Wilderness Lodge questions

[Crisgw]

We are going to be going to Disney in Sept (13-20) and staying at the Wilderness Lodge (courtyard view) with our 3.5 and (then) 6 year old sons. We have been to Disney 2 times in the past 3 years (9/05 & 7/07) but have stayed in homes that we rented nearby. Growing up from as far back as I can remember (started going in 1982 with my parents) we always stayed at the Polynesian. My boys love the outdoors/woods/animals so we thought that we would go to WL (wanted the Animal Kingdom Lodge but the construction turned me off of that idea). Do you think that this is a good choice? I know it's nearly 6 months out, but I'm a bit Disney obsessed

 

[EnnEss]

I think it'd be a great choice. The boat transportation is a nice benefit at WL which I would think children would like even more than I do. The pool there is also very nicely themed, children and adults will enjoy it.

AKL construction is mainly indoors now I believe, but it is apparently still visible.

 

[tinkerbell60]

We love the Lodge. A positive is that it has all interior corridors - it is easy to get to the counter service restaurant (Roaring Forks) and there are two other restaurants there also. You have both boat and bus transportation to MK. A bunkbed room might give a little more space if that is an option. Personally, we like the woods view rooms - if you get a north wing upper floor woodsview - you can sometimes see the fireworks at MK.

The Poly would be on the monorail so getting to MK would be easier in that respect. But, all of the building are seperate from the Grand Ceremonial House - so it would be a trek to get to food and the transportation.

I am sure you will love staying onsite, no matter which place you choose.

 

[Grumpy3]

The WL is our favorite; even though you are just a boat ride away from the MK or the monorail you feel like you are in the middle of no where. It's very relaxing; after the first trip we learned to build some resort time into our schedule and it made the trip much more enjoyable.

 

[cinjam]

I think it would be a great choice. We have stayed there twice. My boys love the bunk beds (ages 4 & 7). And having the boat take you to MK is a huge plus!

 

[DznyDreamz]

I haven't stayed at Wilderness Lodge so I can't comment on that.

We did stay at AKL during the construction. I was anxiety ridden for months leading up to our trip expecting the worse. When we got there, it was barely visible. I think that the only reason I did notice it was b/c I was looking for it. The resort is definately worth looking into if your kids are into animals. It can't be beat and the impact of the construction was non-existent.

No matter where you chose, staying on site will be fantastic!!

 

[tiggerx3]

We stayed at WL with our then 20 month old DD in 2006 and we loved it. The rooms were just newly renovated and yes the boat to MK is a great convenience. We also liked to watch the electric water pageant at night...and although the trees are overgrown, the woodsview allowed us to see some of the MK firewoks from our balcony.

 

[ededmd]

I have 2 sons (3 and 5.5). They both like WL a lot and we stay there regularly - often choosing the VWL so we can have a kitchen and washer / dryer. The theming is good for them with the animal tracks embedded in the concrete and the woodsy feel. Also they like taking the boat launch to the MK or to CR to catch the monorail. The bus service is fine and they like that as well.

That being said, it will be a lot different from your childhood memories of the Poly. Not bad, just different.

Best wishes for a great time!

 

[mickeymom1976]

We will be at Disney 6/23-27/08. This is the second trip to WDW and first time staying on property. We have purchased the meal plan. Should we make reservations for the WL restaurants or do they fill up fast? If we should make reservations, how far out should we make them?

Also, how are the bunkbed rooms? Any pictures?

 

[tinkerbell60]

Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist Point are both popular restaurants. I think you might want to make ADRs for dinner. We were able to do a walk up at WCC for both breakfast and lunch.

All ears.net has pictures of the rooms and the bunk beds.

 

[Crisgw]

I have booked (for our Sept. trip) Chef Mickey's breakfast at the Contemporary, the luau at the Polynesian, dinner at Ohana, lunch at Cinderella's Royal Castle and Donald's breakfast at the Animal Kingdom. I liked being about to book any time/day I wanted. The only one I paid up front for is the Royal Castle

 

[hoosiergirl7]

We are staying at the WL in just about 3 weeks and can't wait. For us it was between WL and AKL and with the construction and nearly a $500 difference in cost, well, that is what made us choose WL.

There were some others too including the convenience to the MK & Epcot since we will be spending the majority of our time between those 2 parks. We are not going to AK this trip and will only spend a day at DHS. Plus all of our TS meals with the exception of one are at monorail resorts. The other is at DHS.

 

[loopner67]

I'll throw in another vote for the Lodge! It's my family's favorite hotel (so far). My boys loooove the bunk beds. We loved that the hotel isn't as sprawling as other hotels, so less walking to some areas. We liked the boat to the MK. We loved the decor (and we were there since the renov.). My boys are a little disappointed that we're trying out a different hotel next December (we're going to the BC), but we want to try something new and we'll have 5 people in the room this time (instead of just 4). I think your family will love it there.

 

[auntie]

It is our favorite resort and we've been staying there since it first opened. It is spectacular, and while we have stayed at the Poly also..WL is our favorite. You will not regret your choice.

 

[troynkasey]

It's a great choice and if you can...get ADR for the Campground's Hoopdee Do Musical Revue. It's a great show and your boys will love it. And there's unlimited draft beer and sangria for parents!

The pool is large enough to play in, there is a playground area on the way to the villas along the beach, so I think they'll have plenty to do. Also...try and visit the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Great food, great service, and they add a little extra to your dining experience.

 

[LilGMom]

We love WL and whenever we stay anywhere else our oldest (6 yr.) asks why we aren't staying in the log cabin. I don't think you'll be disappointed!!!

 

[disneymagic12]

Our family loves the Wilderness Lodge!! Before it was built we used to split our time between the Poly and the Grand Floridian (and before GF was built, the Contemporary). I don't think we've been back to any of these resorts since our first stay at the WL. It has a really fun and relaxing atmosphere. You'll love it!