Wilderness Lodge First Visit - Any Tips?

[proteus]

44 days to go, excited and want to plan for my visit to the WL. Should I book any of the activities ahead of time (like horseback riding?). Would also love to hear from anyone who has been at the WL about their favorite experiences there. The streams, geyser and trails look very inviting. What about boat rentals? My last question is about the pools. Are there any deep enough to dive into? My DD wants to show me dives learned at camp but unfortunately our condo pool is too shallow.

All this waiting for our next trip is driving me nuts, I can almost taste it, now I need to figure out how to pass the time.

Thanks!

 

[abner1776]

We stayed at the WL in January so the boat rentals were limited at best. The pools are not diving pools but the main pool was possibly deep enough if you dont dive too deep. The main pool was rehab'd since we were there so it maybe deeper now.

Other than the beautiful lodge, the best part of the WL for us were the boats that stop at the various resorts and MK. We often just stayed on the boat as it traveled around the lake and enjoyed the scenery and fresh air.

 

[vassar36]

stop at the front desk to pick up a hidden mickey "treasure map" which lists clues and places of all the hidden mickeys at the Lodge...

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

The pool is not deep enough to dive into, in fact there is no diving allowed. If you get a chance make sure you see the electric water pagent (EWP) at the beach, I believe it comes by around 9:35pm, weather permitting. They will give you a brochure about the resort when you check in, it states the time of the EWP. We love Artist Point, and Whispering Canyon Cafe for breakfast is an absolute must for our family You can ask about being a flag family when you check in, we've never done that, come to think of it, I never remember to ask

 

[LilGMom]

The horseback riding is at Ft. Wilderness Campground which is within a very short boat ride/walk/bike ride from WL. We've never scheduled things during our WL stays but have rented the little Mouseboats (tons 'o fun). There are age restrictions on the horseback riding - I believe you have to be at least 9 yrs. old and 48" tall. You can rent the Mouseboats, regular bikes and surrey bike at WL. The pool isn't really for diving and I think they might have a 'no diving' rule at the pool. It is probably only about 5-5.5' deep. There is a small slide at the pool which most kids really enjoy.

You'll really enjoy WL, it is a wonderful resort!

 

[mickey0930]

subing

 

[proteus]

Thanks, I'll keep watching for more replies. I'll add to my list:

Boat rides to destinations
Hidden Mickeys (I had forgot about those)
Flag Family (not sure what this is, maybe someone in family raises flag on grounds?)

Shame none of the pools are deep enough, ah well, we will go to a local pool here for the diving...

 

[Wingedheart]

Are adults allowed on the water slide?? In 49 days, DH and I are headed to WL for the first time and first time in a Deluxe

 

[Ratpack]

Renting the boats is a fun activity at WL, you can tour all over the lake. Also, there are pool activities each day where you can win prizes such as boat / bike rentals and so forth. The Cub's Den does a craft time each afternoon and they also have coloring sheets, games and so forth. A good time for the kids to wind down a little. Whispering Canyon is a must do on all trips and make sure you ask for ketchup. They have pony races there as well while you eat that the kids can take part in. Ask to be the flag family, but do that even before you check in as it fills up very fast and and a few minutes can make the difference of getting it or not. The hidden Mickey search is fun for everyone to try and find them all.

 

[iteachlit]

Are adults allowed on the water slide?? In 49 days, DH and I are headed to WL for the first time and first time in a Deluxe

Adults are allowed on the slide. The water at its exit is 3.5' deep.

 

[iteachlit]

Here are a few things we enjoy at the WL

-- Find one of the many hidden fireplaces in the main building. My wife really enjoys reading a book on the comfy chairs near the hidden fireplaces.

-- Rent a bike or surrey. We rented the surrey bike and rode it over to FW. It's a neat ride with lots of wildlife (flora and fauna) to see. Check out the horses at FW.

-- If you have a courtyard view (one that faces the main pool and Bay Lake) get up early and enjoy the sunrise over the lake.

-- Be sure to walk over to the Villas and check out the Iron Spike Room. The pool at the Villas also can be less crowded than the main pool.

-- We really enjoyed some of the "adult beverages" at the pool bar. The frozen orange dreamsicle concoction is really good.

-- Watch the ducks and bunnies that can be found around the pool and courtyard. The ducks will get in the pool with you. That bothers some people, but I don't see the big deal. It's like having an extra visit from Donald!

-- Try one of the cold sandwiches from Roaring Forks. The roast beef was huge and one of the best sandwiches I had on property. It's Panera quality, but much bigger.

Enjoy your stay at the WL!

 

[SpaceGirl]

The best tip I can give you is to read the first several post on the FAQ Thread. Loads of Great information about the Lodge and the activities available to guest staying there. There is even information about Ft. Wilderness Campground and the activities available there.

Just click on the link below:

The Wilderness Lodge FAQ Thread

 

[proteus]

Here are a few things we enjoy at the WL

-- Find one of the many hidden fireplaces in the main building. My wife really enjoys reading a book on the comfy chairs near the hidden fireplaces.

-- Rent a bike or surrey. We rented the surrey bike and rode it over to FW. It's a neat ride with lots of wildlife (flora and fauna) to see. Check out the horses at FW.

-- If you have a courtyard view (one that faces the main pool and Bay Lake) get up early and enjoy the sunrise over the lake.

-- Be sure to walk over to the Villas and check out the Iron Spike Room. The pool at the Villas also can be less crowded than the main pool.

-- We really enjoyed some of the "adult beverages" at the pool bar. The frozen orange dreamsicle concoction is really good.

-- Watch the ducks and bunnies that can be found around the pool and courtyard. The ducks will get in the pool with you. That bothers some people, but I don't see the big deal. It's like having an extra visit from Donald!

-- Try one of the cold sandwiches from Roaring Forks. The roast beef was huge and one of the best sandwiches I had on property. It's Panera quality, but much bigger.

Enjoy your stay at the WL!

Great tips thanks, you picked up on some of the details that are often missed which make a stay special. I love fireplaces.