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

[soxnation]

4-8th courtyard view...hope the parade and popwarner football does not crowd things up. since it seems the entire world us sold out for our dates

 

[tardin1964]

I’ve been meaning to write this trip report for our 8 night our visit to the WL for weeks. It’s been a tough one to write. Not because we didn’t have a great trip…but because of other factors.

This trip was planned back in Feb, and I actually booked it on Super Bowl Sunday….8 nights beginning on 8/21. Well a few days before we left I was laid off by the company that I had worked at for 11 years. After a few sleepless nights and much discussion with my wife and extended family we decided to make the trip even though I was no longer employed. It was a hard decision to make given the amount of money the trip would cost, but I really didn’t want to disappoint my two daughters ages 10 & 12. And as my wife kept reminding me….I didn’t want to disappoint myself….which was probably true

Believe it or not, my last day worked was the day before we left. We had always planned on driving so we hit the road at 3:30am on 8/20. We had reservation in Georgia if we didn’t think we could drive straight through which was our plan. When we got in to the Carolina's we felt like we could make it straight thru so I called from the road and booked a Courtyard by Marriott for one night off International Drive in Orlando. So we drove straight thru to Orlando and into hurricane Fay and arrived at 8:30pm the same day. 17 hours from NJ to Orlando…not bad.

Thursday morning 8/21 we woke up to heavy rain due to Fay. We checked out of the Marriott at 8:00am and made the 15 minute drive over to the WL. Even in the rain the hotel look beautiful. Driving up to the main entrance was easy because it was still earlier. The bellman took our bags and I pulled the car over to the curb so we could go and check in.

There was no line to check in and it was very uneventful. The CM was nice but didn’t say much to us. She said our room wasn’t ready yet, which we didn’t expect it to be. I asked her if our room request was granted…room off the lobby over Whispering Canyon Cafe and she said yes. We had booked a woods view bunk bed room. I asked about flag family and she said that it was booked through the end of the month. Since we were flag family on our trip 3 years ago that was ok.

Like I said the CM was nice but didn’t give us really any information about the hotel. I’m not sure why…. Does it say on their computer screen they use to check us in that this was our 3rd stay at the Lodge? Do some of the CM’s feel they don’t have to say much since the give you everything in the information package they give you???

Anyway, we decided to headed off to Epcot checking back later via a phone call to see if our room was ready. I think we called from Epcot around 1:30 and the room was ready. They gave us room 5087. So we headed back to the hotel to check our room out.

Our previous two trips we also had a woods view room but we requested North Wing over the otter pond. We like that room location because it is quite and closer to the boat dock and Roaring Forks. This trip we wanted to try a room that opened on the lobby for a few reasons. First…we wanted to enjoy the lobby more this trip. Being down the north wing I felt like we only used the lobby as a walk thru to the bus stop. Second…we also felt that this trip we would be spending more time at the parks other than MK so we would be using the buses a lot more. The lobby rooms are much closer to the bus stop than the north wing rooms. It was very nice at the end of a day to have a short walk back to the room from the bus stop.

Room 5087 was exactly what I requested. It was directly above Whispering Canyon. It was so nice to walk out of our room and be able to look out over the lobby. We also were able to enjoy some of the seating areas on the 4th and 5th floors that have there own fireplaces.

Some other things about the room… My kids love the bunk beds. They sleep much better when they don’t have to share a bed. The “woods view” was not much of a “woods view”. You could see the parking lot for the service area as plain as day from this room. I was a little disappointed with this…but not much. Also, I know that people worry about the noise level for the rooms that directly open to the lobby. My experience was that yes…you can hear noise from the Whispering Canyon until about 10:30 at night. Was it very loud…no. Could you hear it…yes. It didn’t bother us at all though. And as I said above, we loved being closer to the buses and seeing the lobby as soon as you opened your door. I know a lot of people enjoy taking the boat to MK but I have to tell you that the bus is so quick and uncrowded I think it is the best kept secret at the WL.

