Wilderness Lodge: Club Level Review with Photos

[WDWKOOK]

Howdy!

DH, DD13 and I stayed at Wilderness Lodge's Old Faithful Club for 6 nights over spring break. This was our 5th WL stay, our last stay was in July-August.

We arrived by car around 0930 from BWI and were told, "Welcome home" by the guard. We pulled-up to the front and a bellman took all our luggage. (I don't know how we had 12 pieces for 3 people)

Friendly Ranger Jack (love the hat!) greeted us outside and waited with DD and I while DH parked the car. We walked into the lobby and even though I last saw it in August, I was still in awe and had to slow down to take it all in. I think I even stopped at one point, smiled while looking all around me and then had to run to catch-up with everyone as they were nearing the elevator.

We arrived on the 7th floor, turned to the right and were greeted by Mike, one of the wonderful concierges. Our room wasn't ready so we went directly to the lounge for some juice before our Whispering Canyon Cafe ADR. While we were in the lounge, I received the text that our room was ready. I mentioned to Bennett, a former front desk manager who is now a housekeeping manager at AoA, that I was surprised that our room was ready. He said that it's their goal to get guests in their room ASAP. He said if they check-in at 0700, they try their best to have the guest in a room within 10 minutes.

We went to a concierge and were pleasantly surprised to find we were in 7127 which we requested. We love the room because it doesn't have a connecting door nor a room on one side. The room in an off-the-beaten-path location next to the Presidential Suite and it's also one of only two CL rooms that directly face Bay Lake/WL Courtyard. You can hear and see the Electric Water Pageant from 9:35 until about 9:40. Other than that, the boat horns are not very loud from inside the room. The room might not be great for some guests: There are elevators behind the beds that you can hear going up and down and there is a housekeeping closet next to it and a loud rumbling sometimes from the ceiling in the sink area, but otherwise, there's never any noise from other guests or even much foot traffic and the view is great:

We had a delicious CL welcome gift on the bed:

Randy, the CL manager told us they have a new vendor for their chocolates and they use a finer quality chocolate with a shorter shelf-life - so no saving your welcome gift - eat it now!

The next day, we also received a generous and unexpected gift basket. It was also delicious:

We also were given the most delicious chocolate-covered strawberry surprise from a very generous and thoughtful DISer (Thank you, TheLodgeLady):

This is the Bounceback offer that was in the room:

Everything in the room was in good working order and there were no stains, mold or even crumbs on the floor. The mattress was in good shape and didn't sag. There was a rip in the fabric part of one headboard, but it will be replaced in July. The room was always well cleaned by Jonnett from Jamaica. She's a real sweetie and made the cutest purse for our "Mr. Bunny":

And, a cute clown and Easter basket:

For those wondering about the new coffee makers...





We love starting our stay off by eating in the resort. We had breakfast at WCC and it was lots of fun as always watching the kids racing around the restaurant with their stick ponies and gathering catsup bottles to bring to needy, catsup deficient guests. We all had the skillet and declared ourselves "really full" afterwards.

We ate once this visit at Roaring Fork which is the WL quick serve. They have a nice selection of hot items (hamburgers, pasta, kid's meals, flatbreads) and made-to-order salads, sandwiches and yummy cupcakes and HUGE pieces of chocolate cake. However, the line for the made-to-order salads and sandwiches has always been VERY long each time we've eaten there. They don't have a touch-screen order kiosk like Captain Cook's and Contempo Cafe, which I think is badly needed. It's quite frustrating when your party splits-up into both the hot line and the made-to-order line. The hot line is much faster. I had to get out of line to pay for DD's hot meal while DH stayed in line and ordered for us. DD had finished her meal by the time DH returned with our meals. They really need the kiosks so that you can order, pay, sit down then get the meals all at once. We also saw tweens at one table not wearing any footwear, but no one said anything to them.

We tried Trail's End at Fort Wilderness for the first time and liked it. The service was great and the buffet selection at dinner was tasty with fried chicken, ribs, pizza, salmon and even a baked potato bar. We would go back!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We usually have our TS meal late afternoon and then return to the resort for appetizers and dessert. The appetizers are plentiful at the Old Faithful Club. There are two serving counters full of both cold and hot items from 5:00 - 7:00. The dishes change everyday. There are usually 3 hot dishes, salads, sometimes antipasto, cheeses, PBJ shooters, breads, multiple dips like bleu cheese, hummus, baba ghanoush and apples and bananas are out all day. There is beer, soda and sometimes apple juice boxes in the fridge. Milk, tea and water is also out on the counter.

During snack time from 11:30 - 4:00 there is one counter filled with a sesame cracker mix, gummies, cookies, chips and dip. The fridge has sodas and sometimes apple juice boxes and there is lemonade and iced tea (which I love mixed). If you don't see something you'd like, like beer or wine, just ask.

