VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[sleepydog25]

Oh, wow. I've never walked down to the end, or the pathway along the lake.

Am I alone in feeling like this abrupt end of the walkway is something the design teams of the past would never have left out there? It's painful just to look at. They could have done more so that it wouldn't feel like they intentionally caged off the path.

Agree about the abrupt end to the walkway--it's just unnatural. At least put up a seating area there or something. But, no. Years ago, I used to run that nature trail (it was simply a sandy path back then) all the way to FW. The actual nature trail would veer off to the right about 1/3 mile after leaving WL, and it would link up to the paved bike trail that most people used. (There was also a sign on the paved trail pointing toward the lake that mentioned "nature trail.") However, when I ran, I followed the sandy path all the way around the lake, and it came out at a CM parking lot for FW, a couple of hundred yards below the stables. Was I supposed to run that route? Probably not, but I did it all the time, and I saw numerous deer and other wild life along the path. It was so quiet and serene--a true "wilderness" vibe that felt natural given it was the Wilderness Lodge. I was so disappointed when they shut it down to start on CC. Yeah, I'm still a bit bitter about it even now. I had to start using the paved trail which was still lovely, just not as natural. And, then, they shut down the paved trail, too. I know Disney makes most decisions with $$ signs in mind, but removing all that connection to nature--the sandy path and the paved trail--has never set well with me. It made WL a bit less appealing for me.

 

[karen4546]

I call the lobby area of Boulder Ridge the atrium since it’s open in the middle up to the 4th floor. This is where the odd shapes rooms are. I believe there are 2 on each floor (except floor 1).

I believe the 2 br lock offs in this design are on the 5th and maybe first floor but without looking back on TP - not sure.

I didn’t realize that BRV was so lovely. The carvings, fireplace, and well everything is so well done.

In fact, I am in the process of buying 100 pts for BRV.

I look forward to our trip back to BRV in May 2024.

Until then, we have a couple of studios at Jambo booked.

 

[MsChristy12]

I believe the 2 br lock offs in this design are on the 5th and maybe first floor but without looking back on TP - not sure.

I didn’t realize that BRV was so lovely. The carvings, fireplace, and well everything is so well done.

In fact, I am in the process of buying 100 pts for BRV.

I look forward to our trip back to BRV in May 2024.

Until then, we have a couple of studios at Jambo booked.

The theming is pretty spot on. It has a very relaxing vibe, and it makes you want to slow down to just enjoy the peaceful surroundings, even just for a little bit.

 

[jimmytammy]

Years ago, I used to run that nature trail (it was simply a sandy path back then) all the way to FW

Don't let him fool you! He probably made a few CMs mad at him and they were on the warpath chasing him down, so he found a "nature trail" to hide from them until they cooled off

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Haven’t had a chance to check the other path from the bus stops today because I was stuck in the room with a sick kiddo while the rest of the family hit the parks. I will certainly be checking in the morning though! It’s so much more pleasant then anyway (quiet and cooler).

 

[Good Ol Gal]

Haven’t had a chance to check the other path from the bus stops today because I was stuck in the room with a sick kiddo while the rest of the family hit the parks. I will certainly be checking in the morning though! It’s so much more pleasant then anyway (quiet and cooler).

Hope your kiddo starts to feel better!

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Hope your kiddo starts to feel better!

Thank you! He turned a corner tonight and so things are looking optimistic.

 

[sleepydog25]

Don't let him fool you! He probably made a few CMs mad at him and they were on the warpath chasing him down, so he found a "nature trail" to hide from them until they cooled off

HA! Never happened. . .well, not very often. . .I should define "often". . .

Seriously, I did wonder what CMs might think, though I did pass a few on some of my runs, and they never said anything. Running that route is how I discovered a nice opening in the trees and brush next to the lake where you could see "Wishes." And I think I mentioned this before that I walked to that spot once and found several CMs there also watching the fireworks. They were friendly as could be and even offered to take me back to the Lodge on one of their golf carts. Fond memory!

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Trail still closed

 

[sleepydog25]

Trail still closed

Thanks for checking! I was surprised to hear they might open it up as it would take a pretty big clean up effort to make it happen. Plus, I assume there is still the disturbed land where they were starting to build Reflections, and they wouldn't want anyone nosing around that area. I still find it ironic that Disney continues to take away the wilderness from both the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. Less is not more.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Thanks for checking! I was surprised to hear they might open it up as it would take a pretty big clean up effort to make it happen. Plus, I assume there is still the disturbed land where they were starting to build Reflections, and they wouldn't want anyone nosing around that area. I still find it ironic that Disney continues to take away the wilderness from both the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. Less is not more.