The pool was busy everyday. It was a little tough finding lounge chairs but we were able to do so. Since my kids are getting older now and are good swimmers they spent most of their time in the deep end of the pool where it is less crowded. I am surprised at how many guest when they decide to leave the pool for the day just leave their towels on the lounge hairs. If people would just put the towels in the towel return it would free up so many chairs.

We ate at Roaring Forks most mornings. It was busy everyday but we found the lines to move quickly. Most of the time they had three cashiers so that helped. We were able to get a table also without too much trouble. There are a lot of tables outside too. To me the food is fine. Nothing fancy…not a huge selection…but that’s ok.

Bus service was ok. It really is just a hit or miss type of thing. If you just miss a bus to anywhere other than MK you’re going to end up waiting 15 or 20 minutes. That’s just how it is. During our stay we shared buses with either FW or GF depending on where the final destination was. MK is always a direct bus.

The grounds are as beautiful as ever. We really enjoyed taking a short walk every morning enjoying the foliage especially all the different types of flowers. The ducks are as friendly as ever…. and the rabbits are so used to people you can almost get close enough to pet them.

We had no problems with mousekeeping and we got towel animals a few of the days.

Overall it was a great trip…. In spite of my employment situation.

If anyone has any questions let me know.

 

[ransom]

Tardin...thank you for the report. I'm glad you had a good stay at WDW, and I think you made the right decision.

I hope a great new job opportunity presents itself to you soon.

 

[lunapnp]

I know this has been addressed somewhere in this thread...so forgive me for asking again! But, for the sake of time, can you tell me what type of shampoo and bath products are at the WL?

Anyone???
Also one more question that I know has been answered...but again for the sake of searching...does WL have wireless internet? Do they have a computer that is for guest use? Just trying to decide if I want to bother with bringing my laptop or if I can use theirs to do a quick check on emails, etc.
TIA!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I love this hotel. It is so beautiful. I can't wait to stay here someday.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Anyone???
Also one more question that I know has been answered...but again for the sake of searching...does WL have wireless internet? Do they have a computer that is for guest use? Just trying to decide if I want to bother with bringing my laptop or if I can use theirs to do a quick check on emails, etc.
TIA!

The shampoo that they switched to is Spa H2O.

I have only used the wired internet but my husband reported to me that he could get wireless in the lobby area. Sorry but I don't have any more info on the wireless than that. And to my knowledge there isn't a public computer for use. I have heard the guest services can do airline check-in's for you but I don't think it's for anything else.

 

[lunapnp]

Thanks KAT4DISNEY! Just what I needed to know. I'll be there in 8 days!

 

[mouskagirlie]

Anyone heading to the WL in December?

I am going 12/4-12/14! Only 61 days left (and counting)!! Wooo Whooo!!

 

[tigger_03]

Where do those of you who have WL graphics in your siggies find them?

Anyone???
Also one more question that I know has been answered...but again for the sake of searching...does WL have wireless internet? Do they have a computer that is for guest use? Just trying to decide if I want to bother with bringing my laptop or if I can use theirs to do a quick check on emails, etc.
TIA!

I'm not sure about wireless internet. We used the wired internet ($9.95 for a 24 hour period). I don't believe there is a public computer to use.

I know this has been addressed somewhere in this thread...so forgive me for asking again! But, for the sake of time, can you tell me what type of shampoo and bath products are at the WL?

H2O products. Love them!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Tardin

Thank you for taking the time to post your great report, next Thursday I plan on enjoying a cool libation from Territory Lounge. I'm so glad you and your family had a wonderful time.

I hated Tropical Storm Fay she was awful too much rain. We ended up with 18" here in North Florida.

Best wishes for success in your new job hunt.

Beckie

 

[disneylover74]

Thanks to Bolgers for all the info. We are going to be there on a Sat. and Sun. night so if anyone has any info on the food selections in CL that would be great. Also can anyone tell me if the seventh floor rooms are all off of the lobby and if not, are they all over the seventh floor and where is the lounge for that floor located? Thanks!!

 

[Donald is #1]

Does WL have valet parking? If it does, how late is it open? I will probably be arriving at WL about 11:30 PM so I was thinking about being lazy and using valet parking.

