dog... seriously... and what else can I do for you MOM?? I will milk this for a while

Jill

I'm sorry, but that just made me

I say milk it for all the chores you can get!

 

[Nora03]

I'd just like to book a standard room (best price possible). Are there any requests I should make. I'm assuming that we can't choose a specific view or location for the lowest rate. The only thing we have to have is non-smoking, but all rooms are non-smoking now. It's for two adults.

Any ideas or suggestions on requests (if any)?

Thanks, Nora