Seems like that have absolutely zero incentive to reopen any path, especially if they have to do some clearing or fencing etc. to keep people from the area. It is disappointing to have both the boat and the path to the fort gone, leaving only the bus.

 

[jimmytammy]

Trail still closed

Bummer
Thanks for checking for us and being a great roving reporter
Y’all continue having fun and glad to hear your DS is on the mend

 

[sleepydog25]

Seems like that have absolutely zero incentive to reopen any path, especially if they have to do some clearing or fencing etc. to keep people from the area. It is disappointing to have both the boat and the path to the fort gone, leaving only the bus.

Exactly. Clearing and fencing = $$. And, yes, it's terribly disappointing to not be able to either boat or walk to FW. Busing is possible but not spontaneous, and driving over to FW is problematic with the parking.

 

[Flossbolna]

Congratulations to page 1111!!!

We have booked a stay for winter 2024 at our home (looking forward to the refurbished rooms) and so I decided to check in here. What a bummer that the trails are still closed!

 

[holden]

We are staying at BRV for the first time this summer. We own at BLT and have previously stayed at Kidani, OKW, SSR, VGF, Poly, and BC.

Any tips/suggestions? Anything we need to know? How is the boat to MK? We try to avoid using the buses (Lyft or Minnie Van for us), so the boat seems like a nice option.

Any particular food/drink we shouldn't miss out on at the resort? We are doing breakfast at WCC one day.

Thanks for any tips/advice! Looking forward to trying something new!

 

[sleepydog25]

We are staying at BRV for the first time this summer. We own at BLT and have previously stayed at Kidani, OKW, SSR, VGF, Poly, and BC.

Any tips/suggestions? Anything we need to know? How is the boat to MK? We try to avoid using the buses (Lyft or Minnie Van for us), so the boat seems like a nice option.

Any particular food/drink we shouldn't miss out on at the resort? We are doing breakfast at WCC one day.

Thanks for any tips/advice! Looking forward to trying something new!

Welcome, holden! I'm sure others will chime in, but the biggest tip is to just soak up the ambiance of WL and the surrounding environment. While not as wilderness-y as once upon a time, it is still perhaps the tranquil and beautiful resort on property. There is a Hidden Mickey sheet you can get from the front desk that takes you various places around the Lodge, too. Go to the fireplace area in the VWL (BRV to some) building and just sit there and relax or play checkers.

The boat to MK is still a very nice option, but the queue at the docks around opening and closing of MK means a much longer wait. As for food, Geyser Point is a good option, and pretty much everything they serve there is solid to very good.

Enjoy!

Congratulations to page 1111!!!

We have booked a stay for winter 2024 at our home (looking forward to the refurbished rooms) and so I decided to check in here. What a bummer that the trails are still closed!

Hey, Flossie! Good to see you again!

 

[MsChristy12]

Any tips/suggestions? Anything we need to know? How is the boat to MK? We try to avoid using the buses (Lyft or Minnie Van for us), so the boat seems like a nice option.

It's been awhile since we last took the boat, but if you're not in a rush to get to the park, I personally think boat is always a nicer option vs cars. It's more relaxing and you see something different. I say try it once at least!

 

[Good Ol Gal]

We are staying at BRV for the first time this summer. We own at BLT and have previously stayed at Kidani, OKW, SSR, VGF, Poly, and BC.

Any tips/suggestions? Anything we need to know? How is the boat to MK? We try to avoid using the buses (Lyft or Minnie Van for us), so the boat seems like a nice option.

Any particular food/drink we shouldn't miss out on at the resort? We are doing breakfast at WCC one day.

Thanks for any tips/advice! Looking forward to trying something new!

The boat is such a nice relaxing ride. It can have LONG lines at the end of the day.

I love to walk the little path behind BR towards the basketball courts and cross the bridge to look at any potential wildlife. We've seen some interesting animals.

Also love just sitting in the lobby and relaxing - something not done at home enough.

 

[holden]

Thanks for all the tips! Looking forward to our visit !

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Reporting live from Wilderness Lodge
Boat Docks are being worked on today. They have the normal magic kingdom side closed off at the main dock, loading from Fort Wilderness side. Also, a crew working on the old boat rental dock. Really hoping it’s repairs and may indicate something reopening over there.