Also, for DVC members, if there is valet parking, is it still free if I have a reservation through CRO instead of MS?

Thanks!

 

[cheerky]

Yes! We will be staying at the WL Dec.17-22!!!!!!! Never stayed at the lodge before, never been to disney during the holidays! We are so excited we can't stand it!!!!!!

 

[tigger_03]

Tardin

Thank you for taking the time to post your great report, next Thursday I plan on enjoying a cool libation from Territory Lounge. I'm so glad you and your family had a wonderful time.

I hated Tropical Storm Fay she was awful too much rain. We ended up with 18" here in North Florida.

Best wishes for success in your new job hunt.

Beckie

We drove through Fay on our way and Hurricane Gustav on the way home. Lots of fun!

Thanks to Bolgers for all the info. We are going to be there on a Sat. and Sun. night so if anyone has any info on the food selections in CL that would be great. Also can anyone tell me if the seventh floor rooms are all off of the lobby and if not, are they all over the seventh floor and where is the lounge for that floor located? Thanks!!

I'm not certain but I don't think that all the 7th floor rooms overlook the lobby. There were balconies 2 floors above us (which would have been the 7th floor) in the courtyard area. I don't know where the lounge is located. Hopefully someone else can answer your questions.

Does WL have valet parking? If it does, how late is it open? I will probably be arriving at WL about 11:30 PM so I was thinking about being lazy and using valet parking.

Also, for DVC members, if there is valet parking, is it still free if I have a reservation through CRO instead of MS?

Thanks!

Yes, there is valet parking at the WL. It was still in operation when we were out late (midnight). I don't know if DVC members pay or not.

Yes! We will be staying at the WL Dec.17-22!!!!!!! Never stayed at the lodge before, never been to disney during the holidays! We are so excited we can't stand it!!!!!!

You picked a great time (so I've heard - never been to Disney around the holidays). We stayed at the WL for the first time in August. When we go back I'm pretty certain that we'll choose to stay at the WL again. It's absolutely beautiful!!

I was looking through the pictures we took our first day there tonight and it brought back all the memories of seeing it all for the first time. Have a magical trip!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Wooo hooo I love this thread! We stayed at WL on our trip Oct/Nov 06 and feel in love with it! It's so beautiful and so peaceful! We're staying there again in January! 90 days to go, but whose counting

I have a strange question for anyone whose stayed club level at WL. We are booked club level and I'm a little concerned about the 7th floor. Not that I don't expect it to be wonderful but I'm concerned about the way the have the Old Faithful Club setup in relation to the railings. I kind of have a height thing and I'm completely neurotic(DH says admitting it is half the battle.) I saw a picture that appeared that the have the tables setup right against the railing overlooking the lobby. I truely don't think I could sit there even without our 3 little ones. But, with our 3 kids (7, 6, 1) I'd be completely nervous that one of my boys (the 6 and 1 year old) would some how get themselves from the chair over the railing....

I told DH my paranoia about this last night and showed him the picture and he said it would make him a little nervous to. Thanks honey! I thought he'd be the voice of reason and tell me it would be ok.

We'd change our reservation BUT 1, the trip has been completely paid off already & 2, we are looking forward to CL! We were upgraded at GF from standard GV to CL room in the Sugar Loaf building with a view of the marina lake. We LOVED CL!! We figured we could combine 2 things we love at WDW WL (our fav resort so far by far!) and CL.

I haven't spoken to anyone from IPO yet. We changed our reservation a few weeks ago to WL CL and I figured I call and give them my details and ask them about the setup if they knew.

Anything you can do to ease my anxiety would be great! Any pictures would also be great!! Thanks soooooo much!

