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

[mskayjay]

I am trying desperately to see what a King bed room looks like and can't find one. Can someone point me to one on this thread? Thanks!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The only one I've seen is an accessible room:

http://allears.net/acc/g_wl3.htm

Maybe this thread ~ Wilderness Lodge photo thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127

Hope this helps!

 

[ang38]

What would you like to know about CL? We were just there last month so ask away

I am very interested in hearing recent feedback on the WL club level too. Any and all details are much appreciated!

And now a question about room requests, we are booked into a deluxe room. Do any of those rooms come with Wishes views? For those who have stayed in them (or just those in the know) what would you suggest requesting as far as area/level of the resort for a room request?

Thanks so much!!

 

[Troop o' Goofs]

I would love to hear feedback, too.



Also, I went through the bulk of the thread and didn't see any recent info about Ranger Stan. I know I'd heard he planned to retire, but wasn't sure if he actually had or not. He told us back in '01 that he was considering retiring, but obviously that didn't happen!

TIA!

Ranger Stan was still there this past November (2007).

 

[dizneykid]

I never see anyone mention experiences here--- good, bad or otherwise...so has anyone used the facilties or services? I would love a massage but so much more $$ than at home... kwim?? which is funny as I am already spending so much on this vacation--- what is one more thing??
Jill

Jill,

I can help with this. My DH absolutely loves getting a message at Sturdy Branches. I always make an appointment for him whenever we go. We usually go around 4/5 times a year so that is alot of messages!!

It is more expensive but it's Disney pricing. The message is the same as you would get at home. My DH always enjoys them. He says they ask him some questions before and then sees if he has any allergies.

The room is very comfortable. The staff is amazing. Steve, the manager is wonderful. You never feel rushed and they make you feel welcomed. My DH had a message at Saratoga Springs Spa and he likes the one at Sturdy Branches better. The floor over at SS is tile and when the tech moves the chair around all he heard was "click clack". It ruined the mood. Sturdy Branches has a nice carpet and he says it is very relaxing.

Hope this helps.

 

[dizneykid]

Also, I went through the bulk of the thread and didn't see any recent info about Ranger Stan. I know I'd heard he planned to retire, but wasn't sure if he actually had or not. He told us back in '01 that he was considering retiring, but obviously that didn't happen!

TIA!

Ranger Stan is still there. Although not as much as he used to be. He works only a few days a week and not many hours.

He still is a greeter and he will still do some tours.

It is so wonderful when we arrive and see his smiling face. Makes you know you are "home"!

 

[dizneykid]

Minnie,

Sorry...but have to disagree with you about the chair saving at the main pool. Both our visits to the WL I thought this was a problem. It was obvious that some folks would but stuff down on chairs in the morning and not return until later in the day.

From reading other posts, however, I think the lifeguards at many of the resort pools are removing items from chairs if it looks like they are just being saved by people.

Maybe we can get some more thoughts from others that have recently returned from the WL???

I also have to agree with Tardin regarding the WL pool. We go many times throughout the year (some times I think I live there) and lately the pool has been extremely crowded. I have some pictures and will have to get them to Beckie to post. I'm terrible at posting them.

When we were there in May, the pool was packed like sardines. Guests were still having a great time, though.

The Lodge also has a Pool Party that happens on certain days of the week so that attracks guests.

The one thing I did notice is that the WL pool does have many chairs, so I would not worry about getting one. Guests come and go all day long!!

 

[dizneykid]

I am here now, at the WL, on the Club Level, if anyone has any questions or if you want any specific pictures. Very different experience here over our stay the last three days at the Yacht Club Concierge level.

I think what everyone wants to hear regarding the Club Level is the difference from the Yacht Club to the Wilderness Lodge.

I would like to hear this also since I have seen both. Although I have never stayed Yacht Club I have been up there to visit many times. This would make some very interesting reading. Hope we get a report soon.

 

[Minnie]

I also have to agree with Tardin regarding the WL pool. We go many times throughout the year (some times I think I live there) and lately the pool has been extremely crowded. I have some pictures and will have to get them to Beckie to post. I'm terrible at posting them.

When we were there in May, the pool was packed like sardines. Guests were still having a great time, though.

The Lodge also has a Pool Party that happens on certain days of the week so that attracks guests.

The one thing I did notice is that the WL pool does have many chairs, so I would not worry about getting one. Guests come and go all day long!!

that we have our "normal" experience of a nice relaxing pool and plenty of chairs in only 3 more days

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Minnie

Remember if things are too crazy at the Silver Creek Springs Pool you may always walk over to the smaller Hidden Springs Pool at the Villas.

 

[Labzzy]

I am very interested in hearing recent feedback on the WL club level too. Any and all details are much appreciated!

Thanks so much!!

I have never posted before, so I hope that I am doing this right! Anyhow, I would love to hear feedback as well. We will be staying WL Club level Labor Day Weekend to celebrate Grandpa's Birthday. In my initial contact with the IPO I asked if we could arrange for a special B-day gift to be left in his room and also if they could arrange for "pillow gifts" to be left for our 4 year old son each night. The IPO said that they utilize the Disney Florist for special gifts etc. I was really hoping for something more specific to the WL. In January we stayed AKL Club level with my brother's family. The Concierge staff left different AK plush animals on the kid's beds each night - the kid's were thrilled! They also left other AK inspired surprises and arranged for a Birthday cake that was delivered to the room. I am just wondering if it is out of the realm to ask if gifts specific to the WL (National Park or Native American themed?) would be possible? Any ideas or suggestion would be much appreciated! Thanks for such an informative site!!

