Wilderness Lodge not to miss treasures

[aprhj]

This will be our first stay at WL and I'm wondering what are the not to miss treasures, hidden or not. So, if you have stayed there what are some of your favorite things to do and see? We are arriving on Dec 29 and we are planning on visiting the campground to see all the decorations, but what are some other things we should make sure to do while there?

Also, we are thinking of bringing our bikes, would that be a good idea?

thanks in advance!!

 

[mickeynut1]

The WL is a great resort. I see from your signature that you are staying CL, which is awesome at the WL . The lounge seating is unique and is arranged along the railing on the 7th floor overlooking the lobby and while some people don't care for that as they don't feel it's an actual "lounge", that's one of the many things I love about it. I enjoyed sitting up there having my morning coffee watching the resort "wake up" . The lobby is also a great place to sit while relaxing in a rocking chair in front of the huge fireplace taking in the beautiful atmosphere . Another suggestion would be to go down to the beach and watch the EWP that comes by the WL nightly around 9:30. There is also a geyser behind the pool that goes off every hour, which is sometimes fun to watch. Have a great trip. I'm sure you will love the WL as it's a beautiful resort with one of the best club levels, IMO .

 

[larryz]

We like having a drink in the Territory Lounge, and enjoy eating our CS meals in the alcoves along the east wall (4th floor).

Especially scenic when the Christmas decorations are up!

 

[aprhj]

thanks for the info. Anyone got any more not to miss at the Wilderness Lodge?

 

[wahmtexas]

we loved the boats, the captains were great with the kids, never crowded and really added to our trip

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Wilderness Lodge Neat Things:
. . . fantastic 8-floor grand lobby
. . . outside geyser every hour on-the-hour
. . . train cars from Walt's back yard at Villas
. . . marina for boat rentals *
. . . bike and surrey bike rentals *
. . . walkway to Fort Wilderness
. . . boats to FW and MK
. . . hunt for Hidden Mickey's
. . . tours of the Lodge, Wed-thru-Sat
. . . daily Flag Family gets to raise the flags
. . . walking/jogging trails
. . . fishing using your own gear
. . . fishing excursions *
. . . fitness room
. . . fireplace mimics Yellowstone rock strata
. . . totem poles in lobby

* fee based

 

[erincon23]

You understand that Ft. Wilderness (the campground) and Wilderness Lodge (the resort) are not the same thing and aren't together? On the property map it looks like they're pretty far apart, even though both are in the Magic Kingdom area. I don't know where you'd put your bikes or how you'd get them from place to place -- I don't know if they'd allow you to keep them in your room.

 

[Ilivetogo]

thanks for the info. Anyone got any more not to miss at the Wilderness Lodge?

Roaring Fork cupcakes!! The chocolate fudge one is fabulous!!

IMGP1255 by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr

Carrot Cake


IMGP1259 by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr

Smores


DSCN9368 by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr

Chocolate Fudge


IMGP1260 by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr


DSCN9369 by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr



.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

You understand that Ft. Wilderness (the campground) and Wilderness Lodge (the resort) are not the same thing and aren't together? On the property map it looks like they're pretty far apart, even though both are in the Magic Kingdom area. I don't know where you'd put your bikes or how you'd get them from place to place -- I don't know if they'd allow you to keep them in your room.

If you have a place to keep your bikes (like in/on your car) then riding them from WL to FW is a great option. We rented a bike at WL and did this. The path between WL and the campground is beautiful, and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk, but would be even quicker on a bike.

I think others have covered most of the must see items. I do greatly enjoy the boats on Bay lake, so riding the free boats to FW, MK, and the Contemporary is nice or if budget allows then renting a Sea Raycer or Pontoon Boat from the lodge and exploring the lake yourself is great fun. You can drive the boats across the water bridge to the Seven Seas Lagoon and boat around right in front of MK. Back over on Bay lake you can see the old River Country water park between FW and WL, and boat all around Discovery Island (which is no longer open to guests).

Have a great stay, it is a beautiful resort.

