Top 5 Love to Do @ VWL

[anett]

Over the Top for our stay at Wilderness Lodge. Its our first stay there so please guide me... to your best top 5 love to do or must do!

 

[Cee]

Oooooo....lucky you! Reading in the lobby and people watching, a cocktail and appetizer at the Territory Lounge, delicious meal at the Artiste Point, watching Wishes from the beach(no sound but still awesome), swimming in the luxurious pool, sitting in the rocking chairs in front of the fire in the lobby, taking the launch to CR or MK, taking the launch to FW for "Hoop-dee-doo",...the possibilities are endless, OH, and renting bikes or a water sprite and a trail ride at FW. Go nuts and have a blast!

 

[jimmytammy]

Cee gave you some great must dos.
Here are a few of our faves
1.Listen to the western themed music that plays faintly in the background. 2.Listen to the crickets(Disneyfied ones)at night as you watch the lanterns flicker along the walkways.
3. Soak in the true beauty of the resort, the flowers, the majesty of the waterways that lead to the main pool area.
4.Take a boat ride at night, and on the return check out the bear(you have to use your imagination a little on this one, but he is there).
5.Take the wonders of the lodge tour, very informative.
6. Ask to be Flag Family(do this at check in and be flexible as its tough to get).
7.Check out the wildlife in the morn. Good chance of seeing deer in the trees, at night you may see an armadillo(we did once)
8.Soak in the ambiance of the main lobby. When you walk in the first time, look up
9.Totally away from WL, but the trail to FW is great, wildlife is abundant, and the trail dumps into FW at the horse stables. Great place to unwind before the trek back.
10.Listen to the faint cry of the boats as they approach and depart the dock
11. Check out the Electrical Water Parade at 9:30 along the beach
So many more details, and you will discover them for yourself.
Most of all, have fun!
BTW, come check out our thread, VWL groupies...Yes we love the Lodge!! Great place for info, nice bunch of folks who will be excited for you!

 

[DizDays]

The two PP mentioned a lot of what I was going to add. You can't go wrong at VWL. They are amazing. The main lobby has so much ambiance. Definitely book dining at Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe (WCC) - two completely different dining experiences and both worth it. The grounds and pool area at night are magical (and, as mentioned, chill and listen to the crickets). The launch to MK is an attraction in itself. It's a beautiful ride - especially at night. The tour is worth doing. Chilling by the fire is lovely after a long day. Don't forget to check out the geyser. If you're in front of the stairs leading up to WCC, there is a staircase to your left. If you take that up to the 2nd floor, there is a sitting alcove that's a great place to relax and watch the hustle and bustle in the lobby. It's a great place to wait if you're waiting for a table at WCC.

Enjoy!

 

[Deb & Bill]

1. Look at the trees
2. Look at the trees
3. Look at the trees
4. Look at the trees
5. Look at the lake through the trees

 

[jimmytammy]

1. Look at the trees
2. Look at the trees
3. Look at the trees
4. Look at the trees
5. Look at the lake through the trees

Deb
You are so funny
But you are so right

 

[Deb & Bill]

But do spend a little time in the Carolwood Train Room (used to be the Iron Spike Room) at the villas. You can curl up with a book by the fireplace, play checkers (or chess if you have some chessmen with you) on the table, check out the animals carved/painted around the walls and look for the hidden Mickey on the fireplace. Or enjoy Sturdy Branches.

 

[DVC Jen]

Sit on the balcony in the morning with a cup of coffee - relaxing and listening to the lodge wake up.

or..

Sitting on the balcony in the early evening with a cool drink watching the woods for deer. I have seen quite a few. So peaceful and relaxing.

 

[twinklebug]

Listening to the boats come/go.
Walking the grounds.
Finding Bunnies.
Relaxing in the common areas.
Finding the jacuzzi at the DVC pool empty

 

[AKLFan3]

If you wake up before the pool opens, you may see ducks walking around the pool...or even swimming IN the pool. Ahhh, nature!

 

[DiznyDi]

All of the above!
We always request a lake-side room. Nothing says vacation to us more than sitting on the balcony in the early AM and listening to the boat horns on approach. In my mind, I'm hearing them now......

Don't forget to rub Humphreys nose! Take pics in front of the Mercantile with your kids. As you're walking to the Villas, ring the cowbells!

Watch the electric water parade from the 4th floor balcony. Go a little early to have a seat.

 

[Corinne]

All of the above!
We always request a lake-side room. Nothing says vacation to us more than sitting on the balcony in the early AM and listening to the boat horns on approach. In my mind, I'm hearing them now......

Don't forget to rub Humphreys nose! Take pics in front of the Mercantile with your kids. As you're walking to the Villas, ring the cowbells!

Watch the electric water parade from the 4th floor balcony. Go a little early to have a seat.

ahhhhh, thanks DiznyDi, I am missing the Lodge sooo much! We have to visit in May.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I taught my DGC how to play Chinese Checkers on the board in the Carrolwood room.
We love the path to FW, walking or bike riding, it's just lovely. We've seen deer & a pileated woodpecker on the route.
The Hidden Springs pool is my favorite DVC pool.
The carved animals in the villa lobby. That lobby is my favorite quiet place in the DVC buildings.
Just being at the VWL makes my heart sing! I say this even knowing I have an 80% history of getting a room at the very end of the hall?

 

[dmank]

Just booked our 10th anniv stay here. Have stayed hotel side but never in the villas. Super excited.

Is their a particular room request I should make or just whatever? Kids will be 9, 7, and 4.

 

[jimmytammy]

Just booked our 10th anniv stay here. Have stayed hotel side but never in the villas. Super excited.

Is their a particular room request I should make or just whatever? Kids will be 9, 7, and 4.

Near the elevators is a plus, also upper floor.

 

[twinklebug]

Near the elevators is a plus, also upper floor.

I would add lake side.
I'd rather have a longer walk (it's not too bad, VWL is small), and have a chance of a pool view or glimpse of the lake than have the sounds of the cow bell or a dumpster view.