 

[dizneykid]

that we have our "normal" experience of a nice relaxing pool and plenty of chairs in only 3 more days

Minnie,

Here is hoping also!!!!

I know that the 4th of July weekend will be busy, BUT, I just heard from a friend at the Lodge that from July 7th through the next two weeks, the Lodge is WAY BELOW capacity. So, you should have a very relaxing time next week!

 

[jebns]

We're set for a trip down from Oct 19 - 24 with a Courtyard View room (two doubles). We have twin 5yo boys and a daughter that will be 15 mos. I was wondering what experiences (good & bad) folks have had with sleeping a baby / toddler in a pack n' play in the room? I have concerns that the baby will have problems sleeping or that her sleep patterns will affect the other kids. Ultimately trying to decide if it's worth downgrading the resort to get a larger room or two-bedroom. Any advice / comments would be MUCH appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Minnie]

Minnie,

Here is hoping also!!!!

I know that thi 4th of July weekend will be busy, BUT, I just heard from a friend at the Lodge that from July 7th through the next two weeks, the Lodge is WAY BELOW capacity. So, you should have a very relaxing time next week!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.....

That is awesome news!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe when I changed our ressies from the BC that almost every category had room availability. We are sooooo ready to go "home"

 

[tardin1964]

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.....

That is awesome news!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe when I changed our ressies from the BC that almost every category had room availability. We are sooooo ready to go "home"

Minnie...have a great trip. I hope too that you find the pool, and the lodge in general, not very crowded.

Can't wait to read your trip report hint...hint.......hint..........

 

[AUdisfan]

We're set for a trip down from Oct 19 - 24 with a Courtyard View room (two doubles). We have twin 5yo boys and a daughter that will be 15 mos.* I was wondering what experiences (good & bad) folks have had with sleeping a baby / toddler in a pack n' play in the room?* I have concerns that the baby will have problems sleeping or that her sleep patterns will affect the other kids.* Ultimately trying to decide if it's worth downgrading the resort to get a larger room or two-bedroom.* Any advice / comments would be MUCH appreciated!* Thanks!

We did have problems on our last trip with our DS sleeping in the pack-n-play. He was 13 months at the time. I think a lot of it was just being in a different place in general. For our trip in Dec I am going to buy a pack-n-play cushioned liner. Our Target sells them. I think that will help a lot. We will be in 2 bdr at the villas at WL. We will all be sleeping in one room again and my parents will be in the other bdr. The baby having a hard time sleeping didn't affect my then 4 yr old. She slept right on through. Hope that helps and that you get to stay at WL. It's the best!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

We're set for a trip down from Oct 19 - 24 with a Courtyard View room (two doubles). We have twin 5yo boys and a daughter that will be 15 mos. I was wondering what experiences (good & bad) folks have had with sleeping a baby / toddler in a pack n' play in the room? I have concerns that the baby will have problems sleeping or that her sleep patterns will affect the other kids. Ultimately trying to decide if it's worth downgrading the resort to get a larger room or two-bedroom. Any advice / comments would be MUCH appreciated! Thanks!

Downgrading the resort will mean a smaller room unless you book 2 rooms or a Family Suite at All Star Music - maybe that is worth considering? There is a great information thread for the AS Suites:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072409

Although I cannot speak with recent experience, when our children were young I would have had the same concerns - what to do with 2 active 5 yr olds when trying to get a toddler to nap/sleep in the same room.

WL rooms are small - not like a usual deluxe. The rooms are only 4 sq ft larger the CBR rooms - and WL have queen beds, rather than full. This is a lovely resort, but the rooms are not like CR, Poly or GF (BC/YC/BW are not as large as CR/Poly/GF).

Hope it works out great no matter which resort you choose to stay!

Have a wonderful trip - so much fun with 5 yr olds!!

 

[farmbabe]

I'm not sure if this will help, but my hubby and I took our 4 and then 1yo in January 2008. The 1yo was in the pack-n-play Disney provided. She would not sleep in that in the same room with the rest of us. I finally moved it around the wall that seperates the bedroom from the vanity area. Then she couldn't see us and cry to sleep with us. The 4yo slept in both the bottom and top of the bunk bed and did fine.

Next trip they both will be big enough for beds!

Have fun

 

[mommylo]

Hi everyone! We are leaving in 20 days for VWL and I can't believe I haven't found this thread earlier I spent the whole morning (yes, it took me a long time to go through all 95 pages...) and now I am more excited than ever. Thank you Beckie and other fellow VL veterans for all your valuable information. Hopefully I will be able to experience some of the best of what VL is able to offer in the 10 days I am there

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

I have a question I didn't see answered in the first few pages...

While looking at other than Disney resorts I found this on one of those pages

SELF PARKING FEE: $15.00 USD per night payable directly to the hotel at check-in. Rate subject to change without notice.

Do Disney resorts have this? I will be surprised with an extra fee when checking in?