 

[hbr03]

Wilderness Lodge Neat Things:
. . . fantastic 8-floor grand lobby
. . . outside geyser every hour on-the-hour
. . . train cars from Walt's back yard at Villas
. . . marina for boat rentals *
. . . bike and surrey bike rentals *
. . . walkway to Fort Wilderness
. . . boats to FW and MK
. . . hunt for Hidden Mickey's
. . . tours of the Lodge, Wed-thru-Sat
. . . daily Flag Family gets to raise the flags
. . . walking/jogging trails
. . . fishing using your own gear
. . . fishing excursions *
. . . fitness room
. . . fireplace mimics Yellowstone rock strata
. . . totem poles in lobby

* fee based

TheRustyScupper, would you please share more about fishing with your own gear? My husband is an avid fly fisher and was curious if this was a possibility. TIA!

 

[aprhj]

Thanks everyone! We would have our car with us so we would just lock the bikes on the rack when not in use. Oh, those cupcakes look spectacular, especially the one with the caramel in it. I'll have to get one or two of those.

 

[heather13]

We haven't been there yet (leave in a few weeks) but on a previous thread I read about Campfire with Chip and Dale. It's evidently near the pool, behind the bike barn, every night at 8pm.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

TheRustyScupper, would you please share more about fishing with your own gear? My husband is an avid fly fisher and was curious if this was a possibility. TIA!

1) You can use your own gear from riverbanks or piers.
2) No license is required.
3) It is ALL catch-and-release.
4) You cannot rent a pontoon boat and fish on the lakes or waterways.
5) For this, you need to do one of the fishing excursions. *
6) WDW does not want competition for their guided fishing tours.
7) Lakes are well-stocked and you catch mega-amounts of fish.
8) Even after lunch.

* Three daily times - early morn, mid-morn, afternoon. Available on Bay Lake,
Seven Seas Lagoon, Crescent Lake. (We like leaving from Wilderness Lodge.)

 

[hbr03]

1) You can use your own gear from riverbanks or piers.
2) No license is required.
3) It is ALL catch-and-release.
4) You cannot rent a pontoon boat and fish on the lakes or waterways.
5) For this, you need to do one of the fishing excursions. *
6) WDW does not want competition for their guided fishing tours.
7) Lakes are well-stocked and you catch mega-amounts of fish.
8) Even after lunch.

* Three daily times - early morn, mid-morn, afternoon. Available on Bay Lake,
Seven Seas Lagoon, Crescent Lake. (We like leaving from Wilderness Lodge.)

Thanks for your help! DH is all about catch and release, so no problem there. We'll be staying at WL. Are there piers at Bay Lake?

 

[Mammaz]

The "hidden" lounges on the fourth and fifth floors. My favorite places to hide and relax! Also a good place at night to watch the electrical parade are the balconies on the fourth floor and fifth.

 

[lilpooh108]

The "hidden" lounges on the fourth and fifth floors. My favorite places to hide and relax! Also a good place at night to watch the electrical parade are the balconies on the fourth floor and fifth.

What hidden lounges? The WL is one of my favorite resorts and we have a 1 night stay (boo, only 1 night) stay on our last night...pray tell about these lounges!

 

[Mammaz]

What hidden lounges? The WL is one of my favorite resorts and we have a 1 night stay (boo, only 1 night) stay on our last night...pray tell about these lounges!

They are on the fourth and fifth floors above the main entrance doors. There is a fireplace on the fourth floor one. Don't remember if the fifth floor has a fireplace or not. Also on the opposite End of the lobby are the two outdoor balconies. One is large and used for wedding the other very small but they both have chairs and tables to sit. We took our bedtime snacks out and watched the floating parade. Most people don't k ow they are there. All these places are great to people watch also.

 

[emilyann415]

Rub Humphrey's nose (bear on totem pole by gift shop) and you will be blessed with an extra magical visit! It's a family tradition for us after we check in, you walk right by it on your way to the elevators.

I think flag family is halted right now due to construction issues. Maybe someone else can confirm?


HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

 

[Caboosey]

I haven't tried it, but I recently read a review of the cheese fondue at Territory Lounge and am SO MAD that I didn't get it on my last trip - it sounds delicious!

 

[Gary M]

They are on the fourth and fifth floors above the main entrance doors. There is a fireplace on the fourth floor one. Don't remember if the fifth floor has a fireplace or not. Also on the opposite End of the lobby are the two outdoor balconies. One is large and used for wedding the other very small but they both have chairs and tables to sit. We took our bedtime snacks out and watched the floating parade. Most people don't k ow they are there. All these places are great to people watch also.

The fifth floor also has a fireplace. These lounges have chairs and a couches which are very comfortable.

There is also a large outside balcony overlooking the entrance to WL, I believe it's on the 4th. floor.