 

[Lou-Ann]

First of all, NO ONE is more safety conscious than Disney, hense the closed in balconies on higher levels. If your children are such climbers how do they manage the boat to Magic Kingdom? Do they know the concept of falling and the word NO? Not to sound like a grumpy Grandma, but I have 9 Grandkids and would and could take them there in a heartbeat. If they do not mind, I suggest the old type of harness like a vest that zips down the back and you could tye it to the chair. My kids wore them as toddlers and they are almost invisable, but I knew where they were and they were safe. Also, there is nothing saying you have to pick a table anywhere near the railing. There is a lot of seating. I am sure you are a great parent or you would not have concerns. They will not be there without your supervision. Relax, and enjoy your vacation. I have NEVER heard of a child falling at WL and it has been open nearly 15 yrs. Another option, your hubby could go get the food and bring it to your room or you could go to another seating area with it. The Lodge is lovely and very child friendly. Please try to relax and enjoy.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

First of all, NO ONE is more safety conscious than Disney, hense the closed in balconies on higher levels. If your children are such climbers how do they manage the boat to Magic Kingdom? Do they know the concept of falling and the word NO? Not to sound like a grumpy Grandma, but I have 9 Grandkids and would and could take them there in a heartbeat. If they do not mind, I suggest the old type of harness like a vest that zips down the back and you could tye it to the chair. My kids wore them as toddlers and they are almost invisable, but I knew where they were and they were safe. Also, there is nothing saying you have to pick a table anywhere near the railing. There is a lot of seating. I am sure you are a great parent or you would not have concerns. They will not be there without your supervision. Relax, and enjoy your vacation. I have NEVER heard of a child falling at WL and it has been open nearly 15 yrs. Another option, your hubby could go get the food and bring it to your room or you could go to another seating area with it. The Lodge is lovely and very child friendly. Please try to relax and enjoy.

Thank you Lou Ann, you don't sound like grumpy grandma. Believe me, I know what one of those sounds like My boys really aren't climbers and are extremely well behaved. My biggest fear is/was the "Oh Mommy! Look a that!" kind of reaction. I wasn't sure if there was additional seating other then at the railing. Thank you for filling me in that there is indeed other seating options. I'm sure that no one has every fallen and I sure the chances are so remotely small that I shouldn't worry about it. But, like I said I'm a bit neurotic. I wanted to set my mind at ease no instead of worrying about it for 3 months! We LOVE WL and I know that we're going to have the best time ever on this trip! I not sure if I'm more excited to go to WDW or stay at WL again!

Funny, you mentioned the boat. We've taken the boats dozens of times. Including a very wonderful Magical Gatherings Magical Fireworks Cruise for Wishes in March. We've never had a problem or truthfully even thought about it. When we took the boat from GF to MK in March a lady got on at Poly with a drink in her hand and the captain told her she'd have be finish before MK because MK is dry. They were chatting and the lady asked if anyone has every fallen overboard. He said every once in a while a little one gets a little too excited and goes over! He said they don't really have to worry about because the mom or dad is on the water in 1/2 a second after the child! My goodness I can't even imagine!

Thanks again!

 

[mycropht]

to the above poster: I am deathly afraid of heights and ended up not being able to use the club level food on our first visit in 2004. In 2005 the WL club floor was remodeled and the food service is now in a lovely room across from the concierge stand. You have nothing to fear!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

to the above poster: I am deathly afraid of heights and ended up not being able to use the club level food on our first visit in 2004. In 2005 the WL club floor was remodeled and the food service is now in a lovely room across from the concierge stand. You have nothing to fear!

Thank you for letting me know! My fear has gotten worse with kids. I was alway a little affraid but now it's that little bit of fear coupled with a huge fear of something happening and them falling from up too high!

BTW, the across the lobby at AKL is WAY to much for me!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Does WL have valet parking? If it does, how late is it open? I will probably be arriving at WL about 11:30 PM so I was thinking about being lazy and using valet parking.
Also, for DVC members, if there is valet parking, is it still free if I have a reservation through CRO instead of MS?

Donald is #1

Valet parking is free for DVC Members at all the DVC Resorts (that have valet parking) as long as you are staying on property. If you are just staying at the Villas and not a member there will be the normal charge.

Yes valet service is available 24/7, but remember after hours there may only be one or two attendants available so wait times to pick-up your vehicle maybe a little longer. When dropping off your car late the attendant maybe away from the desk but they are never to far away.

Beckie