ckmiles
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2008
- Messages
- 457
I spent 4 nights as a solo traveler – one night at all star sports and 3 at Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge) studio room Sept 1 thru Sept 5th 2025
A few observations-
I learned I am not a value resort girl - It was my first time staying at a value (only needed one night) and probably will be my last. There were lots of families and kids running around in the lobby and the food court. Totally understandable- this area is totally geared towards them. I was looking for something more relaxed and laid back.
I had asked for a higher floor at WL BR- as a solo I did not want my patio to be ground level (I know Disney is safe, it was just a comfort level for me)- They gave me the 5th floor – which was great for viewing but the balcony had a high wall which made sitting outside to enjoy the view rather difficult. I went to the front desk and asked to switch. They were very nice about it and were able to move me to the 3rd floor with a balcony that was open and I could sit outside and enjoy the view. The point of my spending a little more money on the deluxe resort was for the balcony. I love POFQ, but I wanted to be able to sit outside and relax in my own space. WL was a great choice for that.
The parking at WL is no joke. Its one large parking lot and there’s a long walk to get to your car. I did rent a car- I like the freedom it offers, but the walk to the car was a long one.
I love the bus from WL to MK- such a short drive, so convenient!
I did not buy any lighting lanes – didn’t really need them. I did not go on a lot of rides, mostly just my favorites and only if they were walk ons. I didn’t want to wait in any lines. I love Guardians, but the extensive pre-shows make it less appealing.
I love single rider lines- mostly because you get to skip the pre-shows and you get a shorter wait. I walked on to Test Track and Rise thru the single rider. Would use single rider lines for more rides.
The food- Im not a big foodie- and as a solo I don’t really do sit down restaurants. I did a lot of snack foods like pretzels and ice cream (its vacation!)
One place I really did enjoy was the Wailulu Bar- I walked up (the place was empty) and had to be put on a wait list?!? – I waited about 10 minutes and was seated. I had the burger and sweet potato fries which were excellent. Loved the view (Im sure its spectacular at fireworks time) and it was relaxed and quiet. Highly recommend.
One minor point- for any WWE/WWF fans. I swear Mick Foley was checking into the WL – I was walking to the lobby and he was getting out of his car. He kind of hesitated when I saw him (like he was waiting for me to approach him and say hi) and Im not a WWE fan anymore so I wasn’t 100% sure it was him. But it probably was LOL.
I did take advantage of the bounce back offer- and I did book WL again. This time I booked the main resort (not Boulder Ridge) so it will be fun to see what those rooms are like. I ididnt use the kitchen amenities at the DVC so Im sure the regular room will be a good fit.
I wasn’t sure I was going to post this- I think I just wanted to share my experience as I love reading all of the other trip reports that people post. Not many people IRL understand my experience so it feels good to share it with others that do.
A few observations-
I learned I am not a value resort girl - It was my first time staying at a value (only needed one night) and probably will be my last. There were lots of families and kids running around in the lobby and the food court. Totally understandable- this area is totally geared towards them. I was looking for something more relaxed and laid back.
I had asked for a higher floor at WL BR- as a solo I did not want my patio to be ground level (I know Disney is safe, it was just a comfort level for me)- They gave me the 5th floor – which was great for viewing but the balcony had a high wall which made sitting outside to enjoy the view rather difficult. I went to the front desk and asked to switch. They were very nice about it and were able to move me to the 3rd floor with a balcony that was open and I could sit outside and enjoy the view. The point of my spending a little more money on the deluxe resort was for the balcony. I love POFQ, but I wanted to be able to sit outside and relax in my own space. WL was a great choice for that.
The parking at WL is no joke. Its one large parking lot and there’s a long walk to get to your car. I did rent a car- I like the freedom it offers, but the walk to the car was a long one.
I love the bus from WL to MK- such a short drive, so convenient!
I did not buy any lighting lanes – didn’t really need them. I did not go on a lot of rides, mostly just my favorites and only if they were walk ons. I didn’t want to wait in any lines. I love Guardians, but the extensive pre-shows make it less appealing.
I love single rider lines- mostly because you get to skip the pre-shows and you get a shorter wait. I walked on to Test Track and Rise thru the single rider. Would use single rider lines for more rides.
The food- Im not a big foodie- and as a solo I don’t really do sit down restaurants. I did a lot of snack foods like pretzels and ice cream (its vacation!)
One place I really did enjoy was the Wailulu Bar- I walked up (the place was empty) and had to be put on a wait list?!? – I waited about 10 minutes and was seated. I had the burger and sweet potato fries which were excellent. Loved the view (Im sure its spectacular at fireworks time) and it was relaxed and quiet. Highly recommend.
One minor point- for any WWE/WWF fans. I swear Mick Foley was checking into the WL – I was walking to the lobby and he was getting out of his car. He kind of hesitated when I saw him (like he was waiting for me to approach him and say hi) and Im not a WWE fan anymore so I wasn’t 100% sure it was him. But it probably was LOL.
I did take advantage of the bounce back offer- and I did book WL again. This time I booked the main resort (not Boulder Ridge) so it will be fun to see what those rooms are like. I ididnt use the kitchen amenities at the DVC so Im sure the regular room will be a good fit.
I wasn’t sure I was going to post this- I think I just wanted to share my experience as I love reading all of the other trip reports that people post. Not many people IRL understand my experience so it feels good to share it with others that do.
We love our home resorts but also make adjustments for staying at the lodge as well. It's beautifully themed, very relaxing, and we really enjoy the boats as a form of transportation. The bounce back offers are great- we have taken advantage of those as well when points are low... 