Only coffee is available from 0630-0700. At 0700, breakfast is served. Every morning there are cereals, mini bagels with cream cheese, peanut butter and jelly. There are also danishes, chocolate chip and blueberry mini muffins, croissants, fresh cut-up fruit, including pineapple, melon, grapes and watermelon and apples and bananas, too. There is yogurt, tomato juice, apple juice and milk in boxes in the fridge and coffee, water and milk/cream on the counter. They only serve oatmeal seasonally (Winter). Unfortunately, they don't serve hard boiled eggs like the Epcot Resorts.

Dessert is served from 8:00 - 10:00, which DH affectionately calls, "Cobbler time!" It varies, but is usually an apple, peach or berry cobbler which you dish-up from a large dutch oven and it's delicious!

There are also magic cookie bars, cookies and brownies. The serving sizes are generous. At dessert time, cordials are put out and beer and wine is also still available, as well as milk, soda, water and tea.

In the 26 days I've stayed CL at WL, I've never once had to wait for a table. Even at peak occupancy, like spring break and Christmas. The seating area is very large and wraps around the lobby below in a U-shape. One side of the U has multiple tables and an area just for children with a child-sized table and chairs, a TV with the Disney Channel on and crayons and coloring pages. The bottom of the U has tables set in front of windows looking out at Bay Lake, the WL courtyard and geyser. You can watch the EWP from here at 9:35. The other side of the U has a sofa in front of a very large TV with usually ESPN or a news program on. There are also many cozy chairs and more sofas with coffee tables on this side. The TV volume is set very low and the tables are cleared very quickly by the CMs. The CMs are very efficient and friendly, too. There is also a set of trash cans (like at McDonalds) with a tray on top near the lounge exit where guests can place their trash and dishes. The lounge seating and food areas are always immaculate, which can be a challenge at times with some guests.

DH and I run almost every morning. If you miss going one morning, the concierges will ask where you were and if you slept in! At spring break the weather was gorgeous with low humidity so we jogged outside. Sometimes in the summer we instead jog inside at Sturdy Branches. Our route is from the VWL/WL sidewalk to the concrete path that leads to FW then past the ponies and around FW on the sidewalk until we're back past the ponies and down the concrete path to WL. I loved saying "howdy" to the ponies and horses in the morning and the occasional armadillo (not roadkill!). There are also many deer and squirrels, one of whom ran right into DH's leg. Yes, there are snakes, this is Florida. There are also trails in the woods between Bay Lake and FW, but I will warn you that I stopped going that way after HUGE bugs were attacking my ears, face, etc... We encountered no bugs, however, on the concrete trails and sidewalks where they spray.

After jogging, we usually stop at the Sturdy Branches health club to lift weights, etc... We love Sturdy Branches because it's never really crowded and there is a great selection of cardio, weights and a Smith Machine. Usually, the attendant arrives around 0615 and you give them your KTTW card while you work-out, but there's also 24-hour access with your KTTW card when the attendant isn't there. Recently, the carpeting was removed and replaced with a wood (laminate?) flooring. It looks very nice, but I wonder how well it'll hold-up after having dumbbells dropped on it since there isn't a rubber mat in the free weight area.

The WL pool can get very crowded and loud, especially in the afternoon. The photo above I took in the morning and the ducks aren't that noisy. There is a structured pool party everyday at around 3:00 for a couple of hours. If you are in a WL courtyard view room at that time, it can be noisy. The kids have a great time though and even the adults participate sometimes. It's fun to watch all the activities. There are two hot tubs at WL and there is also a pool/hot tub at the Villas. There is a bar near the pool that has barstool seating around the sides. The beach is right next to the bar and is rarely crowded. There is plenty of seating, some umbrellas, and even a couple of cabana-style sitting areas:

There is a small playground on the beach:

The view from the beach is of the marina and FW to the right:

Discovery Island in the middle:

WL dock and CR/BLT to the left:

Free Movies Under the Stars were shown each night at 8:30. There was a different movie each night on the beach next to the WL pool/bar. The schedule for April is:

MONDAY: A BUG'S LIFE
TUESDAY: BAMBI
WEDNESDAY: DINOSAUR
THURSDAY: THE LION KING
FRIDAY: WALL-E
SATURDAY: PHINEAS AND FERB: ACROSS THE 2ND DIMENSION
EARTH DAY, 4/22: DISNEYNATURE: EARTH

They still have a free marshmallow roast on the beach next to the WL pool/bar nightly starting at 6:30. They will give you a stick and marshmallows which you can roast. YUM!

