Wilderness Lodge = Very Merry X-mas

[Mouse Mom]

We are taking our first Disney cruise 11/24 and return on 12/1 -- I just booked a 1 BR for 12/1 thru 12/3 for afterwards. We've stayed mostly at BCV & BWV - which we absolutely love b/c of its accessibility to Epcot & MGM -- we've also stayed at OKW and SSR - kind of isolated--- nice, but not in love with either one. We wanted to stay concierge at the Poly (to be on the monorail) but there was no availability. Since it;s only 2 nights one of which we'll definitely be at the MK (for the Very Merry X-mas party) I thought we could just hop on the boat and get over there from the WL -- I used points for Saturday (12/1) - but had to use cash to Sunday (12/2) but I'm waitlisted for points for Sunday which I'm fairly confident will come thru. I've been waitlisted before on for all sort of times of year and have never had a problem.

Okay, now my question....since we've never stayed at the WL what does everyone think??? I heard transportation on the boat is dicey. We have an 11 yo, 7 yo and 18 month old (stroller!!!)...don't want to do buses...that's why at first I thought one of the monorail hotels....tell me please that the boat system isn't as bad as some have made it sound! We recently did the Pirates & Princess party in January and when everyone let out it was mobbish a little at the end of the night.....it was okay but I don't want to be waiting for a boat until 2 am since I assume they are not running like the monorails (unless more boats are added for special occasions). Worse case, I take the monorail to one of the hotels and grab a taxi back....we've done that sometimes when we're at the BC or the BW and we didn't rent a car.

Plus, any room recommendations for a 1 BR villa --- I could always ask to see if they might give it to us .....

I hear the decorations are outstanding at the WL. We been at the GF, Poly, BC and BW at X-mas (as well as all the parks) and we absolutely love it....any advice would be helpful!! Thanks!

 

[Callalily6]

The boat wasnt that bad. I actually thought it was pretty quick. When we stayed there my kids were 15 months and 5 yrs. They LOVED riding the boat back and forth...acted like it was a ride. And we didnt have long waits either. The buses to Epcot from there were taking over 50 mins when we were there, but there seemed to be something wrong.

 

[Mouse Mom]

Hey thanx --- I like boat ride too! I just heard so many complaints that I was beginning to wonder -- any room recommendations????? Is it truly one of the best DVC properties -- like I said I think the whole BW and BC area is outstanding and unbeatable.....heard WL is more like the AKL inside - which we stayed at for an overnighter once and loved.....
much thanks!

 

[Inkmahm]

If you loved AKL you will love VWL. They are very similar in basic layout/style while still being very different at the same time. You'll see what I mean.

We've never had a problem with the boat to MK although the bus is faster. The boat is more like a ride though, I have to agree.

 

[Mouse Mom]

Okay -- thanks for the advice....I'm sure it will be wonderful!!!

 

[gracelrm]

VWL is our home resort and we love it. When my youngest was still in a stroller, the boat was the only way to go. It was so nice to not have to fold the stroller up and hold a sleeping child on the bus! Sometimes when we stayed in the MK late, he'd fall asleep and stay asleep on the boat and on the entire way walking back to the room. No waking up grumpy and being fussy and ruining everyone's ride back to the resort! We never thought waiting for the boat was any worse than waiting for a bus.

The resort is beautiful during the holidays. We've never stayed at VWL during Christmas, but we've walked around it and enjoyed it while staying elsewhere. I think you'll be happy that you are there!

 

[LVSWL]

My advice would be to do as many of us have done on the day of the MVMCP and make a dinner reservation in MK for around 5-6. When we went the latest one that they would make was I think 5. You can make them at the Crystal Palace, or Liberty Tree Tavern or the Plaza. This way you are sure to have a nice supper and you avoid the "crowd" coming over from your resort right between 6-7 which we got caught in on the boat one year and also the crowd at the gate around 7. You will already have your wristbands and dinner and be ready to go. I think they start passing out wristbands as early as 4. Have a wonderful time. The Lodge and Villas are incredible over the holidays!

 

[Mouse Mom]

Cannot wait to go -- even tho I know it will be at the end of our long trip ....but what a way to end it!!! I think I hedging for the CP or maybe the Whispering Canyon -- just gotta call WDW-DINE and find out tomorrow!!!....

thanks everyone!

 

[LVSWL]

Cruising that time of year is great too! The ship is decorated and the pictures will be wonderful. Perfect to send in your Christmas cards! We were on the Magic the second week of December a few years ago and had a great time.

 

[LVSWL]

MouseMom-have you joined in the Cruise thread for the date that you are leaving? It is fun to talk to others that are cruising when you are and even meet on board, see familiar faces during the week, get tips from others who are veteran cruisers.

 

[tgropp]

This is a beautiful resort at Christmas time. Be sure to check on activities during your stay. During the afternoon cast members will periodically perform Christmas carols while you can have apple cider and cookies. In the evenings there are guest choirs performing in the lobby also.
As per the boat transportation we have found it to be very quick and reliable. Nothing like riding on the boat in the evening. The only time we have ever noticed it to be slow was late at night while you are cold and waiting for the boat to take you back home from the MK. It just seems longer than but the ride makes up for it.