wilderness lodge questions

[chuds]

Would like usefull feedback from anyone who has stayed at wilderness lodge recently regrading rooms dining and transport times to parks from this resort as considering this resort as option for stay

 

[brer_rabbit]

This is one of my favourite resorts - stayed there last year and would stay again.

Rooms
Quite dark as the theme is nature so lots of dark wood, dark bedspreads etc. But v clean, spacious etc. They seemed similar in size and design to Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had standard room which had a view of some trees but was quiet and enjoyable.

Dining
Didn't eat in the main restaurants but used the food court once or twice. Had good selection of food / snacks but seemed standard to most Deluxe Disney hotels.

Transport
The BEST feature of this hotel is the boat transportation. They run boats to Magic Kingdom, Contemporary and Fort Wilderness. We spent a couple of evenings at the Contemporary and it was so easy to get back to Wilderness Lodge, takes about 10 mins and I think boats were every 15-20 mins. The Magic Kingdom boat gets busy in the morning but was also about a 10 min ride and I found it a much more exciting way to get to the park!
We took the buses a couple of times but they share buses with Fort Wilderness which makes it longer (and crowded). We found it quicker to take a Monorail from Epcot to MK then the boat back to Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Ambassador]

We have stayed at WL five times in as many years: it is our favorite resort!

Rooms are nice. This year we stayed on the outer courtyard north-facing fifth floor, and could see MK fireworks. All rooms on the inner courtyard lobby are loud. We were the flag family one morning and were surprised to get treated to breakfast on the concierge level: that looks really nice.

We like Roaring Forks, finding there a good selection and quality, quick and easy. Whispering Pines is fun; make sure you make a reservation. Artist Point is fantastic for a special dinner.

The boat transportation to CR and MK are great. We always rent a car for the convenience of going to DD and other resort restaurants.

Do hike/ ride bikes/ or boat over to FW. The horse barn is cool, good food at the Trading Post, check out Hoop Dee Doo.

 

[disneyholic family]

another vote for WL!
though the rooms are smaller than some of the other deluxe properties, i just love the theme of the resort....
it's so pretty and relaxing...

we too love the boat transportation to the MK...
i've heard people complain about it, but i think it's just such a nice way to get around!!

there is bus transportation to the other parks...

 

[gemmybear83]

I have stayed at Wilderness Lodge twice and love it! The theming is amazing, and the resort is really relaxing whilst so close to the Magic Kingdom.

The rooms are quite dark (like the whole resort) I love the details like the carved headboard etc.

We have eaten at Artist Point which is amazing and frequently at Roaring Fork, which although is quite small is really handy and for us there was enough choice, I love the outside seating too.

The boat transportation over to MK is amazing, and so relaxing we much prefer it to the monorail. Buses were fine they usually share with the Grand Flordian but you get picked/dropped off at WL first.

We have also have the best cast members at WL, so friendly and as the resort isnt huge we have always had great service

 

[fuse04]

We have stayed at the villas and the hotel and it is my favorite resort. Lovely boat ride to MK and Fort Wilderness, buses worked well but some stop at GF/poly before going to the parks. Whispering Canyon is probably like marmite; food is usual chiclne n ribs style food; they do a family style skillet or a ala carte menu. Restaurant theme majors on loud interactive fun which isn't to the taste of all.

Very good theming and good pool n hot tubs; poolside bar. location is very handy to eat at Poly, Fort Wilderness, GF, contemporary or MK; easy link for monorail to epcot; change at TTC.

has a resort shop which sells all the bascis and the usual gifts

there is a Wl tour some mornings, I hear it is good but not done it myself. Nice lobby music and great fireplace, the composition of which mirrorss the geology layers of the grand canyon...best stop now before I get carried away

 

[wilma-bride]

Wilderness Lodge is absolutely my favourite WDW resort. Yes, as some have said, the rooms can appear quite dark (although not as dark as the rooms at AKL). We fund the transport to be particularly good when we stayed there. Lots of options for getting to MK ansd we liked the fact that we could get on a boat to the Contemporary too

If travelling with kids (or even without) there is a Hidden Mickey tour - just ask at the Concierge desk for the sheet. As well as the tour of the Lodge, you can ask at check in about being Flag Family, where you get to go up on the roof of the lodge and raise the flags that fly up there. It really is the most amazing experience.

The pool is great - there ARE better themed pools on property but we really liked the WL pool, although it does get crowded, particularly in the afternoons.

Roaring Fork is a great counter service place. I usually find the counter service places are more limited at the deluxes, usually because they have other options whereas the Value resorts don't. But I never had a problem finding something at Roaring Fork. The flatbreads are delish!

We've never eaten at Artist Point as it's a bit upscale for our tastes but we've had a drink or two in the bar there, which is really nice. Whispering Canyon Cafe (someone referred to it as Whispering Pines above) is good fun. The food isn't outstandingly great but the atmosphere and shenanigans are good

There are some details about being Flag Family in my trip report (Fred, Wilma and Family do Disney - Day 8) and also some pictures in the other posts from that trip. It really is a lovely resort and a great place to stay

 

[Linda67]

Just got back from WL and I can't say enough good things about it
It's a wonderful resort, our room was great, the pools are lovely and the staff were so helpful
It's well worth doing the Lodge Tour which runs Tues - Friday at 9am as it gives you an even greater appreciation of this stunning resort
We ate at Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe and they were both excellent.
We loved Roaring Fork and picked at least a snack up from there each day
You have to try the Wilderness Waffles for breakfast!
It's lovely to get the boat to and from the Magic Kingdom and we also used the boat to Fort Wilderness for the Hoop-Dee-Doo review, horse riding etc
You can also get a boat over to the Contemporary if you want to get on the monorail loop
I would book to go again in a heartbeat