Though we didn't attend, they also have a "magic cookie hour" on Saturdays from 2:00 - 3:00 at Roaring Fork, the QS. The WL art and architectural tour is offered Wednesday - Saturday at 0900. It meets near the fireplace in the lobby and is free.

We would have loved to attend "A conversation with a MK steam train specialist," but it was after our stay. The next one is April 24 in the great Carolwood pacific Room off the VWL lobby. I'd love to hear about it from someone who attended the April 10th session!

We rented Sea Raycers twice (DD's favorite activity besides dining). You can rent them daily until about 5:00, the marina rental closes at 6:00. I recommend not putting two teenagers or two adults in one because they will be VERY slow. If you are 12 or older you can be in one alone. We like to go around Discovery Island several times and over to Seven Seas Lagoon. It's fun to spy on the Poly and GF! 45 minutes is usually enough for us. Don't forget to show your AP or DVC card for a discount.

A room rehab is starting this week at WL. The rehab will be completed one wing at a time, starting with the 7th floor's North Wing (the wing closest to MK/CR). There will be a noise buffer between floors, meaning, they will leave the floor beneath the construction vacant. I was told they were initially going to have to use jackhammers, but now they will only have to use them for the first floor, so there shouldn't be much disruption, if any, to guests. The rooms will have all of the plumbing fixtures replaced, the countertops, the flooring, bedding and curtains. The existing furniture will remain, but fabric coverings will be replaced and the armoire will be slightly modified. The room will also be painted and the outdoor furniture will be replaced. The rehab is slated to be completed by the end of September 2012.

The carpeting in all the hallways will also be replaced. Because of this, the CL lounge will have to be re-located for a few weeks in July when the South Wing is under renovation. The Vice-Presidential Suite in the South Wing may be where the lounge will be temporarily re-located.

This is the new carpeting that's in a portion of the 5th floor now:

We're looking forward to returning to WL in August for our 25th anniversary. We are very lucky to have been able to book (again) using the military 40% off room-only rate which expires in the end of September


I have more photos and more specific information about WL and VWL on the first page of the WL/VWL thread that's hyperlinked in my signature. Stop on by anytime!​

 

[elaw]

Great Post! I'll be there in 10 days .... I can't wait

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Friendly Ranger Jack (love the hat!) . . .

1) FYI, there are different rangers.
2) There used to be just one - - "Stan".
3) He retired, so now the ranger is a normal CM.
4) On his days off
. . . Joe sometimes takes his place for tours
. . . various concierge take his place for Flag Family ceremonies

 

[scanne]

Thank you so much for this thread!

A couple of (weird) questions: is the tomato juice served in the morning V8? And is there peanut butter in the mornings for on the bagels? Can you ask for peanut butter in the am if it's not out?

Thank you!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

1) FYI, there are different rangers.
2) There used to be just one - - "Stan".
3) He retired, so now the ranger is a normal CM.
4) On his days off
. . . Joe sometimes takes his place for tours
. . . various concierge take his place for Flag Family ceremonies

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Ranger Stan passed away last year:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General...family_-_Ranger_Stan_and_Jennings_Osborne.htm


And Flag Family has been stopped (at least as of Easter) due to the roof construction.

Thank you so much for this thread!

A couple of (weird) questions: is the tomato juice served in the morning V8? And is there peanut butter in the mornings for on the bagels? Can you ask for peanut butter in the am if it's not out?

Thank you!!!

You're welcome, scanne!

BWI had V8, but WL has the small cans of tomato juice. Yes, there is peanut butter in little containers out every morning.

 

[TJA]

Awesome review -- I was waiting for that one, thanks! We did a split stay over Easter...3 nights at WL and 6 nights at BC CL. At WL I just had a standard room booked and they upgraded us to a courtyard bunkbed, which was very nice! We loved WL and can't wait to try the CL there. I started reading the FAQ thread and my only concern is the sleeping arrangements. I wish the standard CL rooms had a pull-out sofa/day bed. Our kids are just old enough that neither of them sleeps if they are in a bed together, so we normally spread them out with one on the daybed and the other in the queen bed. Then DH and I have the other queen bed. I think we'd have to book the deluxe CL room, which is quite a bit more money if I recall correctly and it's also not on the 7th floor. We highly prefer having our lounge on the same floor as our room. Anyway, thanks for the review and I'm going to keep WL CL in mind for a future trip. Next on our agenda is CR CL (and I did find your 2010 review, by the way....hoping things have improved since then!).

