What Do You Like About Wilderness Lodge

[Vinnie The Pooh]

Convince me that you don’t miss the tropical feel of Florida when staying at the Wilderness Lodge.
I have seen so many posts that rave about WL and they make me want to investigate staying there on a future trip. My DW is turned off from it though because she thinks that we wont feel like we are in Florida, that it has a feeling of being somewhere like Maine or New Hampshire (I know it’s themed like a Lodge in Yellowstone). I must say that I do see her point, being from up North it’s really nice to get away from Pine trees and see the Palm trees and tropical foliage of Florida. The Lodge looks so beautiful though and the prices there seem more reasonable than some of the other deluxe resorts. It also seems like it would be a nice step up from a moderate resort.

 

[hoosll]

1. Sense of being some place other than Florida and theme parks

2. Fog on the water early in the morning gives sense of the Northwest

3. Building is magnificent

4. Birds

5. Boats to MK

6. Hot tubs - sitting in the hot tubs and looking up at the lodge. One day we witnessed a wedding on the terrace while sitting in the hot tub.

7. Artist Point

8. The store

9. Xmas decorations are fabulous

10. Closeness to MK or Cont to catch monorail

11. Closeness to FW

12. The fireplace in the lobby

13. Ducks in the pool

14. The geyser

15. The tours of the lodge

16. The size and layout of the lodgemake it seem smaller than it is

17. The view in the courtyard

18. Balconies overlooking the pool

19. The pool nestled in the boulders

20. The CMs are the greatest

21. Hidden fireplaces on other floors

22. Stick horse races

23. dessert from Artist point with irish coffee in the lounge

24. getting up at 6:30 a and sitting in the hot tub.

25. USA Today on doorstep to throw into corner and IGNORE, I'm on vacation

 

[Synonymous]

I don't really know what the tropical feel of Florida is. WL is in Florida, the vegetation is Florida vegetation, it's still hot like the rest of Florida. I think the place feels like a NW-style lodge set down in the middle of Florida.

And, it's the most beautiful place at WDW.

 

[josierac]

When you get to the lodge after a long day at the parks, you feel totally relaxed as soon as you walk into the lobby.

 

[josierac]

These WL pictures are what convinced me to stay at the WL.

 

[daannzzz]

I love the Wilderness Lodge but your wife's concern is very valid. I read a report one time that said when you go on vacation you should go to surroundings that are different from what your everyday surroungs are. The Wilderness Lodge is like being in the Northwest except for the weather (depending on what time of year you go). It can be very humid and that doesn't feel anything like being in the northwest to me.
I never thought of Florida as having pine trees but the suprise on my first trip there was that they are all over the place.
The Lodge is beautiful and I love it there but I also love the tropical atmosphere. If your wife wants tropical perhaps you could split your stay and do at least 3 days at the Lodge... if you have a longer trip planned. Then you can switch over to what she would like.

 

[Lou-Ann]

The WL is similar to the NW but you can still see the Spanish moss hanging from the trees as you walk to the boats by the dock. One of the nicest pleasures we experienced was our stroll to the dock in the morning and the boat ride to Fort Wilderness for their all you can eat breakfast. This is the best bargain on the property. $7.95 per person with free coffee vs the $82. we spent for breakfast for 4 at Boma.
We used the boats exclusively as our transportation to and from the lodge and the joy I felt in my heart as we drew within sight of the Lodge was something I cannot explain. The serenity I felt there even in a lightning storm is unequalled elsewhere. My hubby and I truly LOVE the WL..

 

[plutospup]

For several years I avoided the WL because it's theming reminded me of home. Why would I want to travel to FL and be surrounded by Pine trees, when I can see them outside my window at home? It May we stayed at WL...Wow! The theming certainly does remind you of being in a Disney Movie (Davey Crockett, maybe). The CM's were great. Easy access to MK, CR, GF, Poly, and FW. Another plus was that after a hectic day in the parks, the WL was very relaxing. While you may not see Florida's pink flamingos at WL, you will see a lot of southern waterfowl around the lake! Give it a try. If nothing else the theming is some of Disney's best work!

 

[GEM]

I love that my mouth still falls open every time I walk through the front doors, which I have done many times now.

I love that it feels relaxed and peaceful - a hundred miles away from all the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

I love taking the boat to the Magic Kingdom.

I love renting bikes and riding over to Fort Wilderness.

I love Ranger Stan!

I like all the cozy little private nooks scattered around the lobby and on the upper floors.

I love Artist Point!

I love the current that carries you along in the swimming pool.

I love that you could have an incredible vacation without ever leaving the lodge.

I love that staying at the WL is one way I can convince my husband to keep going back to Disney World with me! He is not nearly the Disney freak I am, but he was totally amazed by the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[twixbar]

Wow, now I want to go to WL too! Those pictures are beautiful If we could fit in a longer trip, I would definitely stay a few nights there.

 

[pattyT]

I had the same concerns too!
We had booked POFQ originally but when the rate codes came out I upgraded to WL . I have barely ever ready a bad thing about WL! I wanted deluxe but had NO desire to stay in a concrete building and hear the monorail all the time(sorry Contemporary fans), AK seemed to far away from all the action, Boardwalk sounds to much like another NE attraction, and the Swan or Dolphin are to stuffy for me. I have been told (correct me if I am wrong -) that the moderates are set up like a motel rather than a hotel. I like the idea of the perks at a deluxe (kids activities, boat to mk). It is a very hard choice to make! I wish you luck and I will let you know what I thought when I get back! Hopefully we made the right decision!

 

[NHMickey]

I just love to walk in there... It just feels different than most of the other Hotels....

 

[Candlelady]

It's an awesome hotel! The CM's are the best we encountered on property and the housekeeping staff makes the very best towel critters. We even had a heart on the bed when we checked in and a new critter every single day. Try it, you'll fall in love with the place.

hoosll,
You said you witnessed a wedding while there. I noticed you were there last Feb. So were we, so it must have been the same wedding! The week of Feb 9-16th.

 

[Vinnie The Pooh]

I am definitely going to consider this resort for our next trip to the world. Looking at those pictures makes me realize that it's not too woodsy especially when you see the beach (My DW will love that) and the pool pics. Thank you all for your great insights. Keep them coming.

 

[perdidobay]

DH and I love WL and the villas because after a day in the parks, we want to feel as though we are away from all the people and action, as WL is wonderfully laid back. Although it may feel like "back home" to some, it is still Florida and you can tell it by the wildlife and foilage and such as that.
If we still wanted to be in crowds and action, after the parks, we would ( and have) stayed at Boardwalk Villas.

 

[Ethelina]

I read on another post WL was going to be featured on Disney's resorts on the Travel Channel.

1) post said: Oct 6th 7:00pm (CST)
2) post said: Oct 7th 11:00am (CST)

We are going in 3 days and I'm not sure if I want to see the show or be surprised.

 

[eeyore0062]

If you wife wants to go to Florida to experience a tropical feel, she may not like Wilderness Lodge.

The beauty of the Wilderness Lodge is that you, in NO WAY, feel like you are in Florida. It is like an escape for most people. It is one of the best themed resorts, in that you are so surrounded by the theme, that you forget where you really are.

Of course, like your wife, I also go to Florida to feel like I am in Florida, so even though I appreciate the beauty and theming of the Wilderness Lodge, I am really in no hurry to go back. Try to talk her into splitting your stay... a couple of days in WL and then a couple of days in her tropical setting. That way, everyone can be happy!