Wilderness Lodge - Transportation Links

[Bilboo]

Hello All, hope everyone is keeping OK?

Can anyone help with a query regarding the Wilderness Lodge's transportation links?

A couple of friends are off to Orlando for a week in March, they're tagging it on the end of a business trip to New York (lucky so and so's) so as a lot of the costs are being met and it's only a week they've decided to push the boat out on a hotel and on my recommendation are looking at the WL. I've never stayed their mind but plan to have a few nights there in our next trip some time in 2006, we have visited it and thought it was fantasic.

Now my friends are coaster nuts so they're planning on spending some time in IoA and BG's which only leaves time for two Disney parks, Epcot and MGM, again on my recommendation. In addition to this, whilst they will have a car, they'd rather not use it when on Disney property so they can have a meal in the parks, DD or one of the hotels with a bottle of wine without worrying about getting home.

So that leads me to my question (at last I hear you cry!), what are the transportation links like to and from WL and the likes of Epcot, MGM, Broadwalk and DD. Are they direct services or do you have to change, and any idea of journey time, how regular and how late it runs?

Sorry there's so many questions, many thanks in advance.

Bilboo

 

[KayleeUK]

Hi there

Wilderness Lodge is a lovely resort I think for getting to MGM and Epcot they will have to get a bus to the park's. Or to get to Epcot a bus or boat to MK and then a trip on the monorail.

A bus will be needed for DTD and if they want to go to the Boardwalk they would need to get a bus either via the parks or DTD.

As they will be spending a lot of time in the Epcot area I would suggest they stay in one of those hotels - Yacht or Beach Club, Boardwalk or Swan/Dolphin

I hope this helps and they are lucky so and so's

 

[Hilary]

Great resort!

The transportation is fine to any of the parks, but is always a little more complicated for getting from one resort to another.

As Kaylee says, there will be direct buses to MGM, Epcot and DTD and each will take between ten minutes and about half an hour, depending on how long they have to wait. Buses usually run about every 15 - 20 minutes and run from the parks until at least an hour after park closing. The DTD bus runs later as it caters for PI and I would think will run until about 2a.m. Your friends could check this at WL Guest Services.

Getting to Boardwalk will be more complicated. The easiest way during park opening hours is to get the first bus to any park and change over there. After park hours, they'd need to change over at DTD which always seems to be a lengthy process . They may be better off getting a taxi.

They really should try the boat to MK (and then get the monorail to Epcot or bus to any of their other destinations) just because the boats are some of the nicest ways to get around WDW!

 

[chunkster20uk]

I am sorry to have to say this but, apart from getting the boat to MK, the transport from WL is appalling. We have waited close to 50 minutes for buses, which is incredible as this is a luxury resort and at All Star Sports the longest we waited was 10 minutes. JMHO

 

[chunkster20uk]

Oooppps The resort is lovely, although the pool can get quite busy.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Stayed at WL in December and thought the resort was wonderful as were the restaurants especially Artist Point.

Never had an issue with transport never waited more than 5 mins for buses or boat - I guess it was just good timing on our part.

I agree with Kaylee that if only interested in doing Epcot and MGM then any of the Epcot resorts would be better - I've stayed in Swan, Boarwalk and Yacht Club and thoroughly recommend them all - and they are on a par service/luxury wise with Wilderness Lodge (although I would have to say that I think WL has more atmosphere and ambience). They can walk to both MGM and Epcot from these resorts should they so wish.

 

[Bilboo]

Thanks for all the replys Folks.

My friends have decided on 4 days each in the Wilderness Lodge and the Hard Rock Hotel. They're going to give the transportation a go on day 1, and if it's taking to much time they'll revert to the car.

Thanks again
Bilboo