 

[sjs314]

KOOK I think the CL offerings at WL are the best I have seen as far as DH 's tastes go

 

[WDWKOOK]

Awesome review -- I was waiting for that one, thanks! We did a split stay over Easter...3 nights at WL and 6 nights at BC CL. At WL I just had a standard room booked and they upgraded us to a courtyard bunkbed, which was very nice! We loved WL and can't wait to try the CL there. I started reading the FAQ thread and my only concern is the sleeping arrangements. I wish the standard CL rooms had a pull-out sofa/day bed. Our kids are just old enough that neither of them sleeps if they are in a bed together, so we normally spread them out with one on the daybed and the other in the queen bed. Then DH and I have the other queen bed. I think we'd have to book the deluxe CL room, which is quite a bit more money if I recall correctly and it's also not on the 7th floor. We highly prefer having our lounge on the same floor as our room. Anyway, thanks for the review and I'm going to keep WL CL in mind for a future trip. Next on our agenda is CR CL (and I did find your 2010 review, by the way....hoping things have improved since then!).

I'm glad you liked the review, TJA

Yes, there are 25 Deluxe rooms on floors 1-6 only. I learned last week why it's an odd number. One of the rooms is used for CL Christmas decorations, so hence, 25 Deluxe rooms instead of 26. They have two queens and a queen pull-out. We prefer being on the CL floor, too. I understand the issue with your kids so why don't you request a bunk bed room? There are some CL rooms with bunks and one queen so that each child can have their own bed (but, you'll have to sleep with DH).

I can't believe you found that two-year-old mini review I did of the Atrium Club - you're quite the detective

 

[WDWKOOK]

KOOK I think the CL offerings at WL are the best I have seen as far as DH 's tastes go

I have many more CL food photos that DH might like on the first page of the thread, Sheila. I found that when compared with the CR, YC and BWI, WL has more food and it varies more, too.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks for the great review and pics . We love the lodge and seeing all the great pics makes me want to be there now. Your review reminds me of our first WL CL stay and is making me consider changing our CR stay ....good thing I have lots of time to think about it as it's not until New Years . Glad you had a great trip .

 

[excited4disney2012]

I was perusing moderate resorts for our January stay. But I think you totally swayed me to stay at WL!!!! Your review and pictures of everything was AWESOME!!! Thanks for the specifics and details! Can I read everything you review?

 

[scanne]

Thanks, WDWKOOK!
And we had had the pleasure of meeting and having a tour with Ranger Stan about 4 years ago. He was from the same town in NJ as we are and we have such fond memories of him. Last summer we were fortunate to be invited to the rooftop at WL to watch Wishes and there is a framed portrait of Ranger Stan in the corridor leading to the roof access. We had to walk by the CL lounge on our way up...it looked lovely! Can't wait to enjoy it!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the great review and pics . We love the lodge and seeing all the great pics makes me want to be there now. Your review reminds me of our first WL CL stay and is making me consider changing our CR stay ....good thing I have lots of time to think about it as it's not until New Years . Glad you had a great trip .

Thanks, mickeynut1. You better not read that mini Atrium Club review I posted in '10 that we were referring to above - you'll be calling the WDTC in a flash. But, you know I still LOVE the CR

I was perusing moderate resorts for our January stay. But I think you totally swayed me to stay at WL!!!! Your review and pictures of everything was AWESOME!!! Thanks for the specifics and details! Can I read everything you review?

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you get to book WL!

 

[blackacex2]

I stayed there for several nights club level last February. The resort is SO gorgeous. They really spoil you at club level with the food and drinks. I will say however that I lucked out... I simply requested a high floor.. and it dawned us a few hours after we unpacked that we were actually on the club level while paying a 40% off rate (I think it was like $140/night or something)

On our trip the resort had bats that came out and flew around every night. My wife has a major bat phobia so we didn't spend much time in the lobby or restaurants. Hopefully that is an issue that will NOT return =).

 

[nyrebecca]

Thanks for the report KOOK ! We are so excited to be going back to WL in June, and WL CL in October, and seeing your report just makes us want to go NOW!

 

[cosmos]

WDWKOOK, Thanks for this thread. The photos and information make the time between visits seem shorter.

Wonderful photos!! What type of camera do you have?

 

[TX Momof2]

Thank for all the great WL info! I can't wait to stay there on our next DW vacation in 2014.

 

[TX Momof2]

Was it noisy in the Courtyard Bunkbed room? If someone is napping in the afternoon would you hear the noise from the pool area?

 

[kerriemiller]

I stayed there for several nights club level last February. The resort is SO gorgeous. They really spoil you at club level with the food and drinks. I will say however that I lucked out... I simply requested a high floor.. and it dawned us a few hours after we unpacked that we were actually on the club level while paying a 40% off rate (I think it was like $140/night or something)

=).

So if Im reading this correctly you were upgraded to club level because you asked for a higher level room? So you didnt originally book club level? Thats pretty great Im going to have to try that