Wilderness Lodge

[Terk-1]

Have a couple of quick questions regarding the Wilderness Lodge. Since the WL FAQ post is so long, I'm having a hard time finding answers.

1. Are all king bed rooms at the WL handicap rooms?

2. Can a single person do the flag thing or is that just for families only?

3. I have a "woods" view room. I have a few room numbers I would like to request. Should I ask for these to be added to my requests now or wait until I fax my preferences?

4. How early can I check in?

5. How much would it cost for a cab from Caribbean Beach to the Wilderness Lodge?

6. How long does it take for luggage to go from CBR to WL? Is it worth bringing your luggage personally or do you trust it will get from point A to B intact?

 

[sandbar]

If you are staying at WL....lucky you! It's a great place. We just got back last Saturday and didn't want to leave.
We had a king room on the 2nd floor and it was not handicapped. It had the regular tub with shower.
We split our stay and took a taxi from the Swan to the WL. The cost of the taxi was $16. I don't know what it would cost coming from Caribbean Beach. We arrived at the WL at 10 a.m. and since our room wasn't ready they kept our luggage while we went to the parks. When we got back we checked in and they had our luggage brought up to our room in about 10 min.

 

[pewing]

I would also like to know the answer to #3

 

[slimplaw]

We moved twice during our March trip. First time from ASM to BCV and then from BCV to VWL. WDW moved our luggage both times and we had no trouble. Both times, we had our luggage ready to be picked up by 11:00 am. We did not get to check in to BCV or VWL until 4:00. I have checked in to VWL as early as 10:30 am.

 

[dpic]

Hi:

We've stayed at WL once (loved it) and already have ressies for our next trip. I put the basics on my first call: Woodsview, non-smoking, bunk beds, frig. I wouldn't worry too much about specific rooms until a couple of months or so out because better deals may come along and you may upgrade. At that point (a couple of months out), I would call and add specific room request to my ressies, then fax 4 days out (supposedly, they start blocking rooms 3-4 days out) with all the requests. Don't fax too early or your request could get lost in the shuffle.

And then when you get there you'll find yourself upgraded, anyway.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks for your help so far. I have only stayed at the WL once before and it was only for a couple of days. We had a courtyard view which faced the back of the brook. Although it was nice to sit out on the patio in the morning, it was not much of a view. I was reading on the WL thread of rooms that are considered "woods" view, but you can see the Contemporary & top of the castle from there. I have already pre-requested a non-smoking room (that is mandatory for me), but am thinking I may give them a jingle to see if I can add one of the room numbers. I guess it would not hurt and I know nothing is set in stone. I have been looking forward to this trip all year and can't wait. I spoke with my boss yesterday about taking the time and since he will be traveling for business that same week, he said no problem. YIPPEEEE!!!! I have been trying to get my entire stay at the WL, but with no luck. All that is available is courtyard at the regular rate of $250 per night. The CM said just to keep trying since something may become available.

When I stayed at the Polynesian last trip, I had pre-requested room #1913 over the phone about 2 months ahead, then again by fax 4 days prior. When I called the day before to confirm the reservations, the CM had confided in me that I had received my "requests". I knew what that meant and got an amazing room with a wonderful view that next day! The view made the vacation. Although it did not face the castle, it did face the lagoon and the Grand Floridian, but at a "garden" view rate.

Thanks for the info on the cab. I'm guessing that since the CBR is not that far from the Swan, it would be about the same cost. Do you have to let the bell desk know ahead of time that you need a cab or do they have them already available at the resort? How early can you get a cab?

Thanks also for the info on the luggage transfer. The only concern I have right now about using the luggage transfer is the day I switch resorts is the Sunday after Thanksgiving and I'm concerned that with all the people checking out to head home, that my bag may get lost in the shuffle. Should I be concerned?

 

[sandbar]

We didn't need to let the bell desk know ahead of time we needed a cab when we left the Swan. There were several taxis out front that morning just waiting for anyone that needed them. I know they do that at the deluxes, but I'm not sure about the moderates. You could probably ask about that when you check in. Since the Swan does not transfer luggage to the Disney resorts, we took our luggage with us in the taxi when we switched hotels. Personally, I felt better about that anyway knowing that our luggage would get to the right place! They tagged it when we arrived at the WL and I didn't even worry about it when we were at the parks.

We didn't have a great view at the lodge either. We were courtyard, but on the 2nd floor you can't see the lake or much of anything. When the electric light parade started, we could hear the music (very loud!) but couldn't see a thing. It was a free upgrade from standard view so I'm not complaining! It was better than a parking lot view! The WL is such a great place.....I don't know if the view matters very much. When we were at the hotel, we spent alot of time in the lobby and just checking the place out and not so much time actually in the room. We found that on the different floors there were sitting areas set up with sofas and chairs that overlooked the lobby. Not just the rocking chairs on the 4th floor. We had fun just exploring the hotel!

 

[BONZO]

This is a pic from room 2002 (woods view) if it's any help.

This overlooks the jetty.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks again everyone for all your help!!! Just wish I could make that darn countdown clock go faster!!

 

[smlev]

Terk 1-

What building did you atay in at the Polynesian? Did you find it convenient to everything? Any tips on getting the building/room we want?